Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) - Discussion Thread

[Abdullah719]

South Africa were the last country to book a place at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt on Sunday with a hard-fought 2-1 victory away to Libya in Group E.

Earlier, Huddersfield striker Steve Mounie scored the goal to send Benin to the Nations Cup after a 2-1 victory over Emmanuel Adebayor's Togo in Cotonou.

Also on Sunday, Zimbabwe and DR Congo qualified for the finals, as did Tanzania who beat rivals Uganda 3-0.

Group D

In the final round of qualifiers, Benin beat Togo 2-1 to finish as runners-up to Algeria and secure their place at Egypt 2019.

Benin opened the scoring against Togo in the 12th minute when David Djigla put the hosts in front.

Veteran Togo striker Adebayor, 35, gave Togo hope with an equaliser in the 72nd minute as his side searched for the victory they needed.

It made for a frenetic finish to the contest and the host nation made it a disappointing end to Adebayor and Togo's campaign as Mounie struck seven minutes from time to give Benin the win.

Benin will play at the Nations Cup finals for the first time since 2010.

Group E

South Africa marked their return to the Nations Cup finals, having missed the last edition, with a hard-fought 2-1 win away to Libya in Group E.

Bafana Bafana knew a draw would be enough to qualify for Egypt against Libya who were again playing their 'home' match in Tunisia on security grounds.

After a goalless first half, South Africa scored through Percy Tau on the 50 minute mark.

Libya - who needed a victory to book their place - fought back with a 66th minute penalty from Ahmad Benali.

South Africa struck again just three minutes later as Tau got his second of the game to secure a win for his country and their place at Egypt 2019.

Elsewhere, in Bangui, it finished 0-0 between Central African Republic and Guinea in Group H, a fixture featuring two teams who have already been eliminated.

The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations will, for the first time, take place in June and July and will feature 24 teams rather than 16.

The draw will take place in Cairo next month.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/47687075

 

[MenInG]

Cape Town - The full list of the qualified teams for the Africa Cup of Nations finals to be hosted in Egypt on June 21-July 19.

Senegal

Madagascar

Morocco

Cameroon

Mali

Burundi

Algeria

Benin

Nigeria

Ghana

Kenya

Guinea

Ivory Coast

Angola

Mauritania

Tunisia

Egypt

Guinea Bissau

Namibia

Uganda

Tanzania

South Africa

Democratic Republic of Congo

Zimbabwe

https://www.sport24.co.za/Soccer/In...s-for-the-2019-africa-cup-of-nations-20190325

 

[Syed1]

I love watching African football, the raw skill, speed, strength and tenacity is very very different from the European football which has more finesse and superior tactics.


If Pakistan played football at a good level we would play similar to the African countries rather than the Europeans.

 

[MenInG]

2019 Africa Cup of Nations Thread

Hosts Egypt will face DR Congo, Uganda and Zimbabwe in Group A at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

Defending champions Cameroon are in Group F with Ghana, Benin and Guinea-Bissau.

The tournament will take place from 21 June to 19 July, meaning Europe-based players will not miss club games.

It is the biggest Afcon yet, with 24 teams, and the first to be held in Europe's summer rather than January or February.

The draw was held next to the pyramids of Giza.

Morocco coach Herve Renard is looking to win an unprecedented third Africa Cup of Nations - with a third team. The Atlas Lions are in Group D with one of the previous teams he won it with, the Ivory Coast. South Africa and neighbouring Namibia complete that group.

The first game of the tournament will be Egypt - who are likely to have Liverpool star Mohamed Salah in their team - against Zimbabwe on 21 June at Cairo Stadium.

Two of the three tournament debutants - Madagascar and Burundi - are in Group B with Nigeria and Guinea.

The other new team, Mauritania, are in Group E with Tunisia, Mali and Angola.

Senegal and Algeria are alongside Kenya and Tanzania, who have only qualified once before - in 1980 - in Group C.

Two teams from each group will go into the last 16, with the four best third-placed teams also progressing.

Egypt's assistant coach, Hany Ramzy, said after the draw that the Pharaohs were "comfortable" with their pool.

"We are confident, we are here in our land with the supporters behind us, so we have to work hard to reach the final."

Talking about the opening game against Zimbabwe, ranked more than 50 places below them, he acknowledged that the Warriors will still pose a test to the host nation.

"Whoever you play against, the opening game will be tough, but I think we can win the match," he said.

"The big difference [in quality] between teams is not really there anymore, like it was 10 years ago in Africa. Now every team has players who play in Europe so they have the experience to play at a high level.

"But when you want to win a big tournament like the Africa Cup you have to win against small and big teams."

Draw in full
Group A: Egypt, DR Congo, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Group B: Nigeria, Guinea, Madagascar, Burundi

Group C: Senegal, Algeria, Kenya, Tanzania

Group D: Morocco, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Namibia

Group E: Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Angola

Group F: Cameroon, Ghana, Benin, Guinea-Bissau

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/47910135

 

[Mueez]

Easy win for Morocco.

Ziyech will prove himself internationally too.

 

[hafeezrocks]

Easy win for Morocco.

Ziyech will prove himself internationally too.

Why Morocco? I think Senegal and Egypt also have a chance along with Afrixan Powerhouse Nigeria.

 

[Mueez]

Why Morocco? I think Senegal and Egypt also have a chance along with Afrixan Powerhouse Nigeria.

Their team is shaping up nicely and I think they will get far in the tournament because they have some game changers in their team.

 

[MenInG]

Egypt were only awarded the competition in January after it was taken away from original hosts Cameroon because of security and preparation concerns.

The Pharaohs have won the competition seven times - but not since 2010 - and lost to Cameroon in the 2017 final.

Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is the best-known player in the Egypt squad.

There are also three other England-based players in their squad - Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny, West Brom defender Ahmed Hegazi and Aston Villa defender Ahmed Elmohamady, who captains the side.

"Salah is now one of the leading three players in the world," said Elmohamady. "This is a very big and positive thing that will definitely help us in our quest to win the Nations Cup."

The match will be held at the Cairo International Stadium, which has rarely been used over the last eight years because of security concerns.

This will be the fifth time Egypt have hosted the competition, having won it on three of the previous four occasions - in 1959, 1986 and 2006 - and coming third in 1974.

Zimbabwe are playing in the tournament for a fourth time but have never made it past the group phase and finished bottom of their section in 2017, failing to win a game.

Their squad includes Nottingham Forest defender Tendayi Darikwa and Alec Mudimu, who plays for Welsh Premier League side Cefn Druids.

The tournament is usually held in January and February, causing disputes with European clubs who had to release players in the middle of the season. But in July 2017 the Confederation of African Football decided the tournament would be played in June and July this year instead.

It also increased the tournament from 16 to 24 teams, in a similar format to Euro 2016, with the top four third-placed teams from the six groups also going into the last 16.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48632199

 

[MenInG]

There are plenty of star names on show in this summer's Africa Cup of Nations. Liverpool's Champions League winning forwards Mohamed Salah (Egypt) and Sadio Mane (Senegal) will be crucial to their countries' hopes.

That pair were joint top Premier League scorers this season along with another African - but Arsenal striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's Gabon did not qualify.

Another Liverpool player, Naby Keita, is in Guinea's squad, even though he is still recovering from a thigh injury.

Algeria will be looking to Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez for inspiration, while Morocco forward Hakim Ziyech comes into the tournament on the back of a 21-goal, 24-assist season with Ajax.

Ivory Coast's Lille forward Nicolas Pepe has been linked to several of Europe's top clubs after scoring 22 Ligue 1 goals. His international team-mate, Wilfried Zaha of Crystal Palace, is also courting interest.

