AFCON2012 Gabon and Tunisia battle it out for top spot in Group C

Co-hosts Gabon takes on Tunisia in Franceville as the Group C of 2012 Orange CAF Africa Cup of Nations comes to an end. The game will see the two quarter final –bound sides fight it out to decide first from second with both teams keen to top Group C.

 

The Panthers of Gabon are looking forward to winning the group as they enjoy home and fans advantage. Team manager Gernot Rohr  said his team won’t accept anything but the top spot. Rohr considered the game a must win for Gabon to satisfy their loving supporters, and to have a moral boost before the knockout stages.

 

Meanwhile Carthage Eagles manager Sami Trabelsi expressed his desire to win the match too and gain more confidence before the final stages. Tunisia is  and also looking  to win maximum points from their group stage for the first time at the finals. Both managers are expected to introduce some changes to their lineups due to injuries and need to rest some key players.

 

Gabon had their training sessions in Libreville  before leaving for Franceville. The players seemed focused and determined. The Panthers captain Daniel Cousin expressed his joy after he scored against Morocco, saying , “We played well in both previous games and I hope we go on the same way. We are determined to win and go all the way ” Cousin said.

 

Rohr who won the French Ligue 1 three times with Girondins de Bordeaux sees his team capable of going as far as the final. “We play to win. I have a group of excellent players and I wish to make our committed supporters happy. I have full trust in this group of players”, Rohr concluded.

 

Meanwhile Tunisia trained for a couple of days in Libreville before leaving late to Franceville on a special charter flight. Tunsia midfielder Hussein Qaddoury said he and his teammates are ready for another victory and said “We want to win this game to make  history for this generation. We also want to win the group”.

 

Trabelsi confirmed he’ll adopt a balanced style searching for victory, and admitted he will be forced to make some changes on his lineup. “We will play balanced between attack and defense and look for victory. I will make some changes because of injuries and cautioned players, but I’m positive my players can do it. We have 23 quality players”, Trabelsi concluded.

Trabelsi - We want to reach pick form in time for final

For Tunisia manager Sami Trabelsi his charges haven’t reached their top form yet despite tboth matches they have played so far in the Orange Africa Cup of Nations. Trabelsi told Cafonline.com that his team’s performance will develop with matches, and that they are aiming at reaching the final match in top form.

 

Cafonline.com: Although you have qualified for the quarter finals  you were given hard time before beating Niger is it fair to say so?

 

Trabelsi: The game wasn’t easy for both teams. We faced Niger who proved they deserved their first ever  qualification at the finals and they’re undoubtedly a good team. They came back into the game fast and equalized after we took the lead. They are a good team with talented players.

 

Cafonline.com: Are you satisfied with your team’s performance so far?

 

Trabelsi: I was satisfied with the result but the performance hasn’t met my expectations till this moment. We had the lion’s share of ball possession but yet didn’t show well. I hope that our perfomanes gets better with each game and we want to hit to form by the final itself, something we are targeting.

 

Cafonline.com: How do you see Gabon?

 

Trabelsi: Gabon is a big team both technically and physically. We watched their previous matches and they have got a group of talented players who play abroad. Besides they’ve got the home and supporters advantage. But we know well how to play against them.

 

Cafonline.com: Will your approach in the next match be same as for your previous two matches?

 

Trabelsi: Definitely. We’ll just play to win as we do in every game. We usually play a balanced game between attack and defence, and winning this match is vital for us because it will give us a huge moral boost before the knockout stage.

 

Cafonline.com: Are you afraid of your players’ tiredness and will you turn to unused players to assist the situation?

 

Trabelsi: Yes we’ll make some changes to our starting lineup as we have some tired player, and we also think of injuries and cautions. Also I want to give some players the chance because they are good players too, and because the next stage needs a ready and good bench who can make the difference at any point.

 

 

Cafonline.com: What do you think of playing your third group match  in Franceville?

 

Trabelsi: We’re ready to play at any venue, and that’s not a big deal as long as you are looking for victory and winning the title. We’ll play with the same determination we showed in the previous games and will do our best to win and go top of the group.

AFCON2012 Sudan seal historic quarter final berth

Sudan reached a historic quarter final at the Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-1 win over Burkina Faso on Monday at the Estadio de Bata.

 

Striker Mudathir Eltaib scored in each half to ensure the Desert Hawks reached the knockout stage for the first time since 1970. The qualification was made certain after Cote d’Ivoire beat Angola 2-0 in the other Group B encounter in Malabo.

 

Sudan edged Angola via the head-to-head rule after both teams finished on four points apiece, with the Ivorians leading the pack on seven points and Burkina Faso at the bottom pointless.

 

The Burkinabes were very offensive throughout the game but failed to hit the back of the net as yet again they paid the price for sluggishness at the rear.

 

The Stallions unsettled their opponents with Jonathan Pitroipa and Moumouni Dagano leading the onslaughts from the onset. The Sudanese were given no breather but managed to break the deadlock on 33 minutes.

 

Eltaib nicknamed after Brazilain star “Careca” scored the opener after dispossessing Burkina Faso defender Gnanou Ibrahim at the edge of the penalty area before firing beyond the reach of goalkeeper Diakite Daouda.

 

Just before half-time, Burkina Faso were unlucky after Dagano’s glancing header from Narcisse Yameogo cross missed narrowly.

 

The Stallions resumed with the same power but lacked the cutting edge upfront. Burkina coach Paulo Duarte brought on youngster Bertrand Traore and the 16-year old showed glimpses of what he is made of by running down the Sudanese defence.

 

After playing so well, Burkina Faso goalie Diakite let his side down with a blunder that allowed Eltaieb to profit a loose ball before firing into the yawning for crucial second goal on 79 minutes.

