AFCON

HARAMBEE STARS BEAT NIGERIA’S AFCON OPPONENTS, MADAGASCAR WARM UP

Published

5 years ago

June 18, 2019

Victor Wanyama’s second half penalty saw Kenya beat Nigeria’s last group opponents Madagascar 1-0 in an African Cup of Nations warm up match played in Paris, France.

Nigeria will play against Africa Cup of Nations debutants, Madagascar on June 30.

While Harambee Stars are returning to the Cup of Nations for the first time in 15 years, Madagascar will be making their debut in the biennial championship.

Despite the loss, head coach Nicolas Dupuis was happy with the performance of his players especially noting that it is only the first match of training before the final tournament.

His team actually had a chance to go ahead in the game in the first half but lost a penalty of their own.

“We had some mistakes which we should go and work on but overall I think we played well and the young players in the team especially gave a good account of themselves.

“We pick it up from here and hopefully we will be better in the coming friendly against DR Congo,” the Tottenham Hotspur midfielder stated.

Wanyama scored the lone goal after 62 minutes when he sent the keeper the wrong way from the penalty spot.

Ayub Timbe’s crosscut off by the arms of Jeremy Morel with the referee pointing straight to the spot.

Kenya had improved in the second half after head coach Migne brought in Erick Ouma, Michael Olunga and Joseph Okumu for Eric Johannah, John Avire and Musa Mohammed. Olunga’s arrival in attack had spiced up things for Kenya and just two minutes after coming on had a low shot skid just wide.

In the first half, it was all Madagascar with the side creating chance after chance to score.

Stars were lucky to be level at 0-0 at the break after Madagascar themselves had a penalty, but keeper Patrick Matasi came to the rescue with a powerful left arm to ensure the boys stood a chance despite a poor first half.

Off a swiftly executed counter, Madagascar were away and Metanire Romain sent Tsilavina Martin through into the box. Matasi came out to cover and in his outstretched arms brought down the lanky forward.

From the resultant penalty, the keeper made amends, leaping to is right and his strong left hand parried Carlous Andriamahitsinoro’s penalty onto the crossbar and out.

Dupuis said his team still has a lot to do especially after failing to dominate the game in the opening half.

“It is good to win for our confidence and our motivation, but we were lucky to be level after the first half. We made changes and that improved our game.

“We still have so much to go and work on and I believe we will get better,” Kenya’s coach Sebastien Migne said after the match.

Goal scorer and captain Victor Wanyama was impressed especially with the youngsters in the team and how they performed on a big stage.

AFCON

Ghana’s problems complicated after goalless draw with Sudan

Published

8 hours ago

October 10, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations qualification campaign stuttered again as they were held to a 0-0 draw by Sudan at Accra Sports Stadium on Thursday.

Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Ghana could not find a breakthrough.

The Black Stars now sit third in Group F with just two points from three matches, while Sudan’s point lifts them to second with four points.

Angola leads the group with six points from two games, while Niger is bottom with one point. Angola will face Niger on Friday.

In a frustrating match for Ghana, Mohammed Kudus and Iñaki Williams came closest to scoring, but Sudan’s defence, marshalled by goalkeeper Mohamed Al Mustafa, stood firm.

Ghana’s attacking players struggled to break down a resolute Sudanese side that managed to keep the game scoreless despite intense late pressure.

AFCON

DR Congo edge Tanzania in Group H

Published

8 hours ago

October 10, 2024

Kunle Solaja

DR Congo maintained their perfect record in Group H of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with a narrow 1-0 victory over Tanzania at Stade des Martyrs, thanks to a second-half own goal by Clement Mzize.

The mishap occurred in the 53rd minute when Mzize inadvertently deflected a Congo cross into his own net, giving the hosts a crucial lead.

This win propels DR Congo to nine points from three matches, firmly establishing them at the top of the group.

Tanzania, meanwhile, remains in second place with four points, while Ethiopia and Guinea, both yet to win a game, sit in third and fourth, respectively, ahead of their upcoming clash on Saturday.

The match was a tense affair, with Tanzania creating chances but failing to convert.

Mbwana Samatta and Feisal Salum tested the DR Congo defense, but the hosts stood strong, while Arthur Masuaku nearly doubled the lead for Congo, hitting the bar from a free-kick late in the second half.

The result leaves Tanzania needing a positive result in their next match to keep their qualification hopes alive.

AFCON

Botswana stun Cape Verde

Published

8 hours ago

October 10, 2024

Kunle Solaja

Botswana secured a vital 1-0 away victory against Cape Verde in their Africa Cup of Nations Group C qualifier on Thursday, thanks to an early goal by Tumisang Orebonye.

The forward found the net just two minutes into the match, capitalizing on a quick break and a precise through ball from Kabelo Seakanyeng to send a powerful shot into the top corner.

The win lifts Botswana to three points, tying them with Cape Verde, who have also accumulated three points from three games.

Egypt tops the group with six points from two matches, while Mauritania, with one point, will play Egypt on Friday, hoping to close the gap.

Cape Verde pushed hard for an equalizer, dominating possession and creating numerous chances, but Botswana’s resolute defense, led by Goitseone Phoko in goal, held firm.

Fabrício Garcia and Jovane Cabral came close to scoring late in the game, but Botswana managed to see out the win, leaving Cape Verde frustrated as their hopes of advancing now hang in the balance.