Porto's Moussa Marega was the joint-third top-scorer in this season's Champions League with six - although he has only scored two goals in his Mali career so far.

Senegal's Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly is considered to be one of the best centre-backs in the world, while Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey is an Atletico Madrid regular.

Egypt, Senegal and Ghana are considered the three favourites to win the tournament.

Africa Cup of Nations Scores & Fixtures
Mane suspended for Senegal's opening match
New format, new timing... new everything?
This is the biggest Africa Cup of Nations ever with 24 teams, and the first to be played in Europe's summer.

The tournament is usually held in January and February, causing disputes with European clubs who had to release players in the middle of the season. But in July 2017 the Confederation of African Football decided the tournament would be played in June and July this year instead.

It also increased the tournament from 16 to 24 teams, in a similar format to Euro 2016, with the top four third-placed teams from the six groups also going into the last 16.

Egypt are hosting the Africa Cup of Nations for a fifth time. The Pharaohs are the most successful team in the tournament's history, winning seven times.

Pre-tournament turmoil
Afcon
The draw took place in a glamorous location next to the Sphinx and pyramids in Giza
This is the fourth Africa Cup of Nations in a row to not be held in the country it was initially awarded to.

The hosting rights were taken off Cameroon - who are the defending champions - in November because of slow preparations and security concerns.

Egypt were named as the hosts in January, giving them five months to prepare. Three weeks later, the dates of the tournament were moved because of Ramadan, the Muslim holy month that involves abstaining from food and water from sunrise to sunset.

It was meant to run from 15 June to 13 July, but was moved to 21 June until 19 July, following requests from Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria - three of a record five Arab teams in this tournament.

Egypt and Mauritania are the others.

Some new faces
Helped by the expanded format, there are three new teams in this year's Africa Cup of Nations as Burundi, Madagascar and Mauritania play in the finals for the first time.

Burundi's most famous player to a European audience will be Stoke City striker Saido Berahino, the former England Under-21 player. The 25-year-old has scored one goal in five caps after declaring for the country of his birth in 2018.

They were drawn in the same group as Madagascar, whose manager Nicolas Dupuis is also the manager of French fourth-tier side Fleury, where he works with two of his international players as well as his fitness coach and goalkeeping coach.

Mauritania "achieved the impossible", one local journalist told the BBC, to get past Burkina Faso and Angola in qualifying.

One player likely to make his competitive debut at Afcon is Algeria's Andy Delort. The France-born Montpellier striker was a late replacement for Haris Belkebla, who was sent home after video footage emerged of the midfielder exposing his backside on a live gaming stream.

There will be plenty of players representing clubs not usually associated with major international tournaments. Uganda's Bevis Mugabe and Benin's Sessi D'Almeida were both relegated from the English Football League with Yeovil this season and released on free transfers.

Zimbabwe midfielder Alec Mudimu is a Welsh Premier League player with Cefn Druids and uncapped Tanzania striker Adi Yussuf played for Solihull Moors in the National League this season before moving to Blackpool.


FA Cup highlights: Blackpool 3-2 Solihull Moors
There are players based all over the world, including Romania, Cyprus, Israel, Thailand, Oman, China and Japan.

Several managers are going to the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time, including Netherlands and AC Milan legend Clarence Seedorf (Cameroon), Mexican Javier Aguirre (Egypt) and Briton Stuart Baxter (South Africa).

British-based players
There are 48 British-based players travelling to Egypt, including 26 who are contracted to 2018-19 Premier League clubs.

Egypt: Ahmed Elmohamady (Aston Villa), Ahmed Hegazi (West Brom), Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal), Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

Uganda: Bevis Mugabi (Yeovil Town)

DR Congo: Arthur Masuaku (West Ham), Jacques Maghoma (Birmingham), Youssouf Mulumbu (Celtic), Britt Assombalanga (Middlesbrough), Yannick Bolasie (Everton)

Zimbabwe: Alec Mudimu (Cefn Druids), Tendai Darikwa (Nottingham Forest)

Nigeria: Leon Balogun (Brighton), John Mikel Obi (Middlesbrough), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester), Oghenekaro Etebo (Stoke), Alexander Iwobi (Arsenal), Henry Onyekuru (Everton)

Guinea: Julian Jeanvier (Brentford), Ibrahima Cisse (Fulham), Naby Keita (Liverpool)

Burundi: Saido Berahino (Stoke)

Senegal: Cheikhou Kouyate (Crystal Palace), Idrissa Gueye (Everton), Sadio Mane (Liverpool)

Algeria: Adlene Guedioura (Nottingham Forest), Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City)

Kenya: Victor Wanyama (Tottenham Hotspur)

Tanzania: Abdi Yussuf Mussa (Blackpool)

South Africa: Kamohelo Mokotjo (Brentford)

Morocco: Romain Saiss (Wolves)

Ivory Coast: Serge Aurier (Tottenham), Jean-Michael Seri (Fulham), Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace), Jonathan Kodjia (Aston Villa)

Namibia: Ryan Nyambe (Blackburn)

Mali: Molla Wague (Nottingham Forest), Lassana Coulibaly (Rangers)

Ghana: Andy Yiadom (Reading), Christian Atsu (Newcastle), Thomas Agyepong (Manchester City), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace)

Cameroon: Gaetan Bong (Brighton), Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Fulham), Arnaud Djoum (Hearts)

Benin: Sessi D'Almeida (Yeovil), Steve Mounie (Huddersfield)

Guinea-Bissau: Marcelo Djalo (Fulham)

Check out all the Africa Cup of Nations squads here
Africa Cup of Nations groups
Group A: Egypt, DR Congo, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Group B: Nigeria, Guinea, Madagascar, Burundi

Group C: Senegal, Algeria, Kenya, Tanzania

Group D: Morocco, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Namibia

Group E: Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Angola

Group F: Cameroon, Ghana, Benin, Guinea-Bissau

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48639920

 

[MenInG]

 

[KingKhanWC]

Watching this now. Egpyt take the lead but are all over the Zimbabweans as expected.

Just hoping Salah doesn't get injured.

 

[anakwalajinn]

Watching the game as well. Not sure whom to support between Morocco and Egypt since I have lived in both countries! for now; hayya ya Masr!

 

[KingKhanWC]

Watching the game as well. Not sure whom to support between Morocco and Egypt since I have lived in both countries! for now; hayya ya Masr!

It could be a Morocco v Egpyt final.

How did you find the passion for football in both nations? Which nation in your view is more obsessed with the sport?

 

[Abdullah719]

It could be a Morocco v Egpyt final.

How did you find the passion for football in both nations? Which nation in your view is more obsessed with the sport?

Can't speak for Morocco but Egyptians are crazy about football. Really crazy.

 

[KingKhanWC]

Can't speak for Morocco but Egyptians are crazy about football. Really crazy.

The stadum tonight is packed and all you can see is a sea of red. Fantastic home support for Egpyt which will surely help them in the tournament.

 

[MenInG]

Hosts Egypt made the ideal start to the Africa Cup of Nations by beating Zimbabwe in the opening game of the tournament in Cairo.

Mahmoud Trezeguet scored the only goal of the game with a curled finished just before half time.

Liverpool forward Mo Salah came close to doubling his side's lead in the second half but his low drive was kept out by Zimbabwe keeper Edmore Sibanda.

Ovidy Karuru had Zimbabwe's best chance with a 30-yard strike late on.

This year's tournament is the biggest Africa Cup of Nations ever with 24 teams, and the first to be played in Europe's summer.

