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Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) - Discussion Thread

Which side will win AFCON 2023?

  • Egypt

    Votes: 2 16.7%

  • Ghana

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Senegal

    Votes: 4 33.3%

  • Nigeria

    Votes: 4 33.3%

  • Ivory Coast

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Algeria

    Votes: 2 16.7%

  • Morroco

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Cameroon

    Votes: 0 0.0%

  • Other

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Total voters
    12
Egypt fought back twice to draw 2-2 with Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations after a lively second half in Abidjan.

Mohammed Kudus blasted in to put Ghana ahead in first-half stoppage time, a minute after Pharaohs captain Mohamed Salah was forced off through injury.

Omar Marmoush levelled but West Ham's Kudus quickly restored the Black Stars' lead with a deflected effort.

However, Mostafa Mohamed stabbed in to give Egypt their second point and leave Ghana winless after two Group B games.

The West Africans lost their opening game against Cape Verde and the four-time continental champions are on the brink of a second successive group-stage exit from the Afcon finals.

Cape Verde will secure top spot in Group B if the islanders beat Mozambique on Tuesday (14:00 GMT).

There were late chances at either end to win it, with Ghana goalkeeper Richard Ofori saving Emam Ashour's shot, before Pharaohs keeper Mohamed El Shenawy failed to clear a corner which Iddrisu Baba could not divert goalwards.

Chris Hughton's Ghana, who paid the price for defensive lapses once again, will have to beat Mozambique in the final round of games on Monday to progress to the last 16.

The 24-team format means three points may be enough to qualify as one of four best third-placed sides but Egypt, who could be without Salah, may need all three points against Cape Verde.
 
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Bebe scored a 40-yard free-kick as Cape Verde beat Mozambique to become the first team to book their last-16 place at the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Rayo Vallecano forward, once of Manchester United, smashed in a strike which keeper Ernan Siluane should have done better with.

Captain Ryan Mendes took advantage of a defensive mistake to double their lead.

Kevin Pina then hammered a brilliant strike into the top corner from outside the box to seal the win in Abidjan.

Mozambique's best moments came through Geny Catamo. He won a penalty in the first half, which was overturned by the video assistant referee (VAR), and hit the crossbar with a free-kick.

Nobody would have expected the Blue Sharks to have won a group containing Egypt and Ghana with a game to go but that is precisely what happened.

Bubista's side, ranked 73rd in the world, are in their fourth Africa Cup of Nations - and have progressed from the group stages in three of them.

Cape Verde, who beat Ghana, and Mozambique, who drew with Egypt, both came into this game high on confidence after good opening results.

But the Mambas, who sit 111th in the Fifa rankings, were well beaten this time out.


Bebe, who made his Cape Verde debut in 2022 after switching international allegiance from Portugal, hit the woodwork with a free-kick before scoring from way out thanks to some shoddy goalkeeping.

They rarely looked back after that and Witi had Mozambique's only shot on target.

Egypt and Ghana, who sit on two and one point respectively, could both go through yet with the four best third-placed teams reaching the last 16.

Mozambique, who have never won an Africa Cup of Nations game, could also reach the knockout stages if they beat Ghana.

BBC Sport

 

Senegal vs Cameroon, AFCON result​

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Senegal booked their place in the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations with a deserved 3-1 win over Cameroon. Ismaila Sarr opened the scoring in the first-half, beating Andre Onana with the help of a deflection, and while Senegal were made to wait for their second goal, it was no surprise when it came with 20 minutes remaining for the defending AFCON champions.

Sarr was involved again, playing a lovely ball across the face of goal, and Habib Diallo was on hand at the back post to turn the ball into an empty net as he slid in. Cameroon's first shot on target did not come until the 83rd minute, but it brought a goal and set up a grandstand finish. A corner was taken short before it eventually was whipped in, and Jean-Charles Castelletto rose well to power a header past Edouard Mendy.

That threatened a nervy finish, as Cameroon for the first time in the match offered a a serious threat, and they wasted a massive chance to equalise deep into stoppage-time. Castelletto whipped a brilliant ball into the middle, finding an unmarked Georges-Kevin N'Koudou who somehow headed wide from six-yards out. And it proved a costly miss, as the match was put to bed seconds later. Pape Gueye cut the ball back for Sadio Mane, and he picked his spot perfectly as he swept a first-time finish beyond Onana.

Source : Evening Standard
 
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Guinea beat The Gambia 1-0 to move to the brink of a place in the round of 16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Aguibou Camara scored the second-half winner, stabbing in Morgan Guilavogui's pass to lift Kaba Diawara's side up to second in Group C after two games.

Mohamed Bayo almost doubled the lead, lifting a shot against the crossbar from Guilavogui's low cross.

Yankuba Minteh thought he had levelled for the Scorpions with 10 minutes left, but the offside flag was up.

The result prevented Senegal from winning the group with a game to spare after the holders made it two wins out of two by beating Cameroon 3-1 earlier on Friday.

Guinea, who held Cameroon on Monday and have four points, must avoid defeat to guarantee a top-two spot when the two West African sides meet on Tuesday (17:00 GMT).

Diawara's men will be guaranteed to reach the round of 16 for a third successive Afcon finals if Cameroon do not win against The Gambia in the simultaneous decider.
 

Algeria 2-2 Burkina Faso - Match Report​


Baghdad Bounedjah scored twice to keep Algeria's 2023 Africa Cup of Nations hopes alive as they drew against Burkino Faso in Group D.

Mohamed Konate's powerful header had put the Stallions ahead before Bounedjah equalised in the 51st minute, scoring from close range.

Bertrand Traore's penalty put Burkino Faso back in front 20 minutes later.

But Bounedjah rose highest to head in Algeria's second equaliser in added time to pick up a point.

The Stallions had the better chances with Steeve Yago backheeling into the path of Blati Toure, whose shot flew just over the bar.

Rayan Ait-Nouri gave away the penalty after fouling Issa Kabore in the box and Traore stepped up to convert his second goal in as many games.

Bounedjah made up for shooting wide of the post in the first half by scoring twice in the second period. He reacted quickest in the box when Nabil Bentaleb's effort was saved and then rose highest to gain a vital point for The Greens.

Group D is now finely poised, with Burkina Faso top on four points.

Algeria are second with two points from two games, while Angola would go joint top if they beat Mauritania.

Source: BBC
 
FULL TIME: Mauritania 2-3 Angola

==

Gelson Dala scored twice as Angola beat Mauritania to close in on the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Forward Dala reacted smartly to the rebound from a corner to put his side ahead, firing a shot against the turf and into the roof of the net.

Sidi Amar levelled for the Lions of Chinguetti with a dazzling run and finish two minutes before half-time.

Dala and Gilberto both struck to make it 3-1 before Aboubakary Koita's spectacular consolation for Mauritania.
 
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Hamza Rafia's first-half strike gave 2004 champions Tunisia their first point at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations courtesy of a draw against Mali.

