The Confederation of African Football announced that the final draw
for the South 2013 Orange CAF Africa Cup of Nations will now take
place on 24th of October in Durban.
Fifteen teams will join hosts South Africa in the draw and the matches
will take place in Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth, Rustenburg, Nelspruit
and Durban. The tournament will run from 19th January to 10th
February. Zambia is the reigning African Champion of the continent's
biggest sports event. The draw had been initially set for 26th of
October prior to this CAF announcement.
Tuesday, September 25, 2012
Afcon 2013 finals tickets: First round sales begins
released the AFCON 2013 Official Match Calendar for the Orange Africa
Cup of Nations, as well as the ticketing prices agreed with the Local
Organising Committee for the tournament.
Public sales of tickets will commence on 25 September 2012.
The Orange AFCON 2013 will take place in South Africa from 19 Jan. to
10 Feb. 2013 in 5 venues, namely Johannesburg, Durban, Port-Elisabeth,
Mbombela and Rustenburg.
Currently, 30 countries are involved in the last round of qualifiers
from which only 15 will emerge to join host South Africa for the
finals. The Final Draw of the competition will now take place on
October 24th at 8.30 pm in Durban.
Click on the links below for the Orange AFCON 2013 ticket prices as
wellas the Official Match Calendar.
Orange AFCON 2013 official calendar
(http://www.cafonline.com/userfiles/file/press-releases/Fixtures_OptionA_final%5B1%5D.pdf)
Orange AFCON 2013 ticketing prices
(http://www.cafonline.com/userfiles/file/press-releases/ticketing-newfinal.pdf)
Cup of Nations, as well as the ticketing prices agreed with the Local
Organising Committee for the tournament.
Public sales of tickets will commence on 25 September 2012.
The Orange AFCON 2013 will take place in South Africa from 19 Jan. to
10 Feb. 2013 in 5 venues, namely Johannesburg, Durban, Port-Elisabeth,
Mbombela and Rustenburg.
Currently, 30 countries are involved in the last round of qualifiers
from which only 15 will emerge to join host South Africa for the
finals. The Final Draw of the competition will now take place on
October 24th at 8.30 pm in Durban.
Click on the links below for the Orange AFCON 2013 ticket prices as
wellas the Official Match Calendar.
Orange AFCON 2013 official calendar
(http://www.cafonline.com/userfiles/file/press-releases/Fixtures_OptionA_final%5B1%5D.pdf)
Orange AFCON 2013 ticketing prices
(http://www.cafonline.com/userfiles/file/press-releases/ticketing-newfinal.pdf)
Monday, September 10, 2012
Afcon 2013 qualifiers final round first leg results round up
| JOHANNESBURG — Zimbabwe and Mozambique established two-goal first leg advantages yesterday in pursuit of 2013 Africa Cup of Nations places. The often wasteful Warriors of Zimbabwe exhibited clinical finishing to beat Angola 3-1 in Harare while the Mambas (Snakes) of Mozambique netted twice during the second half for a 2-0 victory over former champions Morocco in Maputo. Zimbabwe and Mozambique are rare participants in the premier African national team championship and their presence would be welcomed by hosts South Africa with the prospect of many supporters travelling from the neighbouring states. Angola and Morocco will enjoy home advantage in the mid-October return matches and the aggregate winners will be among 15 teams who join automatic qualifiers South Africa for the three-week tournament next January and February. Bastos conceded an early own goal before a Khama Billiat shot and an Archieford Gutu header gave Zimbabwe a three-goal half-time lead that was trimmed early in the second half when Djalma scored. It was a competitive baptism of fire for Uruguay-born Black Antelopes coach Gustavo Ferrin, although the away goal will give the Angolans some hope for the second leg in Luanda. Mozambique wasted several chances that triggered the constant booing of striker Jerry Sitoe before Almiro Lobo broke the deadlock and Domingues snatched a potentially crucial second goal in stoppage time. Democratic Republic of Congo are virtually assured of returning to the Cup of Nations after a seven-year absence thanks to a 4-0 whipping of Equatorial Guinea in Kinshasa. It was one-way traffic toward the Equatoguinean goalmouth from the kick-off with the Congolese Lions forcing 11 first half corners, but they had to wait 55 minutes before translating the dominance into goals. Dieumerci Mbokani from Champions League group phase qualifiers Anderlecht of Belgium broke the deadlock and completed the rout 11 minutes from time after Deo Kanda and Isama Mpeka also scored. Meanwhile, Cameroon slipped to a surprise loss at Cape Verde, Central African Republic moved closer to its first major tournament and defending champion Zambia won narrowly at the start of the final round of qualifying for the African Cup of Nations on Saturday. Cote d’lvoire came from 1-0 and 2-1 down to beat Senegal 4-2 in the first leg of their tie. Ghana beat Malawi 2-0. Cameroon lost 2-0 and are in danger of missing out on their second straight African Cup of Nations finals ahead of decisive second-leg matches in October. Just seven months after lifting the trophy in Gabon, Zambia entered qualifying for next year's tournament in South Africa with a 1-0 home win over Uganda through a first-half goal by captain Christopher Katongo. After eliminating seven-time winners Egypt in the last round, Central African Republic are one game away from a long-awaited place at the Nations Cup finals after a 1-0 victory in their home leg against Burkina Faso. Nigeria were held to a 2-2 draw in Liberia. Elsewhere, Mali beat Botswana 3-0, strikers Daniel Cousin and Emmanuel Adebayor scored as Gabon and Togo drew 1-1, Sierra Leone and Tunisia drew 2-2 and Sudan beat Ethiopia 5-3 as the last round of qualifiers began with 10 first-leg matches. The remaining five ties were played yesterday as 30 teams battle over two legs for a place at the 16-team African Cup of Nations finals alongside host South Africa. Without captain and leading striker Samuel Eto’o, who has refused to return to international duty after a lengthy ban, Cameroon lost against a team that was once ranked well below the four-time African champions. Now, only four places separate the slumping 61st-ranked Cameroon and Cape Verde in the Fifa rankings and the Indomitable Lions have a two-goal deficit to overturn back at home if they are to avoid joining Egypt as another high-profile absentee at the continental championship. Cote d’lvoire, the top-ranked African team and losing finalist in Gabon, relied on goals by star names Salomon Kalou, Gervinho, Didier Drogba and Max Gradel to battle past Senegal in Abidjan, which had led through Dame N’Doye and then Papiss Cisse. In Accra, Christian Atsu scored in the eighth minute and Anthony Annan added a second with a powerful drive in the 51st to put Ghana in control of their tie against Malawi, which had James Shangala sent off late on. — AFP. Comments
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Zimbabwe and Mozambique established two-goal first leg advantages yesterday in pursuit of 2013 Africa Cup of Nations places. The often wasteful Warriors of Zimbabwe exhibited clinical finishing to beat Angola 3-1 in Harare while the Mambas (Snakes) of Mozambique netted twice during the second half for a 2-0 victory over former champions Morocco in Maputo.