It got off to a spectacular start, with the fans inside the 75,000 capacity Cairo International Stadium treated to an eye-catching opening ceremony that featured giant pyramids on the pitch, elegant dancers forming the shape of a pharaoh's face and culminating in a huge fireworks display.

But the game itself failed to match that level of sparkle, with Egypt dominating for large periods without troubling Sibanda in the Zimbabwe goal often.

Salah was a lively presence in the first half but put a number of efforts wide of goal and while he did manage to get one shot on target before the interval it was a routine save for Sibanda.

Just as Zimbabwe were enjoying their best spell of half, Egypt took the lead. A neat one-two allowed Trezeguet to break into the box before cutting inside his marker and then despatching a clinical effort into the far corner.

From then on Egypt were comfortable rather than dominant.

Salah forced a decent save out of Sibanda midway through the second half after being picked out by Trezeguet's defence-splitting pass.

The Liverpool man then raced through just before full time but was this time denied by substitute goalkeeper Elvis Chipezeze, who had come on for the injured Sibanda with 10 minutes to go.

The win puts Egypt top of Group A, which also contains DR Congo and Uganda. Those two sides face each other on Saturday at the same ground.

Fireworks were abundant before kick-off but Egypt netted only once in the first half. The Pharaohs could have scored very early on but afterwards the pace of the game declined gradually but it was crucial for the morale of fans and the players to get to half time with the lead.

However, Trezeguet's goal didn't give the boost to the performance that was perhaps expected in the second half. The team looked even slower and lacked the rhythm needed to create a threat to the Zimbabwe goal.

In the end it was an important but unconvincing win for the hosts with lots of areas for improvement. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe's performance should give them hope of competing for a place in the second round.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48632199

 

[Hasan2K8]

As a Liverpool FC die hard fan. I Hope Egypt or Senegal wins. Go Salah and Mane! Best of luck. Hope both them reach final and best team win!

 

[MenInG]

Uganda recorded their first Africa Cup of Nations victory in 41 years as they pulled off a surprise win over DR Congo in Group A in Egypt.

The Cranes' 23-year-old forward Patrick Kaddu opened the scoring, heading in from a corner after a well-timed run to the near post after 14 minutes.

Strike partner Emmanuel Okwi's glancing header from a free-kick then doubled the lead three minutes after half-time.

Egypt defeated Zimbabwe 1-0 in the tournament's opening match on Friday.

Uganda lost all three group matches in 2017, in what was their first Africa Cup of Nations appearance since finishing runners-up in 1978.

In Cairo on Saturday, the lively Kaddu had two great opportunities to add to his tally with first-half headers, while team-mate Khalid Aucho saw a powerful long-range effort saved by DR Congo's Ley Matampi.

Substitute Jonathan Bolingi had the best opportunity for two-time champions DR Congo - whose starting XI included West Ham's Arthur Masuaku and Everton's Yannick Bolasie - but the Antwerp forward's header struck the top of the crossbar.

Next, Uganda will face Zimbabwe on Wednesday (18:00 BST), while DR Congo take on Egypt later that day (21:00 BST).

ADVERTISEMENT

Analysis
By BBC Swahili's Salim Kikeke

DR Congo were favourites going into the game against Uganda. You could even feel the Congolese mood before kick off. Their entrance was as colourful as usual, with their customary singing and dancing.

But after 90 minutes, the scoreboard had a result that will definitely cause a lot of anger in Kinshasa. The Leopards, two-time winners, did not show up.

The Cranes on the contrary arrived quietly, kept their cool and stuck to their game plan - which was to control the midfield. And that paid off. A first win is something every team needs for confidence.

Ugandans will be smiling every time they look at the Group A table at the moment. DR Congo, with an ageing squad, will be hoping for a better result next time out when they must deal with the small matter of the host nation.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48645247

 

[Firebat]

Senegal began their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a routine victory over Group C rivals Tanzania in Cairo.

Aliou Cisse's side - among the tournament favourites - went ahead through Inter Milan forward Keita Balde's low finish after 28 minutes.

Krepin Diatta blasted in a second from the edge of the box with 64 minutes gone as the Teranga Lions dominated.

Senegal are Africa's highest placed nation in Fifa's world rankings at 22nd but have never won the tournament.

Algeria take on Kenya in Group C's other opening match later on Sunday.

Without suspended Liverpool forward Sadio Mane for their opening match, Senegal wasted a host of chances as they peppered their opponents' goal with 24 shots.

Tanzania, making a first appearance in 39 years following their 1980 debut, had goalkeeper Aishi Manula to thank early on as the 23-year-old twice denied M'Baye Niang in the opening six minutes.

Two minutes after slotting in to the bottom corner, Balde should have added the 2017 quarter-finalists' second but blazed over from Ismaila Sarr's cut-back.

Rennes forward Sarr - a persistent nuisance - had a goal disallowed midway through the first half as Crystal Palace's Cheikhou Kouyate was penalised for handball in the build-up, while Badou Ndiaye's ambitious overhead kick flew over the crossbar.

Manula again came to the rescue for Tanzania after the interval, stretching to guide a Diatta header to safety and smothering an effort from Sarr as the 131st-ranked side remained in touch.

But Senegal were untroubled at the back and Club Brugge midfielder Diatta made the points safe for Cisse's side with an excellent first-time strike.

Senegal now face Algeria on Thursday (18:00 BST), while Tanzania take on Kenya later that day (21:00 BST).

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48651170

 

[Firebat]

Namibia forward Iitamunua Keimuine's 89th-minute own goal gifted Morocco victory in their opening Africa Cup of Nations Group D match.

Keimuine misjudged Ajax winger Hakim Ziyech's free-kick as the 2017 quarter-finalists won in Cairo.

Two-time winning coach Herve Renard's side were limited to largely long-range attempts against a Namibia side making their first appearance since 2008.

Ivory Coast face South Africa in Group D's other match on Monday (15:30 BST).

Despite a starting line-up featuring Ajax player of the season Ziyech, Morocco looked on course for a point against a side ranked 113 in the world - in what is considered the tournament's toughest group.

Nabil Dirar forced Namibia goalkeeper Loydt Kazapua to tip a looping long-range shot over in an uneventful first half, while Nordin Amrabat went down under a challenge by Danzil Haoseb but saw his appeals for a penalty dismissed.

In search of a solution, French coach Renard - who previously triumphed with Zambia in 2012 and Ivory Coast in 2015 - introduced Celta Vigo forward Sofiane Boufal who made a marked difference to the Morocco attack.

The former Southampton man almost made an instant impact, forcing Kazapua to save low to his right, before firing narrowly wide with 10 minutes remaining.

Ziyech, expected to leave Ajax this summer, offered darting runs and trickery but Namibia remained well-organised before suffering a cruel blow as Keimuine's error handed Morocco all three points.

Next, Morocco face Renard's former side Ivory Coast on Friday (18:00 BST), while Namibia come up against South Africa later that day (21:00 BST).

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48651171

 

[MenInG]

Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez scored as Algeria moved level with Senegal at the top of Africa Cup of Nations Group C with a win over Kenya.

Baghdad Bounedjah converted from the penalty spot after 34 minutes in Cairo following a clear foul on Youcef Atal.

Mahrez then doubled the advantage with a deflected shot from Ismael Bennacer's cut-back two minutes before half-time.

Algeria join Senegal on three points, after Aliou Cisse's side defeated Tanzania 2-0 earlier on Sunday.

Senegal begin Africa Cup of Nations campaign with win
89th-minute own goal gifts Morocco victory over Namibia
What to look out for at the 2019 tournament
Algeria, attempting to win the tournament for the first time since 1990, were worthy winners against a Kenya side making their first Africa Cup of Nations appearance since 2004.

