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

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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.

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Kenyan marathon legend Kipchoge advises young athletes to prioritize success over money

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Kenyan marathon legend, Eliud Kipchoge, has advised young athletes to place success ahead of quick money and riches.

The former world marathon record holder who gave the admonition in an interview with TelecomAsiaSport, urged upcoming athletes to prioritise their careers and personal values over the lure of fast money

He noted that in light of rising mental health concerns and growing cases of doping in sports, young athletes must to shift their focus from chasing quick financial gains to building lasting careers with integrity and resilience.

Kipchoge, a two-time Olympic gold medallist and celebrated for his record-breaking marathon runs, said since retiring from the sport, he has dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of sportsmen and women.

“I am trying to talk to the young people because no one has really gone under the skin of athletes,” he said.

‘There is a lot going on under their skins but above all we need to sensitise them that life is not all about money.

“You need to have your own values as a person, and that is what should drive you,” Kipchoge emphasised.

He added that his hopes are to use his influence to guide young athletes in prioritising personal values, mental well-being, and career longevity over the fleeting allure of fame and money.

The marathon great reiterated that he is deeply concerned with the current state of affairs, especially as he sees the tragic impacts of depression and substance abuse on those who struggle to cope.

He made particular reference to the deaths of young athletes who succumbed to the pressures of the industry, citing the tragic death of former world Under-20 champion, Kipyegon Bett, who passed away after battling depression and alcoholism, according to close family members.

He also mentioned the demise o Clement Kemboi, a former All Africa Games steeplechase champion, who was found to have taken his own life at his home in Iten.

“I will still continue talking to them. And if all of us can come together and get our minds together, we can get rid of these things. It is unfortunate that we can lose athletes at such a young age, and it is more unfortunate that we can have young people get into depression and die.”

He attributes much of the current doping crisis to the culture of seeking quick, easy money, rather than focusing on building a reputation of dedication and integrity, adding that he has witnessed how the pressure for financial success can steer young athletes down dangerous paths, often leading to doping as a shortcut to fame and prosperity.

Despite the challenges, Kipchoge said he remains hopeful that a positive shift is possible if athletes receive the right mentorship and guidance early in their careers.

“There is a need for athletes to understand that a fulfilling life extends beyond medals and money. The fame and fortune are secondary to the peace and pride of knowing you did it the right way,” he concluded.

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South Africa’s FA president Danny Jordaan arrested on fraud, theft allegations

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The President of South African Football Association (SAFA), Danny Jordaan, has been arrested on allegations of fraud and theft.

Jordaan, who was pivotal to the country hosting the first-ever FIFA World Cup tournament in Africa in 2010, is being accused of using about R1.3 million ($72,372) of SAFA funds to hire a PR firm and a private security company for his personal benefit.

His arrest follows a raid carried out by the country’s Special Investigating Unit (SPU) at the offices of SAFA in March where it was alleged that an assortment of electronic gadgets and files were seized for further investigation, thus leading to the arrest.

SA Police spokesperson, Katlego Mogale, who confirmed Jordaan’s arrest, told journalists that he was
arrested along with one other official and a businessman and are expected to appear in the Palm Ridge Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

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