FOOTBALL - The African Mirror

Jan

17

2024

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…

Jan

14

2024

By The African Mirror

TotalEnergies AFCON2024: Hosts Cote d’Ivoire open with impressive win over Guinea Bissau

AFCON 2023

IN a fervent stadium atmosphere electrified by the passionate cheers of local fans, Côte d'Ivoire commenced their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations journey with a resounding victory, triumphing 2-0 over Guinea-Bissau in Saturday night's inaugural match in the capital Abidjan. The Elephants wasted no time in establishing dominance on their home turf, the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara, seizing the lead a mere four minutes into the encounter through the prowess of Seko Fofana. The Lens midfielder seized upon a loose ball outside the box, unleashing a sublime strike that soared beyond the grasp of goalkeeper Jonas Mendes. Fofana, displaying…

Jan

13

2024

By MARK GLEESON

Perennial club versus country tug of war continues as Cup of Nations kicks off

AFCON 2023

NIGERIA will allow striker Terem Moffi to play for French club Nice at the weekend before he heads to the Africa Cup of Nations but Cameroon are blocking teenager Regis Mughe from turning out for Marseille after he refused a call-up to the finals. The two contrasting approaches come in the perennial club versus country battle that marks the two-yearly tournament. The Cup of Nations, which kicks off in Abidjan on Saturday, is being held mid-season and FIFA rules mean clubs must give up their players for the continental championship even if they then miss crucial domestic games over the…

Jan

14

2024

By The African Mirror

Cameroon captain to stay on at Cup of Nations after ‘minor injury’

AFCON 2023

CAMEROON captain Vincent Aboubakar was hurt in training but will stay with the squad at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ivory Coast in the hope that he recovers, officials said. Aboubakar underwent scans on Saturday on a left thigh injury suffered in training on Friday, but initial concerns that he might be forced out of the tournament were played down after the examination. "It is a minor injury not affecting the player's participation in the competition. As a result, he continues his preparation under the supervision of the medical team, indicating a return very soon to the group,”…

Jan

14

2024

By MARK GLEESON

Morocco happy with extra time to acclimatise to Cup of Nations heat

AFCON 2023

THE Morocco squad's decision to arrive early at the Africa Cup of Nations finals and acclimatise to the hot and humid conditions will work in their favour, coach Walid Regragui said. The pre-tournament favourites, who became the first African side to reach the World Cup semi-final in Qatar some 14 months ago, arrived in Ivory Coast last Sunday as the first of the visiting competitors. They will have had 10 days to get used to conditions in the coastal town by the time they play their opening Group F match. "We are very happy to have come much earlier. We…