 

Burkina Faso multiplied and got a consolation through Issiaka Ouedraogio in added on time but it was little late.

Angola goes down to Ivory Coast and miss out on quarter final place

Angola choose the wrong day to put up a Luke-warm performance and it cost them a place in the Orange Africa Nations Cup after the 2-0 loss to Ivory Coast opened the door for Sudan 2-1 winners over Burkina Faso to pip Palancas Negras at the post. Angola finished on four points with Sudan but the Desert Hawks’ scored enough goals to overtake Angola

 

Ivory Coast made several changes to the team that started the first two matches with quarter final place already assured. The changed Ivorian side proved a handful for Angola who just did not bring their A game on the night. In the end the Palancas Negras were so disjointed that they even contributed to their own downfall with defender Dani Massunguna in a miscommunication beat his own goalkeeper with a header that Wilfred Bony gladly helped on for Ivory Coast’s second goal. Before that Emmanuel Eboue had put Ivory Coast in the lead in the 33^rd minute from just a meter out after Angolan defender Miguel had failed to clear from a cross and had the ball stuck between his legs and when the ball fell kindly to Eboue he put it away.

 

Angola had possession for a good part of the game and had some chances too but it was not the Angola that imposed its style in the early games. Palancas Negras was largely unchanged side with only two players, Wilson in goal for suspended Carlos Fernandes and Dede coming in for veteran Flavio. The cohesion and usual sharpness was lacking and star striker Manucho was quiet by his standards. Even when down by two goals the urgency did not seem to be a priority for Angola and Angola coach Lito brought in Jose Vunguidica for Djalma and the change did breathe some life into the attack but the real threat for goals was still missing.

It was Ivory Coast who almost added to the score Bamba missed with his head from meters out after a flick from Lolo. At the other end Mateus wanted more time when he had a chance in Ivorian box and the delay led to recovery by defenders and Angola only got a corner.

 

There were a few more chances for both sides as the game opened up with Angola perhaps aware of Sudan’s lead went in search of a goal which wasn’t coming. Manucho‘s head back across goal found no taker. Didier Drogba came on for Ivory Coast towards the co-favourites made sure they finished top of the group on maximum points and will now meet co-hosts Equatorial Guinea in the quarter final while Sudan who edged Angola to the second place face Zambia in the other quarter final.

 

AFCON2012 Morocco and Niger looking for consolation victory

Morocco takes on Niger in Libreville as both teams conclude their Group C Orange Africa Cup of Nations matches. The game is a  battle between two sides who have lost both matches and can no longer make the quarter finals. Across the country in Framceville  co-hosts Gabon will be facing Tunisia in their quest for the group’s top spot at the same time Morocco entertains Niger.

 

Managers of both Morocco and Niger  expressed theie desire to restore some dignity with a win in the last group match and leave the tournament with heads held high and perhaps make up to their disappointed supporters.

 

Morocco lost their first game to Tunisia 2-1 before conceding a last gasp goal to lose 3-2 to co-hosts Gabon despite leading early in the game. Debutants Niger lost to Gabon 2-0 before going down  to Carthage Eagles 2-1. Niger are playing in their  first ever finals  after they qualified ahead of  Egypt, South Africa and Sierra Leone.

Caf announces mode of qualification 2012

 
The Confederation of African Football has announced the mode of qualification from the group stages of the 2012 African Cup of Nations.

According to Caf's regulations, Article 72, in the event where two or more teams are tied on points after the conclusion of the group matches, the ranking of the teams shall be established according to the following criteria:

72.1. Greater number of points obtained in the matches between the teams in question;

72.2. The best goal difference in the matches between the teams;

72.3. Greater number of goals scored in the group matches between the teams concerned;

72.4. Goal difference in all group matches;

72.5. Greatest number of goals scored in all the group matches;

72.6. Fair Play points system taking into account the number of yellow and red cards;

72.7. Drawing of lots by CAF Organising Committee.

Bashir – “Our last game is equally important”

Sudan striker Mohamed Bashir remains optimistic of their chances of advancing to the next round of the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations.

 

With just a point from their two previous games, the Sudanese find themselves in a very tight corner with their hopes of playing at the quarter finals hinging heavily on the outcome of the other Group B match involving Cote d’Ivoire and Angola in Malabo.

 

The Ivorians, who have six points have already qualified and are two points richer than Angola.

 

Despite the arithmetic connotation surrounding their chances, Bashir, the scorer of Sudan’s first ever goal in 36-years at the tournament believes they stand a realistic chance of going through.

 

“Of course, we have a realistic chance of qualifying. It is our dream and that of all Sudanese, and we are working feverishly towards that. This makes our last game is equally important,” Bashir told Cafonline.com.

 

After breaking the goal jinx, the 28-year old forward who plays for Al-Hilal has declared a quarter final berth as the next target of the team.

 

“We are happy to break the goal-jinx. The next target comes with some level of pressure, but we are determined to achieve it as well.”

 

After scoring two goals against Angola, Bashir says it is the just the beginning of better things to come from him.

 

“I am on fire now, and nobody can stop me from scoring. Everyone is talking about Sudan and we want to maintain our performance.

 

The Desert Hawks have not reached the knockout stage since 1970, when they won the title on home soil.

Traore hoping to stay on as Senegal coach

 

Senegal coach Amara Traore has refused to throw in the towel in the wake of his team’s disastrous performance at the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations.

 

The Teranga Lions bowed out of the competition pointless in one of their worst outings in recent times after losses to Zambia, co-hosts Equatorial Guinea and Libya; but Traore is hoping to stay on and revive the fortunes of the team.