Midfielder Rafia arrived first to send Ali Abdi's cross squirming in via goalkeeper Djigui Diarra's body.

Mali had gone ahead through Lassine Sinayoko's drilled opener and are on the brink of reaching the last 16.

Kamory Doumbia almost restored the Eagles' lead six minutes after the break, stabbing a shot narrowly wide.

Source: BBC Sport

 
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Silas Katompa Mvumpa's clinical second-half strike earned DR Congo a deserved point against Morocco in Group F of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Morocco took the lead early on when Achraf Hakimi lost his marker and volleyed in a Hakim Ziyech's corner.
Cedric Bakambu missed a chance to equalise from the penalty spot for DR Congo shortly before half-time.

But the Leopards levelled when Mvumpa calmly stroked the ball into the net from Meschack Elia's cutback.

Both teams had chances to win it late on with Morocco indebted to goalkeeper Yassine Bounou after he tipped Fiston Mayele's rasping shot over the bar.

Tensions spilled over after a hard-fought match at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro as scuffles broke out between both sets of players following the full-time whistle.

World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, one of the favourites for the tournament, remain top of Group F on four points.

DR Congo have two points after back-to-back draws.

Source: BBC Sport

 
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Patson Daka's powerful header rescued a late point for 10-man Zambia and denied Tanzania a first ever win at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Leicester forward Daka equalised from Clatous Chama's inswinging corner to boost his side's last-16 hopes.

Simon Msuva's early opener almost gave Tanzania an upset in the first match of manager Adel Amrouche's eight-game ban.

Zambia defender Rodrick Kabwe received a second booking after 44 minutes for an aerial challenge on Mbwana Samatta.
 
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Themba Zwane scored twice in 16 first-half minutes as South Africa thrashed Namibia to earn their first points of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon).

Percy Tau, who missed a spot kick in Bafana Bafana's opening defeat to Mali, began the rout with an early penalty.

Zwane met Thapelo Morena's cross with a fierce finish and clipped in his second after an electric run into the box.

Substitute Thapelo Maseko made it four when Lloyd Kazapua failed to handle his strike from Teboho Mokoena's long ball.

Both teams are guaranteed a place in the last 16 if they win their deciding matches for the knockout stage on Wednesday (17:00 GMT), when South Africa face Tunisia and Namibia meet Mali.

The Brave Warriors can beat the 1996 champions to automatic progression by bettering their result, while either nation will have hope of qualifying as one of the four best third-placed teams if they finish immediately outside of the top two.

Forward Tau took his shot at redemption when referee Youcef Gamouh penalised Riaan Hanamub for handling the ball as he tried to defend a Morena delivery, making his decision following a VAR check.

Morena made an eye-catching run down the right to cut the ball back for Zwane to double the lead, and the 34-year-old added his second in composed style from close range to complete a dazzling first-half attacking display by his side, with Morena having a curling effort tipped over and Sphephelo Sithole contriving to spurn a free header in front of goal.

Namibia had started the game on the attack, Prins Tjiueza forcing a fourth-minute save from Ronwen Williams.

Riaan Hanamub, who is one of 10 players in the underdogs' squad operating in South African club football, played the ball through the legs of Mothobi Mvala to set up Absalom limbondi with the score at 1-0, but the midfielder sent his shot over the crossbar with the goal gaping.

Soon afterwards, Hanamub sent in another cross which captain Peter Shalulile - a feared striker for South African top-flight team Mamelodi Sundowns - could not connect with.

The pace of the game slowed in the second half, with South Africa happy to sit back against opponents lacking ruthlessness.

Hugo Broos' players claimed the largest win in their country's history at the Afcon finals and the widest margin of victory of any of the 24 matches played at the 2023 edition so far.

The only four-goal victory at the 2021 tournament came in a 4-0 win for Tunisia over Mauritania during the group stage.
 
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Nigeria beat Guinea-Bissau 1-0 to progress to the last 16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The only goal came when Opa Sangante diverted Moses Simon's cross into his own net seven minutes before the break.

Both sides had goals ruled out in the second half for offside, while Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen also had an effort disallowed for handball.

Jose Peseiro's side finished second in Group A behind Equatorial Guinea, who beat hosts Ivory Coast 4-0.

The Super Eagles will face the second-placed side from Group C, which will be Senegal, Guinea or Cameroon, in the last 16 on Saturday (20:00 GMT).
 
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Host nation Ivory Coast will have to rely on other results to avoid a shock Africa Cup of Nations group-stage exit after Equatorial Guinea thrashed the Elephants in a huge upset in Abidjan.

Emilio Nsue's double, Pablo Ganet's 25-yard free-kick and Yannick Buyla's late goal gave the National Thunder a famous win that sealed top spot in Group A.

The hosts must sweat on qualification after finishing third in Group A.

The four best third-placed sides across the six groups progress to the last 16.

Ibrahim Sangare twice had equalisers ruled out for the Ivorians when they were only a goal behind, but the Elephants wasted a host of chances and were made to pay by their clinical opposition.

Some Ivorian players were in tears at the final whistle as they were loudly booed off by an angry partisan crowd at Alassane Ouattara Stadium after one of the biggest surprises in Afcon history.
 
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Mozambique scored twice in second-half stoppage time to almost certainly send Ghana crashing out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations at the group stage.

The Black Stars looked to be cruising into the last 16 thanks to two Jordan Ayew penalties, one in each half.

But Geny Catamo pulled one back from the spot on 91 minutes before Reinildo Mandava's header broke Ghana hearts.

Mozambique finish bottom of Group B, while Ghana need a miracle to progress as one of four best third-placed sides.
 
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Egypt made it through to the last 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations after drawing 2-2 with Cape Verde following a dramatic finale to Group B in Abidjan.

Egypt had looked set to finish third behind the Blue Sharks and Ghana before stoppage-time goals in both games.

Pharaohs forward Mostafa Mohamed netted what looked to be a 93rd-minute winner.

However, Cape Verde levelled six minutes later but the Pharaohs secured second spot as Ghana threw away a 2-0 lead in added time against Mozambique.

Egypt, with the injured Mohamed Salah watching on, trailed at the break through Benchimol's smart finish but half-time substitute Trezeguet volleyed the North Africans level in the 51st minute.

The Pharaohs had known that a win would be good enough to send them through in second place and, with Ghana leading Mozambique, they celebrated wildly after Mohamed had lobbed Vozinha to put them 2-1 up.

But there was drama to come after the video assistant referee sent Alhadi Mahamat to his pitch-side monitor to rule on whether Mohamed had controlled Trezeguet's ball forward with his chest or hand.

The Chadian official eventually cleared the award of the goal, yet Egypt almost threw away all their hard work when Bryan Teixiera fired in from a narrow angle.

However, their West African rivals had somehow conspired to concede a 91st-minute penalty and a 94th-minute equaliser against Mozambique, which meant Egypt progressed to the knock-out stages despite drawing all three group games in Ivory Coast.
 
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Cameroon won a remarkable five-goal thriller against Gambia to reach the Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage.