Zimbabwe and Mozambique are rare participants in the premier African national team championship and their presence would be welcomed by hosts South Africa with the prospect of many supporters travelling from the neighbouring states.
Angola and Morocco will enjoy home advantage in the mid-October return matches and the aggregate winners will be among 15 teams who join automatic qualifiers South Africa for the three-week tournament next January and February.
Bastos conceded an early own goal before a Khama Billiat shot and an Archieford Gutu header gave Zimbabwe a three-goal half-time lead that was trimmed early in the second half when Djalma scored.
It was a competitive baptism of fire for Uruguay-born Black Antelopes coach Gustavo Ferrin, although the away goal will give the Angolans some hope for the second leg in Luanda.
Mozambique wasted several chances that triggered the constant booing of striker Jerry Sitoe before Almiro Lobo broke the deadlock and Domingues snatched a potentially crucial second goal in stoppage time.
Democratic Republic of Congo are virtually assured of returning to the Cup of Nations after a seven-year absence thanks to a 4-0 whipping of Equatorial Guinea in Kinshasa.
It was one-way traffic toward the Equatoguinean goalmouth from the kick-off with the Congolese Lions forcing 11 first half corners, but they had to wait 55 minutes before translating the dominance into goals.
Dieumerci Mbokani from Champions League group phase qualifiers Anderlecht of Belgium broke the deadlock and completed the rout 11 minutes from time after Deo Kanda and Isama Mpeka also scored.
Meanwhile, Cameroon slipped to a surprise loss at Cape Verde, Central African Republic moved closer to its first major tournament and defending champion Zambia won narrowly at the start of the final round of qualifying for the African Cup of Nations on Saturday.
Cote d’lvoire came from 1-0 and 2-1 down to beat Senegal 4-2 in the first leg of their tie. Ghana beat Malawi 2-0.
Cameroon lost 2-0 and are in danger of missing out on their second straight African Cup of Nations finals ahead of decisive second-leg matches in October.
Just seven months after lifting the trophy in Gabon, Zambia entered qualifying for next year's tournament in South Africa with a 1-0 home win over Uganda through a first-half goal by captain Christopher Katongo.
After eliminating seven-time winners Egypt in the last round, Central African Republic are one game away from a long-awaited place at the Nations Cup finals after a 1-0 victory in their home leg against Burkina Faso. Nigeria were held to a 2-2 draw in Liberia.
Elsewhere, Mali beat Botswana 3-0, strikers Daniel Cousin and Emmanuel Adebayor scored as Gabon and Togo drew 1-1, Sierra Leone and Tunisia drew 2-2 and Sudan beat Ethiopia 5-3 as the last round of qualifiers began with 10 first-leg matches.
The remaining five ties were played yesterday as 30 teams battle over two legs for a place at the 16-team African Cup of Nations finals alongside host South Africa.
Without captain and leading striker Samuel Eto’o, who has refused to return to international duty after a lengthy ban, Cameroon lost against a team that was once ranked well below the four-time African champions.
Now, only four places separate the slumping 61st-ranked Cameroon and Cape Verde in the Fifa rankings and the Indomitable Lions have a two-goal deficit to overturn back at home if they are to avoid joining Egypt as another high-profile absentee at the continental championship.
Cote d’lvoire, the top-ranked African team and losing finalist in Gabon, relied on goals by star names Salomon Kalou, Gervinho, Didier Drogba and Max Gradel to battle past Senegal in Abidjan, which had led through Dame N’Doye and then Papiss Cisse. In Accra, Christian Atsu scored in the eighth minute and Anthony Annan added a second with a powerful drive in the 51st to put Ghana in control of their tie against Malawi, which had James Shangala sent off late on. — AFP.
Afcon 2013 results: Zimbabwe 3 - 1 Angola
IT’S advantage to the Warriors for now. Ajax Cape Town midfielder Khama Billiat reminded many of the days of a young Peter Ndlovu’s trickery when he provided
a fine show at Rufaro yesterday as Zimbabwe registered a seemingly comfortable victory over Angola in a 2013 African Nations Cup first leg, final round qualifier.
The lively winger had a hand in all the three goals scored by Zimbabwe in the first half and received the man-of-the-match accolade in the end.
“I am just excited that we have won and scoring three goals past Angola is not easy. However, I must say that there’s still a lot of work to be done before we play in the return leg,” said Billiat.
Zimbabwe and Angola were meeting for the first time in a high profile match since their last match almost seven years ago at the National Sports Stadium.
With more precision and composure, Billiat could have scored a hat-trick from yesterday’s match where chief striker Knowledge Musona was missing.
Musona could not travel from his base in Germany after Zifa sent in their request for the player late, but in his absence yesterday, Billiat led the Warriors’ quest for goals.
Angola grabbed an away goal that could be priceless for them in the reserve fixture but for now Zimbabwe have got the advantage and are on the threshold of making their third appearance at the Nations Cup finals.
Zimbabwe, who were pushing for an early goal, got the break-through in the fourth minute when Archieford Gutu was fouled on the left channel.
From the resultant free-kick, Billiat whipped the ball into the box and Angolan defender Mateus turned it into his own net after poor communication with team-mate Bastos.
The own goal calmed the nerves of the hosts who then increased the lead in the 22nd minute when Rodwell Chinyengetere sent a long pass from the right to Billiat.
Billiat skillfully worked his way past Angolan defender Dany before slicing the ball past an advancing Lama Luis, in goals for Angola.
Zimbabwe then made it 3-0 in the 33rd minute when Noel Kaseke delivered a high ball into the far side where Billiat was lurking unattended.
Billiat in turn sent the ball into the box for Gutu to angle his header past Lama. Two minutes earlier, Billiat had a goal disallowed for off-side.
Zimbabwe could have scored another goal in the 18th minute but out-of-sorts striker Takesure Chinyama, who had made a good run in the box, was dispossessed before he could pull the trigger.
Chinyama struggled to stamp his authority and was pulled out for Denver Mukamba in the 32nd minute as coach Rahman Gumbo sought to add more goals.
Angola had their moments in the first half where they caught the Warriors defence off guard on few occasions.
The Palancas Negras caused anxious moments for Zimbabwe when Mateus worked his way past an otherwise impressive Esrom Nyandoro on the left before releasing a rising shot that took some paint off the up-right pole with Warriors goalkeeper Tapuwa Kapini beaten.
Mateus had another chance to score in the 15th minute but Zimbabwe left-back Onismor Bhasera thwarted the raid as he pushed the ball out for a corner.
Angola, who played at the 2006 World Cup, nearly reduced the arrears just before the break when Amaro created space from the left but Bhasera pushed his effort for another corner as goalkeeper Kapini was sprawling on the ground.
Zimbabwe had a lethargic start to the second half in which they failed to continue with their fine rhythm from the first phase with Gutu making too many stray passes.
But it was in the 50th minute that Billat left a lasting impression at Rufaro when he latched on to a loose ball wide on the left before easing past Bastos and then waltzed past Fabricia, and Lama had to pull a top drawer save to push the ball away for a corner.
