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Chelle banks on 27 ‘Aigles’

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Chelle banks on 27 ‘Aigles’

To fight for AFCON 2023 glory

 

 

  • Mali will participate in their13th TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations
  • The Eagles are in Group E alongside South Africa, Namibia, and Tunisia
  • Coach Eric Sekou Chelle has summoned 27 players

 

Mali’s national team coach, Eric Sekou Chelle, has announced the call-up of 27 players to represent Mali at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

 

The Eagles, Mali’s national team, are in Group E with Namibia, South Africa, and Tunisia.

 

List of Mali’s national team in preparation for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023

 

Goalkeepers
– Djigui Diarra
– Aboubacar Doumbia
– Ismaël Diawara

 

Defenders
– Hamari Traoré
– Falaye Sacko
– Boubacar K Kouyate
– Mamadou Fofana
– Sikou Niakate
– Moussa Diarra
– Amadou Dante

 

Midfielders
– Diade Samassekou
– Mohamed Camara
– Doudou Haidara
– Aliou Dieng
– Lassana Coulibaly
– Kamory Doumbia
– Adama Noss Traoré
– Yves Bissouma
– Boubacar Traoré

 

Forwards
– Sekou Koita
– Nene Dorgeles
– Moussa Doumbia
– Fousseni Diabaté
– Ibrahim Sissoko
– Lassine Sinayoko
– Youssoufa Niakaté
– Serine Doucouré

 

All team lists are provisional until the final list of players is announced by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after the deadline on January 3.

 

Stallions want nothing but AFCON win

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Stallions want nothing but AFCON win

Burkina Faso wants to get rid of ‘almost’ label

 

 

Can Burkina Faso reach the top of the podium at Côte d’Ivoire 2023?

 

Burkina Faso’s matches in Group D

 

January 16, 2024

Burkina Faso – Mauritania, 14h00 GMT, Stade de la Paix, Bouaké

 

January 20, 2024

Algeria – Burkina Faso, 14h00 GMT, Stade de la Paix, Bouaké

 

January 23, 2024

Angola – Burkina Faso, 20h00 GMT, Charles-Konan-Banny Stadium, Yamoussoukro

 

How Burkina Faso qualified for the African Cup of Nations 

 

The 1-all draw against Togo away in Lomé sealed the deal for the Stallions.

 

Former Lorient player Dango Ouattara opened the scoring for Burkina Faso in the 12th minute. Despite Kodjo Laba’s equalizer 14 minutes later, this result was enough to secure qualification for their 13th AFCON appearance with two match days to go.

 

On top of Group B with 10 points, the Stallions could no longer be joined by Togo or Eswatini, who only had two points with two match days remaining. A 3-1 loss to Cape Verde before a goalless draw with Eswatini did not affect Burkina Faso’s fate.

 

The player to watch: Edmond Tapsoba

 

Edmond Tapsoba is a right-footed defender known for his sense of anticipation, maturity, healing, and recovery. He is also very rarely booked – a very crucial quality.

 

His ‘clean’ play on the pitch brings a certain serenity to his defense posture. His good game reading, compelling positioning, and excellent heading allow him to intercept numerous balls and cut off most opposing offensive plays.

 

Thanks to his technical quality, he makes good restarts. He is swift, rare for a central defender, and blessed with a powerful shot. Tapsoba has no difficulty projecting himself forward when the game requires it.

 

 

The coach: Hubert Velud

 

Hubert Velud is praised for his team’s offensive play. His style of play is based on intensity, aggressive pressing, and bags of energy.

 

His team plays a game based on conservation – a fluid and worked system and set pieces.

 

On this point, he says: “They have great importance in modern football. I want my team to produce a play and always look to play. We must not calculate.”

 

He particularly appreciates doubling passes and playing in triangles in small spaces. Full-backs play an essential role in his tactical plan by providing many offensive solutions.

 

 

Results of Burkina Faso at the AFCON

1978: 1st Round

1996: Fourth

2000: 1st Round

2002: 1st Round

2004: 1st Round

2010: 1st Round

2012: 1st Round

2013: Finalist

2015: 1st Round

2017: Third

2021: Fourth

 

Bash Alli gets April 2024 fight date

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Bash Alli gets April 2024 fight date

Chases Guinness World Record as an active sexagenarian fighter

 

 

By Ed Emeanua

 

Bash Alli continues his quest for boxing supremacy when he again steps inside the roped square in April 2024 to shatter his pugilistic record to smithereens as an active sexagenarian fighter.

