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‘Better days ahead Nigeria’s Paralympics’

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‘Better days ahead Nigeria’s Paralympics’

Paris 2024-PCN boss predicts exceptional outings for para-athletes

 

Table Tennis Star, A. Koleosho of Nigeria

 

By Rasheed Adewuyi

 

Sunday, Odebode, President of the Paralympics Committee Nigeria (PCN), has predicted a better and brighter future for para-athletes this year.

Nigeria will participate in the forthcoming Paralympics Games scheduled to be held in Paris, France.

Odebode, in his New Year message to Nigeria para-athletes, said that the Committee is doing all within its capabilities to ensure that the athletes make it to the podium at the Games and other international meets this year. It would be recalled that some athletes from the para table tennis federation have already qualified for the games and athletics.

 

The para table tennis division has already qualified nine athletes for the Paris 2024 Paralympic games and hopes to qualify more with the qualification windows open in the first quarter of this year.

 

The qualification for para powerlifting and para Badminton, which is based on ranking, is still ongoing, and we are confident that the eight athletes on the pathway will be able to pick their ticket at the end of their qualifiers, which will end in June.

 

The sport of para-badminton is also doing everything possible to qualify for the Paralympic games in Paris, as most of the top athletes have attended the mandatory three international tournaments as specified by the Badminton World Federation BWF.

 

He also disclosed that the athletes prepare well to make the country proud at the All Africa Games slated for Accra, Ghana, in March and other international meets.

 

The PCN boss, who commended the minister of sports for his vision and aspirations to take sports to the highest level, informed that para-athletes will qualify for more events for Paris 2024 and expressed optimism that the athletes will record more medals at the Games than in previous editions.

 

‘We are fully prepared for the Games, and I am optimistic that Nigeria will perform better at the Games than the previous ones, and we shall do well this year at various sporting meets and the All Africa Games”, he said.

 

Ohaegbulem leads Falconets against Burundi

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Ohaegbulem leads Falconets against Burundi

Colombia 2024: Danjuma picks 19 players to face battle of Dar es Salaam

 

Captain Oluchi Ohaegbulem

 

By Rasheed Adewuyi

 

Head Coach Chris Musa Danjuma has selected Captain Oluchi Ohaegbulem, goalkeeper Faith Omilana, defender Shukurat Oladipo, and midfielder Taiwo Afolabi among a list of 19 Falconets of Nigeria who will file out against Burundi’s U20 girls in a FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup final qualifying fixture, first leg encounter in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on Sunday.

 

Goalkeeper Shukura Bakare, who was in goal for the home game against Tanzania in the first round (which the Falconets won 2-1 to reach this final stage of the series) has also been picked, alongside defenders Jumoke Alani and Oluwabunmi Oladeji, midfielders Adoo Yina and Chima Olise, and forwards Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Janet Akekoromowei, Yemisi Samuel and Opeyemi Ajakaye.

 

The 2022 FIFA World Cup quarter-finalists are scheduled to travel out of Nigeria on Tuesday for the first leg encounter, for which the Confederation of African Football has picked South African official Nonjabulo Nonhle Ndlela as referee.

 

Her compatriots Maneo Evodia Tau and Nandipha Menze will be assistant referee 1 and assistant referee 2, respectively. At the same time, Nteboheleng Theresia Setoko from Lesotho will serve as fourth official.

 

Sunday’s encounter at the Azam Stadium Complex will see Tanzanian Somoe Robert Ng’itu play the commissioner role, while Fransiska Katjaimo from Namibia will be the referee assessor.

 

The return leg match will occur at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday, 20th January.

 

FALCONETS TO TACKLE BURUNDI:

 

Goalkeepers: Anderline Mgbechi, Shukura Bakare, Faith Omilana

 

Defenders: Oluchi Ohaegbulem; Jumoke Alani; Rebecca Adegbemile; Shukurat Oladipo; Oluwabunmi Oladeji

 

Midfielders: Adoo Yina; Taiwo Afolabi; Olushola Shobowale; Aminat Folorunsho; Chioma Olise

 

Forwards: Opeyemi Ajakaye; Chiamaka Okwuchukwu; Chisom Chima; Janet Akekoromowei; Chiamaka Osuigwe; Oluwayemisi Samuel

 

Guinea-Bissau coach cautions Super Eagles

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Guinea-Bissau coach cautions Super Eagles

As ‘Wild Dogs’ reveal TotalEnergies CAF AFCON target after landing in Cote d’Ivoire

 

 

Guinea-Bissau coach Baciro Candé says they want to reach the knockout stages of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations after arriving in Cote d’Ivoire on Sunday to participate in the tournament.