Baghdad Bounedjah twice went close as an assured Algeria dominated the opening exchanges and Youcef Belaili shot straight at Kenya goalkeeper Patrick Matasi when played through on goal by Sofiane Feghouli.

They broke Kenya's resistance as Dennis Odhiambo carelessly brought down Atal, before captain Mahrez added the second.

Kenya, led by Tottenham midfielder Victor Wanyama, produced an improved second-half display but failed to land a shot on target as Aissa Mandi recovered to block Michael Olunga's effort late on.

Algeria now face Senegal in a battle for top spot on Thursday (18:00 BST), while Kenya take on Tanzania later that day (21:00 BST).

Analysis
by BBC Sport's John Bennett in Cairo:

Some of the other highly rated teams at this Africa Cup of Nations have looked unconvincing in their opening matches but there was no rustiness from Algeria; in fact, this was a real statement to start the tournament.

With good intensity, a positive approach and plenty of attacking ideas, they were able to take their foot off the gas after the break following the two deserved goals in the first half.

Riyad Mahrez, the team's new leader, looked very comfortable wearing the captain's armband and will be full of confidence with a goal to his name already.

Algeria brought a big contingent of fans to Cairo so it would have felt like a "home" atmosphere for Mahrez and his team-mates.

They will feel as though they can go a long way here in Egypt.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48651169

 

[gazza619]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[MenInG]

Aston Villa's Jonathan Kodjia scored the only goal of the game as Ivory Coast edged past South Africa in their opening Group D encounter.

Kodjia latched on to Max Gradel's precise pass before sidefooting through the legs of goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

Nicolas Pepe struck the woodwork in the first half, while Thulani Hlatshwayo headed inches over the bar for South Africa with the score still goalless.

Morocco defeated Namibia 1-0 in Sunday's Group D opener.

Ivory Coast - who left Crystal Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha on the bench in Cairo - enjoyed the better of the openings and would have been disappointed not to go into half-time with a narrow lead.

Forward Pepe, who scored 23 goals in 41 appearances for Ligue 1 runners-up Lille last season, rattled the crossbar with a curling free-kick after being tripped on the edge of the penalty area.

Kodjia should have put the Elephants ahead moments later after latching on to Hlatshwayo's poor clearance, but the 29-year-old fired straight at Williams with the goal gaping.

Hlatshwayo missed Bafana Bafana's best chance, heading Sifiso Hlanti's cross wide of the mark at 0-0, while Williams tipped another goal-bound Pepe free-kick over the bar late on.

Ibrahim Kamara's side take on Morocco in their next Group D game on Friday (18:00 BST), while South Africa face Namibia later that day (21:00 BST).

Analysis
By BBC Africa's Nick Cavell

The big surprise of the first half was that Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha was only on the bench. His guile and tricky runs could have helped the Elephants create more chances than the two they had.

In the end, it was veteran Max Gradel whose experience led to the only goal. Zaha did come on and showed a few moments of trickery but was unable to make a scoring impact.

South Africa managed to put together a few pressing moves on the counter-attack but the movement seemed more lateral than forward.

They tried to take advantage of set pieces when they could but with Serge Aurier marshalling the Ivory Coast defence they held firm.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48658643

 

[MenInG]

Nigeria's players are in dispute with the country's football federation in the build-up to their Africa Cup of Nations match against Guinea.

None of the Super Eagles players has received allowances or a $10,000 bonus.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is hoping to prevent a strike before the match in Egypt on Wednesday.

"My player [Ahmed Musa] couldn't attend the press conference today because they have a very important meeting," said coach Gernot Rohr.

"I just hope the situation can be resolved so we can focus on what we have in front of us."

The squad was an hour late for training on Tuesday and have not ruled out taking further action.

The financially stricken NFF, which receives its funding from the government, has denied it was responsible for the delay in paying the players' bonuses.

The BBC understands that the team, which has been together since early June, had received verbal assurances that they would be paid before the tournament kicked off this month.

Pay rows have often surrounded Nigerian teams, while players have boycotted training during important qualifiers or at major tournaments over unpaid fees.

Their 2014 World Cup campaign was affected by a bonus row, with players boycotting training before the last-16 fixture against France as they demanded their bonuses and appearance fees.

Nigeria's women's team - the Super Falcons - has twice been involved in sit-in protests at hotels in South Africa and in Abuja, Nigeria, to demand money owed to them, with their latest protest coming at the Women's World Cup in France.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48761790

 

[gazza619]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[faraz39]

The streets are filled with Egyptian flags and you can hear loud commentary in neighborhoods on game days. Even now cars are constantly honking as Egypt scores (vs honking at each other for fun which is the norm in Cairo).

If Egypt wins the cup, the country will go crazy.

 

[Firebat]

 

[MenInG]

Algeria beat Senegal to clinch a place in the Africa Cup of Nations last 16.

The match was billed as a showdown between Algeria winger Riyad Mahrez, of Manchester City, and Senegal's Liverpool forward Sadio Mane - but both players had quiet games.

Youcef Belaili blasted home the only goal of the game from the edge of box from Sofiane Feghouli's cross.

Senegal almost equalised with the final action of the game, with Mane heading over from close range.

Africa's highest ranked team need to beat Kenya in their final group game to be guaranteed a place in the knockout stages.

Mane was unfortunate not to win a penalty when he was sandwiched by Adlene Guedioura and Ramy Bensebaini with 20 minutes to go. The video assistant referee system does not come in until the quarter-final stage.

The game did not live up to the hype, with Senegal not having a shot on target until the 78th minute when Youssouf Sabaly's 20-yard shot was parried by Rais M'Bolhi and Mbaye Diagne put the rebound wide from close range.

There was no action of note in the first half at the 30 June Stadium in Cairo, with former West Ham winger Feghouli curling wide moments before setting up the only goal.

Stoke City midfielder Badou Ndiaye blazed a shot over for Senegal just after the hour-mark and Mahrez, in a rare moment of magic, lashed an effort just wide from long range.

In Group C's other game, Kenya came from behind to beat Tanzania 3-2.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48700166

 

[MenInG]

Morocco reached the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations with a 1-0 victory over Ivory Coast in Group D.

Youssef En-Nesyri scored the game's only goal in the first half after a clever pass from Nordin Amrabat.

Ivory Coast had gone close with just 38 seconds gone when Wolves' Romain Saiss cleared a header from Aston Villa's Jonathan Kodjia off the line.

Morocco end their group campaign against South Africa on Monday (17:00 BST), while Ivory Coast play Namibia.

Morocco could still be caught by both Ivory Coast and South Africa, but they are already assured of at least being one of the four best third-placed teams.

As well as scoring, En-Nesyri swept a shot into the side-netting and forced Sylvain Gbohouo into a terrific save down to his left after Amrabat dummied Hakim Ziyech's low cross.

Ivory Coast, who left Crystal Palace talisman Wilfried Zaha on the bench, could have pulled level when Max Gradel was played through on goal, but Morocco goalkeeper Yassine Bounou was quickly off his line to smother the danger, before Pepe fired the loose ball into the side-netting.

Analysis
From BBC Arabic's Riham Eldeeb:

The points are all that matter and Morocco go into the final group game without any pressure now they have qualified for the knockout stages, but we still haven't seen the perfect performance from them.

Ivory Coast offered nothing and the questions for them are around the player who didn't take to the pitch. Why aren't we seeing Zaha? Two attacking players were brought on before him and an injury meant he couldn't come on. It was a big surprise not to see the Crystal Palace forward.

