SPORT - The African Mirror

Jan

23

2024

Cape Verde and Egypt seal last-16 places at Cup of Nations

AFCON 2023

CAPE Verde's Bryan Teixeira scored a 99th-minute equaliser as they held record seven-time champions Egypt to a 2-2 Group B draw at the Africa Cup of Nations, with both sides reaching the last-16 after a pulsating clash. Cape Verde had already been confirmed as group winners before a ball was kicked and took the lead against the run of play through striker Benchimol at the end of the first half. Egypt hit back five minutes into the second period when Trezeguet produced a neat finish from a tight angle before Mostafa Mohamed thought he had won the game in added…

Jan

23

2024

By MARK GLEESON

Mozambique rally late to send Ghana to brink of Cup of Nations exit

AFCON 2023

MOZAMBIQUE scored two goals in the stoppage time to hold Ghana to a 2-2 draw in their Group B clash at the Africa Cup of Nations on Monday, a result that likely spells the end of the tournament for the much-fancied West Africans. Two penalties from Jordan Ayew had Ghana comfortably ahead and looking well-placed to finish second in the group behind the Cape Verde Islands, but a late rally handed Mozambique a share of the spoils. It was not enough for Mozambique, who finished bottom of the group, but only behind Ghana on goal difference. Two points from three…

Jan

23

2024

By The African Mirror

Nigeria edge Guinea-Bissau 1-0 to seal last-16 place

AFCON 2023

NIGERIA booked their passage into the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations after a first-half own goal from Guinea-Bissau's Opa Sangante handed them a 1-0 victory, which was enough to earn them second place in Group A. Moses Simon sent in a low cross from the left looking for Victor Osimhen but as Sangante attempted to clear ahead of the striker he could only steer the ball into the roof of his own net after 36 minutes. Nigeria finishes on seven points from three games, behind surprise package Equatorial Guinea on goal difference. Hosts Ivory Coast face an…

Jan

22

2024

By The African Mirror

South Africa secure emphatic win over neighbours Namibia at Cup of Nations

AFCON 2023

SOUTH Africa veteran Themba Zwane scored twice as they comfortably overcame neighbours Namibia 4-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations Group E clash to boost their chances of progressing to the last-16. Zwane’s double at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium came after Percy Tau converted a 14th-minute penalty, having fired one wide in their first match against Mali last week, while substitute Thapelo Maseko netted the fourth. The 34-year-old Zwane scored twice in the space of 15 minutes to take a first-half lead from which Namibia never recovered. South Africa, whose victory margin was the biggest of the tournament in…

Jan

21

2024

By The African Mirror

World Champion: Dricus du Plessis beats Strickland to take UFC middleweight title

SPORT

FOURTY one years after the small town of Boksburg in Gauteng, South Africa produced a world champion, it has done it again. Du Plessis outpointed Sean Strickland to claim a split-decision win and the UFC middleweight title at UFC 297 at the Scotiabank Arena on Saturday, becoming South Africa's first world champion in the promotion. Du Plessis' historic feat came 41 years after Gerrie Coetzee - known as the “Boksburg Bomber” - defeated American Michael Dokes to become the first South African to win the world heavyweight boxing championship. Despite some stiff jabs from Strickland, who won the belt in…

Jan

22

2024

By The African Mirror

Milan keeper Maignan calls for sanctions to combat racism

FOOTBALL

STRONG sanctions must be implemented to combat racism, AC Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan said after he briefly left the pitch in protest during a 3-2 win at Udinese in Serie A on Saturday. Frenchman Maignan alerted the referee before leaving the pitch due to repeated racist chants from the local fans, according to Italian media. He was followed by his teammates to the tunnel before returning to the goal after a few minutes. "I said we cannot play football like this. It is not the first time it has happened this way," Maignan told Sky Sports Italy. "They must hand…

Jan

22

2024

By The African Mirror

Late equaliser hands Zambia draw to deny Tanzania rare win

AFCON 2023

PATSON Daka scored a late equaliser to salvage a 1-1 draw for 10-man Zambia and deny opponents Tanzania a first Group F win at the Africa Cup of Nations. Simon Msuva’s 11th-minute strike handed Tanzania the lead at the Laurent Pokou Stadium and put them on course for their first win at the finals after they started their campaign with a 3-0 loss to Morocco, but Daka’s explosive header in the 88th-minute ensured a share of the spoils. Earlier at the same venue, the Democratic Republic of Congo held Morocco to a 1-1 draw. Sunday's results left Morocco top with…

Jan

21

2024

By The African Mirror

Tunisia draw with Mali to pick up first Cup of Nations point

AFCON 2023

TUNISIA picked up their first point at the Africa Cup of Nations, coming from behind to draw 1-1 with Mali in their second Group E game. Mali took an early lead through Lassine Sinayoko but Hamza Rafia equalised for Tunisia within 10 minutes at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium. Tunisia had suffered an upset defeat in their opening game against Namibia while Mali beat South Africa the same evening and now top the standings with four points. Namibia and South Africa play their second group game in Korhogo on Sunday. Mali were ahead in the 10th minute as Sinayoko scored…

Jan

21

2024

By MARK GLEESON

Tiny Cape Verde dreaming of more Cup of Nations heroics

AFCON 2023

CAPE Verde Island players said they were living a dream at the Africa Cup of Nations finals after booking their place in the knockout stage by beating Mozambique on Friday, but they added that they were not to be regarded as a Cinderella team. Cape Verde is the smallest of the 24 countries at the tournament in Ivory Coast but the first to ensure progress to the last 16 as they moved into an unassailable lead in Group B of the tournament in the Ivory Coast. "It is the stuff of dreams, and you have to dream, but it’s something…

Jan

21

2024

By The African Mirror

Tanzania coach suspended at Cup of Nations for insulting opponents

AFCON 2023

TANZANIA coach Adel Amrouche has been suspended at the Africa Cup of Nations finals for making insulting remarks about Morocco, who beat the east African side 3-0 in their opening game at the tournament. The Tanzania Football Federation said the Confederation of African Football (CAF) disciplinary committee had suspended Amrouche for eight matches following a complaint submitted by Morocco. CAF have yet to make an announcement. "In another step, the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF) has suspended coach Amrouche. As a result of that decision, Hemed Morocco has been appointed acting coach and he will be assisted by Juma Mgunda," TFF…