 

The Djurtus (The Wild Dogs) became the second side to arrive in the West African country to participate in the tournament when they touched down at Abidjan’s Félix Houphouët-Boigny Airport for the continental showpiece event.

 

Coach Candé and his team were greeted by an Ivorian drumming and dancing traditional welcome party and dozens of their compatriots who had gathered at the airport as they prepared to face the host nation in the competition’s opening match on Saturday.

 

Drawn to play in Group A, Guinea-Bissau will face a tough challenge as they will also play Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea in the group.

 

The Djurtus will make their fourth appearance at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations. They will be honored to play the opening match on Saturday against the host country at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpe.

 

 

The first coach to qualify his country for the most prestigious sporting event in Africa in 2017, the 56-year-old coach Candé will be making his fourth appearance in the tournament and at the helm of the side.

 

Saturday’s opening match will be the second experience of Guinea-Bissau in playing in the opening match of the competition after featuring in the opening game of the 2017 edition in Gabon with Candé in charge.

 

“I’m used to it; in the first competition I participated in, we played the opening match against Gabon and drew (1-1). I know that Côte d’Ivoire is stronger than Gabon, but Guinea-Bissau will do its job, slowly,” assured Candé in an interview with CAFOnline.com upon their arrival in Abidjan on Sunday.

 

Drawn into a challenging Group A alongside Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea, Candé and his team hope to create a surprise by advancing to the knockout stage for the first time.

 

“Our goal is to get past the first round finally. Our group is indeed very tough with opponents like Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea, but anything is possible in football; anything is possible,” declared the coach.

 

Guinea-Bissau will face Equatorial Guinea on the second matchday scheduled for January 18, 2024, in Group A.

 

They will conclude the group stage with another challenge against Nigeria on January 22 at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

 

Saints players defy their own coaches

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Saints players defy their own coaches

Score from kneel-down formation, angering the Falcons

 

New Orleans Saints players huddle in a tunnel before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)New Orleans Saints players huddle in a tunnel before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in New Orleans on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)© Provided by The Associated Press – Sports

 

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Reserve quarterback Jameis Winston and New Orleans’ offense capped off a convincing victory with an aggressive play call that defied the orders of their coaches and upset the rival Atlanta Falcons.

Leading 41-17 with 1:10 left, the Saints lined up in “victory formation,” — indicating Winston intended to take a knee to run out the clock — but surprisingly handed off to Jamaal Williams for a 1-yard touchdown that made the final score 48-17.

As the game ended, Saints coach Dennis Allen apologized on the field to Falcons coach Arthur Smith — who did not appear to accept that apology initially. Allen then explained during postgame interviews that Saints coaches called for the offense to run out the clock, but the players on the field overruled them.

“They did that on their own. That’s unacceptable,” Allen said, adding that Smith “should be” upset about it.

Winston, who was in for mop-up duty after the game was no longer in doubt, said he understood the coaches’ call but let the players in the huddle decide on whether to give Williams a chance to score what wound up being his only touchdown of the season.

“The SCO” e was already 41-17, so I don’t know much worse it can get, but I got a ton of respect for Arthur Smith and the coach that he is,” Winston,” said. “I didn’t” didn’t disrespect (Smith). That was not my intention. I intended to lead the team I’d been playing with the entire year, and we collectively decided to get one of our guys that they fight with — blood, sweat, and tears every game — in the end zone. I’m going to feel good about I’mt.

New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) runs the ball after he intercepts the ball in the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)New Orleans Saints safety Tyrann Mathieu (32) runs the ball after he intercepts it in the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in New Orleans on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)© Provided by The Associated Press – Sports

“This is the thing: It’s about the team,” Winston continued. “It’s not about regrets. It’s not about anything else. It’s about us as a team making a collective decision. But I do apologize to Dennis. I apologize to DA because that was not his call.”

While Smith could be seen angrily questioning Allen about the Williams touchdown, he said he didn’t recall what he said to Allen. He largely eschewed an opportunity to criticize the Saints after the game.

