Sports

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

Published

3 weeks 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

Zimbabwe seals last gasp winner over Ireland in T20 Series opener

Published

3 hours ago

December 8, 2023

Akanimoh Etim

Host, Zimbabwe, started its 2023 T20 Series on a winning note after rallying back to defeat Ireland from 88-7 to 106-7 in their pursuit of an 118 to end the tie for victory, with the home side requiring 12 runs from as many deliveries at that point.

In the thrilling game played in Harare on Thursday, Ireland’s fightback was not enough as they fell just short as Zimbabwe sealed a last-ball win in the series opener.

Ireland had earlier taken control of the game and posted 147-8 while the hosts needed nine runs from their final over, winning it with two from Blessing Muzarabani off the last delivery.

Captain Sikandar Raza who was voted man of the match, took three wickets and scored 65 to lead their run chase.

Raza was supported with the bat by Wesley Madhevere, who scored 25, with wicketkeeper Clive Madande hitting 20.

Two further T20 contests between the sides will take place at the Harare Sports Club on Saturday and Sunday before three one-day games at the same venue on 13, 15 and 17 December.

Sports

CAF Award: Osimhen, Salah, Hakimi make fiinal three shortlist

Published

1 day ago

December 7, 2023

Akanimoh Etim

In-form Nigeria and Napoli striker, Victor Osimhen, has made the final three-man list for the 2023 CAF Men’s Player of the Year Award which will hold on December 11 in Marrakesh, Morocco.

Osimhen, who had a sterling last season where he led Napoli to its first Italian league title in 33 years with 26 goals to end as the first African player to win the top scorer award in the Serie A, will battle for the crown with Egyptian captain and Liverpool star, Mohamed Salah, and Moroccan defender, Achraf Hakimi, who plays for PSG in the French Ligue One.

Many football pundits in the continent have so far tipped the Lagos-born Osimhen to pick the diadem ahead of Salah and Hakimi.

The latest to give the gong to the former Lille player was mercurial ex-Super Eagles captain, Austin ‘Jay Jay’ Okocha, who believes Osimhen has done enough to be named CAF Player of the Year for 2023 after his exploits with his Italian club and the Eagles.

In an interview on Wednesday, Okocha said the 24-year-old Osimhen’s consistency at the highest level had won him the prestigious gong already.

“Osimhen deserves it because for me, he was the most consistent player of last season,” the former PSG midfield star said in the interview.

If Osimhen goes ahead to win the award, he will be the second Nigerian player to achieve the feat after Nwankwo Kanu who won the CAF Player of the Year Award in 1999.