Libya hold Zambia in four-goal thriller

 

Zambia came from behind twice to hold Libya to a 2-2 draw in their Group A clash on Wednesday at the Estadio de Bata.

 

The result keeps the group open giving all teams an equal chance of advancing to the next round of the competition. It was the third meeting between the two sides after facing off during the qualifying series.

 

The kickoff of the match was delayed for over an hour due to a downpour just after the warm up session. The match finally kicked off when the rain was done, but the soggy nature of the pitch marred the beauty of the game.

 

Whilst both teams were struggling in search of their feet, Libya struck the opener on five minutes through captain Ahmed Osman who finished off superbly after being put through by Elkhatroushi Walid.

 

Both teams were tactful in their approach in their quest to trap the ball as the downpour rendered the pitch to difficult control passes. However, both teams defied the soggy nature of the pitch exhibiting some fine displays to the amazement of the crowd.

 

Midfielder Rainford Kalaba proved that he is the heartbeat of the Zambian team as he tormented the backline of the Libyan defence with his raids upfront from both angles. On 29 minutes, Zambia drew parity and it was masterminded by Kalaba who laid a perfect pass to Emmanuel Mayuka, before the latter volleyed past Libya goalie Samir Abod from a tight angle.

 

Moments later, Libya were dealt a major blow as enterprising midfielder Elkhatroushi sustained an injury and had to be replaced by Albusaifi Ihab. Zambia also brought on burly forward Collins Mbesuma for Francis Kasonde but his presence could barely impact on the scoreline.

 

Libya resumed more purposeful and Osman shot them into the lead once again two minutes into the half firing home from a goalmouth action. But the lead will last for seven minutes before Zambian captain Christopher Katongo drew level by heading from a scissor kick from Emmanuel Mayuka.

 

The game remained balanced but Zambia forward Mayuka was gifted with a perfect opportunity to put his side in the lead on 84 minutes, but after rounding off his marker, his response was too slow allowing the Libyans to clear the danger.

 

Few minutes later, Libyan forward Ahmed Zuway forced a spectacular save from Zambian goalie Kennedy Mweene, who parried out his goalbound long range effort. Libyan pair of Younes Shibani and Abibaker Suiueinei defended gallantly to keep the score intact.

 

Libya will next play Senegal on January 29 in Bata whilst Zambia face co-hosts Equatorial Guinea in Malabo.

Gyan admits Ghana 'were lucky' against Botswana

 

 

Gyan and his teammates struggled to break down a stubborn Botswana side

Asamoah Gyan insists Ghana's mantle as one of the favourites to win the Africa Cup of Nations has not been diminished by a laboured 1-0 win over Botswana.

The Black Stars huffed and puffed against less fancied opponents and were fortunate not to concede an equaliser.

But the striker told BBC Sport that Ghana will improve as the tournament progresses, while acknowledging that luck played its part in the win.

"We were lucky to win but this shows the character of the boys," Gyan said.

"Every first game is always difficult, but what's important is the three points.

"I also said before the tournament started that we should expect a lot of surprises, because anybody can win at any time.

It's always very difficult to play against opponents who have 11 men behind the ball, which is what Botswana did, but I'm sure that Mali will play differently

Ghana striker Asamoah Gyan

"We will be stronger and sharper for [Ghana's next game against] Mali."

The four-time African champions are seeking to end 30 years of misery in a competition they last won in 1982, but lacked creativity and the ability to break down a stubborn Zebras defence on Tuesday.

"It's always very difficult to play against opponents who have 11 men behind the ball, which is what Botswana did, but I'm sure that Mali will play differently," said the striker, who plays for Al Ain in Abu Dhabi.

"We have a lot experience in this squad and we know what's required of us, and we're determined to make our fans happy."

The former BBC African Footballer of the Year said the squad will cope with the absence of John Mensah, who is set to miss the remaining group games after being red-carded against Botswana.

"John is a big player for us, and he's our captain," Gyan said. "But we have very good players in our squad who will come in and do the job."