“They can do whatever they want. There are no rules against it,” Smith said. “We didn’t stop them the second half, and they can do whatever they want. It is what it is. Hats off to them. They kicked our you-know-what in the second half. That’s their prerogative. It’s also my prerogative to tell him how I feel. Credit to them. They can do whatever they want there.”

New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (21) carries the ball in the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)New Orleans Saints running back Jamaal Williams (21) carries the ball in the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in New Orleans on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)© Provided by The Associated Press – Sports

Falcons defensive lineman Calais Campbell said he understood why Saints players wanted that touchdown for Williams, but he took issue with how New Orleans deceptively lined up as if to take a knee.

“I wish they would have lined up in run formation,” Campbell said. “Don’t look like you’ll take a knee and run the ball.

“I was just frustrated with that because I just feel like there was a way to do it if you’re gonna do it,” Campbell said.

The play rarely happened. It was set up by Tryann Mathieu, who intercepted Falcons reserve Logan Woodside and returned the ball 74 yards before being tackled by tight end John Fitzpatrick and receiver Mack Hollins at the Atlanta 1.

Saints starting quarterback Derek Carr, who watched the play from the sideline after his four-touchdown day, said he knew that offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael Jr. had called for a kneel-down. But Carr also said he understood his teammates’ urgency to orchestrate a touchdown run for Williams — who led the NFL in touchdowns rushing for Detroit last season with a Lions single-season record 17 but had been shut out of the end zone this season.

“Just as players, you love your buddies so much, there ain’t nothing sometimes in this league that a coach can do,” Carr said. “Players sometimes want to take care of their guys, and coaches sometimes have to deal with that wrath. That happens.

“I’m happy for Jamaal, but I understand the whole situation,” Carr added. “I know that’s not what Pete called.”

outside the host, Morocco arrive first

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outside the host, Morocco arrive first

Atlas Lions become first side to arrive in Cote d’Ivoire for TotalEnergies CAF AFCON

 

 

Morocco became the first side outside the host nation to arrive in Cote d’Ivoire for the 34th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations when the Atlas Lions landed in Abidjan on Sunday.

 

The FIFA World Cup semi-finalists landed at Felix Houphouet Boigny Airport in the afternoon amid local traditional drumming and dancing to welcome the side to the host country of the continental showpiece event.

 

The plane carrying coach Walid Regragui’s side landed in Abidjan at 2:00 PM local time before they were received in Terminal 2 with an impressive cultural ceremony arranged by the Local Organising Committee (LOC) of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON amid tight security.

 

 

Atlas Lions striker Youssef En-Nesyri was the first to appear from the aircraft, followed by PSG star Achraf Hakimi, as the Ivorian Minister of Transport Amadou Kone met the delegation on arrival.

 

Mr Kone, who personally supervised the arrival of this first team for the tournament, was accompanied by the ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Côte d’Ivoire, His Excellency Abdelmalek Kettani, some CAF officials, and some members of the LOC.

 

 

Members of the Moroccan community in Abidjan were also at the airport to welcome their team that reached the last four of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

 

The Atlas Lions, who appeared focused, headed straight to San Pedro, where they will be based for their Group F matches against DR Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia.

 

They will have ten days of acclimatization in the coastal city of San Pedro before their first match against Tanzania on January 17, 2024, at the Laurent Pokou Stadium. Their second outing is scheduled against DR Congo on January 21, followed by their last group game against Zambia on January 24.

 

As a semi-finalist in the last edition of the World Cup in Qatar, Morocco is one of the favorites for the CAF TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

 

 

Their only title success in the competition dates back to 1976. Forty-eight years later, the Atlas Lions dream of taking the trophy home.

 

Meanwhile, host nation Cote d’Ivoire arrived in Abidjan on Sunday morning to continue preparing for the tournament after beating Sierra Leone 5-1 in a warm-up in San Pedro on Saturday.

 

Rohit Sharma to lead India’s T20I side

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Rohit Sharma to lead India’s T20I side

Against Afghanistan, Virat Kohli included

India’s Virat Kohli and Rohit sharma during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup India 2023 between India and Australia at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on Sunday November 19, 2023.