By then, Zimbabwe were sitting pretty on a three-goal cushion and the fans did not cry much over the near-goal.
Angola’s Djalima and Manuel, who came soon after the break, kept asking the Warriors defence some questions.
Djalima could have reduced the arrears after being set up by Miguel from at the edge of the box but he reacted slowly and gave Carlington Nyadombo the opportunity to recover.
For all his probing, Djalima was rewarded when he beat Noel Kaseke and Nyadombo from a sleek move and then pushed the ball past an advancing Kapini in the 58th minute for Angola’s face-saver.
The goal by the Angolans sapped all the enthusiasm that the Warriors had shown earlier on and Kapini aggravated his ankle injury after he collided with Djalima as the Angolan player went for the kill.
The Warriors skipper, who was drafted into the team at the last minute, was attended to by the medical team but he could not proceed with the match and Ariel Sibanda was given a run.
Angola coach Gustavo Ferrin could be kicking himself for keeping his ace in the pack — Manucho — on the bench until the second half.
But keeping the former Manchester United star Manucho on the bench was a blessing in disguise for Warriors coach Rahman Gumbo.
“Really, I don’t know why they could keep their star player on the bench. I am happy for the boys as we managed to score three goals past Angola.
“It’s a great result and we had wanted to guard jealously against conceding a goal.
“But Angola managed to score and it was not a classy goal but a goal is a goal.
“I think people are aware of the troubles we faced in preparing this team.
“Before the game, I told the guys that this is the chance for some of them to make an impact and be the talisman for the team.
“There used to be Peter Ndlovu and then Knowledge Musona and I told them that one of them should now take over in this game.
“All we need to do is to get proper preparations and that is up to Zifa to work out for the crucial reverse fixture.
“I think we should avoid conceding any goals in the return leg and at the same time remain offensive,” said Gumbo.
Teams
Zimbabwe: T. Kapini (A. Sibanda 62nd min), N. Kaseke, O. Bhasera, E. Nyandoro, C. Nyadombo, V. Nyoni, O. Machapa, A. Gutu (N. Maziwisa 58th minute), K. Billiat, T. Chinyama (D. Mukamba 32nd minute), R. Chinyengetere.
Angola: Lama Luis, Fabricia, Lunguianha, Dany (Manuel 46th minute), Manucho Diag, Bastos, Amaro, (Djalma 46th minute), Miguel, Pirolito, Matues, Nando Rafeal (Manucho 63rd minute).
Source: herald.co.zw
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Afcon 2013 qualifiers results - 8 - 9 Septemper
Mali 3 - 0 Botswana
Zimbabwe 3 - 1 Angola
Ghana 2 - 0 Malawi
Liberia 2 - Nigeria
Zambia 1 - 0 Uganda
Cape Verde 2 - 0 Cameroon
Mozambique 2 - 0 Morocco
Sierra Leone 2 - 2 Tunisia
Guinea 0 - 0 Niger (surprise, surprise) Next in "Niamey"Sudan 5 - 3 Ethiopia
Libya 0 - 0 Algeria
Cote d'Ivoire 4 - 2 Senegal
D R Congo 0 - 0 Equatorial Guinea
Gabon 1 - 1 Togo
Central African Republic 1 - 0 Burkina Faso
Thursday, September 6, 2012
Afcon 2013 qualifiers: Democratic Republic of Congo vs Equatorial Guinea match preview
Democratic Republic of Congo coach Claude Le Roy stands on the brink of extending his record number of appearances at the African Nations Cup as his team start overwhelming favourites for their final round qualifying tie against Equatorial Guinea in Kinshasa on Sunday.
LeRoy, winner of the competition with Cameroon in 1988, has coached at six different tournaments and previously took DR Congo to the quarter-finals of the 2006 Nations Cup in Egypt, breaking the record for the most matches coached in the tournament’s history in the process.
The Frenchman, who returned to the helm of the Leopards last year, is taking no chances with a possible upset against the tiny Equatorial Guinea and called up a bevy of foreign-based professionals – headed by Anderlecht’s Dieumerci Mbokani and Youssouf Mulumba from English premier league club West Bromwich Albion.
There is also a healthy contingent of players from TP Mazembe Englebert, the Lubumbashi-based club who reached the African Champions League semifinals last weekend.
Equatorial Guinea, under the tutelage of Brazilian coach Gilson Paulo, won their last match, a warm up against Liberia in Malabo last month with a goal from Isaac Mvondo.
Their squad for the trip to Kinshasa includes Javier Balbao from Beira Mar in Portugal and two new players from Spain - Carlos Akapo of Huracan Valencia and Ehoma Ben Modo Corujo from Las Palmas.
LeRoy, winner of the competition with Cameroon in 1988, has coached at six different tournaments and previously took DR Congo to the quarter-finals of the 2006 Nations Cup in Egypt, breaking the record for the most matches coached in the tournament’s history in the process.
The Frenchman, who returned to the helm of the Leopards last year, is taking no chances with a possible upset against the tiny Equatorial Guinea and called up a bevy of foreign-based professionals – headed by Anderlecht’s Dieumerci Mbokani and Youssouf Mulumba from English premier league club West Bromwich Albion.
There is also a healthy contingent of players from TP Mazembe Englebert, the Lubumbashi-based club who reached the African Champions League semifinals last weekend.
Equatorial Guinea, under the tutelage of Brazilian coach Gilson Paulo, won their last match, a warm up against Liberia in Malabo last month with a goal from Isaac Mvondo.
Their squad for the trip to Kinshasa includes Javier Balbao from Beira Mar in Portugal and two new players from Spain - Carlos Akapo of Huracan Valencia and Ehoma Ben Modo Corujo from Las Palmas.
Afcon 2013 qualifiers: Cameroon vs Cape Verde match preview
The ghost of Samuel Eto’o will hang over Cameroon’s trip to the Cape Verde Islands for Saturday’s African Nations Cup final round, first leg qualifier in Praia.
The four-time African Footballer of the Year is a notable absentee as he continues his protest against the running of football in Cameroon, which he describes as amateurish.
It is almost a year since Eto’o last played for the Indomitable Lions, whose reputation is on the wane and could find themselves victims of a major upset and face the possibility of missing out on a second successive Nations Cup tournament.
Eto’o led a player revolt last November and was suspended for eight months. But the suspension ended last month, he was recalled to the squad only to use to play. Teammate Jean Makoun, who recently joined Stade Rennes on loan from Aston Villa, has joined him in the boycott action, as Cameroon prepare in nearby Dakar.
Cameroon’s captaincy has been taken over by Marseille defender Nicholas Nkoulou.
The home side, nicknamed Tubaroes Azul (Blue Sharks), have named a 21-man squad with Ronaldo, Valter Borges and the Dutch-based midfielder Guy Ramos returning to the line-up. Goalkeeper Ernesto however has retired and both Lito and Roni have been dropped by coach Lucio Antunes.