 

“I will not resign. I have a strong desire to continue. It’s up to my employers, they have the final say,” a visibly disappointed Traore told the media after his side’s 1-2 loss to Libya on Sunday in Bata.

 

“I have tried to convince everyone with my output. I started two years ago with this team and it cannot be zero overnight.”

 

With a striking force that includes the likes of Demba Ba, Papiss Demba Cisse, Moussa Sow and Mamadou Niang, the Teranga Lions were expected to roar till the end; rather it was the opposite as they were the first team to crash out of the competition.

 

According to Traore, the team did their best in all the matches but the results remained elusive.

 

“What happened is the responsibility of the coach and I take responsibility. We have to analyze, evaluate and move on from there. We have to correct our mistakes as to err is human.

 

“The question is why are we not scoring? I wonder! We are not a team that does not create opportunities. We play well and I will have to correct that shortfall.”

 

Traore, a member of the Senegal team that reached the final of the 2002 edition in Mali observed that the standard of the competition is very high and the inexperience of his team also weighed on them.

 

“The Africa Cup of Nations is a very difficult tournament and it has always been so for us. Most people described us favourtites but I thought otherwise.

 

“My team cannot be compared to Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana in terms of experience. It is a young team that showed character.”

 

The 46-year old is hoping to sit down with officials of the Senegalese Football Federation to resolve his future once they arrive in Dakar.

 

Libya hand Senegal another loss

 

Senegal ended their 2012 Africa Cup of Nations campaign bottom of Group A after a 2-1 loss at the hands of Libya in Bata on Sunday night.

 

Striker Ihab Albusaifi scored both of the North African side’s goals, though their victory was not enough to earn them a place in the quarterfinals after Zambia beat Equatorial Guinea to claim top spot in the pool.

 

Libya got off to the perfect start when they took the lead in just the fifth minute. Osman Saad showed good trickery on the edge of the penalty area before slipping a pass through for Ihab Albusaifi, who stabbed the ball past goalkeeper Khadim N’Diaye to make it 1-0.

 

Yet the North African side’s lead lasted just six minutes. Senegal struck back from a corner kick when Deme N’Diaye got his head to the ball and powered it home via the inside of the near post, beating a Libyan defender on the goal line.

 

The remainder of the first half was pretty scrappy and saw no further clear scoring opportunities. The sides went into the break locked at 1-1.

 

The second half picked up where the first left off, though Senegal had opportunities to move into the lead, particularly when Papiss Cisse raced through to be faced with only Libya goalkeeper Samir Abod to beat. However, the new Newcastle United striker put his long-range lob over the target.

 

The Teranga Lions created further chances, but again their misfiring strike force let the team down with some poor finishing.

 

Libya made the West Africans pay in the 84^th minute when Ahmed Zuway’s aerial strength allowed him to set up Albusaifi, who cracked the ball home on the volley from the middle of the penalty area to put the Mediterranean Knights 2-1 up.

 

Zambia tops Group A after beating Equatorial Guinea as both make quarter finals

Zambia inflicted the first defeat to the co-hosts Equatorial Guinea 1-0 to win Group A and book a place in the quarter final of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations .Co-hosts Equatorial Guinea lost for the first time in the competition but the Malabo result ensures that both sides qualify for the quarter finals from this group which also saw Libya finish third after beating disappointing Senegal 2-1 leaving the Teranga Lions in fourth place in the group.

 

The match in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea got off to a  cagey start as both sides sizing up the other up with the co-hosts looked slightly more adventurous but without really threatening Kennedy Mweene ‘s goal.  Chipolopolo of Zambia looked contend to let their opponents dominate the early possession while they counter attacked. Zambia looked dangerous though whenever they ventured into the Equatorial Guinea box and Emmanuel Mayuka’s  header sailed just over the bar after a lovely cross from Rainford Kalaba. The best chance for the co-hosts in the first half fell to  Ivan Bolado when a through pass from Juvenal Edjogo saw him onto the goal but Mweene charged off his goal line to block the shot.

 

Mweene was called upon to deal with a shot from Equatorial Guinea captain Edjogo and the South African based goalkeeper showed his usual agility catching comfortably the effort from long range.

Zambia upped the tempo upon resumption and Mayuka and Katongo were soon keeping the home side defence busy as the play opened up. Zambia impressively maintained their pattern and shape and started dominating the midfield exchanges with player maker Kalaba pulling the strings.

In the 67th  minute Zambian pressure paid off when captain Chris Katongo picked up a throw in and went on a diagonal run beating two defenders before firing into the bottom right hand corner past a diving Danilo for the opening goal.  Equatorial Guinea found themselves behind for the first time in the competition and the response to going down did not seem to threaten Zambia who looked in control still. Both coaches made changes but there were few clear cut changes.  Ben Konate, who has been very impressive in this tournament so far was replaced by Rolan de la Cruz for Equatorial Guinea while  Mayuka made way for  James Chamanga  who was once doubtful for these finals through injury. Zambia played out the remaining time and their keeper Mweene and his defence comfortably dealt with Equatorial Guinea’s last ditch efforts

Paqueta “I’m satisfied with the performance of my team”

Libya coach Marcos Paqueta has applauded the performance of his team despite their failure to reach the knockout stage of the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations.

 

The North Africans beat Senegal 2-1 in their final Group A match on Sunday in Bata; yet fell short of qualification after Zambia beat co-hosts Equatorial Guinea in Malabo. It was the second time the 1982 losing finalists have failed to reach the quarter finals after a similar fate in 2006 in Egypt.

 

“My team played very well offensively today. Senegal is a very strong side and it was difficult to play against them.

 

“The result is very important for us. It is the crowning moment for my team,” Paqueta told Cafonline.com after the ultimate match at the tournament.