A lacklustre, goalless first half led to a remarkable second, which saw Cameroon take the lead three times in between Gambia's first two goals in their history against the Indomitable Lions.

Gambia thought they had equalised again in the 94th minute, only for the goal to be disallowed by handball.

Cameroon finished ahead of Guinea in Group C on goals scored while Gambia were eliminated after a third successive loss.

The Indomitable Lions had to claw their way back in a game of relentless attack and end-to-end action to keep alive their hopes after falling 2-1 behind with only five minutes left.

Cameroon will now face Nigeria in the last-16 in Abidjan on Saturday, where Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana will be hoping to be reinstated after being dropped by Rigobert Song for today's game.
 
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Defending champions Senegal secured top spot in Group C at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after beating Guinea 2-0 in an ill-tempered encounter.

Abdoulaye Seck headed the Teranga Lions in front from a free-kick and Iliman Ndiaye sealed victory with a fine low finish in the final minute.

Guinea knew they would go through before kick-off and finished third after Cameroon beat The Gambia 3-2.

Senegal progress from the group stage as the only side with a 100% record.

Aliou Cisse's side will stay in Yamoussoukro and face a third-placed side from Group A or F in the last 16 on Monday, while Guinea will play Group A winners Equatorial Guinea on Sunday in Abidjan.

Results on Monday meant Guinea were guaranteed to go through as one of four best third-placed sides at the very least, and boss Kaba Diawara made several changes to rest players for the knockout stages.

Both sides were fired up for this West African derby, but there was not a single shot on target in the first half as the teams struggled to create openings.

An early challenge from Senegal midfielder Nampalys Mendy on Guinea's Ilaix Moriba sparked an argument between players, and the first real chance of the game came when a thunderous shot from Mendy was diverted over the bar off the head off Mohamed Ali Camara.

Guinea employed a physical approach but could not provide service to star striker Serhou Guirassy, who was making his first appearance at the tournament following injury and could not get the better of Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly.

The holders appealed for a penalty on the stroke of half-time as star forward Sadio Mane fell to the ground following a duel with Saidou Sow, but referee Pacifique Ndabihawenimana waved play on.

The Burundian official did have work to do in first-half injury time when Ismail Jakobs sparked a mass confrontation which involved both sets of substitutes benches after the Senegal left-back shoved Guinea captain Naby Keita to the ground.
 
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Angola beat Burkina Faso 2-0 to clinch top spot in Group D at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

Mabululu headed in Fredy's free-kick nine minutes before the break to put the Palancas Negras ahead.

Burkina Faso winger Dango Ouattara forced a save from Neblu but Zine made sure of the points with a close-range finish in stoppage time.

Both sides had been certain of progress before kick-off because of other results in the final round of games.

Burkina Faso ended their group campaign in second place after Mauritania eliminated Algeria by beating the 2019 champions 1-0.

Angola will face a third-placed side from Group E or F in the last 16 on Saturday, while Burkina Faso will take on the Group E winners next Tuesday.
 
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Algeria crashed out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations as minnows Mauritania claimed a famous first ever win at the finals to snatch a spot in the last 16.

Centre-back Yali Dellahi swept home the winning goal late in the first half to stun the two-time Afcon winners.

Defeat means 2019 champions Algeria exit the tournament at the group stage for the second successive edition.

They finish bottom of Group D while Mauritania will definitely progress as one of the best third-placed teams.
 
Ghana have sacked coach Chris Hughton after their group-stage exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Black Stars finished on two points in Group B, drawing 2-2 with both Egypt and Mozambique following a 2-1 defeat by Cape Verde in their opener.

Ghana had distant hopes of progressing as one of four best-ranked third placed sides, but were eliminated on Tuesday when results went against them.

Hughton had been appointed as Ghana head coach in February last year


BBC
 
Cricket Warrior said:
Ghana have sacked coach Chris Hughton after their group-stage exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The Black Stars finished on two points in Group B, drawing 2-2 with both Egypt and Mozambique following a 2-1 defeat by Cape Verde in their opener.

Ghana had distant hopes of progressing as one of four best-ranked third placed sides, but were eliminated on Tuesday when results went against them.

Hughton had been appointed as Ghana head coach in February last year


BBC
Click to expand...

Looks like Ghana did quite poorly.

They should've beaten Cape Verde and Mozambique.
 
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Namibia booked a first ever appearance in the last 16 of the African Cup of Nations by holding a Mali side who topped Group E by virtue of the point.

The draw puts Namibia, who came closest to scoring when Prins Tjiueza hit the post, through as one of the group stage's four best third-placed teams.

The Brave Warriors will take on Group D winners Angola in the first knock-out round while Mali face Burkina Faso.

The result kept host nation Ivory Coast sweating over their progression hopes.

The Elephants, who finished third in Group A, are left relying on results in Group F later on Wednesday to determine whether they will qualify or face an embarrassing early exit.

Mali negotiated the group stage unbeaten, with South Africa's 0-0 draw with Tunisia in the group's other final game ensuring the Eagles claimed top spot.

Namibia, meanwhile, survived a late onslaught from the West Africans to emulate fellow minnows Mauritania's achievement of reaching the knock-out stages for the first time.

Their game with Angola will kick off the last 16 on Saturday in Bouake while Mali meet Burkina Faso in Korhogo on Tuesday (both matches 17:00 GMT).
 
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South Africa reached the last 16 at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a goalless draw against Tunisia which eliminated the 2004 champions.

Sphephelo Sithole had Bafana Bafana's best chance, forcing Bechir Ben Said into a low save with his shot from outside the box.

Tunisia failed to create clear openings but Haythem Jouini headed a late opportunity over the bar.

South Africa held their nerve to see out five minutes of added time.

A point was enough for Bafana Bafana to clinch second place in Group E as third-placed Namibia drew 0-0 with group leaders Mali - a result which saw both sides progress.

Hugo Broos' side will face the winners of Group F in the last 16 in San Pedro on Tuesday, and will find out their opponents later on Wednesday.
 
Before the Africa Cup of Nations, Patrice Motsepe, president of the Confederation of African Football (Caf), was asked by this reporter whether he could guarantee, after the unprecedented loss of life and injuries at the Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé, Cameroon, during the tournament in 2022, that no similar incidents would occur in Ivory Coast.

"Whatever happens at the Africa Cup of Nations, as the president of Caf I am responsible,” Motsepe said. “Having to look into the eyes of the victims, and their families, after the tragedy [in Yaoundé], is one of the hardest things that I have to do in my life … I have had extensive discussions and consultations with president [Alassane] Ouattara and the Ivorian authorities, to ensure that people are safe and secure during this tournament.”

That assurance provides little comfort for Alex Cizmic.

Cizmic, an Italian journalist who has written for the Guardian, was travelling with colleagues from Yamoussoukro to Abidjan in a shuttle bus operated by the tournament’s organising committee, after watching a group game between Guinea and Senegal, when it crashed into a concrete barrier on the motorway at about 2am on Wednesday.

