Ghana trash Lesotho 7-0

The floodlights are restored

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The Black Stars are in for a goal harvest as they lead the Crocodiles of Lesotho by 3-0 in the first 45 minutes of the World Cup qualifier which is under way at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium.
Skipper Sulley Muntari opened the scoring with a terrific strike from a well rehearsed freekick with just 16 minutes played.
The AC Milan star is easily the man of the match so far with his long searching balls one of which located Jordan Ayew who dummied the goal keeper on the stroke of half time and slotted the ball into an empty net.
Dominic Adiyiah showed why coach Akwasi Appiah kept faith in him by scoring the second goal with a great individual effort.
It has been an incredible team performance with the Stars playing a free flowing game with great telepathy from Derek Boateng and Agyemang Badu in midfield.
Goal keeper Adam Kwarasey has virtually been on a holiday because the Crocodiles are yet to make any effort at goal.
For the first half its Ghana 3, Lesotho 0 a Friday afternoon stroll at the park it appears to be for the Black Stars.

 

Power has been restored at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium after nearly an hour of hold up and the World Cup qualifier between the Black Stars of Ghana and the Crocodiles of Lesotho which was suspended due to the flood lights at the stadium not functioning is underway.
The Black Stars of Ghana who raced to a 3 goal lead in the first half are now 7 goals up. Sulley Muntari opened the scoring with a terrific strike from a well rehearsed freekick with just 16 minutes played with Dominic Adiyiah scoring a brace.
Jordan Ayew dummied the goal keeper on the stroke of half time and slotted the ball into an empty net for Ghana's fourth goal.
Substitute Chritian Atsu who came on for Sulley Muntari added his name to the score sheet when he curled in a beautiful shot in the 85th minute from the outside of the Lesotho penalty box.
Jordan Ayew then latched onto a rebound in the 90th, before defender Jerry Akaminko outjumped the Lesotho goalie and powered home a header for the seventh goal.

Sulley Muntari on Ghana vs Lesotho encounter

Sulley Muntari has challenged his Ghana teammates to expect a tough contest in the qualifying for the 2014 FIFA World Cup as they prepare to kick off their chase of a third straight appearance in the finals.

The Black Stars open their qualifying campaign in Group D at the Baba Yara Stadium against Lesotho on Friday as the African qualifiers enters the second round stage.

Following appearances at the two previous World Cups, Ghana find themselves in a tough group which includes African champions, Zambia and Sudan.

Only one team from the four-nation group will progress to the third round where the ten teams that advance from the second round will be paired into five home-and-away series to determine the final sides that reach Brazil.

Muntari, who has been promoted to the captaincy in the absence of John Mensah says the Black Stars are braced up for a difficult campaign.

“Yeah, before you go to the World Cup, everything is difficult. Even if it’s one game or if you are in the final to win the Cup, it’s difficult," said Muntari, who will captain Ghana against Lesotho.

“Everything is difficult in football. We are just looking forward to the game on Friday and we want to win and want to be in the World Cup.”

Muntari, a campaigner in both of Ghana's World Cup appearances and with two goals to his name is determined to help the Black Stars to a third successive finals.

“The World Cup is an amazing event and every player wants to play in the World Cup. I personally want to do it for the third time," the Ghana midfielder said.

"By doing that we have to start winning. So, we want to do that against Lesotho and then we will go to Zambia."

Harrison Afful, Adiyiah named in Ghana squad against Zambia, Lesotho

Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah has named his 30-man squad for next month's 2014 World Cup qualifiers against Lesotho and Zambia.

Europe-based youngsters Ishmael Yartey and Christian Atsu were among the six players who were handed their maiden Black Stars call-ups.

Nine home-based players were also named in the squad with Berekum Chelsea trio of Ernest Sowah, Emmanuel Clottey and Richard Kissi Boateng included.

The team will start a non-residential camp in Accra on 21 May, 2012.

The squad will be pruned before the team departs to Kumasi on 27th May ahead of the match against Lesotho on 1st June, 2012.

Ghana face Lesotho in Kumasi for Appiah's first game before they play Zambia on June 9 in Ndorla.

Ghana Squad

Goalkeepers: Adam Kwarasey (Stromsgodset, Norway), Robert Dabuo (Wa All Stars), Daniel Adjei (Liberty Professionals), Ernest Sowah (Berekum Chelsea)

Defenders: Samuel Inkoom (Dnipro, Ukraine), Daniel Opare (Standard Liege, Belgium), Harrison Afful (Esperance, Tunisia), Richard Kissi Boateng (Berekum Cheslea), Masawudu Alhassan (Genoa, Italy), John Boye (Rennes, France), Lee Addy (Dalian Aerbin, China), Daniel Addo (Arsenal Kyiv, Ukraine) Rashid Sumaila (Dwarfs), Jerry Akaminko (Manisaspor, Turkey), Isaac Vorsah (Hoffenheim, Germany)

Midfielders: Anthony Annan (Vitesse Arnhem, Netherlands), Derek Boateng (Dnipro, Ukraine), Emmanuel Agyemang Badu (Udinese ,Italy), Rabiu Mohammed (Evian, France) Richard Mpong (Medema) Albert Adomah (Bristol City, England), Christian Atsu (Rio Ave, Portugal), Ishamel Yartey, (Servette, Switzerland), Sulley Muntari (AC Milan, Italy), Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese, Italy).

Forwards: Jordan Ayew (Marseille, France), Dominic Adiyiah (Arsenal Kyiv, Ukraine), Ben Acheampong (Kotoko), Emmanuel Baffour (New Edubiase), Emmanuel Clottey (Berekum Chelsea).

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Zambia are AFCON2012 champions

...Zambia became African2012 champions. The end.