It's a big win for Morocco manager Herve Renard against his former team - he certainly won the tactical battle here.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48714570

 

[Madplayer]

Supporting Morocco. The best African country.

 

[Firebat]

Angola were forced to settle for a draw with Mauritania in the Africa Cup of Nations after Geraldo's 90th-minute goal was disallowed.

Geraldo thought he had won the game in the final moments as he fired home a deep cross only for it to be rightly ruled out for offside.

Angola's Wilson Eduardo had earlier spurned a fine chance when he put Gelson's cross wide from close range.

Tunisia drew 1-1 with Mali on Friday in Group E's other game.

Angola now need to beat Group E leaders Mali in their final group game on Tuesday (20:00 BST) to qualify for the last 16, while Mauritania end their group campaign against Tunisia the same day.

Angola should have come into the game high on confidence following an impressive 1-1 draw with Tunisia in their Afcon opener but they struggled to break down a resolute Mauritania side.

Eduardo really should have opened the scoring when he latched onto Gelson's cross early in the second half and he could have netted late on, too, heading over the bar from close range before Geraldo's winner was ruled out.

However, tournament debutants Mauritania, who earned their first Afcon point with this draw, more than matched Angola for large periods and improved as the game went on.

They twice went close through Adama Ba and Ismael Diakite but Angola defended ably on both occasions.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48728083

 

[MenInG]

Sadio Mane scored twice as Senegal eased to a Group C victory over Kenya and booked their place in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Liverpool forward had a first-half penalty saved by Kenya keeper Patrick Matasi, before adding to Ismaila Sarr's volley with a placed effort.

Mane then converted a second spot-kick after Philemon Otieno was sent off for a dangerous tackle on Sarr late on.

Senegal face Uganda in the last 16 on 5 July.

Kenya could still qualify as one of the best four third-placed teams, depending on the results in the final games in Group E and F.

However, Monday's result means DR Congo definitely qualify from Group A with a superior goal difference.

It all came good in the end for Senegal after a poor first half. Their display in the second period, led by Mane, was a fine way to answer the pre-match accusation by Kenya head coach Sebastien Migne that they lacked mental strength.

Aliou Cisse's players didn't play their best football but there were positives, such as the return of Everton's Idrissa Gueye, which gave them more balance in the midfield.

Billed as one of the favourites for the tournament, they'll still need to up their game and they could pay the price if they make similar sloppy mistakes during the knockout stages.

As for Kenya, they were never in control and rarely threatened - and now have to wait for 24 hours to see if they'll be staying in Egypt for the last 16.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48740626

 

[Abdullah719]

Ghana reached the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations and knocked out Guinea-Bissau with a 2-0 win in Suez.

Jordan Ayew raced on to a through ball seconds after half-time to put them ahead, and Thomas Partey slotted home Abdul Baba's cross to seal the victory.

That second goal ensured Ghana finished top of Group F, with Cameroon drawing 0-0 with Benin in Ismailia.

Guinea Bissau, who could have gone through with a victory, hit the woodwork three times.

Piqueti had a 25-yard shot tipped onto the bar by keeper Richard Ofori, Joseph Mendes hit the outside of the post from the edge of the box and Mamadu Cande's corner struck the crossbar.

Swansea striker Ayew also hit the post twice, once in each half.

As a result of winning the group on goal difference, four-time champions Ghana, who had drawn their opening two games, will face the team who finish second in Group E - Mali, Tunisia, Angola or Mauritania - in Ismailia on Monday.

Cameroon will face Nigeria in Alexandria on Saturday.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48753626

 

[Abdullah719]

Defending champions Cameroon and Benin played out a goalless draw, allowing both sides to progress into the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations.

The result means Cameroon finished second in Group F to set up a tasty meeting with Nigeria.

Benin went through as one of the four best third-placed teams and will come up against Morocco.

Cameroon came closest to scoring but both Ambroise Oyongo and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting saw their efforts saved.

Goalkeeper Saturnin Allagbe dived full length to his right to make two stunning fingertip saves in the opening period.

Benin's best chance fell to Stephane Sessegnon, but the former Sunderland and West Brom midfielder struck a free-kick narrowly wide.

Ghana beat Guinea-Bissau 2-0 and will face the second-placed team from Group E. The final group games take place on Wednesday with Mali already going through, while Tunisia, Angola and Mauritania all still in contention to progress.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48753624

 

[MenInG]

Sadio Mane scored the winner before missing another penalty as Senegal beat Uganda in Cairo to reach the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

Liverpool's Mane produced a clinical low finish then won a penalty after being fouled by keeper Denis Onyango, who had already been booked.

Mane, who had missed from the spot in the previous game against Kenya, was denied after the referee opted against sending the keeper off.

Allan Kateregga went close for Uganda.

Senegal, who are seeking a first Africa Cup of Nations triumph, will meet Benin, surprise winners over Morocco, in the last eight in Cairo on 10 July.

Despite his penalty miss, Mane is leading scorer at the tournament after scoring his third goal, two of which have come from the spot.

Uganda's build-up to the tie was disrupted by a pay dispute which saw players boycott training on Tuesday.

Emmanuel Okwi and substitute Kateregga, from a late free-kick, both forced saves from Alfred Gomis but Senegal's experience saw them through.

Sadio Mane's goal in the opening minutes of the game concluded a very good start for Senegal. We saw more evidence of the speed and dynamism of their attacking, and it could be the key factor in leading them to the title.

There was also an excellent performance by Idrissa Gueye - the Everton player controlled the midfield on his own, dictating the pace of his team.

Uganda made too many mistakes, showing too little of the technical ability they possess. In addition, they have made far too many defensive errors for this level of competition, one leading to a goal and the other to Mane's failed penalty.

They are out, but they have made their nation proud, producing some impressive performances and revealing some very talented players.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48795601

 

[MenInG]

Egypt forward Mohamed Salah could miss the hosts' Africa Cup of Nations last-16 tie with South Africa after sitting out of training on Thursday.

Salah, who has had a cold, was told by Egypt coach Javier Aguirre not to "worsen his condition" by training.

The Liverpool forward has scored two goals in his side's three group games.

His absence in Cairo would be a blow for the seven-time champions, who have been criticised at home despite winning all three games without conceding.

Many Egyptians feel that the current team is a shadow of the side which won three successive tournaments between 2006 and 2010.

Meanwhile, South Africa boss Stuart Baxter believes it would be a "national disaster" for Egypt if the hosts were beaten by his side.

Bafana Bafana, who qualified in the final spot reserved for the four best third-place sides, scored just once in an unimpressive group stage campaign.

"The fact that we're playing against the home nation is inspiring," said Baxter.

"Knowing the Egyptian people, knowing their passion for football, knowing their expectations are very high, knowing that they have some great players, I believe that the pressure would be more on them.

South Africa's only victory in the tournament came against neighbours Namibia in a narrow 1-0 win, but Baxter says his side will "quietly believe we can cause an upset".

"We know that we will have to play very, very well because this is a good Egyptian team and they will have massive support," he added.

"It's our job to bring maybe some frustration. If we can do that and the crowd become a little bit impatient, the players will feel that on the field."

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48809160

 

[gazza619]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[The Viper]

Africa Cup of Nations debutants Madagascar produced another upset to beat DR Congo 4-2 on penalties after a 2-2 draw and seal a quarter-final spot.

In a thriller, Madagascar took a surprise lead through Ibrahim Amada's superb 20-yard strike before Cedric Bakambu equalised with a header.

The Indian Ocean islanders restored their lead through Faneva Andriatsima's header before Chancel Mbemba's 90th minute equaliser forced extra-time.

Madagascar scored all their penalties.