Ghana team doctor Percy Annan later disclosed that Mensah may have missed the next two games through injury anyway.

Annan says Mensah has pains in his lower left thigh and that tests will reveal the extent of a potential hamstring injury.

"We will do a scan at the hospital to know how serious this injury is," said Annan.

Ghana face Mali on Saturday, before another potentially difficult Group D assignment against Guinea next Wednesday

Traore earns Mali win against Guinea

 

  Mali's Nancy midfielder Bakaye Traore scored the only goal of the game after 30 minutes to see off Guinea's spirited threat

Mali's Eagles joined Ghana at the top of Group D after beating Guinea 1-0 in a tight affair in Franceville.

Bakaye Traore scored the only goal after 30 minutes as his powerful strike from the edge of the area deflected past Guinea goalkeeper Naby Yattara.

Guinea threatened through youngster Alhassane Bangoura, Ibrahima Diallo and Ismael Bangoura but could not find a way past an obdurate defence.

Group D is topped by Mali and Ghana, who beat Botswana - also 1-0 - earlier.

Wednesday's late game meant that all 16 teams at this year's Africa Cup of Nations had been in action, with every match managing to produce a winner so far.

After the heat of the earlier Franceville had lifted, the stage was set for a West African derby which had a much faster pace - with Guinea enjoying the brighter start.

After 18 minutes, forward Ismael Bangoura rose at the back post to head a deep cross back across goal, only for Mali goalkeeper Soumaila Diakite to pull off an athletic save.

Minutes later, highly-rated Guinean youngster Alhassane Bangoura - who's been linked with Real Madrid despite being just 19 - raced clear before rasping an angle drive into the side netting.

Yet Guinea were caught on the hop after half an hour as Mali scored against the run of play with their first attack of note.

Striker Modibo Maiga, whose Newcastle United move broke down because of knee concerns, got to the byeline before his pullback eventually found the onrushing Traore whose powerful drive took a deflection as it whistled past Yattara.

The Syli Nationale almost replied immediately as Bangoura went on a mazy run, jinking inside one player before cutting past another, only to fire into Mali goalkeeper Soumaila Diakite.

The impressive Ibrahima Diallo thought he had won Guinea a penalty shortly before the break but his reward for being clipped by Mahamadou N'diaye was an ill-deserved booking for simulation.

Mali fans could say the decisions evened out as Guinea's Dianbobo Balde appeared lucky to stay on the pitch after hauling down Cheikh Tidiane Diabate to deny the Eagle a clear goalscoring opportunity.

The game suffered midway through the second half as coaches Alain Giresse (Mali) and Michel Dussuyer (Guinea) rang the changes, but Guinea substitute Abdoul Razzagui Camara threatened at one end while Garra Dembele could have scored at the other.

Late on, Pascal Feindouno forced Diakite to tip over the bar but Guinea could not find the equaliser they deserved as Mali's defence, expertly led by captain Cedric Kante, held on.

The Eagles had come into this year's finals with numerous injuries, losing two players in the last week while Mahamane Traore was almost replaced after suffering a foot injury (only for Malian officials to have a last-minute change of heart).

They now face Ghana in their next game in Franceville, shortly after both Botswana and Guinea go in search of their first Group D points on Saturday.

Ghana start with 1-0 victory over Botswana

 

Ghana enjoyed much of the possession, but had to settle for a tight victory

Ghana got their Africa Cup of Nations campaign off to a winning start with a tight 1-0 victory over Botswana.

Captain John Mensah put the Black Stars ahead in the first half, burying an in-swinging corner from close range.

But the skipper earned himself a red card, bringing down Jerome Ramatlhakwane, with the Zebras striker through on goal.

Ghana enjoyed much of the possession, but had to settle for a narrow win after Mensah's second-half dismissal.

The Black Stars started comfortably enough, but Botswana immediately showed on their Nations Cup debut that they were not there to be overrun, confining Ghana to midfield.

Ghana pressed, however, seeking to make their early possession count.

And they duly delivered on 25 minutes when the Botswana defence let down their guard and allowed Mensah to slot home in front of goal, after a good flick-on from Asamoah Gyan.