Orange Man of the competition:Christopher Katongo (Zambia)

Fair Play Trophy: Cote d'Ivoire

Orange CAN 2012 Best IX

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Goal keeper

16 KENNEDY MWEENE (Zambia)

Defenders

6 GOSSO JEAN-JACQUES GOSSO (CIV)
13 STOPPILA SUNZU (Zambia)
5 JOHN MENSAH (Ghana)
3 ADAMA TAMBOURA (Mali)


Midfielders

20 EMMANUEL MAYUKA (Zambia)
19 YAYA GNEGNERI TOURE (CIV)
10 KOUASSI GERVAIS YAO (CIV)
12 SEYDOU KEITA (Mali)

Strikers

11 CHRISTOPHER KATONGO (Zambia)
11 DIDIER DROGBA (CIV)


Substitutions

1 BOUBACAR BARRY (CIV)
4 Fernando DA GRACIA GOMEZ (EQG)
7 YOUSSEF MSAKNI (Tunisia)
9 MATEUS CONTREIRAS MANUCHO (Angola) 
9 PIERRE EMERICK AUBAMEYANG (Gabon)
9 SADIO DIALLO (Guinea)
9 CHEICK TIDIANE DIABATE (Mali)
11 ERIC MOULOUNGUI (Gabon)
13 HOUSSINE KHARJA (Morocco)
17 MUDATHIR ELTAIB IBRAHIM (Sudan)
17RAINFORD KALABA (Zambia)
20 KWADWO ASAMOAH (Ghana)

Renard – “I dedicate the victory to Kalusha”

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Zambia coach Herve Renard has dedicated his team’s title triumph at the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations to Chipolopolo legend Kalusha Bwalya for giving him the opportunity to handle the team.

 

Kalusha, considered the finest Zambian footballer of all time heads the country’s football federation and the Frenchman describes the feat as a thank you package for the impact in his coaching career. Incidentally, Kalusha escaped the April 28, 1993 air plane crash involving the Zambian team in Gabon on their way to Senegal for a World Cup qualifier because he had to fly to Dakar from his European base.

 

“He is the best Zambian player of the last century and he escaped the plane crash. He was criticized for giving me the second chance. I dedicate the victory to him because he gave me the opportunity to coach. I also thank Claude Le Roy for giving me my first experience in Africa as assistant coach in 2008 with Ghana.”

 

Renard added that his team was destined to win the title after a campaign that saw them start every game as underdogs.

 

“It was unrealisable before the start of the tournament and we realised we have to believe in ourselves. We were not the best team but have the strength to fight on.

 

“We wanted to honour the dead players and that strengthened us. Our first game was against Senegal and the team was on its way to Senegal for a match when the plane crashed. The plane crashed in Gabon and we won the final in Gabon. It is a sign of destiny.”

 

The Frenchman is hoping that the performance of his team will open bigger doors for most of them to play in Europe.

Zahoui – “We lacked efficiency”

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Cote d’Ivoire coach Francois Zahoui has said his team paid the price for being inefficient in the loss to Zambia in the final of the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday in Libreville.

 

The Elephants lost 7-8 on penalties to the Chipolopolos after 120 minutes of action failed to produce a winner at a packed Stade de l'amitie.

 

“We lacked efficiency, had our chances but failed to score. We are very disappointed with the result. I reckoned a tough game and we could have won in normal time. We had a problem during the penalties,” the Ivorian told a press conference after the match.

 

Visibly disturbed by the outcome of a game they were ranked clear cut favourites, Zahoui expressed his thoughts with his team especially the older generation after coming close and yet so far again. The Ivorians lost on penalties to Egypt in 2006, placed fourth two years later in Ghana and crashed out at the last eight in Angola in 2010.

 

“It was game we could not afford to lose. We knew it was going to be difficult and really wanted to win. It was a difficult moment for my players. This generation are lionhearted and they wanted to win something for themselves.

 

“It is difficult to end this way after playing very well at the tournament; scoring nine goals and not conceding. We came here with a lot of ambition. The biggest lesson is that the players demonstrated maturity throughout the tournament.”

 

For Zahoui, his immediate target is to qualify for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted in South Africa and has promised to keep his team intact.

 

“We have a good team but have to accept the result and move on. We will do our best to qualify for CAN 2013.”

 

The Elephants took consolation in being adjudged the Fair Play team of the tournament.

 

Zambia hold nerve to beat Ivory Coast, take title

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Zambia conjured up a shock when they toppled star-studded Ivory Coast 8-7 in a penalty shoot-out to claim their first ever Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday.
   With the sides goalless after extra time Zambia's Stoppila Sunzu converted the magic spot kick after Arsenal striker Gervinho missed for the Elephants.
   The result meant misery for hot favourites Ivory Coast, who failed to claim the title despite not conceding a goal throughout the entire competition until Sunday's shootout.
   It also revived memories for Didier Drogba, who missed a penalty in the second half of normal time, and company of their 2006 penalty shoot out final defeat to Egypt in Cairo.
   Zambia, motivated by the memory of the 1993 national team wiped out in a plane crash off the Libreville coast, went into the 2012 climax as outsiders.
   But they covered themselves with glory, hassling and harrowing their star-studded rivals all the way to the penalty shoot-out, and then holding their nerve to prevail in the dramatic, barely watchable denouement.
   Ivory Coast coach Francois Zahoui fielded the same side that saw off Mali 1-0 in the semi-final.
   His Zambian counterpart, Herve Renard, recalled striker Emmanuel Mayuka, after his starring role in getting the decisive goal in the 1-0 last four defeat over Ghana.
   He joined captain Christopher Katongo in spearheading the Chipolopolo's (Copper Bullets) attack.
   Russian-based midfielder Chisamba Lungu came in for Francis Kasonde.   A minute of silence was observed before kick-off in memory of the 74 people killed in the Port Said stadium slaughter in Egypt.
   The game was only seconds old when Zambia almost took a shock lead, with keeper Boubacar Barry doing well to save Nathan Sinkala's close range shot off Katongo's quick pass from a Rainford Kalaba corner.
   Renard was forced into an unscripted change when defender Joseph Musonda limped off in tears on 11 minutes - Nyambe Mulenga took his place.
   A shaky start by Ivory Coast gave Zambia hope of an upset and Kalaba's 30m freekick wasn't far away after taking a deflection off Cheik Tiote's leg.
   The Elephants put together their best passage of play approaching the half hour mark, a neat Drogba backheel setting up Yaya Toure only for the Manchester City midfielder's angled shot to go wide of the far post.
   A hugely promising first half from Zambia had the Elephants' defence, marshalled by Kolo Toure, under more pressure than they would have wanted, with Katongo leading from the front.
      The second half began with a deathly hush descending on the stadium - the final in desperate need of the kiss of life in the guise of a goal.
   And on 72 minutes one should have come after Ivory Coast were awarded a penalty when Issac Chansa and Mulenga barged into Gervinho.
   Drogba stepped up but his woeful attempt went soaring into the night sky, even though he appeared to divert blame to the pitch, glaring at the spot.
   This was his second miss from the spot after he had a penalty saved in the quarter-final win over Equatorial Guinea, where he went on to score twice.
   One minute later Max Gradel's shot from the box had Zambia keeper Kennedy Mweene beaten, but it rolled wide of the far post.
   In the 95th minute, substitute Felix Katongo crossed from the right for his brother Christopher with only Barry's toe diverting the goalbound ball off the near post.
   There was high drama once the penalty shoot out got underway, with Kolo Toure missing the Ivorians seventh penalty, but Zambia's Kalaba also missing his to leave the sides still inseparable.
   Then after Gervinho failed in his attempt it was left to Sunzu, the defender who plays his club football in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to give Zambia a historic first title, and consign Ivory Coast to another wretched defeat.