 

Should the Nigerian cruiserweight’s boxing mission succeed, ‘Mr. President’ would have achieved two of his outstanding dreams in one night of fighting exertion: winning the Guinness World Record as the oldest fighter ever and becoming the most senior boxer to win a world boxing title.

 

Regional and Minor Titles Won by Bash Alli

  • December 03, 1980, USBA Cruiserweight Title
  • September 12, 1984, USA California State Cruiserweight Title
  • June 19, 1985, NABF Cruiserweight Title
  • April 10, 1987, WBC International Cruiserweight Title
  • September 23, 1988, Nigerian Heavyweight Title
  • February 23, 1990, WBC International Cruiserweight Title
  • July 31, 1993, African Boxing Union Heavyweight Title
  • September 11, 2000, WBF Cruiserweight Title
  • August 15, 2004, WBF Cruiserweight Title

 

Alli will turn 68 in February, making him the oldest active fighter to engage in a competitive World Championship match should he fight in April for the World Boxing Federation (WBF) cruiserweight diadem as planned.

 

“Not only do I plan to fight in April 2024 for the world title and become the oldest boxer to fight in a world title match, I am going to win the fight and become the most aging fighter to hold a world boxing record,” Alli stated.

 

“It is my dream to retire as a boxer at 70. I also intend to retire from my career eventually a world champion.”

 

American Bernard Hopkins set the record for the oldest boxer to win a world championship on three different occasions – initially aged 46; then Hopkins upended his record in 2013 when he was 48; and Hopkins still holds the record after beating Beibut Shumenov in 2014, aged 49.

 

George Foreman is the oldest to ever win the world heavyweight boxing championship of significant honors and the second-oldest in any weight class after Bernard Hopkins (at light heavyweight).

 

It should be noted that since 2006, Ali has been making overtures to the Nigerian Federal Government to help stage his World Championship fight.
The Nigerian fighter had in the past argued that the event would lift him and Nigeria into the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest boxer to fight in a world title fight and the country of his birth.

Hughton pursues Black Stars AFCON glory

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Ghana names 27 players for TotalEnergies AFCON

 

 

  • Ghana are chasing their fifth TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations title
  • Coach Chris Hughton names 27 players 
  • Black Stars are placed in Group B with Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique

 

Ghana coach Chris Hughton has named 27 players who could represent the Black Stars at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

 

The Black Stars are placed in Group B alongside Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.

 

The 27 Ghana players were called up for the Africa Cup of Nations.

 

The entire 27-man squad below

Goalkeepers:

Lawrence Ati Zigi

Richard Ofori

Jojo Wollacott

 

Defenders:

Alidu Seidu

Dennis Odoi

Kingsley Schindler

Gideon Mensah

Issahaku Fatawu

Daniel Amartey

Nicholas Opoku

Alexander Djiku

Mohammed Salisu

 

Midfielders:

Samed Salis

Baba Iddrisu

Majeed Ashimeru

Elisha Owusu

Richmond Lamptey

Mohammed Kudus

Andre Ayew

Ransford Konigsdorffer

Osman Bukari

Joseph Paintsil

Jordan Ayew

Ernest Nuamah

Strikers:

Inaki Williams

Antoine Semenyo

Jonathan Sowah

 

All squads are provisional until the final list of 27 players is announced by CAF after submission on January 3.

 

 

Madojiemu, others uncover athletics talents

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Madojiemu, others uncover athletics talents

Sixteen Ophaned Talents discovered at CFASF AthIetics meet in Kaduna

 

By Rasheed Adewuyi
No fewer than 16 talents, 8 boys and 8 girls were identified at the 6th Coach Felix Academic and Sports Foundation (CFASF) Annual Stakeholders Congress at Ahmadu Bello Stadium in Kaduna.
In this year’s event, organizers decided to incorporate some talented boys and girls from the orphanages, with financial support from Former AthIetes Princess Mabel Madojiemu, Coach Kayode Yahaya, AFN Technical Director Samuel Onikeku, NVBF President Engr. Musa Nimrod, Mr. Musa Audu, Micromanna
Ltd, and Mohammad Aliyu.
Twelve orphanage homes contributed 116 participants in 100m and 150m races.
According to Coach Felix Osiebe, after allowing participants to express themselves and show their potential, Eight boys and Eight girls were found with the required talent, all below 16 years of age.
“They will all be taken through training and development programs next season. We will partner with the homes to create training programs for them and promote them to championships within their age range of U-16 and U-13,” Osiebe said.
The annual event, which was started in 2016 by the Founder Osiebe, aimed to discover new track and field talents from the nooks and crannies of the country, especially in schools, youth clubs, streets, and villages. The events usually involved seminars, athletics competitions, and talent hunts.
However, the organizers took it much higher in 2023 when they decided to bring in 116 competitors from 12 orphanages across Kaduna state for participation.
“Our foundation started in 2016 to discover, develop, and deliver potential athletes. We have been presenting athletes to represent Kaduna State in the Youth Games since 2016,” Osiebe added.
“We also went into the villages within the state to scout for talents, especially those not attending schools.
“I lost my childhood, and that is why I want to fill the gap and allow the youth to enjoy the best of their childhood and realize their potential.
“Kaduna state government has finally awakened to the value of athletics, and events like these help arouse that interest in athletics. People should support the program financially and morally.”
The CFASF program has produced some international athletes in both junior and senior categories.

