| Home | Results | Away | Date | Venue | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Gabon |
1 - 0 |  Tunisia |
31 Jan 12 | Stade de F... | Report |
 Niger |
0 - 1 |  Morocco |
31 Jan 12 | Stade d'An... | Report |
 Sudan |
2 - 1 |  Burkina Faso |
30 Jan 12 | Estadio de... | Report |
 Cote d'Ivoir... |
2 - 0 |  Angola |
30 Jan 12 | Nuevo Esta... | Report |
 Equatorial G... |
0 - 1 |  Zambia |
29 Jan 12 | Nuevo Esta... | Report |
 Libya |
2 - 1 |  Senegal |
29 Jan 12 | Estadio de... | Report |
 Ghana |
2 - 0 |  Mali |
28 Jan 12 | Stade de F... | Report |
 Botswana |
1 - 6 |  Guinea |
28 Jan 12 | Stade de F... | Report |
| Gabon |
3 - 2 | Morocco |
27 Jan 12 | Stade d'An... | Report |
| Niger |
1 - 2 | Tunisia |
27 Jan 12 | Stade d'An... | Report |
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Latest Afcon results: 31 January
Afcon 2012 finals Group B standings
| Teams | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cote d'Ivoire |
3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 0 | 9 |
| Sudan |
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Angola |
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Burkina Faso |
3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2 | 6 | 0 |
Afcon 2012 finals Group A standings
Group A
| Teams | MP | W | D | L | GF | GA | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zambia |
3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5 | 3 | 7 |
| Equatorial Guinea |
3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 6 |
| Libya |
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Senegal |
3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 1 |
Zambia target Sudan to qualify for semi-finals
The
2012 Africa Nations Cup semifinals are within touching distance for us, said
Zambia coach Herve Renard.
Zambia
on Sunday evening beat Equatorial Guinea 1-0 in both sides’ final Group A match
at the Estadio De Malabo to finish top and advance to their second successive
last eight placing since 2010, also under Renard.
Chipolopolo chances are good especially now that they are going to face Sudan in the quarter-finals on the 4th of February.
"It was a difficult target but did it again and we did everything perfectly today," Renard said.
"Now we have to concentrate on going to the semifinals for the first time since 1996."
Zambia’s last semifinal appearance was in the 1996 finals held in South Africa where they finished third. Renard said finishing top of Group A was always his objective and was happy they had met that target.
Zambia scored the game’s lone goal through their captain Christopher Katongo with a fine long range effort from just outside the box to catapult Chipolopolo to the top of Group A.
Renard’s side finished on seven points, one more than second positioned Equatorial Guinea to see them both through to the last eight.
Libya beat Senegal 2-1 to finish and exit the Africa Cup on four and zero points in third and fourth places respectively.
Meanwhile, Zambia are expected to shift back to Bata in midweek ahead of this Saturday’s quarterfinal match there.
Chipolopolo chances are good especially now that they are going to face Sudan in the quarter-finals on the 4th of February.
"It was a difficult target but did it again and we did everything perfectly today," Renard said.
"Now we have to concentrate on going to the semifinals for the first time since 1996."
Zambia’s last semifinal appearance was in the 1996 finals held in South Africa where they finished third. Renard said finishing top of Group A was always his objective and was happy they had met that target.
Zambia scored the game’s lone goal through their captain Christopher Katongo with a fine long range effort from just outside the box to catapult Chipolopolo to the top of Group A.
Renard’s side finished on seven points, one more than second positioned Equatorial Guinea to see them both through to the last eight.
Libya beat Senegal 2-1 to finish and exit the Africa Cup on four and zero points in third and fourth places respectively.
Meanwhile, Zambia are expected to shift back to Bata in midweek ahead of this Saturday’s quarterfinal match there.