AFCON2012 Diabate brace hands Mali bronze

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A goal in each half from striker Diabate Cheick Tidiane powered Mali to a 2-0 win over Ghana in the third place match on Saturday in Malabo.

 

The lanky striker ensured Mali ended the tournament with their heads high after seeing off a Ghana team that failed to gel in the battle for bronze. The Black Stars who ended the game with a man less after Isaac Vorsah was sent off in the closing stages of the game appeared yet to overcome their semi final blow in a game they managed an ordinary output.

 

It was the second match between the two sides at the tournament with Ghana winning the earlier encounter at the group phase 2-0.

 

Mali made clear their intent from the onset and threatened the Ghanaian defence, marshalled around stand-in captain John Paintsil, Lee Addy, Vorsah and Jonatah Mensah.

 

On 23 minutes, Diabate broke the deadlock from close range after Ghana goalie Adam Larsen Kwarasey spilled an earlier effort unto his path.

 

Youngster Jordan Ayew led the Ghanaian attack but failed to break through the Malian defence which remained resolute.

 

Ghana coach brought on Prince Tagoe and Sulley Muntari for Samuel Inkoom and Mohammed Abu respectively at the start of the second half and the later made their presence felt minutes later.

 

The swift Malians remained in control of possession and on 64 minutes, Vorsah was sent off after second yellow card for fouling Diabate. The numerical advantage worked for the Malians and the second goal will soon come.

 

On 80 minutes, Diabate sealed victory with the second goal by connecting a cross from Adama Tamboura on the left.

 

The feat is the best outing for the Malians in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations since 1972 where they won silver. The Eagles were also fourth in 1994, 2002 and 2004.

 

Finalists Zambia visit the site of 1993 Tragedy

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The 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations finalists, Zambia led by the country’s football association president, Kalusha Bwalya visited the site of the tragic air-crash that killed the Zambia team 19 years ago.  By reaching the final on Sunday were Chipolopolo will meet Ivory Coast, Zambia found themselves in Libreville, Gabon and as Bwalya put it, it was only right that they turned up at the site to remember and honour the gallant fallen heroes of 1993. 

The Zambian players and staff laid reefs during a somber and moving short ceremony on a Libreville beach in Gabon. Bwalya who was a member of the ill-fated team in 1993 but was to make a separate journey from his club base in Netherlands went on to give a brief speech in which he summed up the visit in the phrase “Their dreams are our dreams”, talking about his departed team-mates.

 He went on to say “It is no coincidence that we are here today. We have worked hard as a team and through a collective effort involving many people however; I am convinced that our dearly departed brothers that lost their lives here 19 years ago have lent a helping hand. In 1993, the Chipolopolo came here to fulfill a promise. They did not succeed, but instead gave up their lives for a gallant cause - the dream to bring glory to Our Country, Mother Zambia. It is the same cause that brings us here today, the only difference is that we are alive and our former team mates are no longer here. They are shining down on us from heaven as we take part as finalists in this tournament. We pray that their souls will forever rest in Peace and that God give us the strength and the courage to fulfill our dreams and theirs. ” Concluded Bwalya

 

South Sudan joins African football family

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South Sudan has become the latest National Association of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) taking the membership of the continent’s soccer governing body to 54. The South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) was unanimously admitted during the 34th CAF Ordinary General Assembly held on Thursday in Libreville, Gabon.

CAF President Issa Hayatou explained that the admission of the SSFA has become necessary following the recognition of the nation by international organisations and. Earlier CAF General Secretary Hicham El-Amrani said the admission of the world’s newest nation comes in the wake of the SSFA’s compliance with the statutes of the Confederation despite its short tenure of existence.

He said the SSFA and the Government of South Sudan has shown commitment to the respect of the CAF Statute and the provision of infrastructure for the development and promotion of the sport. South Sudan’s Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Dr. Cirino Iteng Ofuho presented a flag of the country to CAF President Hayatou to symbolize their formal entry into the African football, whilst Hayatou reciprocated with the CAF flag.

 Oliver Mori Benjamin, President of the SSFA expressed gratitude to the assembly for the unanimous support on their admission into the African football family. “It is a great moment that the newest nation has been admitted into CAF. Today marks eight months since the birth of the country and 10 months of existence of the provisional SSFA.