Broncos should still draft QB

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Broncos should still draft QB

Despite a decent outing from Jarrett Stidham

Broncos should still draft QB

Denver Broncos quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Denver backup quarterback Jarrett Stidham had a decent outing in Sunday’s victory against the Los Angeles Chargers. However, the Broncos should still look elsewhere for a Russell Wilson replacement, Clark Dalton reports for Yardbarker.

 

In the 16-9 win, Stidham — the 133rd overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft — completed 20 out of 32 passes for 224 yards, one touchdown, and an above-average 93.8 passer rating. In his post-game news conference, head coach Sean Payton said he “did great.” Others expected more.

 

 

Finding an answer at the most important position in free agency isn’t a viable plan. Spotrac estimates the Broncos will be $18.92M over the cap this off-season. Releasing Wilson with a Post-Jun. 1 designation will result in a $35.4M cap hit.

 

Taking a QB in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft makes more sense. It’s a deep class that includes Washington’s Michael Penix Jr., Oregon’s Bo Nix, Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy and LSU’s Jayden Daniels. Per Tankathon, Denver (8-8) will have the 14th overall pick in the draft, which is within range to select one of these prospects.

 

The Broncos should hold onto Stidham as a stop-gap QB but also select a highly touted prospect who can eventually become the face of the franchise and snap an eight-year playoff drought.

 

Obiang unleashes Nzalang Nacional for AFCON

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Obiang unleashes Nzalang Nacional for AFCON

Equatorial Guinea names 27 players for TotalEnergies AFCON

 

 

  • Equatorial Guinea are set to compete in their fourth TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations 
  • Coach Juan Micha Obiang has named 27 players 
  • Nzalang Nacional are placed in Group A with Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, and Nigeria

 

Juan Micha Obiang, the coach of Equatorial Guinea, has selected 27 players who could represent the Nzalang Nacional in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

 

The Equatorial Guinea team finds itself in Group A alongside Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau, and Nigeria.

 

The 27 Equatorial Guinea players called up for the Africa Cup of Nations

 

Goalkeepers:

Jesus Lazaro Owono
Manuel Sapunga
Aitor Mbela Gil

Defenders:

Basilio Ndong Owono
Carlos Akapo Martinez
Hugo Buyla Sam
Charles Nduelvisi Ondo
Saúl Basilio Coco
Mavin Jose Anieboh
Nestor Senra
José Elo Ayeto
Esteban Orozco

Midfielders:

Yannick Buyla
Luis Miguel Nlavo
Alex Balboa Banderas
Federico Bikoro
Iban Salvador Edu
José Machin Dicombo
Santiago Eneme Bocari
José Miranda Boacho
Pablo Ganet Comitre
Federico Nguema

Attackers:

Noe Nsue Ela
Emilio Nsue Lopez
Salomon Asumu Obama
Oscar Siafa
José Nabil Ondo

 

All squads are provisional until the final list of 27 players is announced by CAF after submission on January 3.

Desert Warriors hunt AFCON glory again

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Desert Warriors hunt AFCON glory again

Algeria in search of third TotalEnergies AFCON title

 

 

  • Algeria will participate in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations for the 19th time in history.

 

  • They are in Group D with Angola, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania.

 

  • Algeria is seeking to achieve its third continental title.

 

This year’s TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023, is one tournament that Algeria is looking at using to redeem themselves following their 2021 edition disappointment and missing out on a place in the World Cup.

 

The North African giants are drawn in Group D alongside Angola, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania.

 

Algeria’s TotalEnergies AFCON fixtures: 

15 January 

Algeria – Angola: 20:00 GMT, Bouaké Stadium.

 

20 January 

Algeria – Burkina Faso: 14:00 GMT, Bouaké Stadium.

