by FSL News | 26 Jun, 2019 | African News
Photograph: Suhaib Salem/Reuters: Naby Keïta made his first start since Liverpool’s 3-0 first-leg loss to Barcelona.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria become the first nation to advance to the knockout stage of the Africa Cup of Nations following a 1-0 win over Guinea Syli Nationale in Alexandria.
Kenneth Omeruo’s header in the 73rd minute was enough for the Eagles. As a result, Nigeria top of Group B with six points while Guinea will have to beat Burundi if they are to qualify.
It was the first full appearance in the tournament for Liverpool’s Naby Keïta since suffering an adductor injury in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final.
The coach, Gernot Rohr, made five changes, bringing Simon and Ahmed Musa in on the flanks. Levante’s Simon found Alex Iwobi with an inviting square pass after two minutes, but the Arsenal forward hesitated and the chance was lost.
Elsewhere, Uganda played 1-1 with Zimbabwe at the Cairo Stadium on Wednesday to move to four points after two games in Group A. The Uganda Cranes were impressive against DR Congo in their opening 2-0 win at Africa Cup of Nations.
by FSL News | 26 Jun, 2019 | African News
Brothers Andre and Jordan Ayew were both on target as 10-man Ghana were forced to a surprising draw against Benin on Tuesday in Ismailia Stadium at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Benin stunned the Ghanaians with a quick opening goal from Mickael Pote after two minutes but Black Stars captain Andre Ayew level scoreline seven minutes after.
His younger brother Jordan fired Ghana ahead, but Pote earned the Squirrels a point after John Boye was dismissed for a second yellow card.
Group F favourites Ghana arrived in Egypt aiming at the title but was carved open for Benin’s opener, which came from the first real attack of the contest.
Later in the second half, defender Boye – who had been booked in the first half – was shown a second yellow card for time-wasting.
Total Man of the Match: Jordan Ayew (Ghana)
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by FSL News | 23 Jun, 2019 | African News
SAT 22 JUN 2019 AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS – GROUP B Guinea 2-2 Madagascar Alexandria Stadium
Debutant Madagascar played to a 2-2 draw with Guinea in their first-ever match at the Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday in Alexandria.
The Madagascans took a shock second-half lead to stunned their West African counterpart as the second surprise at the tournament.
Sory Kaba superb goal gave the Guineans the first-half lead in the 34th minute before the Malagasy stunned their opponents with goals from Anicet Abel and Carolus Andriamatsinoro early in the second half.
Francois Kamano spared Guinea’s blushed by equalising with a penalty in the 66th minute.
In the day’s early kickoff, Nigeria needed a late goal to beat Burundi, another team making their debut at the tournament.
Nigeria top the group with three points, followed by Guinea and Madagascar on one and Burundi on none.
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by FSL News | 22 Jun, 2019 | African News
The Pharaohs of Egypt narrowly defeat Zimbabwe 1-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations opening game of the tournament in Cairo on Friday.
Mahmoud Trezeguet scored the only goal of the game after 41 minutes into the first half.
The goal was his sixth for his country and his first one in a major tournament with the Pharaohs.
“Victory was our main goal, and we managed to achieve it even if it was by only one goal,” Trezeguet told beIN SPORTS.
“It’s important to improve our performance in the upcoming games to please the Egyptian fans. The title is our goal.”
The victory means Egypt top of Group A ahead of Uganda and DR Congo both sides played on Saturday.
Egypt next AFCON outing is against DR Congo on Wednesday, June 26. They’ll secure a spot in the round of 16 in case they managed to get the win.
This year’s AFCON is the biggest ever with 24 teams and the first to be played in Europe’s summer.
It was a spectacular start, 75,000 fans were inside the Cairo International Stadium.
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by FSL News | 21 Jun, 2019 | African News
Cameroonian referee Sidi Alioum will be in the spotlight on Friday as the centreman for the opening match between host Egypt and Zimbabwe at the Cairo International Stadium.
Alioum, 36, and an Air Force Officer in his native Cameroon will steer affairs of the Group A clash that will open the curtains for the 32nd edition of the flagship continental championship.
He is one of the most experienced referees on the elite panel of match officials having officiated at the last four editions of the Africa Cup of Nations – 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2017. A regular face amongst the knights of the whistle on the continent, Alioum also participated in the FIFA World Cup in Brazil in 2014.
His assistants are compatriot Evarist Menkouande and Senegalese El Hadji Malick Samba. At 46, Menkouande ranks amongst the oldest at the tournament. He has officiated at every edition of the biennial showpiece since 2008, making it seven editions in a row.
On the other hand, Samba, who turns 40 next September, was present at the finals in 2013, 2015 and 2017.
The fourth official is Maguette Ndiaye, also from Senegal.
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by FSL News | 19 Jun, 2019 | African News
Ivory Coast thrashed Zambia 4-1 in Afcon warm-up
Ivory Coast proved too strong in their warm-up test today coming from behind to defeat Zambia 4-1 at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Sakala scored in the 14th minute from the spot to give Zambia the lead before Jonathan Kodjia level-scoreline on the half-hour mark.
The Ivorians went ahead through Jean Serri 3 minutes after the restart.
Maxwell Cornet added the third in the 57th minute before substitute former Manchester City striker Wilfried Bony pounced on a goalkeeper error to seal a 4-1 win.
Zambia, the 2012 champions, failed to qualify for this newly expanded Nations Cup but have played in a number of warm-up games.
The Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire are in Group D alongside Morocco, South Africa and Namibia.
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