 

The Brazilian explained that the team’s performance counts as satisfactory due to the condition of his team in the build up to the tournament, referring to the civil unrest that rocked Libya last year.

 

“I’m satisfied with the performance of my team. Taking into consideration the condition back home, most of the players have been inactive due to the abandoning of the local league. Mentally, it affected the players with the situation of their families back home.

 

“The team got better match after match and that is a positive sign. They performed as expected.”

 

Paqueta is urging the Libya Football Federation to keep the team together for future competitions after showing so much promise.

 

“After this performance, I am calling on the federation to support the team and help the players improve for the future.”

 

Libya finished on four points, two points adrift of co-hosts Equatorial Guinea and three points behind leaders Zambia. Senegal finished bottom with no point.

Ghana beat Mali to leave Group D on a knife edge

Ghana defeated Mali 2-0 here on Saturday night to leave Group D at the Africa Cup of Nations wide open after Guinea earlier hammered Botswana 6-1.
   The 2010 World Cup participants are now top of the group on six points from two matches, while Guinea and their opening-day conquerors Mali are on three points, with all three teams still in the reckoning to advance to the knockout stage.
   To add to the suspense, even point-less Botswana are not mathemetically out of contention.
   On Wednesday, Mali will battle Botswana in Libreville and Ghana take on Guinea in Franceville in the final throw of the Group D dice.
   Star striker Asamoah Gyan opened the scoring for Ghana in the 63rd minute with a well-struck free-kick from the edge of the Mali box after Andre Ayew was brought down by Bakaye Traore.
   Baby Jet Gyan had struggled with an ankle injury leading up to the game but Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic insisted on fielding the UAE-based star and it paid handsome dividends.
   Mali came close to restoring parity two minutes after Gyans opener through Sochaux forward Modibo Maiga, who perfectly met a header from a corner only for the ball to roll out for a goal-kick.
   Ayew doubled Ghana's lead in the 76th minute when he was stylishly set up by Gyan on the edge of the Mali goal area and drove in to unleash an unstoppable pile-driver past Soumaila Diakite in the Mali goal.
   This was a typical derby with no fewer than six bookings as both teams cancelled each other out in a packed midfield with tough tackles flying in all directions.
   Big Mali striker Cheick Diabate proved in the first half to be a thorn in the flesh of the young Black Stars central defence of Jonathan Mensah and John Boye, playing in the absence of the more experienced John Mensah and Isaac Vorsah.
   It was a cagey start by both teams and it was not until the 25th minute that Asamoah Kwadwo made the first real attempt at goal.
   The Udinese midfielder, who was starting his first game of the tournament, fired from distance only for Diakite to parry into the path of Sulley Muntari, who shot wide.
   Ten minutes later, the same player blasted another fierce shot from the edge of the Mali goal area, but again it was off-target.
   On 38 minutes, Mali responded nicely with a Diabate free-kick on the edge of the box that struck both posts with diving Ghana goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey beaten.
   In first-half additional time, Ayew rose above two Mali defenders to meet a cross from the right by stand-in skipper John Pantsil, but again it was off the mark.
   The hard-working Ayew then forced a fine save from the Mali goalkeeper with a low drive from well outside the box in the 54th minute.

Botswana and Guinea in a battle to stay in the tournament

 

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Guinea and Botswana will be pressed to win on Saturday after both teams lost their opening Africa Cup of Nations Group D matches. A win for either team will revive their hopes, which suffered a setback after opening day losses respectively to Mali and Ghana. "We have to fight to win against Botswana," said Guinea coach Michel Dussuyer, who lost his 82-year-old father about the time his team was losing to Mali Tuesday night. "Botswana are a difficult team to play against, they close down the space and defend very well.”I watched their games against Tunisia and Chad on video. They defend very well and counter attack. "It may have been very disappointing to lose our first game, but I’m proud of the performance of the team. All the same, we cannot sit on that, we have to improve.

"We are working for the future and so have several young players, who are only having their first experience at this tournament but I still expect us to do better against Botswana."

 

Guinea's experienced campaigner Bobo Balde also agreed Saturdays match will not be a walkover for his team. "We have watched their tapes and also know that even though they are only making their debut at this tournament, they made things very difficult for a team like Ghana," said the towering central defender. "But we believe in ourselves and we want to win this game."

 

Besides a strong showing especially in the second half, The Zebras from Botswana will be boosted by the return of skipper Diphetogo Selolwane, who missed the Ghana clash due to suspension.  Dipsy from top South African club Supersport United is one of the most experienced Botswana players, whose foreign destinations have included a sojourn in the United States. He said he expects a tougher match against Guinea than what they faced when up against Ghana.

"We played Guinea before home and away and they beat us, they are good footballers, who play good football and they play a different style from Ghana," said Dipsy. "They play a real African football, where you are very aggressive and they use their big bodies but there is always a way around it, I believe we can beat them."

 

Botswana coach Stanley Tshosane has rated the Guinea match as a must-win, while asking for cash incentives for the team.

"This is a decisive game and it is very important for us, it is a must-win game, a draw will not work for us. We have to takes risks and not be cautious as we were at the beginning against Ghana," said Tshosane. The Zebras finished top of a qualifying group that included Tunisia, Togo and Malawi and Tshosane said he is not in any doubt that he has a quality team in Gabon."You have seen how they played; it is not easy to play like that against a team of Ghana’s calibre.

"And now I believe these boys can turn things around here." Tshosane who celebrated his 55^th birthday last week concluded saying, “Some cash in the pockets of his players will lift them above Guinea.