Ghana showed their class and professionalism - when they really needed to step up, they did

Botswana captain Diphetogo 'Dipsy' Selolwane

The Ghanaians kept up the pressure after going ahead, but Botswana quickly rediscovered their composure to repel attacks from Gyan and Jordan Ayew.

Botswana battled hard to win more possession in the second half, with Penyo Mongala and Moemedi Moatlhaping looking lively.

Moatlhaping was unlucky not to see his header find the net, after nodding across goal, in Botswana's best chance of the match.

And they broke through well in the 66th minute, splitting the Ghanaian defence and forcing Mensah to make a crude tackle on Ramatlhakwane to prevent an equaliser, for which the captain received a straight red card.

Ghana showed the experience in their ranks, however, as they managed to withhold Botswana's pressure after the sending-off.

Mongala sprinted in from the left and shot across Adam Kwarasey's goal, with the young keeper parrying away.

But the Black Stars held out well and go into their second match with Mali with three valuable points.

Botswana captain Diphetogo 'Dipsy' Selolwane, who was suspended for the match, says his team will learn from their first Nations Cup outing.

"The boys really tried," Selolwane told the BBC after the game.

"Ghana showed their class and professionalism - when they really needed to step up, they did.

"It's a learning curve for us but it's important that we came out and tried."

Ghana hoping for comfortable 'Zebra' crossing

 

 

Finally the wait is almost over as the Black Stars journey to exorcist the demons that have led to 30 years of anguish and unthinkable grief is set to start. 
The Gabonese town of Franceville is the stage that will host the first phase of this road to redemption.  A journey that the whole of Ghana will follow with mostly their hearts and little of their heads.
From my Grandfather listening to the over zealous and at times  misleading radio commentary in a suburb of Kade to the whole neighbourhood  gathered around a TV set hoping the rains go away and come  another day.
From the Giant screens at the Accra Mall to the overcrowded environments of University screening rooms through to those in foreign lands watching  via internet feed. The wait is finally over and as if the whole of Ghana has been given a sneak peak into the future, the widely held consensus is this is our turn, out time.
Confronting the Black Stars at the fist hurdle is African Cup of Nations newcomers Botswana. A relative unknown in football circles, 58 places behind the Black Stars on the Fifa rankings.
A country's whose most significant football record is that they were the first country to qualify for the ongoing Nations Cup.
It is will be a battle of one of Africa's illustrious sons in football versus a hardly heard of name. A battle of a country aiming for the trophy and one who might hold street carnivals if they make it out of the group stages. It is a classic David and Goliath battle with Ghana hoping David does not bring his sling around.
With the shocks of the first match day and Ivory Coast not so impressive showing the Black Stars will be extra careful not to underrate any team.
In reference to Senegal's shock defeat to Zambia Sulley Muntari said "If you look at what happened on the opening day it is easy to see you cannot write off any team. We are very confident but we won't be taking any team lightly."
GYAN'S PRESENCE, SELOLWANE'S ABSENCE.
Botswana go into this historic clash without their star man and experienced campaigner Dipsy Selolwane. The SuperSport United striker misses the game through suspension.
"I'm very, very disappointed. After working so hard all these years and finally getting to a big tournament and then not being able to play, not because of performance but because of an accumulation of yellow cards is disappointing," he told SuperSport.
With his star man suspended and Mogorosi ruled out of the tournament coach Stanley Tshosane still believes his team will cause the tectonic plates of African football to shift.
The Zebra's coach Stanley Tshosane believes his team are not here to just make the numbers, saying: "We are the least experienced side in our group, but we have done our homework and I can assure Botswana that we will not just add numbers at the Nations Cup . We're not here on holiday, we will surprise someone." Can that someone be tournament favourites Ghana?
The big news from the Ghana camp is that star striker Asamoah Gyan is fit and would play a part in the Black Stars opening game. A massive miracle if you consider he was a doubt for the tournament three weeks ago. Such pieces of good fortune are what helps to fix a trophy winning puzzle.
"I am fit and ready," he told KickOffGhana.com. "As you know I played last week and scored so it's a very good sign.
"Like the rest of the team I am really looking forward to the first game. We want the best possible start because for a competition like this it is very important."
With the  pre tournament visit from the office of the President done, all is set for the Black Stars to improve on that record of one win in the last four African Cup of Nations opening games. All is set for the Black stars to safely make their way on this "Zebra" crossing.
Probable Starting Eleven: Adam Kwarasey, John Painstill, John Boye, John Mensah, Masawudu, Derek Boateng, Agyemang Badu, Sulley Muntari, Dede Ayew, Jordan Ayew , Asamoah Gyan