The match is being played on the artificial surface at the Estadio Varzela.
The four-time African Footballer of the Year is a notable absentee as he continues his protest against the running of football in Cameroon, which he describes as amateurish.
It is almost a year since Eto’o last played for the Indomitable Lions, whose reputation is on the wane and could find themselves victims of a major upset and face the possibility of missing out on a second successive Nations Cup tournament.
Eto’o led a player revolt last November and was suspended for eight months. But the suspension ended last month, he was recalled to the squad only to use to play. Teammate Jean Makoun, who recently joined Stade Rennes on loan from Aston Villa, has joined him in the boycott action, as Cameroon prepare in nearby Dakar.
Cameroon’s captaincy has been taken over by Marseille defender Nicholas Nkoulou.
The home side, nicknamed Tubaroes Azul (Blue Sharks), have named a 21-man squad with Ronaldo, Valter Borges and the Dutch-based midfielder Guy Ramos returning to the line-up. Goalkeeper Ernesto however has retired and both Lito and Roni have been dropped by coach Lucio Antunes.
The match is being played on the artificial surface at the Estadio Varzela.
Afcon 2013 qualifiers: Cote d’Ivoire vs Senegal match preview
Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal meet in Abidjan on Saturday in the most anticipated match on the continent in years, with at stake a place at the next year’s African Nations Cup finals.
The two sides were the form teams on the continent in 2012 although since Senegal’s star has dipped dramatically and while the Ivorians might still be top ranked they are now seen as coming to the end of a golden generation.
Senegal qualified in the most formidable fashion for the 2012 finals in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon but then bombed at the tournament, losing all three group games.
Since new coach Joseph Koto has overhauled the team and added in a youthful element, although Moussa Sow of Fenerbahce, Issiar Dia and Demba Ba have been recalled for the game in the Ivorian capital.
The home side are little changed from the team beaten by Zambia in last February’s; Nations Cup finals, although former France international Sabri Lamouchi is now in charge.
But injury has ruled out Guy Demel, hurt in action for West Ham at the weekend. There is also doubt over the availability of Cheikh Tiote, who could miss a match-up with his Newcastle United teammates Ba and Papiss Demba Cisse.
Didier Drogba has travelled from China for the match but spent the last week in London visiting his family.
The two sides were the form teams on the continent in 2012 although since Senegal’s star has dipped dramatically and while the Ivorians might still be top ranked they are now seen as coming to the end of a golden generation.
Senegal qualified in the most formidable fashion for the 2012 finals in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon but then bombed at the tournament, losing all three group games.
Since new coach Joseph Koto has overhauled the team and added in a youthful element, although Moussa Sow of Fenerbahce, Issiar Dia and Demba Ba have been recalled for the game in the Ivorian capital.
The home side are little changed from the team beaten by Zambia in last February’s; Nations Cup finals, although former France international Sabri Lamouchi is now in charge.
But injury has ruled out Guy Demel, hurt in action for West Ham at the weekend. There is also doubt over the availability of Cheikh Tiote, who could miss a match-up with his Newcastle United teammates Ba and Papiss Demba Cisse.
Didier Drogba has travelled from China for the match but spent the last week in London visiting his family.
Afcon 2013 qualifiers: Mali vs Botswana match preview
Mali return to their home ground in Bamako for the first time since March’s coup d’etat after being forced to host their last competitive international in neutral Burkina Faso.
They host Botswana in the first leg of their final round of African Nations Cup qualifiers, pitting two teams who shared the same group at the finals in Gabon earlier this year.
Mali scored a 2-1 win over Botswana in Libreville and went on to finish third while Botswana lost all three of their group games on their debut appearance.
Saturday’s match marks the first game for Patrice Carteron, the French coach who has replaced compatriot Alain Giresse at the helm of the ‘Aigles’.
Carteron comes from Dijon, who he promoted up to Ligue 1 one season ago.
His first act has been to recall veteran midfielder Mahamadou Diarra, formerly of Real Madrid and now on the books of Fulham.
Diarra will again take over the captain’s armband, from Cedric Kante, who has decided he will forego international football to concentrate on his new club career at Sochaux in France, where he has moved after years of playing in Greece.
Botswana have been preparing for the trip in Kenya and last week played a home friendly against Uganda, which ended goalless.
But their top goal scorer Jerome Ramatlhwana might miss the trip because he is undergoing trials in Saudi Arabia.
There has been much controversy in Botswana about Ramatlhwana’s selection to coach Stanley Tshosane’s squad as the striker has now gone two seasons without virtually any club football and his fitness and sharpness for international football is being questioned.
They host Botswana in the first leg of their final round of African Nations Cup qualifiers, pitting two teams who shared the same group at the finals in Gabon earlier this year.
Mali scored a 2-1 win over Botswana in Libreville and went on to finish third while Botswana lost all three of their group games on their debut appearance.
Saturday’s match marks the first game for Patrice Carteron, the French coach who has replaced compatriot Alain Giresse at the helm of the ‘Aigles’.
Carteron comes from Dijon, who he promoted up to Ligue 1 one season ago.
His first act has been to recall veteran midfielder Mahamadou Diarra, formerly of Real Madrid and now on the books of Fulham.
Diarra will again take over the captain’s armband, from Cedric Kante, who has decided he will forego international football to concentrate on his new club career at Sochaux in France, where he has moved after years of playing in Greece.
Botswana have been preparing for the trip in Kenya and last week played a home friendly against Uganda, which ended goalless.
But their top goal scorer Jerome Ramatlhwana might miss the trip because he is undergoing trials in Saudi Arabia.
There has been much controversy in Botswana about Ramatlhwana’s selection to coach Stanley Tshosane’s squad as the striker has now gone two seasons without virtually any club football and his fitness and sharpness for international football is being questioned.
Afcon 2013 qualifiers: Zambia vs Uganda match preview
African champions Zambia face The Cranes of Uganda seeking a flying start in the 2013 Africa Cup qualifiers.
Herve Renard's side host Uganda at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in both sides' third round, first leg game.
Renard has all his key players available led by 2012 Africa Cup heroes Emmanuel Mayuka and Christopher Katongo plus goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.
The game will also mark Dutch-based striker Jacob Mulenga of FC Utrecht’s first match back after an 11-month hiatus due to injury that saw him miss Zambia's Africa Cup triumph eight months ago.
Zambia are familiar with Uganda against whom they drew 0-0 in a friendly in August 2010 in ex-coach Dario Bonetti's first game in charge.
Uganda coach Bobby Williamson was and still is in charge of The Cranes from that last meeting as he seeks his first win over Zambia. However for a second successive game, Williamson has the unenviable task of playing another first leg match away from home.
In the first round qualifiers, Uganda lost 3-1 away to Congo Brazzaville on February 28 but reversed that loss will a dramatic 4-0 home win in the return leg on June 28 in Kampala.
Uganda hope not to see a repeat of another away loss as they seek their first Africa Cup final appearance since 1978 when they finished runners-up.