“I was not feeling safe [during the journey] because the driver was driving very fast,” Cizmic says. “Taxi drivers and bus drivers, as far as I have seen here, just like I saw in Cameroon, don’t drive very safely … I was just trying to cope with that and saying to myself that we had almost arrived [in Abidjan] and should be calm, when I heard someone shout ‘be careful, be careful …’ as the bus was crashing into the wall, on the right side of the highway.

“I told myself: ‘I hope it will stop, I hope it will stop …’. Fortunately for me, the driver tried to regain control of the vehicle, so I fell into the middle of the bus and that kind of saved me, because I was sitting beside the volunteer [who was serving as the chaperone] who got trapped after the crash.

“If I had been on my seat, I would have been hurt much more … I have an injury on my right hand, which is swollen, so I cannot work or write. I have minor injuries on my head, my legs and my left arm but I am generally OK. It was a shock and I still have to process [everything].”

The Danish journalist Buster Emil Kirchner says: “The driver took so many risks with us during this journey. Even though most of us were sleeping we could sense how he was using the brakes, spontaneously on many occasions … We were just outside Treichville, when the accident happened.

“I was on the front seat just behind the driver, and the first thing that came to my mind was that we should get out of the bus [through the windows] before it starts burning. Most of us got out of the bus within seconds and began checking ourselves to see if we were OK.

“We could only get out of the bus through the windows, so we had to help one another to do that. The windows were completely smashed, so there were just holes in the bus. We went to the hospital [in Treichville] after some confusion outside. As a friend of Alex, I went to support him there, until we went back home.”

Satish Sekar, a British passenger on the bus, has his arm in a sling. “I had an X-ray done on my arm,” he says. “Nothing broken, but it’s going to take about a week or two for it to get better.”

Caf is yet to release a statement on the accident but a highly placed official within the organisation told the Guardian that the journey took place outside the safety agreements reached with the tournament’s local organising committee (LOC). The three-hour journey of 234km , with no overhead lights on the motorway, began at about 11pm.

“We had told the LOC that no bus returning to Abidjan from Yamoussoukro should leave after 8pm, so it was surprising to hear that this journey occurred at all,” the official said. “We are glad that no fatalities occurred. It has been reiterated by us, in no uncertain terms, that no bus journey is to be made under such circumstances in the future. It is not safe for people to be travelling on that road at that time of night.”

An Ivorian with knowledge of the workings of the LOC, who declined to be named, said : “The experience and safety standards of the drivers has not been taken seriously enough [by tournament organisers]. Some of the people engaged to drive buses are people that drive gbakas and woro-woros [old cars and buses not properly licensed for public transport]. Some are not well-trained for the jobs they are doing. This accident could have ended up in a real disaster. We are fortunate things did not end up a lot worse.”

Source: The Guardian

www.theguardian.com

‘I was not feeling safe’: Afcon bus crash casts shadow over assurances

Journalists tell of their experience after the vehicle returning them to Abidjan from the Guinea-Senegal match hit a barrier
www.theguardian.com www.theguardian.com
 
Afcon 2023: Ivory Coast attempt to 'loan' Herve Renard as coach rejected by France

Herve Renard has won the Africa Cup of Nations title twice as a coach, with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015.

Ivory Coast have failed in an audacious bid to bring former coach Herve Renard back for the remainder of their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) campaign.

The 55-year-old is currently in charge of France Women but the French Football Federation (FFF) refused a proposed "loan" deal with the Ivorian federation.

The Afcon hosts have reached the last 16 of the competition but sacked manager Jean-Louis Gasset on Wednesday following two defeats in the group stage.

After Gasset's departure the Elephants qualified for the knock-out stages as one of four best third-place finishers, and now face defending champions Senegal in the next round.

Renard guided Ivory Coast to the Afcon title in 2015, becoming the first man to coach two different countries to victory following his shock success with Zambia three years beforehand.

The Frenchman, who has attended games at the finals as a guest of Ivory Coast's government, was said to be "not insensitive to this call from the Ivorians".

However, he needed the agreement of the FFF, who confirmed to the AFP news agency that it had turned down the request from Ivory Coast.

Renard is under contract with the FFF through to the end of this year's Olympic Games in Paris, and Les Bleus also have a UEFA Women's Nations League semi-final to play against Germany in Lyon on 23 February.

Ivory Coast's humiliating 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea in their final Group A match was the heaviest defeat suffered by a host nation in Afcon history.

Gasset was subsequently replaced by former international Emerse Fae in an interim role.

The 40-year-old, who had spells as a player with Nantes, Reading and Nice, is now set to take change when the Elephants face Senegal in Yamoussoukro on Monday (20:00 GMT).

Source: BBC Sport

www.bbc.com

Afcon 2023: Ivory Coast attempt to 'loan' Herve Renard as coach rejected by France

A bid by Ivory Coast to bring back Herve Renard as coach for the rest of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is rejected by France.
www.bbc.com
 

FULL TIME: Angola 3-0 Namibia​


Gelson Dala scored twice as Angola shrugged off the early dismissal of goalkeeper Neblu to beat 10-man Namibia and reach the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Neblu was shown a straight red in the 17th minute for handling Bethuel Muzeu's shot outside his box, but Dala put Angola in front with a tap-in seven minute before the break.

And, two minutes after Namibia defender Lubeni Haukongo was sent off for a second bookable offence, Dala doubled Angola's lead by powerfully heading home Fredy's free-kick.

Mabululu's neat finish following a swift counter-attack midway through the second half wrapped up victory and sent the Palancas Negras into the last eight for the first time since 2010.

Angola will face the winners of the tie between Nigeria and Cameroon later on Saturday (20:00 GMT) in the next round.

Source: BBC
 
FULL TIME: Nigeria 2-0 Cameroon
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Nigeria are in the quarter-finals of the 2023 Afcon finals!

After all the drama we saw during the group stage, tonight's result was far more routine.

Victor Osimhen departed in added time without a goal but the striker's influence was clear, setting up Ademola Lookman's opener and providing a persistent threat as the Super Eagles soared past a Cameroon side who failed to have a shot on target.

Lookman's second was part of a flowing move, deservedly putting his team in the final eight.

Source : BBC Sports
 
They forgot its a football match not a Mixed Martial Arts game :ROFLMAO:


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Mohamed Bayo headed a 98th-minute winner as Guinea reached the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations with victory over 10-man Equatorial Guinea, who had earlier missed a penalty.

Equatorial Guinea midfielder Federico Bikoro was dismissed 10 minutes after the break for catching Bayo in the ribs with his studs.

The National Thunder were awarded a spot-kick midway through the second half after Sekou Sylla caught Iban Salvador, but captain Emilio Nsue hit the base of the right-hand upright.

And, with the game set to head to extra time, striker Bayo stooped to guide Ibrahim Diakite's cross from the right flank just inside the near post in the final minute of added time.

The West Africans will face either Egypt or DR Congo in the last eight in Abidjan on Friday, and will find out the identity of their opponents when those sides meet later on Sunday (20:00 GMT).
 