“We thank CAF and FIFA for sending a delegation to inspect our facilities when we made our intentions. We pledge to help promote football in Africa without recourse to the reverse gear. Our government is very committed to the developing football and sports in general ,sports,” said Benjamin.

Lighting of ‘Flame of Peace’ to herald Orange CAN 2012 final match

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The final match of the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations between Cote d’Ivoire and Zambia scheduled for Sunday, February 12 at the Stade de l’amitie will be heralded by the lighting of the ‘Flame of Peace.’

 

CAF President Issa Hayatou will be joined by Ali Bongo Ondimba (President of Gabon), Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (President of Equatorial Guinea) and Dr. Jean Ping (Chairperson of the Commission of the African Union) to light the ‘Flame of Peace’ before the final match.

 

The ‘Flame of Peace’ symbolises the commitment to make peace a reality on the continent.

 

CAF and its partner, African Union (Union) have resolved to strengthened peace in Africa through football.

 

The final match will kick off at 20h30 (local time).

CAF donates $150,000 USD to support families of Port Said tragedy

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The CAF Executive Committee under the chairmanship of CAF President Issa Hayatou at its meeting on Saturday (Feb. 11, 2012), in Libreville (Gabon) approved a financial support of $150,000 USD to the families of the victims of the Port Said tragedy.

 

Over 70 fans lost their lives and scores injured during an Egyptian Premier League match between Al-Masry and Al-Ahly on February 1, 2011 in Port Said.

 

It would be recalled that the CAF flag has been flying at half mast since the tragic event. Also, a minute of silence is observed in honour of the victims from the quarter finals stage till the final of the ongoing 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations.

Zahoui – We are ready for the title

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Cote d’Ivoire coach Francois Zahoui is satisfied with his team reaching the final of 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations, where they are due to face Zambia on Sunday in Libreville, Gabon.

 

For Zahoui, his satisfaction won’t be complete without the title, which has eluded the Elephants since 1992.

 

“We took a giant step by reaching the grand final and my joy will be complete when win the title. We are just one step away from that feat.”

 

“Achieving this success is the result of hard work from all stakeholders; the Football Association, supporters, technical staff and playing body. I’m lucky to have these talented and experienced players having participated in the last three editions of the Africa Cup of Nations. I can see determination in their eyes. They want to lift to the trophy.”

 

Zahoui, 51, considered back -to-back victories at the quarters and semis means getting closer to their target.

 

“If you want to win the title, you have to keep winning. It’s not about performing exceptionally. The most important thing is winning.

 

“We came here for that and have the experience to achieve it. The pitch will decide and the results are our target. We have won all our matches and is left with the key game.”

 

Zahoui recalls that they are primed for the title, which they last won in 1992 after a clean sheet in their previous matches at the tournament.

 

On Zambia, the Ivorian said: “Zambia is a big team and have a strong squad with good player. They are enthusiastic and play with high spirits and are not in the final by coincidence. It was unexpected but they deserve to be here and they a good coach too.”

 

Zahoui added that his players are ready for the game in their quest to break the jinx.

 

“It will be a balanced game and we will play only to win. It’s the same story with Zambia, but I know how to tackle them.

 

“My players are ready and highly motivated to win the title. This generation has failed several times and now they have the chance,” Zahoui concluded.

Chris Katongo - It doesn’t get much bigger than this game

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His goals and leadership has taken Zambia to their third Africa Cup of Nations final and Christopher Katongo says he and his teammates are ready for one more battle. On Sunday 12^th February Katongo will lead his side onto the field to contest the final against Ivory Coast and he told Cafonline.com that hardwork and teamwork has been the cornerstone of their success so far.

Cafonline.com: How are the preparations for the final going?

Katongo: Training is going on well and as you can see the boys enjoy preparing for matches and we are all excited but focused ahead of the final. We just will just wait and see on Sunday but we all know this is the biggest game of our lives.

Cafonline.com: Having beaten Ghana how do you guard against complacency for the next game?

Katongo: I think there will not be any complacency from this side. We won’t relax because we have beaten so-called big teams along the way but instead we will continue to work hard. Our match against Sudan, a team without big names was the toughest we have played here at the finals. The guys want to make a name for themselves and if we can beat the so called giants and playing well, it’s a huge international stage so there won’t be any room for complacency

Cafonline.com: Is reaching the final already a victory for Zambia?

Katongo: Certainly not, we know it has been a great run to get this far but we are not here to cheer Ivory Coast to the trophy. We firmly believe in our ability and the quality we have. After all nobody can tell which way it will go on Sunday, There were many predictions before the tournament with Ghana and Ivory Coast called co-favourites. In our group some said it would be Senegal and Libya going through, so a lot has been said but we are in the final to win it.

Cafonline.com: Ivory Coast with big name players will start as favourites to win, is it fair to say so?

Katongo: That might be so when you look at it but the 90 minutes will tell. We respect Ivory Coast and yes they have quality players but it be 11 men against 11. You must know however that football is not played in the media or verbal, yes their big names but at the end of the day they have to prove it on the pitch by beating us and to prove that they are a big name team they will have to defeat us on the field and that will not be easy for them

Cafonline.com: You have been in fine form and scoring when some thought your best days were behind you, what have you done differently?

Katongo: No I still have energy to play and l only turn 30 this year and l know there have been these stories about my demise but that not true. I scored 3 goals in 5 qualifiers and for me that a good strike rate but there will always be doubters out there. I don’t see myself retiring soon and I still have more to give to the national team. People who know me should not be surprised. I am a consistent player and so expect more from me.

 

Adding the final touch to the adidas ball for the final

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A few days after the draw for the sixteen teams that made the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations finals had been conducted in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, work started on preparing the match balls for the entire competition out at adidas in Germany. All the match balls at the Gabon and Equatorial Guinea carried the inscription of the two competing teams, the match venue and the date. Back at adidas in early November the group stage match balls were prepared with the writing on the balls done using a pet printing method.  According to Peter Sauerhammer  a graphic designer and screen printer with adidas Group this is the first time the printing of the match balls for every match (32 of them) at Africa Cup of Nations finals has been done.  For each game sixteen (16) match balls are printed. The match balls for the group stage games were printed in Germany using a technique called pet-printing.  

