AFCON

Fifa president wants Africa Cup of Nations at end of year

Published

3 years ago

December 22, 2021

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has suggested that the Africa Cup of Nations should be played between September and November as part of any revised international match schedule.

Football’s world governing body is proposing an overhaul of international football, including the World Cup being played every two years rather than four.

Traditionally, the Nations Cup was played in January and February but it took place in June and July when Egypt hosted in 2019.

Next month’s finals in Cameroon reverted to the beginning of the year due to concerns about the weather, a long-standing reason why the tournament has seldom been played in June-July.

“If we can streamline the calendar and make sure that an Africa Cup of Nations could be played as part of a longer international window in the autumn, then I think we would have already achieved something quite important,” Infantino said.

Follow-up communication with Fifa confirmed that ‘autumn’ was referring to any time between September and November in a calendar year.

However, Fifa is working on the idea of having at least two extended windows each year, so that confederations have the option of hosting their tournament at different times of the year because of weather conditions.

“[This would mean] less disruption for so many leagues who have players of African nationality.

“A few years ago, no one cared if the Africa Cup of Nations was played in January and February – more or less,” Infantino, 51, claimed.

“Today it is becoming an issue because in January and February many leagues in Europe, in particular but also in other parts of the world where African players are playing, are in the middle of their competition and they have to release these players.”

Club-versus-country rows have preceded the build-up to many Nations Cup in recent years, as a host of Europe-based coaches have hit out at the timing of the competition.

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) moved the timing of the tournament in 2017 in order to avoid this issue, only to have to switch back for Cameroon 2021.

Following Monday’s Fifa meeting, Infantino also highlighted the fact that moving to a biennial World Cup would offer more chances for African nations to host the tournament in the future.

Uefa, Europe’s major leagues and South American football’s governing body Conmebol have opposed the plans while Caf has given its backing.

-BBC

AFCON

Ghana’s problems complicated after goalless draw with Sudan

Published

7 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.