Ghana and Mali clash for a quarter -final place

 

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The Africa Cup of Nations Group D will serve up a second West African derby when Ghana face Mali here Saturday. Mali edged past Guinea 1-0 in the first west African derby of the group on Tuesday, while the third such clash will be next week when Ghana battle another sub-regional rival Guinea. Pre-tournament favourites Black Stars of Ghana will again be expected to beat Mali after they defeated the Eagles home and away in the qualifying tournament for the 2010 World Cup, which also served as eliminator for the 2010 Nations Cup.  "Its difficult when you are one of the pre-tournament favourites," admitted Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic.  "We have already learnt that it is not easy to beat any team here. We therefore have to be ready for Mali."

 

However, Ghana, who are on $90,000-a-man if they win this competition, were far from convincing in their opening game against debutants Botswana and only had a lucky first-half goal by skipper John Mensah to thank for a slim win. Mensah will miss this match on account of his sending off against Botswana, but will be available for selection in the final group game against Guinea if he recovers from a muscle problem he suffered in his team’s first game.

 

"It's difficult to replace a player like Mensah but I have told the team that I would need all of them for this tournament and so I have 20 players who could replace him against Mali," said Stevanovic. Young centre back Jonathan Mensah, who was introduced after Mensah's dismissal for a professional foul, will most likely play alongside another youngster John Boye in the heart of the Black Stars back four Saturday. Rennes defender Boye was so outstanding in his Nations Cup debut that he was picked as the best player for the Botswana match. He did not show any nerves and he even saved a goal-bound effort on the goal line. There have been some concerns as regards the fitness of star striker Asamoah Gyan, who limped out of training Thursday with a suspected ankle complaint.

 

It will be a heavy body blow for Ghana should Gyan fail to recover for this match as the Black Stars are thin on strikers for this tournament. Mali also had to defend with their lives a first-half goal by Bakaye Traore to turn away Guinea in the other Group D match on Tuesday.  Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita has assumed bigger responsibilities in the absence of top Mali stars like Mahamadou Diarra, Momo Sissoko and Frederic Kanoute, who has quit international football. Keita said Mali is driven to win again against the highly-rated Ghanaians. "Ghana remains the favourites in our group, but the Black Stars are not unbeatable," maintained Keita, who was very emotional after a hard-fought win over next door neighbours Guinea.

"The objective is to play to our potentials and get a positive result on Saturday." He added: "We have not achieved anything yet and in football, things can happen so fast and so our second game against Ghana will be a lot more decisive."

  

Ghana will be ready without Mensah - Stevanovic

 

 

Goran Stevanovic is ruing the absence of John Mensah who is suspended for Ghana's next two games at the African Cup of Nations.

Mensah was dismissed in the Group D opener against Botswana after he scored to give the Black Stars a 1-0 win at the Stade de Franceville on Tuesday.

Stevanovic would now miss his captain for the Group D matches against Mali and Guinea.

"I'm worried because Mensah is very difficult to replace," he said. "He played well against Botswana but then got sent off."

However, the Ghana coach is equally happy with the options available and his team would be ready for Mali on Saturday.

"But while we were training in South Africa, I told the players that I need every one of them for this competition and so I have 20 other players who could replace him and we will be ready for Mali."

Gabon, Tunisia reach quarter-finals

 

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Mbanangoye scored from a free kick eight minutes into stoppage time as Gabon snatched a 3-2 win over Morocco in Group C Friday and clinched an Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals spot.
   The result means Tunisia also go through to the last eight after grabbing a  last-minute goal to pip Niger 2-1 in the first half of a thrilling double-header at Stade l'Amitie.

Botswana is ready to add result to performance- assistant coach Kenneth Mogae

 

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It has been frantic but focused preparation time in the Botswana camp in Ngouoni, Gabon as the Zebras get ready to engage Guinea in a battle of two teams that lost their opening matches in Group D. The Zebras and Guinea both want to avoid defeat to keep hopes of staying in the competition alive. Cafonline.com caught up with Zebras assistant coach Kenneth Mogae ahead of the crucial tie to be played on Saturday in Franceville.

 

Cafonline.com: After losing the first game what will you do differently to win on Saturday?

 

Mogae: We looked at our first game and accepted that although we had played well and given a good account of ourselves there are a few things we have been looking at in training but we  don’t need to make much in the way of change but we want to build on the good performance from the Ghana game.  The coach spoke to the boys and told them he was not disappointed with the performance but would like to add results to that kind of play. Our boys know the importance of this game against Guinea so we are saying to them do as little mistakes as possible and you’ll be successful.

 

Cafonline.com: You stayed behind to watch Guinea play what did you learn about them?

 

Mogae: Guinea is one team we did not know much about coming into this tournament and yes it was good to watch them play. They are a strong side with some quick players but also very physical side. We will not try and match them on the physical side with our smaller guys so we have to be smart in our game against them. 

 

 

Cafonline.com: How important is it to haveDipsy Selolwane back for this game?

 

Mogae: That is a huge boost to us to have a quality and experienced player like Dipsy back in the side. As l said before we played well in the first game and we would like to minimize our mistakes and put into effect our strength and Dipsy will add to our sharpness for the Guinea game.

 

Cafonline.com: You knew that you would be up against a physical side like Guinea , how did you prepare for them during the run up to the tournament?

 

Mogae: We camped in Cameroon and played against one of the premier league teams who were physically big and strong just like Guinea and we appreciated the challenges that came with facing a side like that. We are hopeful this will stand us well for the Guinea contest. Guinea will also have to be on the lookout for what Botswana brings to the game, so with football you always can expect three results, win draw or loss and we are going into this game with that in mind.

 

Cafonline.com: There is also that awaited moment when Botswana will score their first ever goal at the finals, you almost got it last Tuesday do you see it coming on Saturday?