Peter Sauerhammer travelled to Libreville arriving in Gabon on the 1^st of February to work on printing the match balls for quarter finals until the very end. “So l follow the action on television watching the knockout matches and once l get confirmation from CAF on the teams meeting in the next match l start my work”  said Peter Sauerhammer.

A different printing method was used from the quarter final stage. “Instead of pet-printing we use heat-transfers and this is so because, there are a few requirements needed among them colour chemicals for pet-printing but with the heat transfer method not so much material is required “ said Peter Sauerhammer . We made the heat transfers back in Germany and each team had 35 made. An equal number was made for venues and dates too. Basically the process of printing on the match ball involves cutting up the letters required and laying them out on the transfer before l stick them on the ball and press on the ball with a machine that generates 160 heat temperature for  10 seconds . I give it an additional 5 seconds for safety before l remove the tape to inspect the work, added Peter Sauerhammer as he demonstrated in his Libreville hotel office while working on the 16 match balls for match N0 32. That is the final match of 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations and there it was printed on the match ball

ZAMBIA : COTE D’IVOIRE

            FINAL

LIBREVILLE, STADE DE L’AMITIE

         12.02.2012

BlackStars, Eagles battle for third place

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Ghana and Mali will both look to put the disappointment of their semifinal defeats behind them when they meet in the Africa Cup of Nations third-place playoff in Malabo on Saturday night, with kick-off set for 20h00 local time.

 

The Black Stars, as one of the pre-tournament favourites, will be especially disappointed to be playing in this match. They dominated large parts of their semifinal against Chipolopolo, but missed chances – including a penalty from Asamoah Gyan – cost them dear.

 

However, Samuel Inkoom insists that Ghana will be able to raise their game and end the tournament on a high when they meet Mali’s Eagles tonight.

 

"We need to go all out to get something," he told ghanafa.org.

 

"It is unfortunate that we could not take the trophy, that was out target but I believe we have to do something for the nation.

 

"It might be third place but it's another game and important to win for our country.

 

"We will pick up ourselves and go into the game. We have psyched ourselves up and will do our best."

 

Ghana defeated Mali 2-0 in the teams’ Group D match thanks to goals from Gyan and Andre Ayew, but Inkoom does not believe that will have any bearing on the bronze playoff.

 

"It won't be easy," he said. "They will come for revenge but we will do our maximum best to beat them again."

 

Mali went down 1-0 in a hard-fought match against Ivory Coast in the semifinals. It continued their horrendous run in the last-four stage of the competition (they have lost four semis and last appeared in the final back in 1972), but defender Ousmane Berthe insists that the Eagles are proud of their efforts at the tournament.

 

"I'm happy, because I'm here today, because we were in the semifinal, and I'm going to try hard to get third place," Berthe said after the defeat to the Elephants.

 

Ghana will be without four key players for the match: John Mensah and Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu are both injured, while Derek Boateng and John Boye are suspended. Mali have no such worries, though coach Alain Giresse is likely to use his squad’s fringe players anyway.

 

Renard Zambia ready to face any team

Zambia coach Herve Renard has declared they are ready for any opponent after sealing their place at the semis of the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations.

 

The Chipolopolos are the first team to reach the last four of the tournament after goals by Sunzu Stoppila, Christopher Katongo and James Chamanga aided them to a 3-0 win over Zambia in their quarter final clash on Saturday in Bata.

 

Zambia are due to face the winner of the Ghana-Tunisia quarter final clash at the semis and the Frenchman says “we are not afraid of any team.”

 

In a post-match interview, Renard described the feat as historic being the first time the Chipolopolos were reaching the medal zone since 1996.

 

“We expected a difficult match, having played Sudan a couple of times in the CECAFA tournament. We started very well but were sluggish in the second half, till a minute of magic by Rainford Kalaba gave birth to a penalty for the second goal.

 

“Our target was to reach the semi final for the first time since 1996. We learnt a lot in 2010 where we were not efficient. I think we were better this time,” Renard told the media flanked by his assistant Patrice Beaumelle and Davies Phiri.

 

The Zambian trainer explains that his team has come of age in terms of experience after missing out of the 2004 edition in Tunisia in recent times.

 

“Zambia only missed out in 2004 in recent times and have an advantage with players who have been together for a long time. We have no big names and the star is the team. Players like Emmanuel Mayuka, Katongo (Christopher) and Kalaba (Rainford) are often underrated because they are not playing in major leagues abroad, but they are very good players.”

 

With the Sudan hurdle cleared, the ever confident Renard said they are looking forward to playing at the grand finale.

 

Boateng - It doesn’t get any easier from here on

His is an efficient workhorse in the Black Stars, midfield and quietly goes about his business on and off the field in a focused manner. It was pretty much the same scenario at Ngouni Complex in Franceville that Cafonline.com caught up with Owusu Derek Boateng to talk about Ghana’s upcoming quarter final encounter with Tunisia on Sunday 5^th February

Cafonline.com: How hard is turning to be to play with this tag of co-favourites?

Boateng: We are doing our best and the whole team wants to do well. We know the expectations of the nation is huge but we too want to win the title so we are simply taking the whole mission one game at a time and remains focused on the goal we want to achieve.

Cafonline.com: The general perception so far is that Ghana is still to perform well what do you say to that?

Boateng: There will always be something said that is the nature of the sport for me every game is a new game, we are happy to be called co-favorites but we don’t let that get to our heads and we are working hard in training. After each game we look at our performances and work on our mistakes and we are always looking at improving on our previous performance. By the grace of God l think we are doing well to be where we are now.