To make matters worse Uganda will be without Cyprus-based key striker Geoffrey Masa due to injury.
Meanwhile, hosts Zambia will be banking on their lucky run of results in Ndola where they are unbeaten in two successive games since returning to the city where they are still unbeaten in over 40 years.
In that match, Zambia beat Uganda 4-2 after extra-time on February 27, 1977 on a boggy pitch during a rain-swept day across town at the old Dag Hammarskjöld Stadium.
Herve Renard's side host Uganda at Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in both sides' third round, first leg game.
Renard has all his key players available led by 2012 Africa Cup heroes Emmanuel Mayuka and Christopher Katongo plus goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene.
The game will also mark Dutch-based striker Jacob Mulenga of FC Utrecht’s first match back after an 11-month hiatus due to injury that saw him miss Zambia's Africa Cup triumph eight months ago.
Zambia are familiar with Uganda against whom they drew 0-0 in a friendly in August 2010 in ex-coach Dario Bonetti's first game in charge.
Uganda coach Bobby Williamson was and still is in charge of The Cranes from that last meeting as he seeks his first win over Zambia. However for a second successive game, Williamson has the unenviable task of playing another first leg match away from home.
In the first round qualifiers, Uganda lost 3-1 away to Congo Brazzaville on February 28 but reversed that loss will a dramatic 4-0 home win in the return leg on June 28 in Kampala.
Uganda hope not to see a repeat of another away loss as they seek their first Africa Cup final appearance since 1978 when they finished runners-up.
To make matters worse Uganda will be without Cyprus-based key striker Geoffrey Masa due to injury.
Meanwhile, hosts Zambia will be banking on their lucky run of results in Ndola where they are unbeaten in two successive games since returning to the city where they are still unbeaten in over 40 years.
Moreover, Zambia host Uganda in Ndola for the first time since 1977 when they clashed in an Argentina 1978 FIFA World Cup third round, return leg qualifier.
In that match, Zambia beat Uganda 4-2 after extra-time on February 27, 1977 on a boggy pitch during a rain-swept day across town at the old Dag Hammarskjöld Stadium.
Angola and Zimbabwe in Southern African derby clash
A Southern African derby between Angola and Zimbabwe will decide progress for one of the region’s countries to the 2013 African Nations Cup finals in nearby South Africa.
Angola will be seeking to reach the finals for a fifth successive tournament while Zimbabwe have only previously played in 2004 and 2006 finals.
Angola are preparing in South Africa ahead of Sunday’s first leg, which will be held in Harare, with a squad that includes seven players from clubs in Europe. There is a return for Nando Rafael, who is in the Bundesliga with Fortuna Dusseldorf, and the attack will again be led by Manucho and Djalma Camps, recently sold by FC Porto to Turkey.
Zimbabwe hopes will rest on their German-based striker Knowledge Musona, who is to join the team on Wednesday. There had been concern about his participation after a threat to quit the national team in the wake of being accused by officials of being involved in possible match fixing.
The accusation was withdrawn and apologies made to the 21-year-old, who is the country’s best known player.
Other players from Europe in the squad are Quincy Antipas, Onismor Bhasera, Noel Maseke, Vusa Nyoni and Archford Gutu. But Romania-based striker Mike Temwanjira is out because of injury.
Source: mtnfootball.com
Angola will be seeking to reach the finals for a fifth successive tournament while Zimbabwe have only previously played in 2004 and 2006 finals.
Angola are preparing in South Africa ahead of Sunday’s first leg, which will be held in Harare, with a squad that includes seven players from clubs in Europe. There is a return for Nando Rafael, who is in the Bundesliga with Fortuna Dusseldorf, and the attack will again be led by Manucho and Djalma Camps, recently sold by FC Porto to Turkey.
Zimbabwe hopes will rest on their German-based striker Knowledge Musona, who is to join the team on Wednesday. There had been concern about his participation after a threat to quit the national team in the wake of being accused by officials of being involved in possible match fixing.
The accusation was withdrawn and apologies made to the 21-year-old, who is the country’s best known player.
Other players from Europe in the squad are Quincy Antipas, Onismor Bhasera, Noel Maseke, Vusa Nyoni and Archford Gutu. But Romania-based striker Mike Temwanjira is out because of injury.
Source: mtnfootball.com
International friendlies: Brazil vs South Africa
Bafana Bafana forward Benni McCarthy believes the international friendly with Brazil on Friday could be his international lifeline.
McCarthy, who was a late replacement for the injured Edward Manqele, who had in turn replaced the injured Siyabonga Nomvethe, said a good result against five-time FIFA World Cup winners would be a huge lift for the entire group and vindicate their selection.
“I am happy to be back in the national team. I missed out on the World Cup and it was a bitter pill to swallow, but it’s all behind me now. I have been given a second chance and I hope to make the best of it,” McCarthy said.
“We are playing probably the best team in the world, so we have to be at our best. The strategy by the new coach [Gordon Igesund] has been used effectively at [Moroka] Swallows and hopefully it will work well again.”
The striker also believes this match should be a turning point for Bafana Bafana.
“It’s a tough challenge but we are confident we can come out victorious because we have a lot of talented players in the team and make the country proud,” added McCarthy.
Bafana Bafana had a rigorous training session in the morning on Wednesday and were given an afternoon off. The players seem to have grown in confidence over the last few days and are raring to go.
“Yes, we are aware this will not be an easy match and this should be a good test for all of us. We are working towards the 2013 Afcon tournament and the clash against Brazil will give us an indication of where we are,” said Kaizer Chiefs winger Siphiwe Tshabalala.
The midfielder is among the remaining five players of the team that played against Brazil in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup played at the Ellis Park Stadium. South Africa lost the match 1-0.The others who were in that team are Kagisho Dikgacoi, Itumeleng Khune, Bernard Parker and Siboniso Gaxa.
“We have played three times against Brazil and we have learnt a lot from those matches, especially the last one where we lost narrowly through lack of experience. But I have great belief that this time around we will do better, not taking anything away from our opponents who are a formidable team,” said Tshabalala. The squad will have their last training session on Thursday morning at the match venue.
Meanwhile, Dino Ndlovu has already reported for national team duty and trained with the team in the morning. Bongani Khumalo and Gaxa were expected to arrive on Wednesday evening
McCarthy, who was a late replacement for the injured Edward Manqele, who had in turn replaced the injured Siyabonga Nomvethe, said a good result against five-time FIFA World Cup winners would be a huge lift for the entire group and vindicate their selection.
“I am happy to be back in the national team. I missed out on the World Cup and it was a bitter pill to swallow, but it’s all behind me now. I have been given a second chance and I hope to make the best of it,” McCarthy said.
“We are playing probably the best team in the world, so we have to be at our best. The strategy by the new coach [Gordon Igesund] has been used effectively at [Moroka] Swallows and hopefully it will work well again.”
The striker also believes this match should be a turning point for Bafana Bafana.