Stevanovic preaches respect

 

 

Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic says he will take nothing for granted against Botswana in the opening Group D game of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations and has warned his players upsets can happen at the competition. 
The Serbian promised on pre-tournament camping duty in Rustenburg, South Africa that Ghana will show why they are considered favourites and while his belief in the ability of his side to deliver three points in Franceville on Tuesday has not diminished, he has warned that can only be achieved by treating Botswana with the respect they deserve.
The Black Stars are heavily favoured to win all three points against the Zebras who will be making a historic bow at the most prestigious football gathering on the continent.
But Stevanovic knows his players must work the result and says there is enough evidence of upsets in football to put them on the alert.
"In football, everything is possible," Stevanovic says. "In football, everyone has the chance to get a trophy. For example in 2004, in the European Championship in Portugal, the winner was Greece and nobody thought Greece would take the championship, it’s true or not," he added. “For that, there are surprises in football." 

Tunisia beat neighbors Morocco

 

 

Tunisia's players celebrate a massive opening win over neighbours Morocco

Tunisia capitalised on a wasteful Moroccan performance to beat their North African rivals 2-1 in Group C.

Khaled Korbi opened the scoring for the Carthage Eagles, floating a free-kick straight into the Moroccan goal.

Substitute Youssef Msakni doubled Tunisia's lead with a wonderful solo effort, before Moroccan skipper Houcine Kharjah pulled one back.

Morocco wasted several chances to score but Tunisia deserved their opening win, after a gutsy performance.

The Atlas Lions started well and created opportunities from the outset, with Mbark Boussoufa busy trying to link up with Arsenal's Marouane Chamakh up front, who found space but shot straight at Aymen Mathlouthi in the Tunisian goal.

REMAINING GROUP C GAMES

• 27 Jan: Niger v Tunisia
• 27 Jan: Gabon v Morocco
• 31 Jan: Gabon v Tunisia
• 31 Jan: Niger v Morocco

That miss would set the tone of much of the game, with Mathlouthi pulling off a string of saves from the Moroccan attackers.

Tunisia weathered the opening exchanges well before capitalising and opening the scoring through Korbi's free-kick on 34 minutes.

Korbi floated in a dangerous ball from well outside the area which nestled in Morocco's net, after Saber Khelifa did enough to distract Nadir Lamyaghri in the Moroccan goal.

Morocco had two quick opportunities to equalise, with Younes Belhanda shooting just wide after a good run into the area, and then Chamakh almost latched onto a looping ball, but again Mathlouthi did enough to put him off and clear his lines.

Moroccan coach Eric Gerets' responded by introducing Adel Taraabt for Oussama Assaidi at the break, and the QPR striker was involved in the action straight away, drawing yet another save from Mathlouthi.

Youssouf Hadji followed Taraabt onto the field but missed horribly, after collecting the ball beautifully in the box, and blasting high and wide.

The miss would cost Morocco once more as Msakni danced through their defence and shot across Lamyaghri's goal for his first goal for his country, on 76 minutes.

Morocco finally responded 10 minutes later, pulling one back through captain Kharjah, who headed in from close range after Ahmed Kantari's headed flick back in front of goal.

And Kharjah was unlucky not to double his tally and bring Morocco level as he created space for himself well in the box, only to shoot just over.

But Tunisia held out well and deserved to edge their neighbours, in a fascinating encounter in Libreville.