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Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi scored the 18th penalty of a nerve-shredding shootout as DR Congo produced the latest shock at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations by knocking seven-time champions Egypt out to reach the quarter-finals following a 1-1 draw after extra time.

DR Congo went ahead for the first time at the finals when Meschack Elia nodded in Yoane Wissa's cross to put the team ranked 67th in the world on course for the latest surprise result at a tournament which has been illuminated by underdog success in Ivory Coast.

Their lead lasted nine minutes before Mostafa Mohamed converted a penalty on the stroke of half-time after Ahmed Hegazi was caught by Dylan Batubinsika.

Egypt left-back Mohamed Hamdy was shown a second yellow card seven minutes into extra time for a mistimed lunge on Simon Banza.

And, after Pharaohs keeper Gabaski had missed from the spot in the ninth round of the shoot-out, Mpasi stepped up to win it 8-7 on penalties.

DR Congo will play Guinea in the quarter-finals at Abidjan's Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Friday (20:00 GMT) after the Syli National beat Equatorial Guinea 1-0 earlier on Sunday.
 
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A late Ryan Mendes penalty helped Cape Verde overcome Mauritania to book a place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations for just the second time.The game looked set for extra-time until Cheick Elwely's careless defensive header inadvertently played in Benchimol, who was brought down by goalkeeper Babacar Niasse.

Captain Mendes did the rest, smashing his spot kick hard down the middle.

The result sets up a quarter-final against Morocco or South Africa at Yamoussoukro's Charles Konan Banny Stadium on Saturday (20:00 GMT).
 
Watched some games, the heat and humidity is crazy!

The Maradonna style handball was hilarious in an age with VAR.

Senegal are favs in my opinion, the strongest team remaining.
 
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Hosts Ivory Coast eliminated reigning champions Senegal in a penalty shootout to book their place in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals following a 1-1 draw after extra time in Yamoussoukro.

Franck Kessie, who had scored from the spot four minutes from the end of normal time, converted the winning penalty to seal an extraordinary victory for the hosts, who redeemed themselves after a humiliating group-stage display which culminated in two defeats.

Senegal had made a dream start when Habib Diallo struck in the fourth minute from a Sadio Mane cross.

The Elephants' quarter-final on Saturday (17:00 GMT) will pit them against Mali or Burkina Faso, who play their last-16 tie in Korhogo on Tuesday (17:00 GMT).
 
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Mali booked a quarter-final meeting with hosts Ivory Coast by holding on to beat Burkina Faso at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

An own goal from Edmond Tapsoba gave the Eagles a third-minute lead, and Mali had several chances to add to their advantage before half-time.

Lassine Sinayoko did make it 2-0 early in the second half with a finish through the legs of goalkeeper Herve Koffi, but Bertrand Traore pulled a goal back for the Stallions from the penalty spot just before the hour mark.

Issoufou Dayo thought he had equalised for the Burkinabe in the final minute, but his header from a free-kick was ruled out for offside and Mali saw out eight minutes of added time.

The Eagles have reached the last eight for the first time since 2013, and Eric Chelle's side will now face the Ivorians on Saturday (17:00 GMT) for a place in the semi-finals.
 
Senegal out on pens!

Now Morocco the other favourites are on their way out.

Morocco 0-1 South Africa. - Hakimi misses an 84th min pen!

Imagine South Africa winning this tournament, would be incredible!
 
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Achraf Hakimi missed a late chance to equalise from the penalty spot as South Africa shocked 10-man Morocco to set up a quarter-final against Cape Verde at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Evidence Makgopa produced a neat finish to score the opener in the 57th minute, surviving a lengthy Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check for offside and putting Bafana Bafana on their way to a surprise victory over the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists.

Hakimi was afforded a golden opportunity to level when Mothobi Mvala was adjudged to have handled Ayoub El Kaabi's shot, only to fire his 85th minute spot-kick against the crossbar.

Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat was dismissed in stoppage time before Teboho Mokoena curled a classy free-kick past Bono to confirm the upset in style.

The 1996 champions will now aim to improve upon their quarter-final exit on their most recent appearance at the finals in 2019, when they take on the unbeaten Blue Sharks on Saturday (20:00 GMT) for a place in the semi-finals.
 
Afcon 2023: South Africa set their sights on the final after Morocco upset

South Africa coach Hugo Broos has told his players to "dream of the final" after their last-16 victory against 2023 Africa Cup of Nations favourites Morocco.

Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena scored the goals in a 2-0 win over the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists on Tuesday as the tournament in Ivory Coast delivered its latest upset.

Bafana Bafana will face Cape Verde in the quarter-finals on Saturday (20:00 GMT), having opened their campaign with a 2-0 defeat by Mali but then secured qualification from a group that saw 2004 champions Tunisia knocked out.

"The most important thing is that you can grow in a tournament, when you become better and better," said Broos.

"It's very good in a tournament that South Africa does it. We eliminated Tunisia. And we were ready to have the confrontation with Morocco.

"If you can win that, then the confidence is so big that we dream now of the final."

Belgian coach Broos has experience of lifting the Afcon trophy himself, with the 71-year-old guiding Cameroon to the title in 2017.

South Africa, who had missed out on the 2021 finals, beat neighbours Namibia 4-0 in their second group-stage match before a goalless draw with Tunisia saw them progress at the expense of the North Africans.

Morocco topped their group and were widely expected to sweep aside Bafana Bafana, given their historic run to the last four at the World Cup finals and their status as Africa's top-ranked side.

The Atlas Lions are 13th in the world rankings - 53 places above their last-16 opponents.

"It was difficult game, Morocco is still a difficult side and it does not take away how good they are that we won," South Africa forward Percy Tau said.

"We've always been a serious team but for us to win against Morocco and (draw with) Tunisia and to get out of our group, it's also gives us a good reputation.

"It does not take away how difficult this tournament is. And that the next game is still going to be also difficult."

It was no great surprise when Makgopa slotted home the opener just after the break, following a first half in which Morocco failed to register a shot on target in a tense battle in San Pedro.

The Atlas Lions missed a chance to draw level from the penalty spot in the 85th minute, when Achraf Hakimi hit the bar.

The North Africans then had Sofyan Amrabat sent off in the dying stages of the match for a professional foul, which handed Mokoena the chance to score one of the goals of the tournament so far from the resulting free-kick just outside the area.

Added to that, Morocco coach Walid Regragui had declared the need to win Afcon for only the second time in the nation's history following to confirm they were the best team on the continent following their semi-final appearance in Qatar.

"It is not the end of the world. We are not the only ones," said Regragui, whose country will host the next Nations Cup finals.

"Lots of the favourites have been eliminated. We will come back stronger."

The three most successful teams in the history of the competition, Egypt, Cameroon and Ghana, with 16 titles between them, had all departed before South Africa's surprise victory.

Along with the exit of Senegal on penalties on Monday, all five of Africa's 2022 World Cup qualifiers have been knocked out the tournament.