Latest Afcon 2012 results: 30 January
| Home | Results | Away | Date | Venue | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sudan |
2 - 1 | Burkina Faso |
30 Jan 12 | Estadio de... | Report |
| Cote d'Ivoir... |
2 - 0 | Angola |
30 Jan 12 | Nuevo Esta... | Report |
| Equatorial G... |
0 - 1 | Zambia |
29 Jan 12 | Nuevo Esta... | Report |
| Libya |
2 - 1 | Senegal |
29 Jan 12 | Estadio de... | Report |
| Ghana |
2 - 0 | Mali |
28 Jan 12 | Stade de F... | Report |
| Botswana |
1 - 6 | Guinea |
28 Jan 12 | Stade de F... | Report |
| Gabon |
3 - 2 | Morocco |
27 Jan 12 | Stade d'An... | Report |
| Niger |
1 - 2 | Tunisia |
27 Jan 12 | Stade d'An... | Report |
| Cote d'Ivoir... |
2 - 0 | Burkina Faso |
26 Jan 12 | Nuevo Esta... | Report |
| Sudan |
2 - 2 | Angola |
26 Jan 12 | Nuevo Esta... | Report |
Monday, January 30, 2012
Burkina Faso vs Sudan match preview
The ending of Sudan's 36-year Africa Cup of Nations goal drought
against Angola has left the Jediane Falcons still in with a shout of
squeaking through to the quarter-finals.
Sudan confront already knocked out Burkina Faso lying in third place in Group B on one point, with Angola on three and qualified Ivory Coast on six points.
To grab the precious runner up spot the Sudanese must not only beat Burkina Faso but also pray that their rivals for second place Angola take nothing from their encounter in Malabo with Ivory Coast.
That will put both sides on four points with goal difference coming into the equation to determine who goes forward to a last eight clash with either Equatorial Guinea or Zambia.
On Thursday, Sudan ended their three and a half decade scoring drought in the 2-2 draw with the Angolans, with Mohamed Bashir twice levelling after Manucho had scored for the Black Antelopes at the start of each half.
That stalemate will have given them a dose of confidence after their spirited opening 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast, Didier Drogba getting the decisive goal.
That narrow defeat was some feat for the only completely locally-sourced squad in the competition up against the footballing highrollers.
Sudan coach Mohamed Abdalla, who was 16 when Sudan lifted the title in Khartoum in 1970, commented after that game: "We started by attacking because to continue in this competition we had to win.
"We let in the first goal on a major defensive blunder, the second on a penalty but my players aren't sufficently experienced.
"I'm happy that twice we were able to equalise. This game gives us huge motivation for our next one."
He added: "I'm trying to minimize the small mistakes of our inexperienced defenders playing against high-quality strikers. I think we are improving. To survive in this competition you have to win."
History is against Sudan, whose last win in the competition was way back in 1970 in the final against Ghana.
The second lowest ranked team in the 2012 competition were knocked out in the first round in 1972 and 1976 and again in their next appearance in 2008.
For Burkina Faso, honour is the only thing at stake after an error-strewn opening 2-1 loss to Angola and a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast.
This is their fifth first round exit since they finished fourth 14 years ago.
They go into Monday's match with uncertainty surrounding the future of their coach Paulo Duarte, who has threatened to quit if the national football federation does not change its ways.
He is upset over the way the federation has handled a number of nationality claims, with Cameroon-born Herve Zengue missing the finals and Abdou Razak Traore who is here in Equatorial Guinea unable to play.
Duarte told the BBC: "I don't know if I will stay. I have other teams and Burkina Faso who want me to stay - but I don't know. I'll go home and think about my future - I'm tired of the same problems every day."
Sudan confront already knocked out Burkina Faso lying in third place in Group B on one point, with Angola on three and qualified Ivory Coast on six points.
To grab the precious runner up spot the Sudanese must not only beat Burkina Faso but also pray that their rivals for second place Angola take nothing from their encounter in Malabo with Ivory Coast.
That will put both sides on four points with goal difference coming into the equation to determine who goes forward to a last eight clash with either Equatorial Guinea or Zambia.
On Thursday, Sudan ended their three and a half decade scoring drought in the 2-2 draw with the Angolans, with Mohamed Bashir twice levelling after Manucho had scored for the Black Antelopes at the start of each half.
