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Bafana Bafana plots Morocco AFCON elimination

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Bafana Bafana plots Morocco AFCON elimination

Hugo Broos confident of upsetting ‘favourite’ Morocco

 

 

2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finalist Morocco will face South Africa in the round of 16 of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 on Tuesday, January 30, at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro.

 

The game promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of Africa’s greats.

 

In Group E, South Africa finished second. Although they got off to a shaky start against Mali, the Bafana Bafana bounced back with a resounding 4-0 win over Namibia before drawing with Tunisia, which led to the latter’s elimination.

 

Often expected to perform at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, South Africa has failed to meet expectations. Their most recent success was eliminating Egypt in the Round of 16 of the 2019 TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, but they eventually fell short.

 

Hugo Broos’ men are looking to go far in the competition this time.

 

Percy Tau, Themba Zwane, and Thapelo Morena will have to contend with one of the best defensive units of the competition in Romain Saïss and Nayef Aguerd.

 

Morocco is one of the teams nobody wants to face. Ever since their dazzling run at the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar, the Atlas Lions have been tough for everyone they have crossed paths with.

 

Their ambition has been clear: to go as far as possible in the tournament and win the trophy.

 

So far, everything is going according to plan for the Atlas Lions. The 1-1 draw with DR Congo left a few doubts. The final match against Zambia in the group phase, which they won 1-0, clearly indicated the team’s ambition.

 

Walid Regragui – Morocco coach

 

“It’s a knockout match. It’s a change of competition. We can’t afford to make any mistakes. We’ve done well so far, but we want to do better.  We have a lot of respect for South Africa. They were the last team to beat us on the continent. We’re not in a favorable position, so I insist on my group’s humility.

 

Boufal is out and his TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 is over. He has a muscular problem and, barring a surprise, we won’t see him again.

 

Ziyech is also suffering from his ankle. The medical staff and I are doing everything possible to get him back on the pitch. If we have to risk with him, we’ll take it”.

 

Hugo Broos, South Africa coach

 

“This TotalEnergies CAF AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 is full of surprises, as we’ve seen from the start. We already beat Morocco a year ago and can do it again.  Anything is possible, and we want to create another surprise in this competition. We’re confident. We believe in ourselves and in what we can do. We’ll have to go into this match with the same frame of mind we’ve had recently, but I want us to be at a very high level”.

Cape Verde stops Giant Killers Mauritania

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Cape Verde stops Giant Killers Mauritania

Mendes’ penalty sends Cape Verde into the quarter-finals

 

 

A late Ryan Mendes penalty gave Cape Verde a dramatic 1-0 victory over Mauritania to book their place in Monday’s Total TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

 

In a tense last-16 clash at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, the two sides were deadlocked at 0-0 as the game ended.

 

Cape Verde had dominated possession and chances, with Jovane Cabral having a goal disallowed for offside in the opening minutes. But Mauritania’s defense held firm.

 

As the match wore on, Cape Verde continued to press while Mauritania posed threats on the counterattack. Both passionate fans roared their teams on, but a winner still eluded both.

 

The breakthrough finally came in the 87th minute when Mauritania keeper Babacar Niasse brought down Gilson Tavares in the box.

 

Up stepped captain Ryan Mendes to smash home the penalty and make it 1-0.

 

With the Mourabitounes now forced to chase the game, Cape Verde stood firm to see out a famous victory and advance to the quarter-finals for the second time, where they will face either Morocco or South Africa on Saturday.

 

MATCH FACTS

 

  • Cape Verde has won their first knockout game ever at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (after losing 2-0 each time, against Ghana in 2013 and against Senegal in the 2021 edition). The Blue Sharks have won three of their last four AFCON encounters (D1), more wins than in their first 11 (D6 L3).

 

  • Mauritania has not found the net in 70% of their CAF Africa Cup of Nations games (7/10); only Guinea-Bissau registered a higher ratio (75% – 9/12) among the teams that have played at least ten encounters in the competition’s history.

 

  • Cabo Verde have attempted 18 shots against Mauritania tonight, their highest tally at the same CAF Africa Cup of Nations game since 2010. On the opposite, the Almoravids have attempted 11 shots without a single one on target, and only Ghana has fired more shots without finding the target in the same AFCON encounter since 2010 (16 shots, none on target v Côte d’Ivoire in the final of the 2015 edition over 120 minutes).