It has been the year of the underdog at this Afcon and the growth of the game on the continent is there to see through the nations that are achieving success - along with the number of African-based players balancing out the usual swath of European-based stars.

"Local players can be good also when they are ready to play a level higher," said Broos, whose squad is overwhelmingly made up of players from South Africa's domestic league.

"This is what's happened with South Africa.

"We are not playing anymore like South Africans. The style is different now. We play a little bit more, or try to play a little bit more, like Europeans. And that helps us a lot."

BBC Sport

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Afcon 2023: South Africa set their sights on the final after Morocco upset

South Africa players should "dream" of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final after upsetting Morocco, says coach Hugo Broos.
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Quarter-final clashes for Afcon happening today. Gear up yourself for exciting encounters.
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A first-half goal from Ademola Lookman was enough to see Nigeria overcome Angola and reach the semi-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

The former England Under-21 winger emphatically converted a cut-back from Moses Simon four minutes before the break in Abidjan.

The 1-0 scoreline flattered Angola, who were second best for long periods of the game, and Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen had a 75th-minute header ruled out for offside by the Video Assistant Referee.

Angola's best chance fell to Zine, who rolled the ball against the base of the post when clean through on goal just before the hour mark.

Nigeria will now face the winner of Saturday's quarter-final between Cape Verde and South Africa (20:00 GMT) in the last four next Wednesday.
 
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DR Congo came from behind to beat Guinea 3-1 and book a semi-final spot at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Mohamed Bayo put Guinea ahead with a 20th-minute penalty after the forward was fouled by Chancel Mbemba, but Mbemba fired in from a narrow angle to equalise seven minutes later.

DR Congo had a penalty of their own in the second half when Julian Jeanvier clipped the legs of Silas, and Brentford forward Yoane Wissa converted to give the Leopards the lead with 25 minutes remaining.

The West Africans had little in response after going behind and the result was sealed when Arthur Masuaku's free-kick from wide on the left caught out Guinea goalkeeper Ibrahim Kone at his near post.

DR Congo will face the winners of Saturday's quarter-final between Mali and hosts Ivory Coast (17:00 GMT) in the last four on Wednesday.
 
Ivory Coast scored late on in both normal time and extra time in Bouake to reach the Afcon semi-finals

Host nation Ivory Coast produced another amazing Africa Cup of Nations escape act as Oumar Diakite's 122nd-minute winner sent the 10-man Elephants into the semi-finals at heartbroken Mali's expense.

The hosts played the majority of the game at a numerical disadvantage after Odilon Kossounou's dismissal for two first-half fouls on Lassine Sinayoko and they fell behind to Nene Dorgeles' classy curler.

But the Elephants equalised right on 90 minutes through Simon Adringa's opportunistic finish - and won it with virtually the last kick of extra time when Diakite diverted home Seko Fofana's shot.

Diakite left the field with mixed emotions, however, as a second yellow card received for removing his shirt in celebration means he will be banned for Wednesday's semi-final against DR Congo.

The final whistle yielded unsavoury scenes as several Mali players surrounded referee Mohamed Adel, remonstrating with the official, and Hamari Traore was shown a red card for taking his protests too far.

Source : BBC Sports
 

South Africa defeats Cape Verde 2-1 on penalties to qualify for the next round of the African Cup of Nations​

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Williams' save sent the match to extra-time, tipping the ball onto the woodwork deep into stoppage-time.
And he then stepped up again in the shootout. Cape Verde went first in the shootout, Bebe's effort was saved and that set the tone.

Cape Verde's fairytale run is over.South Africa keeper Ronwen Williams is the hero, saving four out of five penalties in the shootout. Both sides failed to score in the normal time and hence their fate was sealed through penalties.

Source: The Evening Standard
 
Hosts Ivory Coast determined to continue 'miraculous' run until Afcon final

Ivory Coast's interim coach Emerse Fae has urged his team to go into Wednesday's Africa Cup of Nations semifinal against the Democratic Republic of Congo with the mindset that has allowed the hosts to make a "miraculous" recovery from the brink of elimination at the tournament.

The Elephants reached the last four after an remarkable escape in Saturday's quarterfinal, when they beat Mali 2-1 thanks to Oumar Diakite's goal in added time in extra time.

They had been reduced to 10 men in the first half when Odilon Kossounou was sent off, and were heading out, trailing 1-0, when substitute Simon Adringa levelled in the 90th minute to force the extra half-hour.

Before that, they came from behind against Senegal in the last 16 before eliminating the holders on penalties, and before that they scraped out of their group as the last of the four best third-placed teams.

"We are aware that we have made a spectacular recovery, that when you look at the Mali game we survived miraculously," Fae told reporters in Abidjan on Tuesday.

"We will garner strength from that and tell ourselves that our mindset is good. It is that mindset which allows us to pull off miracles like that, but we are not going to relax and say that because we won miraculously it means it is our destiny that we are going to win the trophy.

"The miracle against Mali did not fall out of the sky, it did not just happen like that, it happened because the players kept on fighting and believing until the end."

Fae was put in charge following the sacking of Jean-Louis Gasset in the wake of the Ivorians' 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea in their final group game, the team's heaviest ever home loss.

Wednesday's match will be Ivory Coast's first at the Ebimpe Olympic Stadium since that humiliating reverse on January 22.

From the brink of a group-stage exit, they now stand one game away from a first Afcon final since they last won the trophy in 2015.

"It would be a lie to say we have nothing to lose but we have come a long way," said Fae as he dismissed fears his team could crumble under the pressure.

"We have put in so much effort to lift our heads back above water so we are not going to give up now because of the pressure of not getting to the final," added Fae, who played in the Ivory Coast team that lost the 2006 final on penalties to Egypt in Cairo.

Ivory Coast are without Diakite, suspended after he was sent off while celebrating his winning goal against Mali.

Serge Aurier, Christian Kouame and Odilon Kossounou are also banned.

"It is always a loss when you lose a player but the rest of the squad will fight, grit their teeth, do their job and try to take the team through to the final," Fae said.


supersport.com

Hosts Ivory Coast determined to continue 'miraculous' run until Afcon final | SuperSport

Ivory Coast's interim coach Emerse Fae has urged his team to go into Wednesday's Africa Cup of Nations semifinal against the Democratic Republic of Congo with the mindset that has allowed the hosts
supersport.com supersport.com
 
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Kelechi Iheanacho scored the winning penalty as Nigeria booked their place in the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a 4-2 shootout win over South Africa.

The game in Bouake finished 1-1 following a remarkable end to normal time which involved the referee going to his video monitor to disallow a Victor Osimhen strike which would have put Nigeria 2-0 up - and instead awarding a penalty to South Africa.

Teboho Mokoena converted from the spot in the 90th minute to send the game into a goalless period of extra-time.

But the midfielder was one of two South African players to see their spot-kicks saved by goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali as the Super Eagles triumphed to reach Sunday's final, where they will play either hosts Ivory Coast or the Democratic Republic of Congo.
 