Cafonline.com: What sort of game and challenge are you expecting from Tunisia?

Boateng: Tunisia is a very good side and plays very good football, moving into spaces and possess swift attacking players. They are a disciplined side and we know we have a tough match awaiting us but from here on its knock-out phase and there are no easyr games from here on, in fact  this has been a competitive tournament with no easy games. It is going to be a difficult game against Tunisia. We respect Tunisia a lot but honestly we will be ready for them come Sunday.

Cafonline.com: So what is the mood like in camp ahead of this crucial match?

Boateng:  Aaah we are very motivated, ready and as l said training hard for the game. It has been a happy camp and it continues to be so

Cafonline.com: Have teams been hard against Ghana or Ghana is struggling?

Boateng:  Every game we have played has been tough, maybe yes because they are playing us they have been at their best but at this tournament every team here is good and has come ready for the finals. I think we must also give credit for the way the teams have played, You Guinea have been playing good football but they are going home, so we have not had any easy games and the competition has been tough but l am glad to say we are still here competing.

Cafonline.com: Whatwill it take to beat Tunisia on Sunday?

Boateng:  For me the only thing is that the team that will work harder will win the game. They have a good side with good players and so do we but l know that everything you do you need luck so l am hoping we will have a day when it will go for us and we will do our best  

Kante – “Our dream is the semi final”

Mali skipper Cedric Kante has an unquenchable thirst of reaching the semi finals at the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations. The Panathinaikos defender tells Cafonline.com that their match against co-hosts Gabon will be tough, but their morale in camp will drive to the last four.

 

Cafonline.com: What do you make of your chances against Gabon?

Cedric Kante: I believe both teams have an equal chance. Both teams share the same goal. It will be 90 minutes of football and the better side will win and qualify to the semi final. I hope we can achieve victory and we will do our best towards that.

 

Cafonline.com: Any fears considering the fact that Gabon are the co-hosts besides their performance at the group stage?

 

Cedric Kante: With all respect to Gabon, we know that they have the home advantage but we are also motivated to win and qualify. After that long journey, we want to go as far as possible in this tournament. This is a great chance for this generation. The game won’t be easy but the pitch will decide.

 

Cafonline.com: How do you evaluate your group stage performance?

 

Cedric Kante: We played in a tough group which included tough teams like Ghana and Guinea, and also Botswana who were looking for good results in their maiden appearance. We won two matches and were unlucky in the other game against Ghana who were tough opponents. I believe our game against Botswana was one of the most difficult because they caught us by surprise with the lead in the second half. We came back and scored twice to win. We played this game under pressure because we had to win and wait for the result of the other match involving Ghana and Guinea.

 

Cafonline.com: Do you feel tired after these matches?

 

Cedric Kante: We are done with this stage and ready for the next match. Our coach told us to forget about the group stage and we have had sufficient rest before the next game. We also have a group of players who are capable of winning. All 23 players in our squad are of equal strength.

 

Cafonline.com: How has the group phase influenced your performance?

 

Cedric Kante: At tournaments, your performance soars with more matches. It’s because harmony between players rises with time especially with the teams who depend on foreign-based players. Also, the technical staff have the chance to monitor the strengths and weakness in the team.

 

Cafonline.com: How are you preparing for the game with Gabon?

 

Cedric Kante: We are ready and will give everything to win and qualify to the semi final. We are motivated to make Malians happy and proud.

Ivory Coast through to semis after beating hosts Equatorial Guinea

Co-favourites Ivory Coast put on a solid performance and ended the hopes of co-hosts Equatorial Guinea with a resounding 3-0 win in the quarter final of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations 2012 in Malabo. The Elephants were marauding and showed intent from first whistle with pretty much all play happening in the hosts’ half and penalty box.  Equatorial Guinea‘s defence was stretched and it looked a matter of time before the Ivorians scored.  Max Gradel should have scored for the Elephants but after a couple of shots on target had been blocked he found himself with a chance but he sent his shot over the cross bar.   Ivorian chance for the opener eventually came in the first half when Didier Zokora went down under a challenge by defender Ben Konate and  captain Didier Drogba stepped up to take the penalty. Goalkeeper Danilo saved the sport kick much to the delight of the crowd.

Ivorians continued to dominate play and create chances. Drogba, Yaya Toure, Zokora and Gervinho were threatening each time they had possession. Drogba made amends when he picked up a ball in the box and with a sharp turn beat one defender before cutting back towards goal and shaking off another defender. The striker created space for himself and shot past Danilo beating him at his near post with a rasping shot. It was just deserves for the dominance by the Elephants.

After the break the hosts stepped up play and had Ivorian goalkeeper Boubacar Barry busy. In one such move the goalkeeper had to beat back into play after Randy connected with a powerful shot. The hosts enjoyed a short spell of domination and took the game to the Ivorians whose defence coped well with what was thrown at it.

Didier Drogba returned to snuff out the bright hopes that Equatorial Guinea was beginning to build with a tremendous goal his and the team’s second. It was vintage Drogba indeed as the striker jumped highest and turning in the air he headed powerfully past Danilo from a Yaya Toure free kick. The ball was in the back of the net before the keeper could move a muscle and the Ivorians were coasting. The goal was followed by more dominance and pressure from co-favourites as they turned on the performance.   Gervinho could have added a third and so did Bony but their efforts went wide.  

 Equatorial Guinea did not give up and Kily went close to getting a consolation but Barry was equal to the shot and gave away a corner kick. The Ivorians managed to stop the danger from the resultant corner. Yaya Toure made it 3-0 with yet another classy goal on a night the Ivorian star players showed their quality. The midfielder curled in a beauty from a free-kick round the wall and it nested inside Danilo’s left had post.

The Ivorians could have had a fourth but substitute Wifried Bony’s shot was just wide as Ivorians opened up Equatorial Guinea defence at will.    In the end Equatorial Guinea’s fine run was ended by a classy Ivory Coast and the Elephants marched into the semi-finals where they await the winner of Gabon and Mali clash and the co-hosts can be proud of their achievement at the finals, their first ever. 