 

  • Ryan Mendes has scored the second latest penalty goal in a CAF Africa Cup of Nations knockout game (87 minutes and 53 seconds) since Opta began to collect these data (2010), after the one scored by Javier Balboa (92 minutes and 6 seconds) with Equatorial Guinea v Tunisia on 31 January 2015 in the quarter-final (2-1).

 

  • Sidi Amar (Mauritania) have made eight tackles against Cabo Verde tonight (3 won), the joint-highest tally in the same 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations game, equaling Aïssa Laïdouni with Tunisia v South Africa. Out of the last three AFCON editions, only Adama Guira (9 with Burkina Faso vs. Cameroon in January 2022) has made more tackles in the same encounter in the competition.

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Contrasting emotions for coaches

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Contrasting emotions for coaches

As Cape Verde pots a dramatic win over hard-fighting Mauritania

 

 

There were contrasting emotions from the two coaches following Cape Verde’s dramatic 1-0 victory over Mauritania in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations last 16 clash on Monday.

 

A late Ryan Mendes penalty sealed the win for Cape Verde and sent them to the quarter-finals for the second time in their history.

 

Cape Verde boss Bubista was delighted with his side’s performance: “We are carving our path; we know there are many bigger teams than us, but we are trying to focus on our game to have the opportunity to face these African powerhouses.”

 

“Our goal is to have a stronger squad,” Bubista added.

 

In contrast, Mauritania coach Amir Abdou was disappointed after his team conceded a “ridiculous” late goal.

 

“We are a bit disappointed to exit with this score, especially on an individual error like that,” rued Abdou. “We didn’t deserve this.”

 

He felt Mauritania could have turned the game around: “We had the opportunity to persist in the match. We could have responded in certain situations.”

 

However, Abdou took pride in his team’s overall AFCON performances: “The team showed a good image in this AFCON; we must remain positive for the future.”

 

While Bubista eyes further giant-killing acts, Abdou was left to reflect on what could have been for the tournament debutants.

 

We have more to prove – Jamiro Monteiro

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We have more to prove – Jamiro Monteiro

As the Blue Sharks romp into the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations

 

Cape Verde players celebrate their round-of-16 win against Mauritania (Sunday Alamba/AP)

Cape Verde players celebrate their round-of-16 win against Mauritania (Sunday Alamba/AP) © Provided by The Irish News (US)

 

Cape Verde midfielder Jamiro Monteiro has said his side has more to prove following their qualification to the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

 

Jamiro Monteiro performed a man-of-the-match performance to help his country record a slim win over Mauritania.

 

Speaking after the game, Jamiro Monteiro insisted the Blue Sharks have more to prove and will give everything as a team in the subsequent games.

 

“I’d like to dedicate this award to Cape Verde and all those who support us. It’s fantastic; we’ve taken another step forward but haven’t shown everything yet. We can still do a lot, but the most important thing is to qualify for the quarter-finals,” Jamiro Monteiro said.

 

Jamiro went ahead to hail the goalscorer Ryan Mendes for his leadership qualities.

 

“He’s our role model. I’m here, and I can tell you he is a great leader,” he added.

 

Cape Verde will play the winner of either Morocco or South Africa in the quarter-finals.

 

Bayern Munich dispels Tuchel Barcelona move

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Bayern Munich dispels Tuchel Barcelona move

Bayern Munich release statement over Thomas Tuchel comments following Barcelona links

 

 

Bayern Munich has done its best to shut down speculation that their manager, Thomas Tuchel, could be interested in leaving them for Barcelona at the end of the season. After being asked about the country at a fan event, the German coach commented on the Spanish league; Ruairidh Barlow reports for Football Espana.

Tuchel told the press and fans at the event that La Liga was an ‘extraordinary league’ and that the idea of moving abroad still attracted him, having had spells in England and France. Less than 24 hours after Xavi Hernandez had announced his impending departure, many people put two and two together. Bayern Munich have released the following statement in response.

 

“On Sunday, as part of a visit to a fan club, the fans asked our coach Thomas Tuchel about his coaching career and his previous experiences abroad, at PSG and Chelsea FC, and, of course, he gave information about it in the conversation. He also answered general questions from fans about Spain as a football country. As was later falsely stated, he never spoke about Xavi Hernandez and his successor. We will no longer accept unobjective statements against our coach that always come from the same place.”

 

While Bayern’s stance is understandable, at the very least, Tuchel’s comments were imprudent, if perhaps innocent. Having worked at PSG, Chelsea, and now Bayern, he will be more than aware of the necessary care to take with his words in public.

