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AFCON

Oh! Egypt star goalkeeper and legendry El Hadary are Covid-19 positive

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Egypt’s first choice goalkeeper, Mohamed Abo Gaba to miss Afcon

Eighth-title chasing Egypt have been dealt a heavy blow ahead of their opening match with Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations.

According to Ahram, a popular Egyptian outlet, the team goalkeeper, Mohamed Abo Gabal and the goalkeepers’ trainer, Essam El Hadary have both tested positive for COVID-19.

Legendry goalkeeper trainer, Essam El-Hadary was in goal when Egypt beat Nigeria in 2010 and later went ahead to win their seventh title.

That possibly explains the delay of the team departure to Cameroon on Friday and will now fly to Garoua this Saturday, the eve of the opening ceremony of the Africa Cup of Nations.

In the report which was reportedly announced by the Egyptian FA, “PCR tests have showed that Abo Gabal and Essam El-Hadary have tested positive for COVID-19 and they will miss the trip to Cameroon to take part in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations.”

Egypt’s national team coach Carlos Queiroz canceled Thursday’s training session with the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) national team and postponed the Pharaohs’ flight to Cameroon until Saturday.

The Pharaohs underwent PCR tests on Thursday morning in preparation for the flight to Cameroon, which has been moved to Saturday morning to give the players enough time to rest before traveling.

The seven-time African champions will be playing in Group D alongside Nigeria, Sudan and Guinea Bissau, and will begin their AFCON 2021 campaign with a clash against the Nigerian Super Eagles on 11 January.

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Meanwhile, coach Queiroz hoped for a quick recovery of the infected players so that they could return to the team.

“Unprecedented times. The more the situation becomes difficult, the more we stay together & strong. Better we stand together & focus on what we need to do to meet the challenges. Dear Friends & Team Mates, we all pray for your health, wishing fast recovery and return to our Team.” Queiroz tweeted early on Friday.

The EFA called the Olympic team’s goalkeeping coach Tarek Soliman to join the Pharaohs’ crew as a replacement for El-Hadary.

Queiroz also decided not to name another goalie to replace Abo Gabal as he will instead make use of the three previously named goalkeepers, according to a statement by the EFA.

The Pharaohs’ final squad witnessed a recall of four goalkeepers including Ahly’s and Egypt first choice Mohamed El-Shennawy, Farco’s Mohamed Sobhy, Enppi’s Mahmoud Gad and Zamalek’s Mohamed Abo Gabal.

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There was speculation that the tournament, which was delayed due to coronavirus, might be delayed again because of the spread of the Omicron variant but the Confederation of African Football (CAF) eventually decided to hold it as scheduled.

Kunle Solaja is the author of landmark books on sports and journalism as well as being a multiple award-winning journalist and editor of long standing. He is easily Nigeria’s foremost soccer diarist and Africa's most capped FIFA World Cup journalist, having attended all FIFA World Cup finals from Italia ’90 to Qatar 2022. He was honoured at the Qatar 2022 World Cup by FIFA and AIPS.

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AFCON

Equatorial Guinea edge Liberia to climb in Group E, Zambia frustrated by Chad

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Zambia’Kennedy Musonda challenges Charles Tchouplaou of Chad at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

Equatorial Guinea edged past Liberia with a 1-0 win in their  Africa Cup of Nations Group E qualifier, thanks to a first-half penalty from Iban Salvador. 

The forward converted from the spot in the 34th minute after Sampson Dweh fouled Salvador inside the box.

This result moves Equatorial Guinea into second place in the group with four points from three matches, while Liberia remains rooted to the bottom with just one point from their three outings.

Algeria leads the group with a perfect nine points after three matches, and Togo is third with two points.

Despite Liberia pushing for an equalizer in the second half, they were unable to break down the Equatorial Guinean defense.

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Several substitutions from both teams couldn’t alter the outcome, with Equatorial Guinea holding on for the vital three points.


Mozambique and Eswatini share the spoils in 1-1 draw

Mozambique and Eswatini played out a 1-1 draw in their AFCON Group I qualifier, with both teams finding the net in the second half. 

Mozambique took the lead in the 73rd minute through Stanley Ratifo, who slotted home from close range following a well-worked move.