In contrast, DR Congo missed two, with Everton winger Yannick Bolasie's attempt going over the bar to confirm Madagascar a quarter-final against Ghana or Tunisia in Cairo on Thursday.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48815014

 

[nextover666666]

Algeria beat Guinea 3-0

I fee this will be Nigeria tournament the comeback they displayed against Cameroon will show give them momentum moving forward

 

[Firebat]

AFCON fixtures for today (all UK times):

 

[MenInG]

Wilfried Zaha scored the winner as the Ivory Coast beat Mali 1-0 to reach the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

The Crystal Palace forward, who has been linked with a summer move to Arsenal, raced on to Sylvain Gbohouo's deep free-kick and got to the ball before Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.

Mali had been wasteful with Moussa Marega and Moussa Djenepo both missing good opportunities when well placed.

The Ivory Coast play Algeria in the last eight on Thursday (17:00 BST).

The Elephants have won the competition twice - in 1992 and 2015 - but only advanced through this year's opening phase as runners-up after losing 1-0 to group winners Morocco.

The Ivory Coast struggled in the first half against Group E winners Mali and failed to register a shot on target in the opening 45 minutes.

Mali's Moussa Djenepo, who this summer moved to Southampton from Standard Liege, posed a constant threat on the left wing but Marega scuffed a good chance wide at the near post when he failed to connect properly.

Abdoulay Diaby also had a free-kick turned over the bar by Ivory Coast goalkeeper Gbohouo before Djenepo wasted a good chance when he was indecisive in front of goal.

The Ivory Coast came more into the game after the break with Aston Villa's Jonathan Kodjia being denied by Diarra.

However, Diarra was beaten a few minutes later when Zaha, who had been quiet throughout the match, reacted quickest to score in the 76th minute and take his country into the last eight.

Analysis
BBC Africa's Babacar Diarra in Suez

Mali were the second-youngest team in this Afcon, and their lack of experience cost them a ticket to the quarter-finals.

They missed far too many good chances to hope to win against a side like Ivory Coast - even on a day when they look as undercooked as this.

Mali had far more attempts on goal - some of which were far easier to score than somehow put wide - but nevertheless it is the Elephants who go through.

Ivory Coast though look deeply unconvincing. On this form, the team they really don't want to meet is Algeria, who have been ruthless so far. But that is who they now face in Thursday's quarter-final.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48821466

 

[Firebat]

Tunisia beat Ghana on penalties to set up an Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final with Madagascar.

Goalkeeper Farouk Ben Mustapha was the hero, coming on for the shootout and saving Caleb Ekuban's penalty.

Tunisia had been seconds away from winning in 90 minutes, but substitute Rami Bedoui headed into his own net in injury time, with his first touch.

They had led in Ismailia through Taha Yassine Khenissi's goal from Wajdi Kechrida's cross.

Leeds striker Ekuban was the only player to fail with his kick in the shootout, with Ferjani Sassi scoring the winning kick.

Tunisia, who last won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2004, now face surprise package Madagascar, ranked 108th in the world, on Thursday.

The Black Stars dominated the opening stages of the game, and Nuhu Kasim's header hit the outside of the post.

They had a first-half goal controversially disallowed. Thomas Partey fed Jordan Ayew, who crossed for his brother Andre to score a backheel.

The referee ruled the goal out for a Partey handball, with VAR not coming in until the quarter-finals, but the Atletico midfielder controlled the ball with his chest.

Tunisia took control when Wahbi Khazri, who was an injury doubt, came on in the 68th minute. Moments later his corner was headed on to the bar by Khenissi.

The breakthrough came as Khazri backheeled the ball into the path of Kechrida, whose cross was swept home via the post by Khenissi.

Ghana's Mubarak Wakaso had a 30-yard shot tipped on to the post and then had a hand in the equaliser.

Defender Bedoui came on for Khenissi in the last minute to help them see the game out - but headed Wakaso's free-kick into his own net with his first involvement.

Both sides had chances in extra time, but failed to take them, so the game went to penalties.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/48821467

 

[The Viper]

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS

QUARTER-FINAL

Senegal 1 Benin 0

FT

 

[WC-Passion]

I think Senegal will win it from here.

 

[sweep_shot]

Nigeria should win this. They are generally the top African team.

 

[MenInG]

William Troost-Ekong scored a dramatic late winner to send Nigeria into the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final at the expense of South Africa.

Samuel Chukwueze hit the opener as he controlled Alex Iwobi's cross, before scoring at the second attempt.

Bongani Zungu equalised with a header initially ruled out for offside before VAR replays showed a free-kick hit a Nigerian player on the way to him.

But Udinese's Troost-Ekong bundled home from close range late on to win it.

His finish was into an empty net after goalkeeper Ronwen Williams totally missed Moses Simon's corner.

Nigeria face Ivory Coast or Algeria in Sunday's second semi-final (20:00 BST).

The Super Eagles were deserved winners and led through Villarreal youngster Chukwueze's first goal for his country. They should have been ahead by more when Williams pushed Peter Etebo's free-kick onto the bar.

Zungu's goal was the first in the Africa Cup of Nations given by the VAR, which has just been introduced for the quarter-finals. It looked offside initially but Percy Tau's free-kick hit Nigeria's Odion Ighalo on the way on to Amiens midfielder Zungu's head.

The game looked set for extra time before Williams flapped at a cross to leave Troost-Ekong with a simple finish.

Senegal, who beat Benin 1-0 earlier on Wednesday, play either Madagascar or Tunisia in the other semi-final.

Probably the correct result in the end.

All three goals were quite scrappy. The first one for Chukwueze took a deflection.

Then South Africa's equaliser thanks to the VAR decision, which was a bit of history here. Everyone in the stadium thought it was offside - that was what the linesman flagged for - but the replay proved VAR was useful, correct and worth doing because it proved the ball had come off Ighalo and not Thulani Hlatshwayo, and so it stood.

But South Africa didn't do enough to win this - they were caught between trying to pump it long and trying to pass it around a very solid Nigerian defence.

And it was Troost-Ekong who was at the heart of that defence and scored the winner. Nigeria had class through the side though - Iwobi had another outstanding game, as did Etebo and Chukwueze.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/48849477

 

[Abdullah719]

Tunisia 3-0 Madagascar

Semis: Senegal vs Tunisia, Algeria vs Nigeria

 

[sweep_shot]

Nigeria surely can't lose this? They are clear favorites.

I expect a Senegal vs Nigeria final.

 

[Madplayer]

When did Morocco lose? Lol havent been following this since some days.

 

[RickyG]

I've been watching/following African football for close to 20 years having lived there for a significant portion of my life.

African cup of Nations is usually an unpredictable tournament and teams that look unbeatable on paper often falter. That's because unlike European and to a lesser extent South American football, there is less controlled football that is played. This can be attributed to various factors such as poor playing conditions, amateur coaching and tactics and a higher dependency on athleticism than technical ability.

You'll find that the teams that do win are often the more well-coached teams like Egypt in 2006-2010 or Cameroon in 2000 and 2002 (although they were also a supremely talented/gifted side).

That's why Ivory Coast's golden generation only won 1 African Cup of Nations when they were able to put forth a spine of players such as Drogba, Toure brothers, Kalou, Gervinho, Kone brothers, Zokora, Eboue etc.

If I were to pick favorites from the final 4, I would have to pick Algeria. They have some serious attacking talent complimented with street wise defending. They also seem to be the best coached team.

Senegal on paper would be the favorites. In terms of talent, this generation is even better than their golden generation of 2002. The best African player on current form is also playing for them.