 

A shock awaits Cape Verde-Abdou

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A shock awaits Cape Verde-Abdou

EXCLUSIVE: Lions of Chinguetti coach on the cusp of another history-defining moment

 

pictureMauritania’s defender #14 Dellah Yaly (R) celebrates scoring his team’s first goal with Mauritania’s French coach Amir Abdou (2nd R) during the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) 2024 group D football match between Mauritania and Algeria at Stade de la Paix in B Image credit: Getty Images

 

Mauritanian coach Amir Abdou is a proven achiever. He isn’t new to creating history and causing upsets.

 

In this exclusive for CAFonline, he takes stock of what has been achieved so far at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 and looks forward to more.

 

  • Round of 16 is familiar territory for a 51-year-old

 

  • Thinks of Cape Verde game as a unique opportunity to make history

 

For the second time running, you’re here for the AFCON; how does it feel?

 

I have been working with Mauritania for two and a half years and am proud of what we have achieved.

 

It’s a great honor for me to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time due to the hard work of the players who beat Algeria for us to qualify. I couldn’t achieve this alone, so it’s an honor.

 

What was the reception in Bouake like? 

 

We were surprised in Bouake; we had a good reception, the infrastructure was sound, the Ivorians welcomed us well, we were in a welcoming city, the field was in excellent condition, and the tournament was successful.

 

Knowing you are the first coach to win an AFCON game with Mauritania, how do you feel? 

 

Nothing can be achieved alone; this is collective work that has been done; we prepared the players mentally and physically and ensured that they had the right mindset to be up to the task.

 

I’m proud to have helped throughout this group stage. No one believed we could qualify for the group stage, but we made it; we are not giving up here and will continue.

 

Only God knows; at the moment, I’m only focused on the round of 16, and later, we will see.

 

You caused an upset in Cameroon and have repeated it in Côte d’Ivoire again; how do you build your team’s confidence for big games? 

 

What we achieved with Comoros was extraordinary since it is my country, and I said we could do this again. I said what happened with Comoros could be repeated with Mauritania, but no one believed in us, and at the end of the day, we qualified after the win against Algeria.

 

You were in a tough group with Algeria, Burkina Faso and Angola, how did you manage that?

 

The first two games we played against Angola and Burkina Faso favored us. It was essential for us to have a similar mindset. Later, the players believed in themselves and went for it. It’s positive for us.

 

What will be the approach for the 16-round games against Cape Verde? 

 

We are going to get ready and have the proper preparation for this match; Cape Verde is also considered an outsider, so all I can say is we are going to get ready and prepare accordingly.

 

So, we need to be calm. No one believed we could qualify. The objective is to stay humble and make sure we go as far as possible, get through this knockout stage, make history, and bring joy to the people of Mauritania.

 

This is a dream, a vast dream. To achieve this dream, we have to go step by step and look at the matches. If we get a good game against Cape Verde, we will look at what we can achieve later.

 

Van Dijk might leave Liverpool after Klopp

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Van Dijk might leave Liverpool after Klopp

The Reds’ Captain casts doubt over Anfield future after Jurgen Klopp’s announcement

 

 

Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk doubted his Liverpool future after Jurgen Klopp’s bombshell announcement.

 

Klopp made the shocking announcement on Friday at the end of the season that he would leave the Reds after nine years at the helm.

 

Van Dijk has casted doubt over his Liverpool future following Klopp’s announcementGetty: Van Dijk has cast doubt over his Liverpool future following Klopp’s announcement

And now, to make matters worse for Liverpool fans, skipper Van Dijk has suggested following Klopp out of Anfield, too.

 

The 32-year-old, who turns 33 in July, is “very curious” about how the Reds replace their legendary boss.

 

Van Dijk and everybody connected to the club remain in shock over the news, which is hard to process.

Given Klopp’s announcement, such news has raised concern over the future of the Dutchman along with teammate Mohamed Salah, who continues to be linked with a move to the Saudi Pro League.

 

Van Dijk has 18 months remaining on his current contract and was asked whether the club’s decision on Klopp’s replacement will impact his future.

 

“The club will have a big job on their hands that is well known,” he said.

 

“To replace not only the manager but the whole staff and so many things will change.

 

“I’m curious about which direction that will go in, but when that will be announced, we will see our situation.

 

The 32-year-old defender has 18-months left on his current contractGetty: The 32-year-old defender has 18 months left on his current contract

 

“It will be the end of Jurgen Klopp’s era – I am still part of it, so I don’t like to talk about it – and that is my main focus.