That stalemate will have given them a dose of confidence after their spirited opening 1-0 loss to Ivory Coast, Didier Drogba getting the decisive goal.
That narrow defeat was some feat for the only completely locally-sourced squad in the competition up against the footballing highrollers.
Sudan coach Mohamed Abdalla, who was 16 when Sudan lifted the title in Khartoum in 1970, commented after that game: "We started by attacking because to continue in this competition we had to win.
"We let in the first goal on a major defensive blunder, the second on a penalty but my players aren't sufficently experienced.
"I'm happy that twice we were able to equalise. This game gives us huge motivation for our next one."
He added: "I'm trying to minimize the small mistakes of our inexperienced defenders playing against high-quality strikers. I think we are improving. To survive in this competition you have to win."
History is against Sudan, whose last win in the competition was way back in 1970 in the final against Ghana.
The second lowest ranked team in the 2012 competition were knocked out in the first round in 1972 and 1976 and again in their next appearance in 2008.
For Burkina Faso, honour is the only thing at stake after an error-strewn opening 2-1 loss to Angola and a 2-0 defeat to Ivory Coast.
This is their fifth first round exit since they finished fourth 14 years ago.
They go into Monday's match with uncertainty surrounding the future of their coach Paulo Duarte, who has threatened to quit if the national football federation does not change its ways.
He is upset over the way the federation has handled a number of nationality claims, with Cameroon-born Herve Zengue missing the finals and Abdou Razak Traore who is here in Equatorial Guinea unable to play.
Duarte told the BBC: "I don't know if I will stay. I have other teams and Burkina Faso who want me to stay - but I don't know. I'll go home and think about my future - I'm tired of the same problems every day."
Morocco vs Niger match preview
Eric Gerets can ill afford another poor
result at the African Nations Cup finals if he is to keep his job as Morocco
coach.
Gerets has already seen his highly
fancied team eliminated after just two matches from the tournament and further
humiliation against minnows Niger in Libreville on Tuesday would certainly see
him given the chop.
Already he has said he is unsure whether
he will be allowed to stay in the post but says he is hoping to take the team to
the 2014 finals in Brazil.
He has blamed a lapse in tactical
discipline for their elimination, even though they looked the stronger team in
both matches.
Morocco will surely have the upper hands
against Niger, who rely on the power and fore of Moussa Maazou upfront.
Maazou, who has signed for French second
division club Le Manx while he has been at the Nations Cup, missed several
chances for an unlikely win over Tunisia on Friday and will be closely watched
by an unforgiving Morocco defence, although Mehdi Benatia is suspended.
His ability to shrug off defenders makes him a handful but his finishing is weak.
Niger have had Rolland Courbis working
with coach Harouna Doula but the relationship seemed to sour after the first
game and Courbis was in charge for a much better performance against Tunisia.
His ability to shrug off defenders makes him a handful but his finishing is weak.
But reports now say he will hand back the team to Doula, who qualified Niger for the finals in the first place.
Gabon vs Tunisia match preview
Gabon coach Gernot Rohr wants a positive
result against Tunisia in Franceville on Tuesday to get back to the Gabon
capital for the quarters.
A draw would be enough to see Gabon take
Group C on goal difference and fix a quarter-final back in their capital on
Sunday.
It is the support of the public in
Libreville that energised the players to victory last time out against Morocco
and Rohr wants to ensure it stays that way.
He also says if Gabon come second in the group but still advance to the semifinal, they would then have to go to Equatorial Guinea for their match. This is a scenario he is seeking to avoid.
He also says if Gabon come second in the group but still advance to the semifinal, they would then have to go to Equatorial Guinea for their match. This is a scenario he is seeking to avoid.
Gabon have exceeded expectations with their
achievements so far, especially the come-from-behind win over Morocco on
Friday.
“We have a competitive team,” says Rohr.
“It is not always easy to come back and for them to find the resources to
impose themselves in the final minutes shows that mentally they are very
strong. We are not pretending to be Brazil, we are humble but we overcame
Morocco with some brilliance.”