 

Mogae: Oh yes we cannot wait for that, we are playing in our maiden Africa Cup of Nations and we thought we had got it against Ghana and we were all up on our feet ready to celebrate a goal but that goal line clearance by the Ghanaian defender means we now look to Saturday for that historic moment. I am hopeful it will come against Guinea.

 

 

Cafonline.com: Is everyone fit and ready from your squad?

 

Mogae: Apart from left back Mosimanegape Ramohibidu who has been down with lower abdominal pain and is being monitored everyone is well we are injury free

Last gasp Tunisia see off lively Niger

 

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Tunisia all but sealed a place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a last gasp 2-1 win over debutants Niger here on Thursday.
   An entertaining encounter was heading for a 1-1 draw until substitute Issam Jemaa bagged the 2004 titleholders the points in the final minute.
   For Niger it meant heartache as they had come so close to creating history with their first ever point in the competition.
   The win pushed Tunisia on to six points and left Niger footing Group C with Morocco, who are in action against Gabon later.
   Niger's superb Maazou Moussa Ouwo said: "It hurts, because we were in control of the game and it's too bad we should lose in the last minute. We're not going to sleep very well tonight, we're really going to regret this game."
   Tunisia coach Sami Trabelsi reflected: "We knew Niger would be well organised and rigorous on the counter attack. The spirit of my team was there for all to see. Thank God we were able to win, thank God."
   Trabelsi rewarded Youssef Msakni, who came off the bench to score the second goal in their opening game against Morocco, with a starting place.
   Niger made five alterations from the team swept aside by Gabon, with defender Kofi Dankwae returning from suspension.
   Niger started brightly, with the game only seconds old when Maazou latched onto a long ball and charged at the Tunisians goal only for Aymen Mathlouthi to come running out to extinguish any danger.
   In the third minute Tunisia took the lead, when Aymen Abdennour found Msakni who deftly rounded several defenders to shoot across the box and into the far corner.
   Five minutes later William Tonji Ngounou created history with debutant Niger's first ever Cup goal.
   Mathlouthi came off his line to try and catch a high ball, he missed it completely and Ngounou grabbed his opportunity, diving to head into an empty net.
   The Niger players ran over to the bench to celebrate the kodak moment with 'coach' Harouna Doula and 'consultant' Rolland Courbis, although the Frenchman had taken overall command for this match, patrolling the touchline as Douna sat impassively in the dug out.
   Another dazzling run by Maazou with Tunisia captain Karim Haggui struggling to keep tabs on him on 30 minutes should have put Niger in front but the Belgian-based striker's angled shot from the left went wide.
   Shortly after he found Issoufou Boubacar on the edge of the area but the Phuket midfielder's left-footed shot clipped the near post.
   Niger, the moral winners of the opening period, held an impromptu prayer session in the middle of the pitch before heading of for their half-time prep talk presumably delivered by Courbis.
   Trabelis brought on Auxerre striker Jemaa for Chermiti at the restart, and then put on Oussama Darragi for Zouhaier Dhaouadi.
   Niger too had pretensions to take all the points, with Courbis swopping midfielder Tonji for striker Daouda Kamilou but the deadlock remained with a draw a fair result after an entertaining tie.

We need to find a way past Malian defence - Ghana assistant coach Appiah

 

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Tournament co-favourites Ghana have had a helping hand in keeping in mind the dangers of complacency and underrating opponents, This has come in the form of results going against Senegal another side expected to go far at the 28^th edition of Africa Cup of Nations. Ghana’s assistant coach James Kwasi Appiah told Cafonline.com ahead of their Saturday game against Mali in Group D in Franceville. that they are not taking any chances against any team at all.

Cafonline.com What are you expecting from Mali come Saturday?

Appiah: Before the Botswana game we knew it was going to be tough going in Group D and coming with the tag of favourites the other teams would be keen to catch us cold and knock us out. Luckily we came through with 3 points from the Botswana but now against Mali we have another tough match ahead. We will try to break down their defence and try and get some goals. Mali is a good team. Our boys are motivated and the camp is buzzing with unity and the boys now what is at stake.

Cafonline.com: How much will the absence of your captain John Mensah be a factor?

Appiah: John is a great player for us and when he plays we feel defence is safe and we would have loved to have him and his defensive partner Vorsah playing but these two boys, John Boye and Jonathan Mensah will fill in for them. Mensah played well in the center back role in the last World Cup and John was the only new boy in first game against Botswana and he played well so we are confident they will do a good job on Saturday.

Cafonline.com: What is the reaction and impact to you and the team when you see a side like Senegal getting knocked out of the tournament?

Appiah: I was surprised with what happened to Senegal and l thought they would recover from the first loss but it wasn’t to be. I wondered why they seem to play relaxed and only stared to play after they were down. I don’t know exactly what it was down to but it has made our team stay even more focused and we tell them football is developed on the African continent and all over so you cannot underrate anyone anymore. We have watched these games here with our players are aware there are no lesser teams, so Mali will be treated with utter most respect and we will seek to give a through performance against Mali.

Cafonline.com: You saw Mali beat Guinea how do you intend to tackle them

Appiah: The team tactics and approach for this game will be not be that too different from the first game but we will change a few things accordingly. Mali put up a solid display and mounted an effective defence against Guinea so we have been working on getting goals and to do so we need to find ways to break them down.

Cafonline.com: And finally how would you describe the mood in the Ghana camp ahead of the Mali game?

Appiah: It is a happy camp and all is well. The team is motivated and we had a visit from the Vice President of Ghana which was great and the boys are in jovial but focused mood.