India’s Virat Kohli and Rohit sharma during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup India 2023 between India and Australia at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on Sunday November 19, 2023.India’s Virat Kohli and Rohit sharma during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup India 2023 between India and Australia at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on Sunday November 19, 2023.India’s Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup India 2023 between India and Australia at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Gujarat on Sunday, November 19, 2023. | Photo Credit: DEEPAK KR

 

The Afghanistan series is India’s last bilateral T20I series before the T20 World Cup, which starts on June 1, The Hindi reports.

 

Star opener Rohit Sharma and batter Virat Kohli returned to India’s T20I squad against Afghanistan as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) revealed a 16-player roster for a three-match T20I series starting on Sunday, January 11.

 

The senior duo made a comeback to India’s T20I setup for the first time since the end of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022, in what is a major development for the side ahead of the T20 World Cup 2024.

 

“The Men’s Selection Committee announced India’s squad for the upcoming IDFC First Bank T20I series against Afghanistan,” BCCI said in an official announcement. Rohit will lead the Indian squad in T20Is against Afghanistan, with Jitesh Sharma and Sanju Samson taking up the wicketkeeper duties.

 

 

Several all-rounders, including Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, and Axar Patel, are on the team. Ravi Bishnoi and Kuldeep Yadav will be the leg spinners, with Avesh Khan, Arshdeep Singh, and Mukesh Kumar handling the pace. The other batters on the team are Shubman Gill, Rinku Singh, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Tilak Varma.

 

Suryakumar Yadav, who led India in the T20Is in South Africa last December, missed the squad as he injured his ankle while fielding in the third and final match in Johannesburg. He recently had ankle surgery and is scheduled to return to training in a few months. The T20I series between India and Afghanistan will kick off on January 11 in Mohali; the second game will be played on January 14 in Indore, and the series will conclude on January 17 in Bengaluru. The Afghanistan series is India’s last bilateral T20I series before the T20 World Cup, which starts on June 1.

 

India’s Squad for three T20Is against Afghanistan: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Virat Kohli, Tilak Varma, Rinku Singh, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Sanju Samson (wk), Shivam Dube, Washington Sundar, Axar Patel, Ravi Bishnoi, Kuldeep Yadav, Arshdeep Singh, Avesh Khan and Mukesh Kumar.

 

 

Nadal comeback cut short by injury

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Nadal comeback cut short by injury

 Ruled out of Australian Open tilt

 

Rafael Nadal waves to the crowd after losing his quarter-final match against Australia's Jordan Thompson at the Brisbane International on January 5, 2024.Rafael Nadal waves to the crowd after losing his quarter-final match against Australia’s Jordan Thompson at the Brisbane International on January 5, 2024. © Jono Searle, AAP via Reuters

 

As AFP News Wires reports, Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal pulled out of the Australian Open on Sunday with a “micro tear on a muscle” barely a week after returning from a year-long injury absence but said he remained optimistic.

 

The 37-year-old had been out of the game since injuring his hip at the 2023 Australian Open, undergoing surgery before making his return at the Brisbane International.

 

He won his opening two matches in straight sets and looked in good touch, but needed a medical timeout towards the end of his quarter-final loss to Australia’s Jordan Thompson after feeling pain in his upper left thigh.

 

“During my last match in Brisbane, I had a small problem on a muscle that, as you know, made me worried,” Nadal said on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“Once I got to Melbourne, I had the chance to make an MRI, and I had a micro tear on a muscle, not in the same part where I had the injury, and that’s good news.

 

“Right now, I am not ready to compete at the maximum level of five-set matches. I’m flying back to Spain to see my doctor, get some treatment, and rest.”

 

His absence from the Australian Open could mean he has played at Melbourne Park for the last time, having said there was a “high percentage” that 2024 would be his farewell to the tour.

 

In Brisbane, he said his health would be the deciding factor in continuing to play after this season.

 

“We will miss you in Melbourne, Rafa,” the Australian Open said on its official X feed. “Sending all our love and best wishes for a speedy recovery. See you on the court soon.”

 

 

Long-time rival and world number one Novak Djokovic also has an injury cloud hanging over him ahead of the season’s opening Grand Slam.

 

The Serbian needed treatment on a troublesome right wrist during the United Cup last week but said: “I think I have enough time to get myself in the right shape for the Australian Open.”

