Sports

AFCON qualifiers: Nigeria suffer shock defeat at home to Guinea Bissau, South Africa, Cameroon held

Published

2 years ago

March 25, 2023

The third round of qualifying matches for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2024 which will hold in Ivory Coast, threw up some surprising results as African football giants, Nigeria, got the shock of the lives after they were handed a humiliating1-0 win by minnows, Guinea Bissau at the Moshood Abiola Stadium in Abuja.

The Friday matchday 3 proceedings in the group phase also saw the Bafana Bafana of South Africa held to a 2-2 draw at home by Liberia while Cameroon were also forced to a 1-1 draw at home by unfancied Namibia.

The disappointing results, however, did not manifest in other matches as heavyweights Egypt, Senegal and Ivory Coast all romped to impressive wins.

In Group I of the matches played on Friday afternoon matches, DR Congo registered their first three points with a 3-1 win over 10-man Mauritania in Douala, with goals from Gael Kakuta, Cedric Bakambu and Arthur Masuaku, while Uganda lost at home to Tanzania1-0 in an East African derby Group F.

The win saw the Taifa Stars jumping up to second spot in Group F behind Algeria.

In Group A, Nigeria which had an array of stars including Napoli’s hitman, Victor Osimhen, Alex Iwobi of Everton, Wilfred Ndidi and Kelechi Iheanacho of Leicester City and a host of others, were humbled by minnows Guinea-Bissau who hit a smash and grab first half goal from Mama Balde, this displacing the Super Eagles at the top of the log.

AFCON host, Ivory Coast, did not have such bad luck as the hammered Comoros 3-1 with goals from Cristian Kouame, Sebastien Haller and Jean-Philippe Krasso, to reclaim top spot in Group H.

Cape Verde were held to a goalless draw by less fancied Eswatini with the Blue Sharks were frustrated throughout the match played in Praia, missing out on the chance to take battle for control of Group B alongside Burkina Faso.

South Africa let up a two-goal lead to draw 2-2 with Liberia and now walk a tight rope to qualify from Group K.

A first half brace from Lyle Foster had put the hosts in complete control of the match but Liberia responded in the second half with goals from Tonia Tisdell and Mohammed Sangare to secure a valuable draw.

Reigning AFCON champions, Senegal, moved to within touching distance of guaranteed qualification with a 5-1 demolition of Mozambique in Dakar, as Youssouf Sabaly, Sadio Mane, Iliman Ndiaye, Boulaye Dia and Habib Diallo helped themselves to the goals.

Seven times champions, Egypt maintained their top spot in Group D with a 2-0 home win over Malawi in Cairo, the goals from coming from Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush, while Equatorial Guinea defeated 10-man Botswana 2-0 with strikes from Saul Coco and Federico Bikoro to take top spot in Group J.

Burkina Faso beat Togo 1-0 in their Group B match in Marrakesh while Mali proved too strong for Gambia in Bamako, claiming a third straight win in Group G as Kamory Doumbia and Adama Traore scored the goals in a 2-0 victory.

Related Topics:AFCON Defeat Featured Guinea-Bissau Nigeria Super Eagles

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Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

10 hours ago

November 21, 2024

Isaac Dachen

Ghana and Leicester City winger, Abdul Fatawu, has been ruled out of the rest of the EPL season after suffering an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury during Ghana’s 1-1 draw with Angola in a 2025 AFCON match during the international break.

Leicester coach, Steve Cooper, who announced the news on Thursday, said the 20-year-old enterprising player suffered a “serious” knee injury which will see him out for the rest of the season.

“It’s not good, it’s a serious injury,” Cooper said ahead of his side’s home tie against Chelsea on Saturday.

“He’s had an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury that is going to rule him out for the rest of the season. It’s a real blow, first and foremost for him, being a young player and having an injury as serious as what an ACL is.

“Albeit, it can be quite common in sport and in particular football, but it’s still a serious injury. For it to happen at a young age is a blow for him and a blow for us as well.

“He’s obviously a big talent and a young player, as exciting as he can be at his age, with lots to learn.

“It’s only a pause and we will make sure, as difficult as it is at the moment for him, that he comes back being a stronger player and person, which with the mentality and character that he has, I think will be the case,” the gaffer said.

Fatawu has been a key player for the Foxes, helping them gain promotion last season and has played 11 times for them in the league during the present campaign, scoring two goals.

Sports

SA football legend Lucas ‘Masterpieces’ Moripe passes away

Published

1 day ago

November 20, 2024

Isaac Dachen

South African football legend, Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe, has passed away at the age of 71 after a long battle with illness.

According to South African media, Moripe lit up the country’s football fields in the 1970s and became a rallying point for football in the country, especially in the apartheid era.

“Moripe, who mesmerised opponents and spectators alike during an injury ravaged career, spent his last years confined to a wheelchair after suffering a stroke, and died at his home on Tuesday at the age of 71,” one media report said.

“Moripe, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players the country has produced by those who saw him play, was called “the god of football”’ by adoring fans during the early 1970s in a nod to his natural talents.

“He was feared by defenders and goalkeepers and his style of play was synonymous with flair, finesse and the golden era of South African football.

“In recent years Moripe was confined to a wheelchair after suffering a mild stroke that was worsened by the effects of a long-term knee injury that stopped his playing career in the late 1980s.

“Throughout his career, Moripe played for the Orlando Pirates and the Pretoria Callies, winning the respect of both teammates and supporters.

“In 2010, the Atteridgeville Super Stadium was renamed the Lucas “Masterpieces” Moripe Stadium in honor of his noteworthy achievements to South African football. Major football games are still held at this stadium, which now stands as a tribute to his legacy.

“Moripe’s career highlights include leading Pretoria Callies to victory against top clubs and earning the 1973 NPSL Player of the Year and Sportsman of the Year titles.

“He also played internationally for Caroline Hill in Hong Kong and briefly for Orlando Pirates. Persistent knee injuries ended his playing career in the late 1980s.”