 

23 January 

Mauritania – Algeria: 20:00 GMT, Bouaké Stadium.

 

How they qualified:

Algeria finished at the top of Group F of the qualifiers with 16 points after winning five matches, getting one draw with zero losses.

 

Player to watch: Mohamed Amin Ammoura

Mohamed Amin Amoura is considered one of Africa’s rising talents. The 23-year-old has become one of the most prominent African players shining in Europe during the current season. He set the Belgian football club scene alight with Saint-Geloise, scoring 16 goals in the tournament.

 

One of his best attributes is shooting with both legs and eliminating defenders during one-on-one situations.

 

 

Coach: Djamel Belmadi

Djamel Belmadi will manage his country’s national team for the third time in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations finals, as he previously led the nation to their title in 2019 on Egyptian soil.

 

The 47-year-old has been at the helm for five years and will be looking to use his experience of continental football to the best of his abilities to lead the Algerian side to glory.

 

Algeria’s TotalEnergies AFCON previous performances:

1968: First round

1980: Runner-up

1982: Fourth place

1984: third place

1986: Group stage

1988: third place

1990: Champion

1992: Group stage

1996: Quarter-finals

1998: Group stage

2000: Quarter-finals

2002: Group stage

2004: Quarter-finals

2010: Fourth place

2013: Group stage

2015: Quarter-finals

2017: First round

2019: Champion

2021: Group stage

 

AFCON 2023: ‘One of the toughest’

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AFCON 2023: ‘One of the toughest’

Senegal expects problematic competition as all the big names have qualified-Sadio Mane

 

 

Senegal captain and talisman Sadio Mane believes that the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023, will be the toughest compared to previous editions.

 

The Teranga Lions skipper spoke to CAFOnline on the nation’s chances of defending the title and what such a feat would mean to him and the nation.

 

Senegal is pitted in what many have deemed as the group of death where they will be up against Cameroon, Guinea, and The Gambia in Group C.

 

He shared his views on their tough group and the rest of the competition. Mane said the team expected a challenging competition as all the big African nations had qualified for the Cote d’Ivoire edition and would all aim to do well.

 

“We know it won’t be easy, but we will be there to do our best and try to go through every round. We are expecting a tough competition. This competition will be one of the strongest since I started playing in it because all the big countries are here, and have their targets, but we will see what will happen”, said the skipper.

 

Asked what it would mean for him personally to lift the title in succession, the 31-year-old star said it would be a remarkable achievement as the TotalEnergies AFCON trophy remains one of the best trophies he has won in his glittering career.

 

“Firstly, winning the AFCON was the best trophy I have ever won, and coming to do it again will be a special and big achievement. I have dreamed of playing in this competition since I was a kid, and we will do our best. Winning the AFCON will have a big impact on our football because we have won all the other categories, which is great for the country,” concluded Mane.

 

Senegal kicked off their title defense against The Gambia on Monday, 15 January, before the ultimate clash of the Lions when they faced the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon three days later.

 

They conclude their Group C campaign against Guinea on Wednesday, 23 January.

 

All their matches will occur at the Stade Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, which will also play host to a Round of 16 and quarter-finals of the competition.

 

 

 

Grant picks his Copper Bullets for AFCON

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Grant picks his Copper Bullets for AFCON

Zambia names 27 players to fight for title

 

 

  • Zambia are set to compete in their 18th Africa Cup of Nations tournament
  • Coach Avram Grant’s are chasing their second title
  • The Chipolopolos are placed in Group F with Morocco, Tanzania, and DR Congo

 

Avram Grant, the coach of Zambia, has named the 27 players who could represent the Chipolopolos in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

 

The Zambian team finds itself in Group F alongside Morocco, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

 

The 27 Zambians called up for the Africa Cup of Nations

 

Goalkeepers
Lawrence Mulenga
Francis Mwansa
Toaster Nsabata

Defenders
Dominic Chanda
Benedict Chepeshi
Roderick Kabwe
Gift Mphande
Frankie Musonda
Tandi Mwape
Zephaniah Phiri
Stoppilla Sunzu

Midfielders
Emmanuel Banda
Rally Bwalya
Miguel Chaiwa
Clatous Chama
Edward Chilufya

Kings Kangwa
Kelvin Kapumbu
Golden Mafwenta
Kelvin Mubanga
Frederick Mulambia
Lubambo Musonda
Benson Sakala

Forwards
Lameck Banda
Patson Daka
Kennedy Musonda
Fashion Sakala

 

All squads are provisional until the final list of 27 players is announced by CAF after submission on January 3.

 

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