AFCON 2023 - The African Mirror

Jan

18

2024

DR Congo miss chances in 1-1 draw with neighbours Zambia

AFCON 2023

THE Democratic Republic of Congo squandered several chances in a 1-1 draw with Zambia, who took the lead thanks to quick-thinking before being swiftly pegged back in their Africa Cup of Nations Group F clash at the Laurent Pokou Stadium on Wednesday. Kings Kangwa put Zambia ahead in the 23rd minute with an innovative effort but their neighbours equalised within four minutes through Yoane Wissa. The two countries were the last to make their bow at the tournament in the Ivory Coast after favourites Morocco had beaten Tanzania 3-0 in the opening group game earlier at the same stadium. Zambia’s…

Jan

18

2024

By MARK GLEESON

Favourites Morocco make winning start at Cup of Nations

AFCON 2023

MOROCCO underlined their status as pre-tournament favourites by beating 10-man Tanzania 3-0 to make a winning start to their Africa Cup of Nations campaign as Group F got underway at the Laurent Pokou Stadium on Wednesday. Captain Romain Saiss scored a rare goal to put the World Cup semi-finalists ahead at halftime with Azzedine Ounahi and Youssef En-Nesyri adding two more in the space of three second-half minutes to emphasise their dominance, especially after Tanzania had Novatus Miroshi sent off after a second caution. The convincing scoreline matched the three-goal victory for holders Senegal over the Gambia on Monday, as…

Jan

17

2024

By MARK GLEESON

Two goals in six minutes earn Mali win over South Africa

AFCON 2023

MALI took advantage of an early let-off to beat South Africa 2-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday and take the lead in Group E. After Percy Tau missed a penalty for South Africa, Mali captain Hamari Traore broke the deadlock after an hour and Lassine Sinayoko added a second six minutes later to put the west Africans ahead of Namibia on goal difference in the standings. Traore was quickest to react and scored from centimetres out after South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams had barely kept out a curling free kick from Sekou Koita at the Amadou Gon…

Jan

17

2024

By MARK GLEESON

Namibia upset Tunisia at Cup of Nations

AFCON 2023

NAMIBIA winger Deon Hotto scored in the 88th minute to hand them a shock 1-0 victory over Tunisia at the Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday and keep up the sequence of surprise results that have dominated the opening days of the tournament. Hotto sneaked in at the back post to hand the southern African country, 87 places below Tunisia in the world rankings, a deserved win as they were markedly more enterprising and created better chances in the opening Group E encounter at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium. Namibia, competing in their fourth finals but who had never tasted…

Jan

17

2024

By The African Mirror

Late penalty seals Burkina Faso win over Mauritania

AFCON 2023

BERTRAND Traore scored a stoppage time penalty as Burkina Faso claimed a 1-0 victory over Mauritania in their Africa Cup of Nations Group D clash at the Stade de la Paix in Bouake on Tuesday, writing a piece of history in the process. It is the first ever win for the Burkinabe in their opening match of the African showpiece finals and came at the 13th attempt, handed to them when Aston Villa midfielder Traore stroked home his spot-kick after a foul by Mauritania captain Mohamed El Abd on Issa Kabore. Burkina Faso dominated possession, but it was Mauritania who…

Jan

16

2024

By MARK GLEESON

Ghana coach Hughton dodges blow from angry fan at team hotel

AFCON 2023

AN angry supporter attempted to strike Ghana coach Chris Hughton after their upset 2-1 loss at the Africa Cup of Nations finals on Sunday and was taken away by police, team officials confirmed on Monday. Ghana were beaten by a stoppage time goal by the Cape Verde Islands, the smallest of the 24 teams at the tournament in the Ivory Coast in one of several shock results on Sunday. Hughton was accosted at the team hotel as Ghana returned from the match but the angry fan was intercepted by security officials. Hughton was also subjected to a volley of verbal…

Jan

16

2024

By The African Mirror

Senegal begin title defence in style with 3-0 win over 10-man Gambia

AFCON 2023

SENEGAL began their Africa Cup of Nations title defence with a 3-0 victory over 10-man Gambia helped by Lamine Camara's double in Group C on Monday, bringing an end to a sequence of surprise results at the tournament in the Ivory Coast. After a shock-filled Sunday where the minnows had the upper hand over heavyweight opponents, Senegal restored faith in the form book as Pape Gueye scored early and Camara added two more to ensure victory in the opening Group C encounter. Gueye put Senegal ahead in the fourth minute at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium, while 20-year-old Camara, voted…

Jan

16

2024

By The African Mirror

Cameroon, Guinea share spoils in Cup of Nations draw

AFCON 2023

CAMEROON came from behind to share the points with 10-man Guinea in a 1-1 stalemate in the first game for both teams at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ivory Coast on Monday. Franck Magri equalised early in the second half after Guinea had taken a 10th-minute lead through Mohamed Bayo but then had captain Francois Kamano sent off. The draw at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in the Ivorian capital followed the opening Group C game where holders Senegal easily disposed of Gambia 3-0. Cameroon were without Andre Onana in goal but he did arrive ahead of the…

Jan

14

2024

By The African Mirror

Dazzling TotalEnergies CAF AFCON opener showcases Cote d’Ivoire’s vibrant culture

AFCON 2023

IMMERSING spectators in a breathtaking spectacle, the opening ceremony of the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations transformed Abidjan's Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara into a kaleidoscope of color and cultural richness. On that vibrant Saturday evening, the iconic stadium pulsed with life as dancers, acrobats, and musicians embarked on a high-octane journey, encapsulating the essence of Cote d'Ivoire's diverse heritage. Carefully choreographed routines became a captivating showcase, revealing the nation's pride in shaping "a people and a destiny" over time. The performances radiated a spirit of unity, with Cote d'Ivoire extending its legendary hospitality to welcome all 54 African…

Jan

15

2024

By The African Mirror

Osimhen on target but Nigeria held 1-1 by Equatorial Guinea

AFCON 2023

VICTOR Osimhen scored a first-half equaliser but wasteful Nigeria was held to a 1-1 draw in their Africa Cup of Nations Group A opener with Equatorial Guinea in a steamy Abidjan, unable to turn their pressure into three points. Iban Salvador netted a surprise opener for Equatorial Guinea against the run of play with a well-worked goal, but the lead lasted only two minutes before Napoli forward Osimhen headed Nigeria level. The West African side dominated the chances after that but found Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono in fine form as he made several outstanding saves, to go with some…