Tunisia also beat Niger and Morocco and
look to be a skillful side with surprise potential. They were not considered in
the list of favourites because of the fortunate way in which they qualified but
proven their ability since.
Mali vs Botswana match preview
Botswana coach Stanley Tshosane has insisted his team will not do
Mali any favours when they clash Wednesday in a final Group D match.
After they made Ghana to sweat before beating them by the odd goal, The Zebras were mauled 6-1 by a rampant Guinea in their next group game.
Mathematically, debutants Botswana still have a fighting chance of making it to the knockout stage of the tournament.
But most importantly, the outcome of their match against The Eagles of Mali would go a long way in deciding the two teams through to the last eight.
“There will be no favours. We worked hard to get here, so they (Mali) also have to work hard to stay in the competition,” maintained Tshosane, whose contract ends next month.
“We will play as planned. We will approach the game seriously because we wish to leave Gabon with a win.”
Tshosane’s team must have their heads down after the heavy loss to Guinea, but the coach said he has tried to pump them up to forget about that thrashing and focus on the next game.
“I have spoken to the team and I told them we cannot reverse what has happened, but we have to continue with our mission here,” he revealed.
“My players went to sleep, but losing is also part of this game.
“We love the fans, we appreciate their support for this team but for them we will not be in Gabon. We hope to make up for this disappointment.”
Mali said they are upbeat of staying on in this tournament after they were blown apart by the Black Stars of Ghana in the second half Saturday night.
Defensive midfielder Bakaye Traore said the boys from Bamako are gunning for full marks.
“We still have a chance to qualify,” said the match winner against Guinea in their opening group game.
“We were not afraid of Ghana, but we did not play to our potentials. We were not aggressive, but this match is now in the past and we have to forget it and focus on our next match against Botswana.”
Both teams flew out of Gabon’s second city of Franceville Sunday for the capital city of Libreville for this decisive final group match, which will be played at the same time as the other group game between Ghana and Guinea.
After they made Ghana to sweat before beating them by the odd goal, The Zebras were mauled 6-1 by a rampant Guinea in their next group game.
Mathematically, debutants Botswana still have a fighting chance of making it to the knockout stage of the tournament.
But most importantly, the outcome of their match against The Eagles of Mali would go a long way in deciding the two teams through to the last eight.
“There will be no favours. We worked hard to get here, so they (Mali) also have to work hard to stay in the competition,” maintained Tshosane, whose contract ends next month.
“We will play as planned. We will approach the game seriously because we wish to leave Gabon with a win.”
Tshosane’s team must have their heads down after the heavy loss to Guinea, but the coach said he has tried to pump them up to forget about that thrashing and focus on the next game.
“I have spoken to the team and I told them we cannot reverse what has happened, but we have to continue with our mission here,” he revealed.
“My players went to sleep, but losing is also part of this game.
“We love the fans, we appreciate their support for this team but for them we will not be in Gabon. We hope to make up for this disappointment.”
Mali said they are upbeat of staying on in this tournament after they were blown apart by the Black Stars of Ghana in the second half Saturday night.
Defensive midfielder Bakaye Traore said the boys from Bamako are gunning for full marks.
“We still have a chance to qualify,” said the match winner against Guinea in their opening group game.
“We were not afraid of Ghana, but we did not play to our potentials. We were not aggressive, but this match is now in the past and we have to forget it and focus on our next match against Botswana.”
Both teams flew out of Gabon’s second city of Franceville Sunday for the capital city of Libreville for this decisive final group match, which will be played at the same time as the other group game between Ghana and Guinea.
Ivory Coast vs Angola match preview
The seven goals scored by Ivory Coast and Angola in a previous Africa
Cup of Nations encounter is not likely to be repeated when they meet
Monday at the Nuevo Estadio de Malabo.
Although blessed with some of the best strikers on the continent in captain Didier Drogba, Chelsea team-mate Salomon Kalou and Gervinho of Arsenal, coach Francois Zahoui says success is far more important than putting on a show.
"My mission is to bring the trophy back to Abidjan," he told reporters in the Equatorial Guinea capital. "I do not care if winning means scoring from a corner in the final minute."