 

“Hopefully, we will have the success we all dream of, and by then, probably, there will be more clarification about what the club wants for the future, and then we will see.”

 

Asked whether he could form part of the post-Klopp era, the Netherlands international replied: “That’s a big question. I don’t know.”

 

Liverpool defeated Norwich 5-2 in the FA Cup fourth round on Sunday afternoon.

 

Attentions now turn to Chelsea in the Premier League, who travel to Anfield for Wednesday’s encounter before Klopp’s side takes on Arsenal next weekend at the Emirates.

 

“Nothing has changed,” Van Dijk added.

 

Klopp will leave at the end of the season, but nothing will change prior to thenGetty: Klopp will leave at the end of the season, but nothing will change before then

 

“Things will change at the end of the season and in the new season, but at the moment, it doesn’t, and we have to keep doing the same things.

 

“It’s easier said than done, but I sense the rest of the boys think like that as well, and it is the job for me to ensure we keep it that way.

 

“We are all human beings, and we have emotions – some players feel different about the manager’s announcement than others.

 

“That’s normal because everyone thinks differently, but I didn’t notice the professionalism being dropped or the standard level. The training sessions I have seen in the last couple of days were not different than before.

 

Burkina Faso dreams of AFCON win

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Burkina Faso dreams of AFCON win

It is this generation’s dream to go all the way – Yago

 

Burkina Faso defender, Steeve Yago says it is this generation’s dream to lift the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023

 

The Stallions are one day away from facing neighbors Mali in round 16 of the competition at Korhogo’s Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in what promises to be an action-packed encounter between the two neighboring countries.

 

The Stallions came agonizingly close to tasting continental success just over 10 years ago when they lost out to Nigeria in the finals played in Johannesburg, South Africa, by 1-0.

 

Yago, speaking ahead of the clash on Tuesday, says this generation is determined to go all the way, and they have been getting advice from the 2013 generation on what it takes to reach the finals of a competitive competition such as the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON.

 

“We have the opportunity of rewriting history with this generation. Fortunately, some players and staff from the 2013 team have been in regular touch with us and have shared their experience and insight on what it takes to reach the finals of this tough competition.

 

“We have advice from our elders, and we want to use this to our advantage when playing against Mali and hopefully the rest of the competition,” said Yago.

 

Both sides have reached the competition’s final, with the Stallions’ second-place finish in 2013 preceded by a 1972 silver medal by Mali.

 

Joshua risks all to fight Ngannou

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Joshua risks all to fight Ngannou

He has been warned his career is on the line against Francis Ngannou

 

 

Anthony Joshua will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on March 8 in a fight he cannot afford to lose.

 

George Groves has told Anthony Joshua his career will be over if he loses to Francis Ngannou, Martin Dolin reports for The Mirror UK.

 

Joshua will take on former UFC heavyweight champion Ngannou in Saudi Arabia on March 8 in what will be just the Cameroonian’s second professional boxing fight. Ngannou dropped Tyson Fury in the third round of their clash last October before losing a narrow split decision.

Joshua, meanwhile, stopped Otto Wallin two days before Christmas to record his third victory of 2023. He knows victory will set him up for a potential shot at the winner of Fury’s undisputed clash with Oleksandr Usyk, which will take place on February 17. But Groves believes defeat will suddenly end Joshua’s distinguished career.

 

Ngannou hasn’t been boxing long. How can he defeat an Olympic champion who went on to win multiple world titles? AJ’s not past his best, he’s not on the way out,” he told Grosvenor Sport. He looked flat at the start of last year, but he was a real force against Wallin. So I hope he puts it on Ngannou and doesn’t put safety first. I hope he comes out hungry to make a statement; AJ can knock Ngannou out. I think he needs to win and win well.

 

“And if he doesn’t, we need to stop caring about the heavyweight division, and it would be a farce. It would not happen in any other sport. You wouldn’t get Conor McGregor anywhere near anyone in the top ten in boxing. Joshua should easily outbox him. Joshua has got it all to lose. A loss for Joshua would be curtains. His last defeat was against Oleksandr Usyk, who I think is a phenomenal fighter, whereas this time around if he loses to Ngannou, a guy in his second fight, that will be a disaster.