Zambia humble 10-man Sudan to reach last four

The Chipolopolos of Zambia sealed a historic place at the last four of the Africa Cup of Nations after beating Sudan 3-0 in their quarter final clash on Saturday in Bata.

 

It was the first time since 1996 that the Zambians had reached the medal zone of the tournament and they needed goals from Sunzu Stoppila, Christopher Katongo and substitute James Chamanga to realize that dream at the expense of a 10-man Sudan team.

 

The Chipolopolos lived up to their pre-match favourites tag capitalising on the false start of the Sudanese to search for their feet. The Desert Hawks lost their wings in the opening minutes as the Zambians dominated possession with playmaker Rainford Kalaba and lone forward Emmanuel Mayuka making threats at goal.

   

On 13 minutes, Mayuka had the first attempt at goal but his effort was fisted away by Sudanese goalie Elhadi Akram. The resultant corner-kick a minute later was headed in by Stoppila, who soared above his markers to nod in.

 

Five minutes later, the Sudanese will respond but Mohamed Bashir’s long range effort was no problem for Zambian goalie Kennedy Mweene.

 

The Desert Hawks were dealt a major blow with injuries to Yousif Ala Eldin and Hamid Nassir Nazar and they were replaced by Kamal Amir and Agab Ramandan respectively before half time. Zambia were very effective at the set pieces but Akram kept them at bay with his timely saves.

 

The tide changed in the second half with the Sudanese in control of proceedings. As the game wore on, they were dealt a blow after Ali Saif Eldin fouled Kalaba in the penalty area on 64 minutes. Eldin was given marching off orders for his second yellow card of the game.

 

Zambia captain Katongo fired the rebound from the spot after Akram parried his initial effort to give his side a comfortable two-goal lead.

 

The numerical disadvantage had a telling effect on the play of the Sudanese whilst Zambia resorted to an open game. Four minutes from time, Chamanga ended the goal rout with the third goal with a curling shot that Sudan goalie Akram had no answers to.

 

Zambia will face winner of Ghana-Tunisia at the semi final on Wednesday in Bata.

 

AFCON2012 Black stars face a stern test

Ghana's quest to end a 30-year wait for an Africa Cup of Nations title will face its biggest challenge yet on Sunday when they battle Tunisia for a place in the semi-finals of the 2012 tournament.

 

The winners will tackle the victors of the other quarter-final between Zambia and Sudan in Bata, Equatorial Guinea, next Wednesday. Quarter-finalists at the 2010 World Cup, the Black Stars of Ghana have stayed on course for a fifth Nations Cup title even though they were far from convincing in the group phase. They laboured to pip debutants Botswana 1-0 before raising their game to down Mali 2-0, but were pegged back by Guinea 1-1 in their final Group D match.

 

Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic, who has promised to win the trophy on February 12, has pledged the team will improve. Ukraine-based midfielder Derek Boateng, meanwhile, says he expects another tough match on Sunday. "Tunisia have a very good side. They are disciplined on the field, like Guinea," said Boateng, who saw his first action in the tournament against Guinea.  "We know that it is going to be difficult, but we hope to do our best to win the game and qualify."

 

Former Ghana skipper Sammy Kuffour said Tunisia's man to watch is Youssef Msakni, who scored a wonder goal against Morocco.  "He is a hugely talented player and we need to keep an eye on him at all times," warned Kuffour. "Maybe the coach will put someone on him, like we did with Seydou Keita when we played against Mali."

 

Current captain John Mensah has recovered fully from a thigh muscle problem, but it is still to be seen whether stand-in John Boye will be dropped to allow him to renew his partnership in central defence with Isaac Vorsah. Midfielder Anthony Annan suffered a personal loss following the death of his mother on Thursday, but he insisted on remaining with the team. Tunisia will be Ghanas biggest threat yet after they fought their way past north African rivals Morocco and Niger in the first round to finish behind inspired co-hosts Gabon in Group C.

 

The Carthage Eagles, who were crowned African champions in 2004 when they hosted the competition for the third time, beat Ghana 1-0 in a friendly in 2006 when the teams last met. They endured a difficult qualification campaign before former international Sami Trabelsi took over, having led the country to victory last year in the Championship of African Nations (CHAN) for players who are based in their domestic leagues.  "We will play our normal game, be more aggressive and be more efficient than we were against Gabon. We have the quality to go on in this competition," said Trabelsi.  "We are motivated because we want to represent Tunisian football very well at a time of the rebuilding of the various sectors of our country."

 

Since they won the 2004 Nations Cup on home soil, Tunisia have attracted the big guns at this stage of the tournament. In 2006, they lost on penalties in the quarter-finals to Nigeria in Port Said and two years later, they were stopped again in the quarter-finals, losing 3-2 to Cameroon after extra time. Tunisia showed strength in depth against co-hosts Gabon, when they made eight changes from the starting XI against Niger and still dominated the game. Trabelsi must therefore decide how to accommodate skipper Karim Haggui, Mejdi Traoui and Khaled Korbi, who were left out of the Gabon match to avoid picking up additional bookings and risking suspensions. Exciting Esperance attacking midfielder Msakni resumed full training with the rest of the squad in Bongoville on Thursday after training on his own the previous day due to a sore ankle from the Guinea game. Tunisia team doctor Faisal Khachnaoui has assured that 'The Tunisian Messi', who has scored against Morocco and Niger, will be fit for Sunday.

  

AFCON2012 Trabelsi satisfied with first stage

Tunisia manager Sami Trabelsi expressed his satisfaction with his team’s performance  at the group stage of the ongoing 2012 Orange CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Trabelsi considered Group C where his side played as the group of death because apart from his team it featured co-hosts Gabon and Morocco, as well as the debutants Niger. Trabelsi said after group matches has good ideas about his team’s strength and weakness  and reckons his charges’ performance is going to improve with each game.

