Guirassy first-half hat-trick powers Guinea past Ethiopia

Published

1 month ago

October 13, 2024

Striker Serhou Guirassy scored a hat-trick in the first half to help Guinea secure a commanding 4-1 victory over Ethiopia in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Saturday.

The match, played at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara in Abidjan, saw Syli National dominate from the start, with Guirassy’s hat-trick leading the way.

The Guineans took the lead in the 18th minute when Guirassy converted a penalty after Birhanu Bekele’s foul inside the box.

The Germany-based attacker doubled his tally in the 37th minute, finishing from close range after a well-timed pass from Seydouba Cissé.

Just before half-time, Guirassy completed his hat-trick, slotting home in stoppage time from a François Kamano assist to make it 3-0 at the break.

Guinea continued their dominance in the second half, with Cissé adding a fourth goal in the 48th minute, finishing a through ball from Mady Camara.

Ethiopia pulled one back in the 53rd minute through Kenean Markneh, who capitalized on a rebound to score from close range, but it proved little more than a consolation.

Guinea’s victory puts them back in contention for qualification, while Ethiopia faces an uphill battle to keep their hopes alive.

The standings after Matchday Three see DR Congo topping Group H with nine points following their 1-0 win over Tanzania on Thursday.

Tanzania sit second with four points, while Guinea’s victory moves them up to third with three points. Ethiopia, with just one point from three matches, remain at the bottom of the group.

Against Benin and officiated by Issa Sy, Osimhen equals Segun Odegbami’s feat

Published

8 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Kunle Solaja

BY KUNLE SOLAJA.

13 November 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier: Osimhen’s 1st goal: Nigeria 1-1 Benin Republic; Referee: Issa Sy of Senegal

14 November 2024 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier: Osimhen’s 23rd goal: Benin Republic 1-1 Nigeria; Referee: Issa Sy of Senegal

Victor Osimhen’s 81st-minute goal against the Benin Republic on Thursday night in Abidjan did not only save the face of the Super Eagles from a possible defeat, it is also a milestone goal.

It was his 23^rd goal for Nigeria in 37 appearances. With the goal, he becomes Nigeria’s joint-second all-time top scorer, having matched Segun Odegbami’s 23-goal record.

Only Rashidi Yekini with 37 goals scored more. Incidentally, Osimhen opened his scoring for Nigeria in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match with Benin Republic in 2019 when he scored his first Nigerian goal, a penalty kick that brought the scoreline to 1-1 in the 45th minute.

Like it was on Thursday 14 November in Abidjan, the 13 November 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying match against Benin Republic was also refereed by Senegal’s Issa Sy.

What an irony! Libya handed Nigeria AFCON ticket

AFCON

Osimhen saves the face of already qualified Super Eagles as Group D 2nd ticket goes down the wire!

Published

8 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Kunle Solaja

A late goal from Victor Osimhen saved the day for the Super Eagles who forced a 1-1 draw with Benin Republic at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan which had hitherto become Benin Republic’s slaughter ground of visiting teams.

After a ferocious opening by the Super Eagles, the Benin Republic suddenly turned the tide as defender Mohammed Tijani surged forward to beat the Nigerian defence line in the 16th minute.

With the goal, it was the first time that the Super Eagles had conceded in the series and it looked as if Benin had also picked a ticket, moving to a 9-point haul that would have been unassailable by either Rwanda and Libya even if they win their respective last matches on Monday.

As they held on tenaciously to the lead, Victor Osimhen leaped high in between two Beninese defenders to nod in a cross from Simon Moses from the left flank.

That changed the narrative as Benin will now have to play hard to pick a qualification ticket on Monday when they meet Libya.

But it is still advantage for Benin Republic owing to their better goal difference. Even if they are beaten by Libya and tie at seven points apiece, Libya will need a heavy scoreline to wipe off their current deficit of four.

The second ticket from Group D is still open to the trio of Benin, Rwanda and Libya. But it is advantageous Benin. All could end up with seven points apiece if Libya beat Benin Republic and Rwanda beat Nigeria in Uyo.

AFCON

What an irony! Libya handed Nigeria AFCON ticket

Published

11 hours ago

November 14, 2024

Kunle Solaja

The matchday 4 of Libya and Nigeria was akin to a war as the Super Eagles were literally held hostage for 20 hours at an abandoned airport. The treatment meted to the Super Eagles made it impossible for the match to go on.

The Libyan actions generated global outrage. The Confederation of Africa (CAF) consequently awarded the match to Nigeria.

Paradoxically, the award and Libya’s win over Rwanda have taken a lot of burden off the Super Eagles as they pick qualification tickets, even with two matches to spare. The worst-case scenario for them is to place second on the Group D log.

Libya snatched a narrow 1-0 victory over Rwanda in Kigali, thanks to a late strike by Fahd Saad Mohamed.

The game was closely contested, with both sides creating chances but struggling to find the back of the net.

Rwanda’s Innocent Nshuti came close on several occasions, but Libyan goalkeeper Bader Hassan stood firm.

The win pushed Libya up to four points, although they remain at the bottom of Group D, while Rwanda stays in third with five points