“It’s a tough challenge but we are confident we can come out victorious because we have a lot of talented players in the team and make the country proud,” added McCarthy.
Bafana Bafana had a rigorous training session in the morning on Wednesday and were given an afternoon off. The players seem to have grown in confidence over the last few days and are raring to go.
“Yes, we are aware this will not be an easy match and this should be a good test for all of us. We are working towards the 2013 Afcon tournament and the clash against Brazil will give us an indication of where we are,” said Kaizer Chiefs winger Siphiwe Tshabalala.
The midfielder is among the remaining five players of the team that played against Brazil in the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup played at the Ellis Park Stadium. South Africa lost the match 1-0.The others who were in that team are Kagisho Dikgacoi, Itumeleng Khune, Bernard Parker and Siboniso Gaxa.
“We have played three times against Brazil and we have learnt a lot from those matches, especially the last one where we lost narrowly through lack of experience. But I have great belief that this time around we will do better, not taking anything away from our opponents who are a formidable team,” said Tshabalala. The squad will have their last training session on Thursday morning at the match venue.
Meanwhile, Dino Ndlovu has already reported for national team duty and trained with the team in the morning. Bongani Khumalo and Gaxa were expected to arrive on Wednesday evening
Afcon 2013 qualifiers: Nigeria vs Liberia match preview
Such is the pressure on the Super Eagles to win that a draw in a 2013 AFCON qualifier in Liberia on Saturday would be a huge disappointment.
The country’s President, Goodluck Jonathan, has further raised the stakes with his personal interest in this West African clash.
He first put a call through to coach Stephen Keshi, urging him to lead the team to victory in Monrovia and on Wednesday, he was at the team’s training in Abuja to further stress the importance of this game.
After sensationally failing to reach the 2012 edition of this tournament Nigeria are leaving nothing to chance to ensure they feature at the next competition in South Africa in January.
The Eagles will fly to Liberia on a chartered flight from Abuja on the eve of the match to ensure they arrive in comfort and at their choosing.
Keshi said he expects a tough and very physical fight from the hosts on Saturday evening.
“A country that has produced the likes of George Weah, who became world’s best footballer, cannot be said to be weak in talent, but we must show that we are stronger,” warned the Eagles coach.
“I expect a tough, bruising game against Liberia and I trust that all of us will rise to the occasion.”
Keshi has a full complement of his top stars after he overlooked Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi and West Bromwich Albion striker Osaze Odemwingie.
Mikel opted out after it was initially believed this game will be played on astro turf, while Keshi said Osaze is not ready to return to the team after the player did not get back to him about his availability.
Kano Pillars midfielder Gabriel Reuben is the only injury doubt and he will face a late fitness test after a groin injury relapsed in training this week.
His likely replacement in defensive midfield would be either the versatile Efe Ambrose or Akwa United star Solomon Jabason, who shone on his debut in the recent friendly against Niger in Niamey.
Strikers Emmanuel Emenike and Brown Ideye have been recalled to the team on the back of superlative displays for their clubs in Europe.
Spartak Moscow striker Emenike told MTNFootball.com that he believes Nigeria will triumph in Liberia despite the resistance they should expect from the home team.
"Liberia will be tough no doubt because they are playing at home and their aim is same as ours. We both have 90 minutes to prove ourselves,” said Emenike, who is set to face mighty Barcelona in a UEFA Champions League clash on September 18 at the Camp Nou.
"We missed out at the last edition of Nations Cup and I believe ill luck will not be for us this time. We tried all we could then (vs Guinea) but we were unlucky.
“Now we can't wait to make Nigeria proud. We will qualify but not just on papers, but our determination and the support from fans everywhere will make it happen."
Like Emenike, Liberia’s top star Sekou Oliseh also features in Russia with CSKA Moscow and first moved to Nigeria under the mentorship of Churchill Oliseh, older brother of Sunday Oliseh, before he moved to Europe.
Sekou Oliseh will lead a dozen overseas-based players who ply their trade mostly in Asia in a bid to upstage the more illustrious Eagles.
They boosted their confidence on Tuesday with a 1-0 win over Nigeria 2014 World Cup rivals Malawi in a friendly in Monrovia and a fans awareness campaign has been flagged off by the country’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to ensure total support for the team on Saturday inside the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia from 7pm Nigerian time.
However, the Eagles enjoy the upper hand over the Lone Star of Liberia in their previous six meetings.
Nigeria beat Liberia in 1984 in a 1986 World Cup qualifier, winning 3-0 in Lagos and 1-0 in Monrovia.
Liberia’s only win within that time was when they stunned the star-studded Nigerians 2-1 in a 2002 World Cup qualifier, which the Eagles later avenged 2-0 in Port Harcourt on their way to pipping the Lone Star at the post to qualify for the 2002 World Cup.
Earlier this year, Keshi led a team of players from the Nigeria Premier League to upstage their Liberia counterparts 2-0 in a match to mark the re-election of President Sirleaf.
The country’s President, Goodluck Jonathan, has further raised the stakes with his personal interest in this West African clash.
He first put a call through to coach Stephen Keshi, urging him to lead the team to victory in Monrovia and on Wednesday, he was at the team’s training in Abuja to further stress the importance of this game.
After sensationally failing to reach the 2012 edition of this tournament Nigeria are leaving nothing to chance to ensure they feature at the next competition in South Africa in January.
The Eagles will fly to Liberia on a chartered flight from Abuja on the eve of the match to ensure they arrive in comfort and at their choosing.
Keshi said he expects a tough and very physical fight from the hosts on Saturday evening.
“A country that has produced the likes of George Weah, who became world’s best footballer, cannot be said to be weak in talent, but we must show that we are stronger,” warned the Eagles coach.
“I expect a tough, bruising game against Liberia and I trust that all of us will rise to the occasion.”
Keshi has a full complement of his top stars after he overlooked Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi and West Bromwich Albion striker Osaze Odemwingie.
Mikel opted out after it was initially believed this game will be played on astro turf, while Keshi said Osaze is not ready to return to the team after the player did not get back to him about his availability.
Kano Pillars midfielder Gabriel Reuben is the only injury doubt and he will face a late fitness test after a groin injury relapsed in training this week.
His likely replacement in defensive midfield would be either the versatile Efe Ambrose or Akwa United star Solomon Jabason, who shone on his debut in the recent friendly against Niger in Niamey.
Strikers Emmanuel Emenike and Brown Ideye have been recalled to the team on the back of superlative displays for their clubs in Europe.
Spartak Moscow striker Emenike told MTNFootball.com that he believes Nigeria will triumph in Liberia despite the resistance they should expect from the home team.
"Liberia will be tough no doubt because they are playing at home and their aim is same as ours. We both have 90 minutes to prove ourselves,” said Emenike, who is set to face mighty Barcelona in a UEFA Champions League clash on September 18 at the Camp Nou.
"We missed out at the last edition of Nations Cup and I believe ill luck will not be for us this time. We tried all we could then (vs Guinea) but we were unlucky.
