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Showing posts from January, 2024

2023 AFCON: Bafana Bafana edge out Atlas Lions in dramatic style

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By Michael Osei  Evidence Makgopa  South Africa recorded a historic 2-0 win over Morocco to book a place in the quarter -finals of the 2023 AFCON . Wonders they say shall never end as Bafana Bafana staged a great coup d'etat to eliminate the no 1 ranked team in the continent "The Atlas Lions"  for the first time in the competition. Maybe the spirit of Nelson Mandela played a role in the victory but hey, who knows! Weldone Boys!! ! The Moroccans dominated the first half with Real Betis 🇪🇸forward Abde Ezzalzouli and Amine Adli of Bayer Leverkusen 🇩🇪both terrorising the South Africa defence. The onslaught was unstoppable until the Referee disallowed a cool goal scored by the pacy winger Ezzalzouli. Later in the half, South Africa responded with a couple of counter attacks which sadly proved abortive. The first half ended goalless as both teams were evenly matched physically and mentally. But the Atlas Lions had a better advantage to find the back of the net as the seco...

Comeback Kings: Ivory coast stun Senegal to book AFCON quarter -finals berth

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By Michael Osei  Jubilant Elephants  Senegal got eliminated from the ongoing 2023 AFCON on penalties by a resilient Ivory Coast side after playing out an exciting 1-1 draw in full-time. The beauty of the AFCON cannot be matched when a resurgent Ivorien side that lost 4-0 to Equatorial Guinea in the group phase of the competition stepped up to redeem their image in a thrilling 4-5 penalty win over defending champions Senegal. Hamad Diallo got on the score sheet blasting home a thunderous shot four minutes into the encounter to give the Teranga Lions the lead. The game progresssd into a high tempo duel with both teams creating and missing beautiful chances. Diallo celebrate opener  Ivory Coast dominated possession throughout the encounter untill substitute Nicholas Pepe was fouled by Edouard Mendy in the final moments of the game. Another substitute Franck Kessie stepped up to slot home a cool equaliser to restore parity. Franck Kessie  As if it wasn't done yet, the ...

Thriller in San Pedro: DR Congo knocks Egypt out of AFCON

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By Michael Osei   DRC players in jubilation  DR Congo qualified for the quarter -finals of the 2023 AFCON after beating Egypt on penalties at the San Pedro stadium. Let's delve into the details of the encounter! A resurgent and resilient DR Congo side defied all odds to knock seven-time AFCON winners Egypt out of the tournament held in Ivory coast on a thrilling 8-7 penalties after playing out a 1-1 draw in Full-time.  Both teams were evenly matched right from the onset till the end but the Francophone nation stamped their presence in the encounter with a 37th minute goal scored by Meschak Elia who capitalized on a deflected cross from Yoanes Wissa to nod in the opener. The Pharaohs responded swiftly with a penalty scored by Mostafa Mohammed who slotted home cooly from the spot kick after Hegazy was fouled at Halftime. The game progressed with both teams creating wonderful opportunities for goal but all proved abortive as the referee whistled for extra time. After an int...

2023 AFCON: Nigeria Triumphs with 2-0 Win Over Cameroon

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By Michael Osei   The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has seen some thrilling matches, but none more captivating than Nigeria's triumphant 2-0 victory over Cameroon in the round of 16. The encounter, which took place at the magnificent Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, left fans exhilarated and provided a glimpse of the magnificent footballing talent on the continent. Let's delve into the electrifying showdown that left an indelible mark on the tournament. Nigeria celebrate win   From the opening whistle, both teams displayed exceptional skill and determination, showcasing the competitive spirit that defines African football. Nigeria's Super Eagles, led by their dynamic captain, Moses Truust-Ekong exhibited an impressive display of attacking prowess. Their relentless pressure and cohesive teamwork set the tone for an enthralling encounter. The breakthrough came in the 36th minute, as Nigeria's rising star, Ademola Lookman capitalized on a well-...

AFCON 2023: Mohammed Kudus' Electrifying Brace Secures Ghana a Thrilling Draw Against Egypt at 2023 Africa Cup of Nations

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By Michael Osei  The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has been a showcase of top-class football, and one of the most sensational displays came from Ghana's Mohammed Kudus in their recent showdown with Egypt. The young midfield maestro delivered a scintillating performance, netting a remarkable brace that not only showcased his exceptional talent but also underlined his invaluable contribution to his team's campaign in the tournament.  Black Stars celebrate Kudus opening goal  In a highly anticipated clash against Egypt, Kudus took center stage with a mesmerizing display of skill, determination, and clinical finishing. His first goal, a demonstration of his exceptional close control and lightning-quick reflexes, sent ripples of excitement through the stadium. Kudus' ability to find the back of the net under pressure not only provided a crucial equalizer but also emphasized his reputation as a potent goal-scoring threat.  However, Kudus was not finished yet. In a moment of ...

AFCON 2023: Mali Secures Impressive 2-0 Win Over South Africa

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By Michael Osei  The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 witnessed an electrifying match as Mali secured a remarkable 2-0 victory over South Africa. The match showcased exceptional skill, strategic prowess, and unrelenting determination from both teams. Let's delve into the thrilling encounter and the impact of this significant win for Mali. Mali celebrate goal   From the onset, Mali displayed tenacity and precision, taking control of the game with a swift and coordinated attack. Their tactical decision-making and fluid passing created opportunities, putting South Africa's defense under immense pressure. The first goal came as a result of Mali's relentless offensive drive, with a clinical finish by Real Sociedad striker Hamari Traore that ignited the crowd and set the tone for the remainder of the match. South Africa, known for their resilience and competitive spirit, fought to regain momentum and push back against Mali's relentless onslaught. The match evolved into an ...

AFCON 2023: Black Sharks bare teeth to stun Black Stars

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By Michael Osei | Accra Ghana  Cape Verde recorded an emphatic 2-1 win over Ghana in the ongoing 2023 AFCON in Ivory coast. The Islanders stunned the Black Stars to maintain a 100% record in winning all their AFCON group openers since their first appearance in 2013. Cape Verde celebrate winning goal  The Portuguese colony dominated the encounter with a brilliant first half lead from San Jose Earthquakes Jamiro Monteiro who slotted home from Richard Ofori's sloppy punch.  The Black Stars had a goal disallowed by the referee after VAR (Video Assistant Referee) revealed an offside by Yeboah-Konigsdorffer who denied Majid Ashimeru a beautiful finish. The Stars responded in the 56th minute with Alexander Djiku heading home the equaliser from Jordan Ayew's corner to level matters. Djiku celebrate equaliser  However, another sloppy defending by the Ghana defence led to Garry Rodrigues grabbing a late winner for the Black Sharks who top group B on three points whilst Ghana...