Jerome Ramatlhakwana - It is do or die against Guinea

 

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Botswana marksman Jerome Ramatlhakwana says their second game in the Orange African Nations Cup against Guinea sets up an immense battle for two sides who want to avoid an early exit from the tournament. Ramatlhakwana top scored for the Zebras on their way to Gabon- Equatorial Guinea finals and he told Cafonline.com that Botswana cannot wait for their first goal at the finals and he doesn’t mind who scores it as long as they can pick up three points come Saturday against Guinea.

 

Cafonline.com How will you approach the Guinea game on Saturday?

 

Ramatlhakwana: It is a do or die game and we both find ourselves in this situation where the loser goes back home. This game is like a final and l consider this game a more difficult encounter than the first match against Ghana.

 

Cafonline.com: Why do you say that?

 

Ramatlhakwana: Well l saw Guinea play against Mali and they are a very physical side and they are compact and aggressive. They are an unknown side to us and have some tricky players like Ismael Bangoura and veteran Pascal Feindouno and we always thought they would be a difficult side to play against. Ghana allowed us to play maybe that was so because once they scored they put some measures to protect their lead. I know it will be a tough game.

 

 

Cafonline.com: The team looks up to you to get goals, how disappointed were you not to score against Ghana?

 

Ramatlhakwana: Yaah it’s my role as striker to try and get goals for the team and l will keep doing my best. At finals such as here at AFCON the defenders and teams do their homework and study the players so it becomes difficult to score. I was close against Ghana but John Mensah made a timely tackle and took a risk and sacrifice for his team and hey it paid off for Ghana, just like Suarez against the very same Ghana in the World Cup but that’s football you know. I did think that was the moment but l still had a lot of work to do before l could score, so l don’t know what would have happened.

 

 

Cafonline.com: It was Mensah first and next it is Bobo Balde quite some defenders to battle with isn’t it?

 

Ramatlhakwana: Eeeish you can say that again, Bobo Balde is next indeed and yes it will be a challenge and l just have to play my game. I like to use the space behind the defence and l will do the same against Guinea but should plan A not give the result needed there is plan B. I enjoyed playing against the big name defenders that play in Europe and l think l did well against Ghana and l will be ready for Balde and company, in fact our entire team respects these guys but were are not here to make up the numbers so we will fight to the end to stay in the tournament.

 

Cafonline.com: Your coach Stanley Tshosane said the performance was good last game, how are you going to turn that into results in the next game?

 

Ramatlhakwana: That’s true and the guys in the team feel that we now need to add results to the performance. We were disappointed to lose to Ghana in the manner we did and even back home the fans thought we could have got something from that game, so there is some pressure on us to get some positive result against Guinea. There is some nervousness amongst us as we also want to turn good performance into results in the next game but overall the spirits are high in camp and come Saturday we will be ready for another battle.

 

Elephants trample over Stallions to seal quarters place

 

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Cote d’Ivoire joined co-hosts Equatorial Guinea at the last eight of the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations after a 2-0 win over Burkina Faso o Thursday in Malabo.

 

Whilst the 1992 champions are certain of a place at the knockout stage of the competition courtesy the result, it leaves the Burkinabes crashing, being their second successive loss.

 

Chelsea forward Salomon Kalou gave the Ivorians the lead on 16 minutes before an own-goal by Bakary Kone ensured the Elephants live up to their billing of pre-tournament favourites.

 

Though not a very remarkable performance from the Didier Drogba-led side, they did the most important thing by ensuring the maximum points remained in their custody.

 

Interestingly, it was Burkina Faso, who made the first attempt at goal as early as the fifth minute but Jonathan Pitroipa appeared to have been impeded in the penalty area. The return of Didier Zokora at the heart of the Ivorian backline brought balance at the back but they were consistently troubled by Pitroipa, who remained a nuisance throughout the game.

 

During one of their early raids into the half of the Stallions, Kalou latched onto a pass from long pass from Yaya Toure before volleying past Burkina Faso goalie Daouda Diakite for the opener.

 

In response, youngster Alain Traore was gifted with chances minutes later but his efforts were no problems for Ivorian gaolie Barry Boubacar. Drogba and strike-partner Gervinho made inroads upfront but were not unsuccessful in their quest to increase the tally.

 

The Ivorians resumed in control but the Burkinabes matched them squarely with Charles Kabore, Mohammed Kere and Nguimbe Nakoulma creating some sleepless nights for their opponents. On three occasions, Traore was unlucky as his final deliveries were no problems for Ivorian goalie Barry.

 

On 68 minutes, the Ivorians survived yet another attack by the Stallions as captain Moumouni Dagano’s glancing header missed narrowly.

 

As the Burkinabes fought on, Kone headed in seemingly harmless free-kick by Arthur Boka’s free-kick into his net eight minutes from time to seal victory for the Ivorians.

 

Cote d’Ivoire leads the pack in Group B with six points, two more than Angola whilst Sudan has one point with Burkina Faso in the order with no point.

Edjogo-Owono revels in last eight berth

 

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Equatorial Guinea captain Edjogo-Owono Juvenal has described their qualification to the last eight of the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations as one of the best moments in the history of the country.

 

Nzalang Nacional beat the Teranga Lions of Senegal 2-1 on Wednesday at the Estadio de Bata to seal their place at the last eight and becoming the first team to book their place at the knockout stage.

 

“It is an important victory. Today is a historic day in the life of this country. The fans are very excited and I am very proud to be part of this piece of history,” an elated Edjogo-Ewono said after the match.

 

The Spanish-based midfielder admitted that Senegal handed them a strong test, which they passed in the end thanks to David Alvarez’s superb strike in added-on time.