“Now we can't wait to make Nigeria proud. We will qualify but not just on papers, but our determination and the support from fans everywhere will make it happen."
Like Emenike, Liberia’s top star Sekou Oliseh also features in Russia with CSKA Moscow and first moved to Nigeria under the mentorship of Churchill Oliseh, older brother of Sunday Oliseh, before he moved to Europe.
Sekou Oliseh will lead a dozen overseas-based players who ply their trade mostly in Asia in a bid to upstage the more illustrious Eagles.
They boosted their confidence on Tuesday with a 1-0 win over Nigeria 2014 World Cup rivals Malawi in a friendly in Monrovia and a fans awareness campaign has been flagged off by the country’s President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf to ensure total support for the team on Saturday inside the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia from 7pm Nigerian time.
However, the Eagles enjoy the upper hand over the Lone Star of Liberia in their previous six meetings.
Nigeria beat Liberia in 1984 in a 1986 World Cup qualifier, winning 3-0 in Lagos and 1-0 in Monrovia.
Liberia’s only win within that time was when they stunned the star-studded Nigerians 2-1 in a 2002 World Cup qualifier, which the Eagles later avenged 2-0 in Port Harcourt on their way to pipping the Lone Star at the post to qualify for the 2002 World Cup.
Earlier this year, Keshi led a team of players from the Nigeria Premier League to upstage their Liberia counterparts 2-0 in a match to mark the re-election of President Sirleaf.
Afcon 2013 qualifiers: Ghana vs Malawi match preview
Ghana coach Kwasi Appiah worked with the full complement of his team for the first time on Wednesday.
The Black Stars are preparing to face Malawi in the first leg of the final 2013 Nations Cup qualifier on Saturday.
The Black Stars are preparing to face Malawi in the first leg of the final 2013 Nations Cup qualifier on Saturday.
All but one of the 24-players in camp fully took part in the evening's session at the Accra Sports Stadium.
Midfielder Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu sat out the session as the medical team continues to monitor his yet to be disclosed injury.
The squad was divided into two groups for an XI-aside trial match with the likes of Christian Atsu and Jordan Ayew getting on the scoresheet.
The team later worked on set pieces with striker Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew and Derek Boateng as the preferred takers of dead ball situations.
Ghana need to win massively against the Flames to ensure the second leg is a mere formality.
The training so far gives a clear indication of the team's readiness to rake in the goals on Saturday.
The match kicks off at 15:30 GMT at the Accra Sports Stadium
Afcon 2013 qualifiers: Zimbabwe vs Angola match preview
ZIMBABWE’S Warriors received a psychological boost ahead of their 2013 Nations Cup qualifier against Angola at Rufaro on Sunday when they crept back into the world’s top 100 on the official Fifa/Coca-Cola rankings. But it didn’t look that good in camp as the Warriors continued to trickle in at a very slow pace as their preparations for their showdown against the Palancas Negras entered Day Two in the capital yesterday.
The Warriors will host the Angolans in the final qualifier, first leg tie, with the hosts needing to fully utilise home advantage to build a strong platform for possible qualification for the Nations Cup finals in South Africa in January.
The senior national team is set to be a box office hit in Mzansi, should it qualify, because it will be guaranteed substantial support from thousands of Zimbabweans now resident in South Africa with its matches set to attract full houses.
Analysts even believe the Warriors would be guaranteed more fans, in South Africa, than the hosts during the group phases of the tournament should Zimbabwe qualify.
Six years have now passed since Zimbabwe last played at the Nations Cup finals in Egypt and now only 180 minutes, beginning with the showdown in Harare on Sunday, separate them from a possible return to the big stage.
But the Warriors’ preparations, as is usually the case with such national assignments, have not been what one would have wished for a massive game such as Sunday’s final qualifier against 2010 Nations Cup hosts Angola.
Rahman Gumbo’s foreign brigade has virtually been trickling into camp at a snail’s pace, at times so frustrating, you would believe they were coming here for a wedding and not a serious international assignment.
And last night, two more players, Sweden-based midfielder Archford Gutu and winger Quincy Antipas, who plies his trade in Denmark, flew into the country and joined camp.
Antipas last featured for the national team last year and is coming home full of confidence after he recently joined top Danish side Bronby IF this week.
The former Motor Action and CAPS United player sealed a move from Sonderjyske on Monday.
Big striker Takesure Chinyama, defenders Carlington Nyadombo, Vusa Nyoni and midfielder Esrom Nyandoro had earlier joined camp yesterday morning.
Talismanic forward Knowledge Musona, who plays in Germany, veteran Bidvest Wits midfielder Tinashe Nengomasha, Plymouth Argyle left back Onismor Bhasera and injured goalkeeper and skipper Tapuwa Kapini, were among the foreign-based players still conspicuous by their absence.
While they had all been expected in yesterday, the quartet had not shown up at the Warriors’ camp at Pandhari Lodge in the city with the technical crew saying they were likely to come in last night.
With time fast ticking towards Match Day, it is certainly not the best case scenario that Gumbo would have wished for in easily the Warriors’ biggest match of their 2013 Nations Cup campaign.
The coach has previously made no secret of his wish to make the most of the five-day period in the build-up to the game and was banking on early arrivals in camp by his players to get their preparations underway without hassles.
When training begun on Tuesday morning, Gumbo and his assistants David Mandigora and Peter Ndlovu had nine players, including the local contingent, in camp.
The former FC Platinum coach also faces a goalkeeping crisis with the duo of first choice Kapini and his immediate understudy Marlon Jani injured.
But, for all the slow pace that has characterised their preparations, the Warriors are aware that this is their ultimate test and team manager Nyika Chifamba insisted there was positive mood in camp.
Chifamba had been expecting the remainder of the players to be in by late last night and early this morn-ing.
“We are still hopeful that the players will continue coming in. Tapuwa is said to be injured but all the same our team doctor will have a look at him if he comes.
“I think the players all know that this game is crucial and it has a huge bearing on their careers. It’s one game that could set them towards qualifying for the next edition of the African Nations Cup,” said Chifamba.
Yesterday, the Warriors held a training session at Rufaro in the morning before shifting to the Italian Sports Club, at the last minute, for their afternoon session.
While the Warriors, who have now eased back into the top 100 on the latest Fifa/Coca Cola football rankings were training under a cloud of secrecy, their opponents Angola were set to play Moroka Swallows yesterday.
Zimbabwe have moved eight places up the ladder on the latest Fifa rankings released yesterday as they are now 98th in the world.
At the last rankings, Zimbabwe, were outside the top 100, and now the Warriors are the 25th best team on the Caf ratings with 358 points.
Their opponents Angola are ranked 80th in the world and 20th in Africa.
Gumbo has slapped a media ban on his players, who are not allowed to field questions about Sunday’s game, and the coach, too, has been forwarding all requests for interviews to Chifamba.
While Gumbo prefers to keep his silence, Angola coach Gustavo Ferrin has been talking to the media and says he expects a tough tie as Zimbabwe would want to get the upper ahead of the final qualifier next month.