Angola were accused of "anti-football" by opponents Burkina Faso after beating them with route-one tactics and persistent time-wasting, angering coach Paulo Duarte.
"The type of football we played against Burkina Faso was for a purpose. My players carried out instructions perfectly," countered Angola coach Jose 'Lito' Vidigal.
Entering the final series of Group B fixtures here and in mainland city Bata, Ivory Coast have six points from two outings, Angola four, Sudan one and Burkina Faso are out of the running following a couple of losses.
Ivory Coast are assured of competing in the knockout stages, but whether they advance as group winners or runners-up depends on the outcome against Angola with a draw sufficient to seal top place.
That would keep them the at the plush accommodation they have here with a private beach and golf club, and give them a quarter-final fixture on the Malabo pitch where they have played all their pool matches.
Angola can finish top with a win, qualify with a draw, or possibly go out on goal difference if they lose and Sudan defeat Burkina Faso in a match scheduled to be staged simultaneously at Estadio de Bata.
While Ivory Coast must carry the burden of tournament favourites with nothing less than victory in the final next month acceptable to Abidjan, getting to the quarter-finals is the bottom line for Angola with any further progress a bonus.
Although lacking the array of attacking talent the Ivorians boast, Angola have one of the leading scorers in the competitiion this year in three-goal former Manchester United striker Manucho.
He was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson on the strength of outstanding displays at the 2008 Cup of Nations in Ghana, but failed to make the grade at Old Trafford and now plays for Turkish club Manisaspor.
Manucho -- full name Mateus Alberto Contreiras Goncavles -- has been back to his opportunist best this month, scoring the winner against Burkina Faso and both goals in a draw with Sudan.
While Ivorian supporters are likely to outnumber Angolans in the 15,000-seat stadium, the Antelopes can count on the backing of some of the most dedicated football followers on the continent.
A 10-man group has travelled through five countries on motorbikes to reach Malabo, but work commitments mean they will have to return home after the final group game while hoping their team can stay at lot longer.
Although blessed with some of the best strikers on the continent in captain Didier Drogba, Chelsea team-mate Salomon Kalou and Gervinho of Arsenal, coach Francois Zahoui says success is far more important than putting on a show.
"My mission is to bring the trophy back to Abidjan," he told reporters in the Equatorial Guinea capital. "I do not care if winning means scoring from a corner in the final minute."
Angola were accused of "anti-football" by opponents Burkina Faso after beating them with route-one tactics and persistent time-wasting, angering coach Paulo Duarte.
"The type of football we played against Burkina Faso was for a purpose. My players carried out instructions perfectly," countered Angola coach Jose 'Lito' Vidigal.
Entering the final series of Group B fixtures here and in mainland city Bata, Ivory Coast have six points from two outings, Angola four, Sudan one and Burkina Faso are out of the running following a couple of losses.
Ivory Coast are assured of competing in the knockout stages, but whether they advance as group winners or runners-up depends on the outcome against Angola with a draw sufficient to seal top place.
That would keep them the at the plush accommodation they have here with a private beach and golf club, and give them a quarter-final fixture on the Malabo pitch where they have played all their pool matches.
Angola can finish top with a win, qualify with a draw, or possibly go out on goal difference if they lose and Sudan defeat Burkina Faso in a match scheduled to be staged simultaneously at Estadio de Bata.
While Ivory Coast must carry the burden of tournament favourites with nothing less than victory in the final next month acceptable to Abidjan, getting to the quarter-finals is the bottom line for Angola with any further progress a bonus.
Although lacking the array of attacking talent the Ivorians boast, Angola have one of the leading scorers in the competitiion this year in three-goal former Manchester United striker Manucho.
He was signed by Sir Alex Ferguson on the strength of outstanding displays at the 2008 Cup of Nations in Ghana, but failed to make the grade at Old Trafford and now plays for Turkish club Manisaspor.
Manucho -- full name Mateus Alberto Contreiras Goncavles -- has been back to his opportunist best this month, scoring the winner against Burkina Faso and both goals in a draw with Sudan.