 

Trabelsi said his team has achieved their priority which was to qualify for the quarter finals “We achieved our goal before Gabon game when we guaranteed our qualification. We wanted to beat Gabon and win the group which was our second goal but that didn’t happen.  We dominated the game against the co-hosts but couldn’t make use of our chances”, he added.

 

“I gave the chance to some substitutes and that wasn’t because I underrated our opponents because we play every game to win, but it was risky to field some players who were vulnerable to suspension. We have in our team some good 23 players and it was an opportunity to use them too”, concluded the coach who won CHAN 2011 title with Tunisia.

 

Meanwhile the latest news from Tunisia team physiotherapist gave the manager a relief. It was confirmed that team’s goal machine Youssef Msakni’s injury was only a minor one. Msakni will join his team mates training session tomorrow as they prepare for the quarter finals clash. The talented midfielder netted twice in the group stage and also claimed the Fair Play award in the last group game against Gabon.

 

In other news Tunisia player Adel Chedli quit his team’s camp and traveled back home after the group stage concluded. Tunisian press confirmed the player’s decision to leave Gabon as he felt unwanted in the tournament after being kept out of the squad. Chedli wished his team mates good luck in the next matches, and stressed he has nothing but respect for his manager Trabelsi.

 

AFCON2012 Referees for Quarter-final matches on 4th and 5th February

Ghana v Tunisia
Officials Name Nationality
Referee/Arbitre Alioum Neant Cameroon
Assistant 1 Menkouande Evarist Cameroon
Assistant 2 Camara Djibril Senegal
4th Official/4ème Officiel Gehad Grisha Egypt

Gabon v Mali
Officials Name Nationality
Referee/Arbitre Haimoudi Djameil Algeria
Assistant 1 Achik Redouane Morocco
Assistant 2 Etchiali Abdelhaq Algeria
4th Official/4ème Officiel Daniel Bennet South Africa

Cote d’Ivoire v Guinea Equatorial
Officials Name Nationality
Referee/Arbitre Eddie Maillet Seychelles
Assistant 1 Birumushahu J.C. Burundi
Assistant 2 Kabanda Felicien Rwanda
4th Official/4ème Officiel Diatta Badara Senegal

Zambia v Sudan
Officials Name Nationality
Referee/Arbitre Gassama Bakary Gambia
Assistant 1 Damoo Jason Seychelles
Assistant 2 Ogbamariam Angessom Eritrea
4th Official/4ème Officiel Mohamed Benouza Algeria

AFCON2012 Kalaba – “It’s a very tricky game”

Rainford Kalaba has emerged the anchor of the Zambian team at the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations. The offensive midfielder, who is making his successive appearance at the finals of the tournament since 2006 talks to Cafonline.com on his role in the Chipolopolo team and their quarter final clash with Sudan on Saturday.  

 

Cafonline.com: What has been the motivation behind your explosive performance at the tournament so far?

Rainford Kalaba: I have really worked hard to be at this level. It started during the qualifiers and preparations for the final tournament. My ambition was to maintain my form and continue from where I left off in Angola two years ago.

 

Cafonline.com: What is your assessment of the performance of the Zambian team?

Rainford Kalaba: So far, we are on course. Compared to Angola two years ago, we are better coordinated and organised. It has been difficult due to several challenges. However, we are determined to achieve our goal. Our target is to reach the semi final and we are working towards it.

 

Cafonline.com: Before reaching the semi final, you have to clear the Sudan hurdle at the quarter final. How well do you know the Sudanese?

Rainford Kalaba: It’s a very trick game. They are playing very well. The journey to this stage has not been easy for us and we want to go further. We have to maintain our discipline and hope to get better.

 

Cafonline.com: Do you think you have edge of the Sudanese, who are parading a locally-based squad?

Rainford Kalaba: Not at all. That is not our mentality. In football, you can only underrate opponents at your own peril. We have to remain focus and maintain discipline.

 

Cafonline.com: What is the motivation behind your thirst for a place at the semi finals?

Rainford Kalaba: We are looking forward to reaching the semi final. For 16-years, Zambian has not played at that level. We have been working towards it and are on course. I believe we have the experience and the players to achieve that target.

 

Cafonline.com: Two years ago, you missed the quarter final due to suspension. How do you feel to be available this time?

Rainford Kalaba: It is a great feeling. In Angola, I missed the quarters and unfortunately we lost. I hope to play my part to help the team attain its objective.

 

Cafonline.com: What do you make of the standards at the tournament so far?

Rainford Kalaba: The standard has been very high. It has been very tough for all the teams. The players have exhibited a higher level of tactical and technical abilities. There have been several emerging talents at the tournament and this is a big plus for African football.

 

AFCON2012 Sudan forward Eltaib optimistic of scaling Zambian hurdle

 

Sudan forward Mudathir Eltaib has expressed optimism ahead of their quarter final clash on Saturday at the Estadio de Bata.

 

The Desert Hawks are in the last eight of the championship for the first time since 1970, but the Al-Hilal forward is upbeat of their chances of a place at the last four at the expense of the highly rated Zambians.

 

The 23-year old, whose brace against Burkina Faso proved crucial in their qualification to the knockout stage, insists they have the capacity to halt the Chipolopolos, also keen on a place at the last four for the first time since 1996.

 

The Desert Hawks edged the Palancas Negras of Angola on goal difference after both sides finished on four points apiece.

 

“I’m happy to have scored the goals that brought us this far. It was a collective effort of the playing body aided by our determination.”

 

Nicknamed after Brazilian legend ‘Careca’ for his style of playe, the lanky striker added that they are battle-ready for the encounter with the unbeaten Zambians, who qualified as the top placed team in Group A.

 

“We are very confident and the morale in our camp is very high. We are bracing up physically and mentally for the challenge. We are determined to reach the semi final and will do our best to achieve it.”

 

 The Al-Hilal forward is making his first appearance at the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.