Sports

AWC Qualifying: Nigeria stumbles again as Egypt, Algeria, Gabon maintain perfect start

Published

1 year ago

November 20, 2023

The African edition of the FIFA 2026 World Cup has continued to throw up surprises as Nigeria once again had to come from behind to draw 1-1 away against Zimbabwe courtesy of a second half equaliser through Leicester City forward, Kelechi Iheanacho.

The Group C match played on the neutral Butare, Rwanda, was sparked into life when Walter Musona’s 35-yard free-kick flew past the much vilified Super Eagles goalkeeper, Francis Uzoho and nested in the top right-hand corner in the 26th minute.

The star-studded Eagles with a squad made up of Europe-based players, had to wait till midway through the second half when Iheanacho slid in a cut-back from Moses Simon.

In a group made up of supposed minnows like Lesotho and Zimbabwe, Nigeria has managed to pick up two paltry points after being held to a 1-1 draw by Lesotho in their first match on Thursday, and again failing to beat Zimbabwe in the second.

Meanwhile, Egypt maintained their 100% start in the qualifiers after beating Sierra Leone 2-0, with former Aston Villa midfielder, Trezeguet grabbing a goal in either half.

In other matches played, Algeria beat Mozambique 2-0 away in Maputo, with second half goals from Fares Chaibi and Ramiz Zerrouki seeing off the hosts in Group G, who had the better of proceedings before the break.

Gabon also made it two wins from two with a 2-1 away victory over Burundi in neutral Dar es Salaam in Group F.

Jim Allevinah set the Panthers on their way in the 35th minute by guiding in a cut-back, before Denis Bouanga made it 2-0 with seven minutes remaining when he slotted into an empty net from 45 yards out after an attempted clearance by goalkeeper Jonathan Nahimana fell to him.

Abedi Bigirimana volleyed in to pull one back with three minutes left but Gabon held on to move top of the group.

Africa has a guaranteed nine qualifiers for the 2026 finals in Canada, Mexico and the United States, with all group winners booking a spot at the tournament with the qualifiers continuing on Monday, with Ivory Coast and Mali among the 12 sides that will be in action.

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Sports

Wafcon 2024 draw throws up interesting pairings

Published

1 day ago

November 23, 2024

Isaac Dachen

The draw for the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon) holding in Morocco from July 5 to 26 next year which was held on Friday, threw up some interesting match-ups to look forward to as hosts Morocco found themselves in what has been described as the group of death.

The Atlas Lionesses will have to contend with Zambia, DR Congo and Senegal in Group A, while Group B has record 11-time continental champions, the Super Falcons of Nigeria slugging it out with Tunisia, Algeria and Botswana, just as current defending champions, Banyana Banyana of South Africa will do battle with Ghana, Mali and Tanzania in Group C.

The top two sides in each group will progress to the quarter-finals, alongside the two best third-placed finishers.

Though qualification for the 2024 Wafcon was completed in December last year, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), was forced to push the finals into 2025 because of international football’s congested calendar, which included the participation of Nigeria and Zambia at the Olympics.

Morocco also staged the 2022 edition of Wafcon, ending as runners-up, and former international Fatiha Laassiri believes home support will provide “a real advantage” next year.

Wafcon 2024 group draw with world ranking in brackets:

Group A: Morocco (hosts, 59), Zambia (62), Senegal (83), DR Congo (102).

Group B: Nigeria (36), Tunisia (78), Algeria (84), Botswana (153).

Group C: South Africa (holders, 50), Ghana (66), Mali (81), Tanzania (145).

Sports

Ghanaian winger Fatawu out for season with ACL injury

Published

3 days 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.