Eswatini equalized just seven minutes later through Thubelihle Mavuso, whose left-footed effort found the top corner.

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The result keeps Mozambique at the top of the group with five points from three matches, while Eswatini remain at the bottom with just one point.

Mali and Guinea Bissau, who each have games in hand, are closely trailing.

Both sides had chances to win the game late on, but neither could capitalize, leaving the group wide open as the teams prepare for their next fixtures.


Zambia and Chad play out goalless stalemate

Zambia and Chad played out a 0-0 draw in their Group G encounter at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium.

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Despite dominating possession, Chipolopolo failed to find the back of the net against a resilient Chad side, who were content to soak up pressure and counterattack when possible.

With this result, Zambia remains second in the group with four points from three matches, behind Cote d’Ivoire who lead with six points and a game in hand.

Chad, with two points, is third, and Sierra Leone is at the bottom with one point.

Zambia came closest to scoring when Francisco Mwepu hit the post in the 84th minute, but Chad’s defence held firm to secure a valuable point away from home.

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AFCON

Again, it is Dele-Bashiru to the rescue for the Super Eagles!

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Team mates celebrate with man of the moment, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru

The Super Eagles of Nigeria survived a scare from the Mediterranean Knights of Libya before eventually securing a 1-0 win in Group D of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series in Uyo on Friday evening.

The Libyans proved a hard nut to crack especially with their goalkeeper, Murad Abu Bakr Al Wuheesi who was in his best elements and made several saves.

Time after time, he frustrated many goal-scoring opportunities that were opened to the Super Eagles.

Also the Super Eagles missed many scoring chances that got the spectators edgy and Coach Austin Eguavoen frustrated. The first scoring opportunity was in the 10th minute when a rebound found Alex Iwobi, but his shot was smothered by the Libyan goalkeeper.

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Six minutes later, it was Victor Boniface’s turn to squander another goal opportunity. Next was the skipper, William Troost-Ekong getting another rebound, but he shot wide.

With the clock ticking and the Benin Republic in a simultaneous duel with Rwanda coasting comfortably home with a 3-0 defeat of Rwanda, the Super Eagles had to do everything to score against Libya.

At that point, Benin are taken over the leadership of Group D having amassed six points as against Nigeria’s five in a live table as the matches were on, desperation set in.

In the 83rd minute, Ademola Lookman found the net, but his effort was ruled offside.  Four minutes later, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru connected a cross from Moses Simon to shoot Nigeria back into the top of Group D.

Dele-Bashiru was the one who helped Nigeria salvage a point in their World Cup qualifying duel with South Africa in Uyo last June.

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Nigeria now travel to Libya to face Libya in a matchday encounter on Tuesday.

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AFCON

Egypt maintain Group C winning streak, Indomitable Lions roar to top of Group J

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The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon roared to the top of Group J of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers on Friday afternoon after a commanding 4-1 victory over Kenya saw them go two points above Zimbabwe who overcame Namibia on Thursday.

Veteran goal poacher, Vincent Aboubakar opened the floodgates in the 8th minute with a converted penalty before Martin Hongla, Byan Mbeumo as well as Christian Bassogog completed the rout.

In Uyo, the Super Eagles left it till late to secure a full haul of points after being held by Libya throughout the match before Fisayo Dele-Bashiru eventually found the all-important winner to secure the victory for the 2013 African champions.

The result sees Nigeria lead Group D with a point ahead of Benin who demolished Rwanda 3-0 in a simultaneous match thanks to goals by Steve Mounie, Andreas Hountondji as well as Hassane Imourane.

The Ugandan Cranes continue in their fine form as they laboured to a 1-0 victory over South Sudan. The result puts them in a good position as they battle for the top spot with South Africa who play host to Congo.

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In Cairo, The Pharaohs continued their dominance of Group C when they comfortably cruised past Mauritania by 2-0.

Goals by Trézéguet as well as the ever-green Mohamed Salah ensured the record African champions continue their winning streak.

Meanwhile, The Gambia managed to secure a crucial away point when they shared the spoils after a 1-1 draw with Madagascar.

The result still puts them within a touching distance of run-away Group A leaders, Tunisia who lead the pack with four points ahead of their match against Comoros.

CAF

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