Sudan down Zambia to reach #CHAN2018 Semis

Sudan down Zambia to reach #CHAN2018 Semis

Sudan managed to hold their nerves as they narrowly defeated one of the tournament favourites Zambia 1-0 in Saturday’s quarterfinals in Marrakech, to reach the semis of the 2018 African Nations Championship (Chan).

Saifeldin Bakhit accounted for the Sudanese only goal on 32 minutes as they continue their fairytale run in the competition.

The Falcons of Jediane will play in the second semi-final – in Marrakech on January 31 – after Morocco booked their spot in the final four with a 2-0 victory over Namibia earlier on Saturday.

The Atlas Lions will meet either Congo-Brazzaville or Libya, who go head to head on Sunday.

Zambia played a lot of attractive football during the first half in Marrakech, but for all their pretty build-up, they lacked the penetration to truly trouble the Sudanese.

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#CHAN2018: Nigeria to battle Angola in quarterfinal

#CHAN2018: Nigeria to battle Angola in quarterfinal

The Local Eagles of Nigeria who finished top of Group C after two wins and a draw amassing seven points will welcome Angola in Tangier on Sunday, at the Stade Ibn Batouta, Tangier for a spot in the last four of the tournament.

The Angolans finished second in Group D with five points after a goalless tussle with Congo on Wednesday night at the Le Grand Stade, Agadir.

Congo completed the group as the winner with seven points while Cameroon and Burkina Faso were knocked out of the tournament.

The Super Eagles are expected to depart Agadir today following their 3-1 victory against Equatorial Guinea.

Nigeria versus Angola game will kick-off 4.30pm local time (5.30pm Nigeria time) on Sunday.

Meanwhile, tournament hosts Morocco, who topped Group A will face Group B runners-up Namibia.

Group B winners Zambia will take on Group A runners-up Sudan, the only CECAFA representative left in the biannual tourney.

Although the biennial Nations Championship is restricted to home-based footballers, matches carry full international status and count toward the monthly FIFA rankings.

Full CHAN 2018 | Quarterfinal Fixtures

Saturday matches: Morocco vs Namibia (27th January 2018) – Casablanca
Zambia Vs Sudan (27th January 2018) – Marrakech

Sunday matches: Nigeria Vs Angola (28th January 2018) – Tangier
Congo Vs Libya (28th January 2018) – Agadir

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George Weah, former world footballer sworn in as LIB’s president

George Weah, former world footballer sworn in as LIB’s president

Ex-football superstar George Weah has been sworn in as president of Liberia.

“I have spent many years of my life in stadiums, but today is a feeling like no other,” President Weah told crowds in the capital Monrovia.

It is Liberia’s first transition between democratically-elected leaders since 1944.

Mr Weah thanked his predecessor, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, for bringing peace to the country after years of civil war.

  • Born 1 October 1966, grew up in a slum in Liberia’s capital
  • Signed by Arsene Wenger to Monaco from Cameroonian club Tonnerre Yaoundé.
  • Made Monaco debut in 1987, went on to play for AC Milan, Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea.
  • Only African to win Fifa World Player of the Year
  • First ran for president in 2005, losing to Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
  • Graduated with a business degree from a US university after being accused of lacking education
  • Elected president in December 2017

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Sudan, Morocco win to reach CHAN-2018 quarter-finals

Sudan, Morocco win to reach CHAN-2018 quarter-finals

CAF: Striker Walaal Musa was the hero for Sudan in the quarter-final following a 1-0 win over a spirited Mauritania from Group A.

The victory saw the Desert Hawks qualify for the last eight joining host Morocco who had earlier beaten Guinea 3-1 at the same venue in Casablanca.

The African Nations Championship (CHAN), is the continent tournament for locally-based players only.

Corentin Martins’ chargers started the better side as Hameya Tanjy headed El Mostapha Diaw’s inviting cross over the Sudan goal with eleven minutes on the clock.

Mauritania came close again from a set piece Sidi Mohamed Bilal stabbing wide Alassane Diop’s curling effort.

Babacar Bagili pounced on a misplaced back past in the Sudanese back but he couldn’t beat the rushing keeper and wasted the opportunity much to the frustration of manager Martins.

Walaal Musa punished the wasteful Mauritanians with a clinical stylish finish from captain Mohamed Tahir’s delightful assist.

Moulaye Ahmed Khalil found space on the right but his near post cross was cleared just wide of Akram Abdeltam’s goal by towering defender Omer.

Sudan hangs on to secure their second win of the tournament and book a place at the quarters, their first since 2011 when they hosted the tournament.

Morocco and Sudan have six points each with Guinea and Mauritania pointless in that order.

Reactions

Logarusic Zdravko Hrvatsko (Head Coach, Sudan)

I must congratulate Mauritania because they also have their chances but could not take it. Sometimes you have to be lucky a bit so we’re lucky to be facing Morocco in the last game. My target is the next game so let me enjoy this moment.

We’re not here as tourist; we came here to compete so let’s see what will happen in next game.

Corentin Martins (Head Coach, Mauritania)

On Saturday I was disappointed with my forwards but today I cannot blame them. Tonight, it was a competition and that will not change against Guinea because we have defend the Mauritanian flag. We did not refuse to play football; we did play and you can see we created chances.

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Hafia to face Blackpool in friendly

Hafia to face Blackpool in friendly

Three-time African Champions Hafia FC, are expected to touch down in Freetown on Friday, January 12, for their international friendly schedule with the Mighty Blackpool.

The Guinean top-flight side has lined up two friendly matches against Mighty Blackpool and most likely taking on East End Lions or Home-based Leone Stars, Football Sierra Leone understands.

After their five days tour in Freetown, they will also take on Malian side Réal de Bamako in Conakry in another friendly.

Hafia will use these friendlies as groundwork ahead of next month’s CAF Confederation Cup first leg outing away to Energie de la SBEE FC in Benin.

Sierra Leone international Prince Barrie, who signed a two-year deal with the Guinean side in September 2017 says he is excited about his new club coming to his hometown.

“Hafia Football club, we are coming to Sierra Leone for a visit. Hope to show my teammates all around Freetown and show them that there are more talented players in Sierra Leone. Hope to come home safe,” the attacking midfielder posted on his Facebook account.

Barrie was part of the fifteen new acquisitions signed by the club for the new campaign.

Follow Us On twitter @football_sierra By Lansana Kamara

Twin brothers dislodge LIB’s FA Cup champions

Twin brothers dislodge LIB’s FA Cup champions

Marampa Stars twin brothers, Alusine and Alhassan Koroma were the stars of Tuesday’s night international football showdown, after guiding their side to a 2-0 win over Liberia’s top-flight side and FA Cup champions, LISCR Football Club. (Twin brothers photo credit: Alusine Rehme Wilson)

The brothers both combined to shot the Northern boys a comfortable victory at the Wusum Sports Stadium in Makeni which leaves the Liberian giant still searching for their first win on their international friendly tour in Sierra Leone.

The Liberian First Division and FA Cup champions were seeking their first win of the trip after they were held to a 1-1 draw on Sunday by Wusum Stars but Alusine 35 minutes strike hampered their hopes before Alhassan sealed the win for the home side in the 75th minutes.

Next up for the Liberians is a clash with the Home Base national team, Leone Stars at the same venue on Thursday, January 11.

The international tour is part of LISCR Football Club preparation for the upcoming season and their CAF Champions League preliminary match against Al Hilal of Sudan.

By Sahr Morris Jrn – Follow Us On Twitter @football_sierra