A lot of people have Nigeria as favorites which is interesting. They're perceived as the most successful African team when they're only 4th on that list with 3 titles. They are the perennial under achieves (alongside Ivory Coast) however having lost 4 finals and countless semi-finals. This year's Nigerian team is not anything exceptional by any means. They finished 2nd in the weakest group and then beat below-par Cameroon and South African teams.

Tunisia by far is the weakest team left. They've been extremely lucky in the draws they've had having won only 1 game in regulation time against Madagascar so far.

I'm rooting for Senegal as they were the first nation I supported. The likes of Fadiga, Diouf and Henri Camara were some of my early footballing heroes. And I remember the heart break of losing the 2002 final on penalty kicks. I wholeheartedly despised Cameroon in that period for being the Goliath of African football. A country of their size and talent should've won an African Cup of Nations by now.

That being said, what makes African football so appealing is that it's unpredictable. Just watch and see as Tunisia somehow win this year's competition.

 

[RickyG]

When did Morocco lose? Lol havent been following this since some days.

Lost to Benin in the round of 16 on penalties despite getting some very favourable calls from the referee. Senegal vs Morocco would've been a mouth watering quarter-final tie.

Benin was more or less a stroll in the park for Senegal.

 

[sweep_shot]

It is a shame Africa still has those same major teams (Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia etc.). Other teams are not stepping up.

 

[RickyG]

It is a shame Africa still has those same major teams (Nigeria, Senegal, Tunisia etc.). Other teams are not stepping up.

What?

From the 3 continents that have 50ish countries competing for their continental championship, Africa is the most competitive.

The Asian cup over it's history has produced 9 different winners. One of them no longer plays there (Israel) and the other (Australia) left it's own continent for more competitive football. Qatar and Australia are the only 2 teams to have added some competition recently but we all know how Qatar did it. Otherwise, Asia had a very clear big 4 of Iran, Japan, Saudi Arabia and South Korea.

The Euro has produced 10 different winners despite being the continent that should be the most competitive.

The African Cup of Nations has produced 14 different winners. Various golden generations have gone without winning the competition.

Out of the current semi-finalists, Nigeria is the only true African giant left. Algeria's only win came in 1990 and their last semi-final appearance was in 2010. Senegal has never won the Afcon and last time they reached the semis was in 2006. Tunisia's only win was 15 years ago in 2004. They haven't even made it to the semis since.

The other thing about Africa is that North African and West African countries have a distinct advantage. They have a close proximity to Europe and especially France/Belgium where a lot of their players are trained and brought up. No one in France scouts in Kenya or Botswana. The North Africans like Egypt, Algeria and Morocco also have more resources to spend on their football.

Meanwhile West & Central Africans are superior athletes in any thing that isn't long-distance running compared to rest of Africa. Quicker sprinters, stronger, bigger etc. For East Africans like Kenyan, Ethiopians, Sudanese that is a big genetic disadvantage to overcome.

That's why out of the 14 teams that have won the Afcon, 6 have been West/Central Africa. 4 have been North African.

Sudan and Ethiopia are the only East African teams to have won the Afcon but both did so in 70s.

That being said, there has been some giant killing that took place this year; Madagascar, Benin, South Africa.

 

[anakwalajinn]

It could be a Morocco v Egpyt final.

How did you find the passion for football in both nations? Which nation in your view is more obsessed with the sport?

To be honest the passion for football in Morocco was good as well.

I attended a few games at the stadium with some local friends supporting MAS Fes (2nd division) and although not a lot of attendees, those who came showed good support.

Look up some videos for Raja Casablanca's fans on YouTube... packed stadium in Casablanca with funs jumping up and down for 90 minutes!

Moroccans are quite passionate about football and although I am not there these days I have been following friends on social media that were quite active during this tournament.

Regarding Egypt; I was only there for a few months and never got the chance to attend any games as the games were played in front of empty stands during those days (straight after that tragic incident some years ago where a lot of spectators were killed).

However, the coffee shops were all full whenever there was a game on

 

[sweep_shot]

Morocco almost beat Spain in last WC. I hope they qualify again next time. Very spirited team.

 

[Madplayer]

Morocco almost beat Spain in last WC. I hope they qualify again next time. Very spirited team.

I supported them in this cup. Unfortunately they couldnt win.

 

[WC-Passion]

Algeria have been on a spirited run this tournament, not many would've expected it despite their talent. I still back Senegal to win however I would not be surprised if Algeria did win.

 

[MenInG]

ormer Netherlands midfielder Clarence Seedorf has been sacked as Cameroon coach after the side failed to defend their Africa Cup of Nations title.

The former Real Madrid player, 43, had been in charge for under a year.

His assistant Patrick Kluivert, his former Netherlands and Ajax team-mate, has also left his role.

Cameroon lost 3-2 to Nigeria in the last 16 in Egypt, leading to the country's sports minister calling for Seedorf to leave.

Seedorf had said he was happy to continue and felt his squad had shown promising signs.

The former Real Madrid and AC Milan player signed a four-year deal to take charge of the Indomitable Lions in August 2018.

But a statement confirmed that "following the premature exit of Cameroon's men's flagship squad, Cameroon's football federation in line with clauses in their respective contracts has decided to bring an end to the contracts of Seedorf and Kluivert".

Seedorf and Kluivert were given the task of retaining the Africa Cup of Nations - which was originally intended to be held in Cameroon - and set the target of reaching the 2021 edition of the tournament and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The long-term contracts also stipulated the pair must live in the country and provide support to the other national teams.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49009362

 

[MenInG]

ormer Netherlands midfielder Clarence Seedorf has been sacked as Cameroon coach after the side failed to defend their Africa Cup of Nations title.

The former Real Madrid player, 43, had been in charge for under a year.

His assistant Patrick Kluivert, his former Netherlands and Ajax team-mate, has also left his role.

Cameroon lost 3-2 to Nigeria in the last 16 in Egypt, leading to the country's sports minister calling for Seedorf to leave.

Seedorf had said he was happy to continue and felt his squad had shown promising signs.

The former Real Madrid and AC Milan player signed a four-year deal to take charge of the Indomitable Lions in August 2018.

But a statement confirmed that "following the premature exit of Cameroon's men's flagship squad, Cameroon's football federation in line with clauses in their respective contracts has decided to bring an end to the contracts of Seedorf and Kluivert".

Seedorf and Kluivert were given the task of retaining the Africa Cup of Nations - which was originally intended to be held in Cameroon - and set the target of reaching the 2021 edition of the tournament and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The long-term contracts also stipulated the pair must live in the country and provide support to the other national teams.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49009362

 

[MenInG]

ormer Netherlands midfielder Clarence Seedorf has been sacked as Cameroon coach after the side failed to defend their Africa Cup of Nations title.

The former Real Madrid player, 43, had been in charge for under a year.

His assistant Patrick Kluivert, his former Netherlands and Ajax team-mate, has also left his role.

Cameroon lost 3-2 to Nigeria in the last 16 in Egypt, leading to the country's sports minister calling for Seedorf to leave.

Seedorf had said he was happy to continue and felt his squad had shown promising signs.

The former Real Madrid and AC Milan player signed a four-year deal to take charge of the Indomitable Lions in August 2018.

But a statement confirmed that "following the premature exit of Cameroon's men's flagship squad, Cameroon's football federation in line with clauses in their respective contracts has decided to bring an end to the contracts of Seedorf and Kluivert".

Seedorf and Kluivert were given the task of retaining the Africa Cup of Nations - which was originally intended to be held in Cameroon - and set the target of reaching the 2021 edition of the tournament and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The long-term contracts also stipulated the pair must live in the country and provide support to the other national teams.

https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/49009362

 

[sweep_shot]

Surprised to see Nigeria not in the final. Senegal has the chance to make history (they never won this tournament before).