 

“It was a very difficult game as Senegal also wanted to win to remain in the competition. They (Senegal) started very well and we had to wait for our chance. After, we had to wait for the decisive moment, which came very late.

 

“Despite the fact that we have qualified, we still want to win our last match against Zambia. Our target is to finish as the winners of the group and we can only achieve that by winning our last game.”

 

Coach Gilson Paulo shares the same view as his captain regarding their final Group A match against the Chipolopolo of Zambia on Sunday, January 29 in Malabo.

 

“Senegal is a very good team with talented players. We did a good job with the win but we are not there yet. We want to win all our matches to finish tops in our group,” said the Brazilian.

 

Nzalang Nacional has six points, Zambia on four points, with Libya and Senegal in that order with one and no point respectively.

Traore hoping to bow out high

 

Senegal coach Amara Traore has set sights on a winning farewell at their campaign at the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations.

The Senegalese became the first casualty at the tournament after losing 1-2 to co-hosts Equatorial Guinea in their second match on Wednesday night at the Estadio de Bata.

With no point from a possible six, there will be nothing at stake for the Teranga Lions in their ultimate Group A match against Libya on Sunday at the same venue, but for Traore victory will be the perfect goodbye wave to the 28th edition of the continental showpiece soccer event.

“We prepared very well for this game and we had many opportunities. We were just unlucky tonight. I am very happy for my players, they gave everything,” referring their loss to Nzalang Nacional.

“I am very disappointed with our current state because we deserve to win something at this tournament. It is frustrating for some of the players who are playing at the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time. We hope to win our last match and bow out with our heads high,” said Traore.

Captain Mamadou Niang added that ill-luck was their undoing in a game they dominated possession.

“We had the better chances but were unlucky. I feel sad for the team. We are a young team, where about 70 percent are making their debut.

“We all failed together and won’t single out any player for blame. It is from such disappointments that you can make up your mistakes.”

Equatorial Guinea Pull Off Dramatic Win as Senegal crash out

 

Kily scored a goal that will go down in the history of Equatorial Guinea four minutes into added time to spark delirium across a nation

Co-hosts Equatorial Guinea produced one of the all-time Africa Cup of Nations upsets when reaching the last eight and dumping Senegal out of the finals.

The National Lightning left it incredibly late to earn a 2-1 win over their supposedly illustrious foes.

After Randy opened the scoring in Bata, Senegal were facing elimination until Moussa Sow's 89th-minute equaliser.

But Kily produced a stunning 25-yard drive deep into added time to send a nation into raptures.

“We were a little lucky to score in the last few seconds! It's fantastic for us and our supporters. We're very hopeful for the future. Now we want to beat Zambia because we want to finish top of the group”

Juvenal Edjogo Equatorial Guinea captain

The goal came in the 94th minute to spark frenzy among the 40,000 fans inside the Estadio de Bata, yet there was still time for Equatorial Guinea centre-back Laurence Doe to be sent off.

When the final whistle did evenutally blow three minutes later, Equatoguineans across the world were in dreamland while any watching neutrals were probably left similarly open-mouthed.

The result means Newcastle strikers Demba Ba and Papiss Demba Cisse will be back in Premier League action earlier than expected.

To put the win into context, the co-hosts' coach Gilson Paulo only met his squad three weeks ago as he was parachuted in to lead one of the lowest-ranked teams to ever contest a Nations Cup.

Lying 151st in Fifa's rankings and making their tournament debut, the National Lightning have made a mockery of the form guide, producing a gutsy display to knock out this year's third favourites.

Senegal came into the competition with Africa's best forward line but neither Cisse, Ba nor Dame Ndoye could take any of the presentable first-half chances that came their way.

Cisse's clever volley was well saved after 16 minutes by Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Danilo before Ba spurned a glorious opportunity as he dragged a perfect lay-off from impressive winger Issiar Dia wide.

Senegal fans must digest another Nations Cup failure

Before the break, there was still time for Guirane Ndaw to sting Danilo's fingers with a 25-yard piledriver before Ba and Ndoye wasted yet more presentable chances.

All the while, Equatorial Guinea's defence had thrown themselves into every block with a passion that humbled their opponents.

After 62 minutes, Kily showed his quality when bending in a delicious cross that Randy - all alone at the back post and just yards from goal - was not going to miss.

Senegal had crumbled at the first sight of pressure and coach Amara Traore made instant changes, bringing on Moussa Sow and Mamadou Niang, the national captain who had been dropped to the bench.

Niang showed his class while flashing a difficult header wide as the hosts continued to frustrate the Senegalese, with Ben Konate and Doe working tirelessly to keep their side ahead.

Continue reading the main story

I congratulate Equatorial Guinea for qualifying. We tried everything, I'm content for my players, they gave their all. I am frustrated though, as we came here to make an impact

Amara Traore Senegal coach

But with one minute of normal time left, Niang latched onto a free-kick that had spilled in the box and after Danilo blocked his low shot, Sow manoeuvred his body to acrobatically volley home.

Instead of holding on to the point that would have kept them in the finals, Senegal searched for a winner which almost came through Dame Ndiaye before Javier Balboa went close at the other end.

Then came an incredible finale when Kily killed a crossfield pass with his first touch before unleashing a thunderbolt that tore into the back of the net to spark an impromptu pitch invasion.

Unknown in Equatorial Guinea at the start of this month, Paulo has become a national hero while Senegal coach Traore faces an uncertain future after falling woefully short of his semi-final target.

Pointless from their first two games, the West Africans can no longer qualify - meaning Zambia will take Group A's last quarter-final place if they avoid defeat against Equatorial Guinea on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Libya - who drew 2-2 with the Chipolopolo earlier in the day - must beat Senegal and hope the Zambians lose if they are to make it through.