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Sebastien Haller scored the winner as 2023 Africa Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast beat DR Congo to set up a final meeting with Nigeria.

The only goal of a cagey contest in Abidjan came in the 65th minute when Haller's volley bounced down into the ground and up over Leopards goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi.

The Borussia Dortmund striker should have opened the scoring just before the break with an unmarked header, and Haller also missed a chance to double the lead when he sent a lob narrowly wide.

DR Congo did not look like getting a late equaliser, although Meschack Elia sent a volley wide of the left-hand upright and Simon Banza then fired well over in injury time.

Ivory Coast had sacked Jean-Louis Gasset as boss before scraping through the group stage, and had needed late goals against both Senegal and Mali to progress to the last four.

But interim boss Emerse Fae now has a chance to guide the Elephants to a third continental title, adding to their triumphs in 1992 and 2015, when they face three-time winners Nigeria in Abidjan on Sunday (20:00 GMT).

The Super Eagles had reached the final earlier on Wednesday after beating South Africa 4-2 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw in Bouake.
 
Ronwen Williams penalty saves help South Africa overcome DR Congo 6-5 on penalties to finish third for di 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Williams wey bin help Bafana Bafana reach di semi-final of di tournament through im heroics against Cape Verde wia im save four penalties step up again to deny Meschack Elia and Chancel Mbemba kicks during di shootout. Both sides bin fail to produce clear-cut chances during regulation time.

DR Congo create di most chances first from Silas, den Wissa and Mayele but all three of dem fail to hit di target.
Mayembela for also open di scoring for South Africa in di second half but di forward shoot im shot straight at di goalkeeper from just inside di area.

During di shootout, Mokoena bin miss di first kick for South Africa wey give DR Congo di advantage. DR Congon score dia first four kick and only need Mbemba to score di fifth one for dem to win di game. Williams dive low to im right to save di shot from di DR Congo captain to send di shootout into sudden death.

Afta Xulu score di sixth kick for South Africa, Williams again save Elia shot to hand victory to Bafana Bafana.

Source: BBC Sports
 
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Sebastien Haller was the hero for Ivory Coast again as the Elephants came from behind to beat Nigeria and win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations final on home soil.

The striker, who had also netted the semi-final winner just 13 months on from his return from testicular cancer, flicked in Simon Adingra's cross with the toe of his boot with nine minutes remaining to complete a second-half comeback and spark wild celebrations in Abidjan.

William Troost-Ekong had put Nigeria ahead seven minutes before the end of a cagey first half when the centre-back rose highest to powerfully head in from nine yards out following a corner.

Franck Kessie nodded in the equaliser in the 62nd minute when he was left unmarked at the back post from Adingra's corner.

After a remarkable run to the final, which included the departure of coach Jean-Louis Gasset after two defeats in the group stage, the Ivorians clinched a third continental title with a deserved victory.

The West Africans add to their previous Nations Cup wins in 1992 and 2015 and become the first tournament hosts to triumph since Egypt lifted the trophy in 2006.

Interim coach Emerse Fae masterminded Ivory Coast's passage through the knockout stages, which included dramatic victories over defending champions Senegal and Mali after late equalisers in both games.

Nigeria, three-time continental champions themselves, had previously been unbeaten at the finals, including a 1-0 win over the Ivorians in the group stage, but the Super Eagles rarely imposed themselves after sitting back for most of the contest.
 

Nigerian star Iwobi faces cyberbullying after AFCON loss to Ivory Coast​

Abidjan, Ivory Coast – In the aftermath of Nigeria’s defeat on Sunday at the recently concluded Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria midfielder Alexander Iwobi archived all of the posts on his Instagram account, leaving the page blank.

The action was in response to a barrage of hate speech on his social media accounts, as disappointed Nigeria supporters sought an outlet for outrage following the Super Eagles’ 1-2 loss to hosts Ivory Coast in Sunday’s final.

The Fulham midfielder started six of seven matches in the tournament and was instrumental to Nigeria’s unexpected run to the final despite playing a more withdrawn role than is natural to him.

He was similarly targeted online following his sending-off in the defeat to Tunisia that caused Nigeria’s round-of-16 exit in the 2021 edition of the tournament. Then, as now, he was forced to archive his social media posts; this time, however, there are reports that he may be set to retire from international football.

www.aljazeera.com

Nigerian star Iwobi faces cyberbullying after AFCON loss to Ivory Coast

The midfielder, a key member of the Nigerian squad, has been scapegoated by social media trolls for years.
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It is absolutely fine to follow your team with great passion but it is not good to treat them like this when they have failed to fulfill your expectations.
 
Afcon: Ivory Coast and Nigeria players get cash, villas and honours

Cash, houses and honours are being bestowed on footballers from Ivory Coast and Nigeria, after Sunday's riveting Africa Cup of Nations final.

Every player in Ivory Coast's winning squad will pocket $82,000 (£65,000) and get a villa worth a similar amount, the presidency announced.

"You have brought happiness to all Ivorians, bravo, bravo," said President Alassane Ouattara of Ivory Coast, which hosted the pan-African tournament.

Nigeria also got a heroes' welcome.

Although their 2-1 loss in the final spelled heartbreak for the Super Eagles' millions of fans at home and in the diaspora, their efforts are being handsomely rewarded by President Bola Tinubu.

Each member of the Nigerian squad has received one of the country's highest honours - the Member of the Order of the Niger. The president is also giving them each an apartment and a piece of land near the capital, Abuja.

Third-placed South Africa are also set to receive about $52,000 per player, according to local media.

It is not clear what cash payment Nigeria's players are to receive from the state purse.

But all of the perks listed above are in addition to the usual prize money doled out by the Africa Cup of Nations, which they say they have boosted by 40% since the last tournament.

This means that winners Ivory Coast get $7m, runners-up Nigeria get $4m, semi-finalist South Africa and DR Congo each get $2.5m, while the four teams who made the quarter-finals take home $1.3m each.

This year's Africa Cup of Nations enjoyed the highest viewing numbers in its 67-year history - thanks to bigger broadcasting and commercial deals, and social media buzz. Almost two billion people are said to have watched worldwide.

Analysts hope the global appreciation for Africa's footballing flair will translate into more starting slots for African teams at future World Cups.


BBC
 
Emerse Fae: Ivory Coast appoint Afcon-winning coach on permanent deal

Emerse Fae has been appointed as Ivory Coast coach on a permanent deal after leading the Elephants to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations title.

The 40-year-old took over on an interim basis after Jean-Louis Gasset departed during the group stage of the finals, where the West Africans had lost two games including a record 4-0 home defeat by Equatorial Guinea.

But the Ivorians progressed as the last of the four best third-placed teams and Fae oversaw an incredible turnaround for the tournament hosts in the knockout stages.