 

[Saj]

Should be a very good final.

I've been very impressed with Algeria during this tournament and expect them to win it, but Senegal look very good going forward.

 

[sweep_shot]

I became a fan of Sengal during 2002 FIFA World Cup. They played like tigers back then. Even in 2018 World Cup, they did reasonably well (although got knocked out due to inferior fair play points).

It is a shame Senegal was never as consistent as teams like Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana etc.

I back Algeria to win this though.

 

[Abdullah719]

Final: Algeria 1-0 Senegal

 

[sweep_shot]

Algeria did it!

A bit surprised to see them winning this. I was expecting Nigeria to win. Congratulations anyway.

 

[nextover666666]

Algeria did it!

A bit surprised to see them winning this. I was expecting Nigeria to win. Congratulations anyway.

I was expecting Nigeria to win too how ever not suprised Algeria is a good team how ever the goal they scored today was such a lucky break for them

 

[sweep_shot]

I was expecting Nigeria to win too how ever not suprised Algeria is a good team how ever the goal they scored today was such a lucky break for them

Algeria seems more like European team to me. They don't seem like an African team (even though they are in Africa).

I feel bad for Senegal. They never won this tournament before. They missed a golden chance.

 

[Pakistanian]

Algeria seems more like European team to me. They don't seem like an African team (even though they are in Africa).

I feel bad for Senegal. They never won this tournament before. They missed a golden chance.

This makes no sense. North Africans are just as African as sub saharan Africans.

 

[sweep_shot]

This makes no sense. North Africans are just as African as sub saharan Africans.

I understand. I meant their culture and not skin color. When I look at them, it feels like they are from Asia or Europe.

 

[Pakistanian]

I understand. I meant their culture and not skin color. When I look at them, it feels like they are from Asia or Europe.

Well that's the same for Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia etc

 

[Madplayer]

Not surprised that Algeria won.

 

[MenInG]

Unique celebration

 

[Saj]

Best team and deserving winners.

Although the final was awful to watch and Senegal seemed to be the more dangerous side.

 

[Abdullah719]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">No words! &#55356;&#56809;&#55356;&#56831;&#55357;&#56877;&#55357;&#56474;&#55356;&#57342;&#55356;&#57286;&#55358;&#56647; <a href="https://t.co/zXtYFdVc6f">pic.twitter.com/zXtYFdVc6f</a></p>— Adlene GUEDIOURA (@AdleneGUEDIOURA) <a href="https://twitter.com/AdleneGUEDIOURA/status/1152878254837194753?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 21, 2019</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

 

[sweep_shot]

I think they are going overboard with celebration. They didn't win World Cup or Confederations Cup. Africa Cup is not that highly rated.

 

[MenInG]

The first match will be played on Sunday, 09 January 2022 at Olembe Stadium between hosts Cameroon and Burkina Faso at 17h00 local time (16h00 GMT).

 

[MenInG]

Wilfried Zaha has been included in the Ivory Coast squad for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), just a month after Patrice Beaumelle, the manager, said the forward wanted to "reflect on the rest of his international career."

Zaha was not called up by Ivory Coast for November's World Cup qualifiers, with Beaumelle saying the Crystal Palace star "asked not to come".

But Zaha denied his manager's claims, insisting last month that he "never said that I am reconsidering my international future" and that playing for Ivory Coast "is an honour that I never, ever take for granted".

Zaha went on to explain his absence from the World Cup qualifiers was due to a "viral infection" and that he had asked Beaumelle for permission to miss the games.

Zaha's return is a boost for Ivory Coast as they bid to win the AFCON for the third time, following success in 1992 and 2015.

Ivory Coast are in Group E, along with Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea and Algeria, the defending champions.

Zaha is joined in the squad by a number of other England-based players, including Manchester United's Eric Bailly, Burnley's Maxwel Cornet, Wolves' Willy Boly, Arsenal's Nicolas Pepe and Fulham's Jean Michael Seri.

But there is no place for Amad Diallo, who has made just one appearance for United this season.

Beaumelle said in August he wanted the 19-year-old winger to leave Old Trafford on loan to get more playing time.

The Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place in Cameroon between January 9 and February 6, with all 52 matches to be shown live on Sky Sports.

The rearranged Africa Cup of Nations will go ahead as scheduled next month in Cameroon, says Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe.

A meeting was held between Motsepe and Cameroon president Paul Biya amid concerns over the threat of coronavirus outbreaks due to the Omicron variant.

Africa's football showpiece, usually held every two years, was scheduled to be played last summer but was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

"I'm going to be here on January 7 and I'm coming to watch football," Motsepe said on Tuesday.

"I'm coming to watch on January 9 (the opening match between) Cameroon against Burkina Faso. I'll also be around to see when the trophy is handed over."

https://www.skysports.com/football/...by-ivory-coast-ahead-of-africa-cup-of-nations

 

[Saj]

Love watching this tournament.

So many great footballers, some wonderful teams and players who aren't afraid to put in a tackle or tow

Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast amongst the best teams I guess.

 

[Saj]

Solid squad this:

Senegal's full squad for AFCON
Goalkeepers: Seny Dieng (Queens Park Rangers), Alfred Gomis (Stade Rennes), Edouard Mendy (Chelsea)

Defenders: Fode Ballo-Toure (AC Milan), Saliou Ciss (Nancy), Pape Abou Cisse (Olympiakos), Abdou Diallo (Paris Saint-Germain), Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli), Cheikhou Kouyate (Crystal Palace), Ibrahima Mbaye (Bologna), Bouna Sarr (Bayern Munich), Abdoulaye Seck (Antwerp)

Midfielders: Idrissa Gana Gueye (Paris Saint-Germain), Pape Gueye (Olympique Marseille), Joseph Lopy (Socahux), Mamadou Loum (Deportivo Alaves), Nampalys Mendy (Leicester City), Moustapha Name (Paris FC), Pape Matar Sarr (Metz)

Forwards: Keita Balde (Cagliari), Boulaye Dia (Villarreal), Famara Diedhiou (Alanayspor), Habib Diallo (Racing Strasbourg), Bamba Dieng (Olympique Marseille), Sadio Mane (Liverpool), Ismaila Sarr (Watford), Mame Baba Thiam (Kayserispor).

 

[Saj]

Morocco squad for Afcon 2021
Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Sevilla, Spain), Monir El Kajoui, (Hatayspor, Turkey), Anas Zniti (Raja Casablanca, Morocco).

Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain, France), Sofiane Alakouch (Metz, France), Souffian El Karouani (NEC Nijmegen, Netherlands), Adam Masina (Watford, England), Sofian Chakla (OH Leuven, Belgium), Samy Mmaee (Ferencvaros, Hungary), Romain Saiss (Wolves, England), Nayef Aguerd (Rennes, France).

Midfielders: Aymen Barkok (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), Sofyan Amrabat (Fiorentina, Italy), Faycal Fajr (Sivaspor, Turkey), Azzedine Ounahi (Angers, France), Ilias Chair (QPR, England), Imran Louza (Watford, England), Selim Amallah (Standard Liege, Belgium).

Forwards: Munir El Haddadi (Sevilla, Spain), Zakaria Aboukhlal (AZ Alkmaar, Netherlands), Abdessamad Ezzalzouli (Barcelona, Spain), Sofiane Boufal (Angers, France), Ryan Mmaee (Ferencvaros, Hungary), Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla, Spain), Ayoub El Kaabi (Hatayspor, Turkey).