 

‘Sad news for me’

Injuries have been a recurring theme of Nadal’s record-breaking career, a painful by-product of his all-action, brutal-hitting style that has led to struggles with severe knee, wrist, and foot problems.

 

The 22-time Grand Slam champion stressed in Brisbane that he did not come into the tournament expecting to win and hinted that the Australian Open might come too soon.

 

“I have worked very hard during the year for this comeback, and as I always mentioned, my goal is to be at my best level in three months,” he said.

 

“Despite the sad news for me for being unable to play in front of the fantastic Melbourne crowds, this is not very bad news, and we all remain optimistic about the season’s evolution.

 

“I wanted to play here in Australia, and I have had the chance to play a few matches that made me very happy and positive. Thanks all for the support, and see you soon.”

 

During his career, Nadal dominated the French Open, where he won 14 of his majors, his first arriving just days after his 19th birthday in 2005, his last in 2022, making him the event’s oldest champion.

 

He is a four-time champion at the US Open, won Wimbledon in 2008 and 2010, and is a two-time winner at the Australian Open – with 13 years spanning his first triumph at Melbourne Park in 2009 and his second in 2022.

 

The injury absence saw Nadal’s ranking slip to 672 while rival Novak Djokovic has passed him in the Grand Slam title count with 24.

 

Super Eagles to get their dues

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Super Eagles to get their dues

As FG approves N12bn lingering payments for Super Eagles and other national teams

 

By Ed Emeanua

As reported by this portal yesterday, critical funds have been made available to the Super Eagles; the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced the approved payment of N12 billion to offset lingering payments for the Super Eagles and other national teams of various sports.

This is in a statement on the X account of Nigeria’s President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Media Center.

According to the statement, the released funds will wipe out the senior football team’s coach’s 15 months of outstanding salaries and take care of allowances and promises due to the nation’s football teams, the senior male and female sides, and the Under-20 national team.

The statement reads, “President @officialABAT has approved the payment of N12billion outstanding backlog for Nigeria’s national sports teams, including Super Eagles and others.

“The payment entails clearing the senior national team coach salaries running up to 15 months, payments of allowances and promises due to the senior national teams, females, and Under-20 national team.

“This is coming at a time when the Super Eagles of Nigeria are preparing to participate in the Africa Cup of Nations, which is billed to start later this month.”

In 2020, the Federal Government failed to pay the Super Eagles the N1.5 billion approved for the team to compete at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

The team eventually ended the tournament third best behind victors Algeria and runners-up Senegal.

AFCON 2023: Important friendly results

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AFCON 2023: Important friendly results

Algeria and Mali secure big pre-TotalEnergies CAF AFCON friendly victories

 

 

Some 24 teams scheduled to play at the upcoming TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire, were engaged in friendly matches over the weekend to fine-tune their preparations for next week’s competition.

 

Algeria and Mali secured big wins to boost their confidence ahead of the tournament set to kick off on January 13 in Abidjan.

 

Each side carefully selected their friendly opponents to fine-tune their preparations, making the most of the opportunity to hone their skills before the highly anticipated continental showpiece.

 

Togo 0-3 Algeria

In a friendly match held in Lome, Algeria emerged victorious against Togo with a convincing 3-0 scoreline. The first half saw the Desert Foxes taking the lead with a goal from defender Rami Ben Sbaini. Islam Slimani, the all-time top scorer for the Algerian national team, doubled the lead in the second half. Ben Sbaini secured his second personal goal and the third for the Algerian team in the match. Algeria is set to play another friendly in Togo against Burundi on January 9 before heading to Bouake, where they will be based during the AFCON, 24 hours later.

 

Mali 6-2 Guinea-Bissau

Mali secured a resounding victory over Guinea-Bissau in a friendly match as part of their preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023. The Eagles dominated with a 6-2 scoreline, with goals from Youssouf Niakate, Lassana Coulibaly, Kamory Doumbia, Sekou Niakate, Falaye Sacko, and Lassine Sinayoko. Guinea-Bissau managed to score twice through Mama Baldé and Carlos Mané.

 

DR Congo 0-0 Angola

The friendly encounter between DR Congo and Angola concluded with a goalless draw, emphasizing a solid defensive performance from both teams. Despite the absence of goals, the warm-up benefitted the Leopards and Palancas Negras in their final preparations for the upcoming tournament.