The Angolans, who seem to be immune to the problems facing the Warriors’ camp, have been holed up in South Africa where they have been preparing for Sunday’s game.
There are also concerns from the Warriors fans who believe that the proposed US$10 price for the cheapest ticket for the game on Sunday is too high and will keep a huge number of supporters at home.
The Warriors want a full-house and, in choosing Rufaro, said they wanted to feel the chemistry with their fans.
The last time Zimbabwe played a Nations Cup qualifier at Rufaro, the fans played a huge part as they drove their heroes forward with Musona scoring a last-gasp winner, from the penalty spot, in the tie against Mali.
Interestingly, Dynamos hiked their ticket prices for a Caf Confederation Cup tie against Interclube of Angola to US$5, for the cheapest ticket, and it backfired with a relatively smaller crowd, by DeMbare’s standards, coming to watch the match.
The Glamour Boys, without the helping hand they get from their fans at home, could only settle for a goalless draw.
Interclube, as fate would have it, decided to let in fans for free during their home leg of the tie and the supporters, who filled the stadium to capacity, created a cauldron and helped their team to a 1-0 win.
Warriors’ cheerleader, Chris Musekiwa, yesterday said Zifa should revise the gate charges to US$5 for the cheapest ticket.
The association wants to cash in on this match, the last high-profile game for them for some time, to settle some of the debts that have been haunting them.
Source: herald.co.zw
The Warriors will host the Angolans in the final qualifier, first leg tie, with the hosts needing to fully utilise home advantage to build a strong platform for possible qualification for the Nations Cup finals in South Africa in January.
The senior national team is set to be a box office hit in Mzansi, should it qualify, because it will be guaranteed substantial support from thousands of Zimbabweans now resident in South Africa with its matches set to attract full houses.
Analysts even believe the Warriors would be guaranteed more fans, in South Africa, than the hosts during the group phases of the tournament should Zimbabwe qualify.
Six years have now passed since Zimbabwe last played at the Nations Cup finals in Egypt and now only 180 minutes, beginning with the showdown in Harare on Sunday, separate them from a possible return to the big stage.
But the Warriors’ preparations, as is usually the case with such national assignments, have not been what one would have wished for a massive game such as Sunday’s final qualifier against 2010 Nations Cup hosts Angola.
Rahman Gumbo’s foreign brigade has virtually been trickling into camp at a snail’s pace, at times so frustrating, you would believe they were coming here for a wedding and not a serious international assignment.
And last night, two more players, Sweden-based midfielder Archford Gutu and winger Quincy Antipas, who plies his trade in Denmark, flew into the country and joined camp.
Antipas last featured for the national team last year and is coming home full of confidence after he recently joined top Danish side Bronby IF this week.
The former Motor Action and CAPS United player sealed a move from Sonderjyske on Monday.
Big striker Takesure Chinyama, defenders Carlington Nyadombo, Vusa Nyoni and midfielder Esrom Nyandoro had earlier joined camp yesterday morning.
Talismanic forward Knowledge Musona, who plays in Germany, veteran Bidvest Wits midfielder Tinashe Nengomasha, Plymouth Argyle left back Onismor Bhasera and injured goalkeeper and skipper Tapuwa Kapini, were among the foreign-based players still conspicuous by their absence.
While they had all been expected in yesterday, the quartet had not shown up at the Warriors’ camp at Pandhari Lodge in the city with the technical crew saying they were likely to come in last night.
With time fast ticking towards Match Day, it is certainly not the best case scenario that Gumbo would have wished for in easily the Warriors’ biggest match of their 2013 Nations Cup campaign.
The coach has previously made no secret of his wish to make the most of the five-day period in the build-up to the game and was banking on early arrivals in camp by his players to get their preparations underway without hassles.
When training begun on Tuesday morning, Gumbo and his assistants David Mandigora and Peter Ndlovu had nine players, including the local contingent, in camp.
The former FC Platinum coach also faces a goalkeeping crisis with the duo of first choice Kapini and his immediate understudy Marlon Jani injured.
But, for all the slow pace that has characterised their preparations, the Warriors are aware that this is their ultimate test and team manager Nyika Chifamba insisted there was positive mood in camp.
Chifamba had been expecting the remainder of the players to be in by late last night and early this morn-ing.
“We are still hopeful that the players will continue coming in. Tapuwa is said to be injured but all the same our team doctor will have a look at him if he comes.
“I think the players all know that this game is crucial and it has a huge bearing on their careers. It’s one game that could set them towards qualifying for the next edition of the African Nations Cup,” said Chifamba.
Yesterday, the Warriors held a training session at Rufaro in the morning before shifting to the Italian Sports Club, at the last minute, for their afternoon session.
While the Warriors, who have now eased back into the top 100 on the latest Fifa/Coca Cola football rankings were training under a cloud of secrecy, their opponents Angola were set to play Moroka Swallows yesterday.
Zimbabwe have moved eight places up the ladder on the latest Fifa rankings released yesterday as they are now 98th in the world.
At the last rankings, Zimbabwe, were outside the top 100, and now the Warriors are the 25th best team on the Caf ratings with 358 points.
Their opponents Angola are ranked 80th in the world and 20th in Africa.
Gumbo has slapped a media ban on his players, who are not allowed to field questions about Sunday’s game, and the coach, too, has been forwarding all requests for interviews to Chifamba.
While Gumbo prefers to keep his silence, Angola coach Gustavo Ferrin has been talking to the media and says he expects a tough tie as Zimbabwe would want to get the upper ahead of the final qualifier next month.
The Angolans, who seem to be immune to the problems facing the Warriors’ camp, have been holed up in South Africa where they have been preparing for Sunday’s game.
There are also concerns from the Warriors fans who believe that the proposed US$10 price for the cheapest ticket for the game on Sunday is too high and will keep a huge number of supporters at home.
The Warriors want a full-house and, in choosing Rufaro, said they wanted to feel the chemistry with their fans.
The last time Zimbabwe played a Nations Cup qualifier at Rufaro, the fans played a huge part as they drove their heroes forward with Musona scoring a last-gasp winner, from the penalty spot, in the tie against Mali.
Interestingly, Dynamos hiked their ticket prices for a Caf Confederation Cup tie against Interclube of Angola to US$5, for the cheapest ticket, and it backfired with a relatively smaller crowd, by DeMbare’s standards, coming to watch the match.
The Glamour Boys, without the helping hand they get from their fans at home, could only settle for a goalless draw.
Interclube, as fate would have it, decided to let in fans for free during their home leg of the tie and the supporters, who filled the stadium to capacity, created a cauldron and helped their team to a 1-0 win.
Warriors’ cheerleader, Chris Musekiwa, yesterday said Zifa should revise the gate charges to US$5 for the cheapest ticket.
The association wants to cash in on this match, the last high-profile game for them for some time, to settle some of the debts that have been haunting them.
Source: herald.co.zw
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