Ivorian Football Federation president Idriss Diallo confirmed the appointment on Monday, but did not disclose the length of Fae's contract.


www.bbc.com

Emerse Fae: Ivory Coast appoint Afcon-winning coach on permanent deal

Emerse Fae is appointed Ivory Coast coach on a permanent deal after leading the Elephants to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations title.
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AFCON top scorer Nsue played illegally for country for 11 years​

CAPE TOWN, June 3 (Reuters) - The top scorer at this year's Africa Cup of Nations finals, Emilio Nsue, played illegally for Equatorial Guinea for 11 years, it has emerged from FIFA documentation detailing a six month ban he was handed last month.

The 34-year-old striker, whose previous clubs include Birmingham City and Middlesborough, finished top marksman at the finals in the Ivory Coast in January where Equatorial Guinea sensationally punched above their weight as they beat the host nation in the group phase and progressed to the last-16.

But Nsue should not have been playing at all, it has emerged as world football’s governing body on Monday published the decision of its disciplinary committee hearing into his status.

The decision, made on May 10, found Nsue should not have been allowed to represent the small central African nation and had previously been sanctioned, as well as having a request for a switch of footballing nationality denied.

Despite this, Equatorial Guinea continued to pick him with impunity before FIFA stepped in more than 10 years after their decision to deny his request to switch to the African country.

Nsue, born in Palma de Mallorca to a Spanish mother and father from Equatorial Guinea, represented Spain at junior level, including scoring at the 2009 U-20 World Cup.

Players who represent one country at junior level can apply to switch international allegiance as long as they have not won a competitive senior cap -- and as long as they have dual nationality.

But FIFA denied Nsue's request to switch because he only acquired Equatoguinean nationality after having played at junior level for Spain.

By that time, he had already made two appearances for the former Spanish colony in qualifiers for the 2014 World Cup and Equatorial Guinea were subsequently fined.

But despite the rulings, Nsue continued to play for Equatorial Guinea including the 2018 and 2022 World Cup qualifiers plus competed at three Cup of Nations tournaments.

FIFA's finding gave no explanation to why they suddenly revisited Nsue's status but on May 24 they stripped Equatorial Guinea of the six points they had collected from their two 2026 World Cup qualifiers in November.

Nsue scored the winner in both of those games against Namibia and Liberia.

He was banned for six months from international football, although had already announced his retirement after the Cup of Nations.

FIFA have not replied to previous queries about the apparent administrative slip-up.

Source: Reuters
 
Afcon 2025 qualifying draw throws up tasty ties

Reigning champions Ivory Coast will be confident of reaching the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco but Nigeria have been handed a potentially tricky group in the qualifying draw.

The draw in Johannesburg saw the Super Eagles paired with Benin, Rwanda and Libya.

Benin, now coached by former Nigeria boss Gernot Rohr, beat their neighbours 2-1 last month when the teams met in qualifying for the 2026 Fifa World Cup.

Nigeria are seeking a new manager after Finidi George resigned as coach following that defeat and subsequently joined domestic side Rivers United - although the country's football federation is yet to officially confirm his departure.

Ivory Coast, who won their third continental title in February when they beat Nigeria in the final of the delayed 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), will face 2012 champions Zambia, Sierra Leone and Chad.

Elephants coach Emerse Fae helped to conduct the draw in Johannesburg and appeared content with the outcome.

"We played against Zambia for the last Afcon qualifying and we lost 3-0 away," Fae told BBC Sport Africa.

"I know it will be a very difficult game but the fact we know them will help us to play against them and not make the same mistakes."

Speaking to Caf TV after the draw, he added: "The most important [thing] for me is we don't have long trips. It's going to be good."

The 48 competing teams have been split into 12 groups of four, with the top two in each group reaching the finals in Morocco.

The hosts are assured of a place at the tournament, so only one other team in their group, which includes Gabon, Central African Republic and Lesotho, will book a ticket to North Africa.

The qualifiers will take place across six match days in September, October and November this year.

"I prefer to play all the games in a short time," Fae said.

"You have to be focused. To play each month is a good thing for us and we will have time to prepare for the competition if we qualify."

The 2025 Afcon finals will then begin on 21 December next year, with the final on 18 January 2026.

The scheduling will see the 24-team finals overlap with the Premier League's festive programme and take place between match rounds in the Uefa Champions League.

It will be the first time in Nations Cup history that the tournament will kick off in December and run over the Christmas and New Year period.

Afcon 2025 qualifying draw
Group A: Tunisia, Madagascar, Comoros, The Gambia.

Group B: Morocco, Gabon, Central African Republic, Lesotho.

Group C: Egypt, Cape Verde, Mauritania, Botswana.

Group D: Nigeria, Benin, Libya, Rwanda.

Group E: Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Togo, Liberia.

Group F: Ghana, Angola, Sudan, Niger.

Group G: Ivory Coast, Zambia, Sierra Leone, Chad.

Group H: DR Congo, Guinea, Tanzania, Ethiopia.

Group I: Mali, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau, Eswatini.

Group J: Cameroon, Namibia, Kenya, Zimbabwe.

Group K: South Africa, Uganda, Congo, South Sudan.

Group L: Senegal, Burkina Faso, Malawi, Burundi.



BBC
 
Mane strikes to secure Senegal's spot at Afcon 2025

Sadio Mane scored an injury-time winner which secured Senegal's qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with two rounds of matches to spare.

The Teranga Lions were heading for a goalless draw away against Malawi before the former Liverpool forward, who now plays for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia, struck in the 96th minute in Lilongwe.

Senegal move on to 10 points in Group L alongside Burkina Faso and have joined their fellow West Africans in booking a place at the 2025 Nations Cup in Morocco.

The 2021 Afcon winners progressed despite parting company with long-serving coach Aliou Cisse earlier this month.

DR Congo also sealed their spot at the finals on Tuesday as Meschack Elia scored twice late on to give them a 2-0 away win in Tanzania.

The Leopards, who finished fourth at the 2023 finals earlier this year, have won all four games in Group H without conceding.

Uganda moved to the brink of qualifying after a 2-0 win in South Sudan while Angola, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Mali and South Africa could also progress if they win their qualifiers later on Tuesday.

Cameroon and Algeria picked up their tickets for the 24-team tournament in North Africa with victories on Monday.

Boris Enow gave Cameroon a 1-0 win over Kenya in neutral Kampala while an 18th-minute penalty from Remy Bensebaini was enough for Algeria to triumph 1-0 against Togo in Lome.

The final two rounds of qualifiers will be held next month while the 2025 Nations Cup is scheduled to begin on 21 December next year, with the final on 18 January 2026.


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Afcon 2025: Senegal, Egypt, DR Congo and Angola qualify for finals in Morocco

Sadio Mane's winner secures Senegal's qualification for Afcon 2025, while Angola, DR Congo and Egypt also book their place at the finals.
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Afcon qualifying wins bring 'pride' to war-torn Sudan

Sudan's victory over Ghana in qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) will have brought pride and joy to a country affected by civil war, according to forward Abobaker Eisa.

Sudan beat the Black Stars 2-0 in a home game played in neutral Libya on Tuesday and need just one point from their last two qualifiers next month to secure a place at the finals.


BBC
 
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