While Ivorian supporters are likely to outnumber Angolans in the 15,000-seat stadium, the Antelopes can count on the backing of some of the most dedicated football followers on the continent.
A 10-man group has travelled through five countries on motorbikes to reach Malabo, but work commitments mean they will have to return home after the final group game while hoping their team can stay at lot longer.
Ghana vs Guinea match preview
Guinea made a big statement at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations
with a 6-1 trouncing of Botswana and coach Michel Dussuyer said they plan to do
more against Ghana on Wednesday to stay in the tournament.
Only Egypt in 1963 and Cote d’Ivoire in 1970 have scored as many goals in the Nations Cup as Guinea recorded at the weekend.
“We made a big statement (against Botswana). And now we will do everything to stay on in Gabon. We are determined and we have to play at a very high level. We will keep working,” said Dussuyer.
“We know that against Ghana we will have to do more.
“I respect Ghana, they are a high level team with some great players. They did well at the 2010 World Cup and also reached the final of the last Nations Cup.
“They are a top team, but we want to win and qualify for the quarterfinal. We don’t wish to go back home yet.”
The Frenchman further warned, “This tournament is very open, some of the favourites have already left, while Gabon and Equatorial Guinea are through to the quarterfinals.”
Bastia striker Sadio Diallo crowned his first start in the tournament with two well-taken goals against Botswana at the weekend.
And he also promised that this was the business end of the competition for the Syli National.
“We will continue to work hard. We will play hard and not joke against Ghana,” said the 21-year-old striker.
Ghana and Guinea last clashed in the 2008 edition of the competition with hosts Ghana running away with a narrow 2-1 victory courtesy of a late, late Sulley Muntari goal.
Only Egypt in 1963 and Cote d’Ivoire in 1970 have scored as many goals in the Nations Cup as Guinea recorded at the weekend.
“We made a big statement (against Botswana). And now we will do everything to stay on in Gabon. We are determined and we have to play at a very high level. We will keep working,” said Dussuyer.
“We know that against Ghana we will have to do more.
“I respect Ghana, they are a high level team with some great players. They did well at the 2010 World Cup and also reached the final of the last Nations Cup.
“They are a top team, but we want to win and qualify for the quarterfinal. We don’t wish to go back home yet.”
The Frenchman further warned, “This tournament is very open, some of the favourites have already left, while Gabon and Equatorial Guinea are through to the quarterfinals.”
Bastia striker Sadio Diallo crowned his first start in the tournament with two well-taken goals against Botswana at the weekend.
And he also promised that this was the business end of the competition for the Syli National.
“We will continue to work hard. We will play hard and not joke against Ghana,” said the 21-year-old striker.
Ghana and Guinea last clashed in the 2008 edition of the competition with hosts Ghana running away with a narrow 2-1 victory courtesy of a late, late Sulley Muntari goal.
Latest Afcon 2012 results: 29 January
| Home | Results | Away | Date | Venue | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Libya |
2 - 1 | Senegal |
29 Jan 12 | Estadio de... | Report |
| Equatorial G... |
0 - 1 | Zambia |
29 Jan 12 | Nuevo Esta... | Report |
| Ghana |
2 - 0 | Mali |
28 Jan 12 | Stade de F... | Report |
| Botswana |
1 - 6 | Guinea |
28 Jan 12 | Stade de F... | Report |
| Gabon |
3 - 2 | Morocco |
27 Jan 12 | Stade d'An... | Report |
| Niger |
1 - 2 | Tunisia |
27 Jan 12 | Stade d'An... | Report |
| Cote d'Ivoir... |
2 - 0 | Burkina Faso |
26 Jan 12 | Nuevo Esta... | Report |
| Sudan |
2 - 2 | Angola |
26 Jan 12 | Nuevo Esta... | Report |
| Equatorial G... |
2 - 1 | Senegal |
25 Jan 12 | Estadio de... | Report |
| Libya |
2 - 2 | Zambia |
25 Jan 12 | Estadio de... | Report |
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