 

“There will be a question mark over his career and legacy, especially because he’s not a faded fighter, he’s not shot, and it’s not like Ngannou will be catching Joshua as the tail end of his career. AJ performed an outstanding against Wallin, but if Ngannou beats him, that’s a nightmare. It’s a big pressure fight. It would be a bigger shock than Buster Douglas beating Tyson. Douglas wasn’t a bad fighter, and Tyson was a ticking time bomb. That was a major shock, but Ngannou beating AJ would surely top it.”

 

Mike Tyson has already made definitive Tyson Fury vs Anthony Joshua prediction

 

 

A win for Fury against Oleksandr Usyk means he could fight Joshua for the undisputed belts if ‘AJ’ gets past Francis Ngannou. Tyson has already predicted who would win, Harry Davies reports for The Mirror UK.

 

If Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua finally meet in the ring this year, Mike Tyson has backed ‘The Gypsy King’ to get the last laugh.

 

The domestic rivals are on a collision course to settle their feud if they both win their upcoming fights in Saudi Arabia. Fury will look to become the first undisputed heavyweight world champion since 1999 when he meets Oleksandr Usyk on February 17th, while Joshua aims to extend his unbeaten streak to four fights against former UFC champion Francis Ngannou on March 8.

Tyson admitted that ‘AJ’ might be the biggest puncher in the heavyweight division but explained why his power could be useless against Fury. “I love Joshua, but I think Tyson’s too elusive. He’s not going to hit him. We’re keeping it honest, right? I like Joshua a lot, and Joshua maybe punches harder than [Deontay] Wilder, but he doesn’t punch faster than Wilder.

 

“If he doesn’t punch faster than Wilder, he’s not going to f**king touch this guy. That’s just what I see. He punches hard, but he doesn’t punch fast. If Tyson Fury can get away from Wilder’s fast punches, then Joshua might be in trouble,” Tyson told Haute Living about the fight.

 

Tyson’s prediction came at a time when Fury and Joshua signed contracts for an undisputed fight, but an arbitration case meant Fury had to fight Wilder for the third time, and Joshua went on to lose his world titles to Usyk. Joshua’s promoter Hearn is praying that Fury can get past Usyk next month to be one step closer to the undisputed domestic clash.

 

Tyson’s prediction came at a time when Fury and Joshua signed contracts for an undisputed fight, but an arbitration case meant Fury had to fight Wilder for the third time, and Joshua went on to lose his world titles to Usyk. Joshua’s promoter Hearn is praying that Fury can get past Usyk next month to be one step closer to the undisputed domestic clash.

 

“The winner of this fight gets the winner of Fury vs Usyk for the undisputed heavyweight world championship. For Ngannou, he could become an undisputed champion in just his third fight,” Hearn told TNT Sports. “For us and AJ, we have dreamed about that for so many years. I told him before the face-off, ‘Two wins and you are undisputed champion’.

 

“I believe he is going to do it, I do. I believe he is going to beat Tyson Fury. I love Oleksandr Usyk, but I will say, Tyson Fury, you have to win this fight. Once he beats Ngannou, we have to make this fight happen. It’s so exciting for boxing. We have a path and plan for brilliant fights.”

 

Stallions versus Eagles: Neighbors on warpath

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Stallions versus Eagles: Neighbors on warpath

Mali coach Eric Chelle relishes clash with Burkina Faso

 

 

Head coach of the Mali national team, Eric Chelle, is relishing the prospect of playing against neighbors Burkina Faso in their attempt to qualify for the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

 

The Eagles take on Burkina Faso, a nation that is separated from them by a mere 650km, in a high-stakes TotalEnergies CAF AFCON round of 16 clash on Tuesday, 30 January, in what will be the last fixture held at Korhogo’s Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium.

 

A packed-to-the-rafters stadium is expected, with both nations looking to have the bragging rights and qualify for the quarter-finals.

 

Chelle hopes to guide Mali to the next round of the knockouts and potentially all the way, with the nation yet to taste continental glory, having come close in 1972 with their 3-2 loss to Congo in the final.

 

“Of course, it’s a game with neighboring countries, just like we have seen in other matches; however, this one is more special because it is the knockout. These are always interesting games to play and must be approached with caution and, of course, a bit of confidence,” said Chelle.

 

Commenting on the opposition’s chances against them, the 46-year-old coach born in Cote d’Ivoire said the Stallions have a similar style of play and enjoy keeping the ball, which would guarantee a good game of open football.

 

“They play good football. The coach is experienced and can engage his team. It’s a pleasure playing against our neighbors, and we look forward to a good game as both teams enjoy keeping the ball”, concluded the coach.

 

Kick-off is on Tuesday at 20h00 GMT.

 

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