 

Burkina Faso 1-2 Iran

Burkina Faso opted to face an opponent from outside the continent, Iran, in a friendly match that ended with a 2-1 loss for The Stallions. Mohamed Konate scored for Burkina Faso in the 17th minute, but Iran staged a comeback, securing two goals for the victory.

 

Tunisia 0-0 Mauritania

Tunisia and Mauritania played to a goalless draw in a friendly match held in Tunisia as part of their preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023. Coaches Jalal Kadri and Amir Abdou used the match for crucial preparations ahead of the continental football extravaganza. Still, neither side could find the net despite some exciting moments.

 

Rampant Cote d’Ivoire crush Sierra Leone in TotalEnergies CAF AFCON warm-up

 

 

Cote d’Ivoire warned their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations rivals by thrashing Sierra Leone 5-1 in Saturday’s friendly ahead of hosting the continental showpiece.

 

The Elephants put on an attacking masterclass to sweep aside the Leone Stars in San Pedro a week before the tournament.

 

Defender Ousmane Diomandé opened the scoring on 17 minutes, superbly teed up by Jeremie Boga from a free-kick.

 

Franck Kessie then lit up the Stade Laurent Pokou by rocketing an unstoppable volley into the top corner to make it 2-0 after 37 minutes.

 

Jonathan Bamba added a third for the rampant Ivorians just before the break, coolly rounding the goalkeeper to stroke home after an incisive team move.

 

Boga turned from provider to scorer early in the second period, exquisitely curling a free-kick beyond the despairing dive of Mohamed Kamara.

 

Substitute Lazare Amani grabbed Ivory Coast’s fifth late on before Rodney Strasser netted a consolation penalty for the overwhelmed Sierra Leoneans.

 

“This performance will give us great confidence for the tournament,” beamed Cote d’Ivoire boss Jean-Louis Gasset.

 

The imperious win sends an ominous message to Group A’s rivals Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, and Equatorial Guinea.

 

 

Morocco, Guinea Bissau breeze into town

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Morocco, Guinea Bissau breeze into town

First to arrive for TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire

 

 

  • CAF confirms Team Arrival Schedule in Abidjan 
  • World Cup semi-finalists Morocco first to arrive together with Guinea-Bissau
  • Champions, Senegal, expected to arrive Tuesday
  • Competition to kick-off on Saturday, January 13, 2024

 

African Champions Senegal will arrive on Ivorian soil on Tuesday, January 09, 2024, while FIFA World Cup semi-finalists Morocco will land on Sunday, January 07, as the world counts down to the opening match on January 13, 2024.

 

Morocco and Guinea Bissau will be the first to arrive for the tournament. The two teams are scheduled to arrive on Sunday, January 07, 2024, marking a huge milestone for the opening match.

 

Quarter-finalists at the last edition in Cameroon, the Atlas Lions are in Group F with two-time champions DR Congo, 2012 winners Zambia, and the Taifa Stars of Tanzania.

 

 

The 1976 champions will be making their 19th appearance in the championship’s history.

 

Guinea Bissau will face host Cote d’Ivoire in the tournament opener on January 13, 2024, at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe.

 

Three-time winners Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea complete the pack in Group A.

 

Meanwhile, Tanzania is scheduled to arrive from Dar es Salaam at midday on Monday, January 08, 2024.

 

On Tuesday, 9  January 2024, holders Senegal, hoping for a successful defense of the title won in Cameroon two years ago, will arrive in Abidjan.

 

Also due for Tuesday is record seven-time winners Egypt and Mozambique.

 

CAF will send further updates on the Team arrival schedule.

 

Confirmed arrivals

 

Team Date Time Airport
Morocco 7 January 2024 1:40 pm GMT Félix Houphouët Boigny International Airport
Guinea Bissau 7 January 2024 3:40 pm GMT Félix Houphouët Boigny International Airport
Tanzania 8 January 2024 12:00 GMT Félix Houphouët Boigny International Airport
Egypt Tuesday, 9 January 2024 8:00 pm GMT Félix Houphouët Boigny International Airport
Mozambique Tuesday, 9 January 2024 5:00 pm GMT Félix Houphouët Boigny International Airport
Senegal Tuesday, 9 January 2024 TBC Félix Houphouët Boigny International Airport

 

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