CHAN 2014 – AE Sports

Nigeria/Ghana fight for supremacy

admin — Wed, 29 Jan 2014 03:28:25 +0000

The stage is set for a titanic encounter between traditional rivals, Nigeria and Ghana in what promises to be a thriller as the two West African giants battle for a spot at this year’s African Nations Championship grand finale in South Africa.

To reach the semi-finals, Stephe Keshi’s team has scored 12 goals in four matches, recording four against two opponents, the latest coming from the historic quarter-final comeback against the Atlas Lions of Morocco.

However, the Super Eagles defense look shakier as the tournament progresses, letting in eight goals in four matches. This unresolved technical deficiency may be the only obstacle that will prevent the Nigerians from achieving their dreams of adding the African Nations Championship (CHAN) to the AFCON trophy the country won last year.

The story is directly opposite in the Ghanian camp. What the Eagles lack in defense is Ghana’s greatest weapon, as the coach Maxwell Konadu boys have conceded only a goal in the entire tournament, so far.

Unlike the Eagles, however, Ghana’s attacking dearth is their greatest undoing. The team has only managed to score a goal in each of their previous matches.

It must be said that encounter between Nigeria and Ghana usually can not be predicted, as it’s a derby that most produces strange and unexpected result irrespective of who play better, so, fans from both countries can only have their fingers crossed and hope that the god of soccer favour their team on the day.

By Demola Aluko

Libya/ Ghana Through To CHAN Semi-Final

admin — Mon, 27 Jan 2014 02:57:42 +0000

Ghana will face Nigeria in the semi-final of the African Nations Championship after beating DR Congo Sunday.

Kwabena Adusei converted a 69th minutes penalty-kick that sealed the Black Stars’ semi-final ticket.

Ghana were awarded the penalty when centre referee judged that a DR Congo defender handled the ball inside the box.

Earlier on Sunday, Libya knocked out Gabon on spot-kicks in a game that ended 1-1 after extra time.

Libyan striker Abdelsalam Omar struck first in the 50th minutes when he lobbed Gabon’s keeper, who was caught well off his line.

Daniel Cousin levelled from the spot for Gabon in the 75th minute and it remained 1-1 until the end of extra-time.

”My boys have character” Keshi

admin — Sun, 26 Jan 2014 03:04:22 +0000

Super Eagles manager, Stephen Keshi says his team showed ”character ” after Nigeria came back from three goals down to beat Morocco in a historic CHAN 2014 quarter-final encounter in Cape Town on Saturday.

The Super Eagles boss said he told the players at half -time that they were showing too much respect to Morocco, and that they needed to impose their own game on the North Africans.

Keshi said the boys were hardworking and disciplined, adding that all he wanted was for them not to play under pressure, so they could enjoy their game.

The Super Eagles staged the greatest come-back in the history of African Cup of Nations Championship after the team came back from three goals down at half time to beat Morocco 4-3 in extra-time.

Soccer fans inside the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday would imagine that the encounter was over after the Atlas Lions scored three goals inside ten minutes and looked to have booked a semi-final ticket.

Morocco opened scoring in the 33rd minutes through Mohsine Moutaouali, who beautifully chipped the ball over Nigeria goalkeeper Agbim.

Iajour doubled the lead four minutes later with a well-taken free kick just outside the penalty box before El Ouadi teed up Moutaouali, who fired home the third three minutes after.

Trailing 0-3 in the first 45 minutes, the game looked beyond the Super Eagles and the North African supporters were already celebrating victory over their Nigerian counterparts as the centre referee signaled for break.

However, as anticipated by ever supportive Nigerian fans inside the Cape Town Stadium, the Stephen Keshi tutored boys raised their game and looked more ambitious in the second half. Their efforts paid off as Ugonna Uzochukwu recorded a goal four minutes into the second half.

The early goal seemed to be the needed tonic for the Eagles as Inspirational midfielder Rabiu Ali gave the team hope, when he reduced the deficit in the 56th minutes with a shot taken from outside the box.

Nigeria took control of the game from that moment and pilled more pressure on their opponents.

Tournament revelation and arguably, Super Eagles’ most valuable player in South Africa, Ejike Uzoenyi’s solo-run finally resulted in the much anticipated equaliser at stoppage time. Uzoenyi’s 90th minute cracking shot from outside the 18 yard box, beat the Moroccan goalkeeper to send the match into extra time.

With the two sides desperately fighting for the winner, Stephen Keshi’s joker of the day, substitute Aliu Ibrahim sealed victory for Nigeria after goalkeeper Lamyarghri, in goal for Morocco fumbled the ball with 9 minutes to the end of the titanic encounter.

Coach, Stephen Keshi, who has consistently expressed confidence in the team made up of mainly domestic league players was mobbed by members of his technical crew in jubilation immediately after the final whistle.

Keshi had suspended his 52nd birthday celebration two days earlier, saying ” until we accomplish our goal here”.

In the second quarter-final match on Saturday, striker Simba Sithole and midfielder Kuda Mahachi scored in each half keep Zimbabwe’s dreams of a first-ever CHAN final alive, beating Mali 2-1.

Mali’s consolation goal came in the 88th minute, when Hamidou Sinayoko headed in a chipped pass from Abdoulaye Sissoko. The goal ended Zimbabwe’s record as the only team without any goal against.

Nigeria will meet the winners of Sunday’s quarter-final match between the Black Stars of Ghana and DR Congo in next week’s semi-final, while winners of the last quarter-final game between Gabon and Libya will battle Zimbabwe for a place in the grand finals.

By Demola Aluko

”My boys have character” Stephen Keshi

admin — Sat, 25 Jan 2014 18:58:14 +0000

Stephen Keshi says his team showed ”character and mentality” after Nigeria came back from three goals down in first 45 minutes to beat Morocco in a historic CHAN 2014 quarter-final encounter in Cape Town.

The Super boss said he told the players at half -time that they were showing too much respect to Morocco, and needed to impose their own game on the North Africans.

Keshi said the boys were hardworking and disciplined, adding that all he wanted was for them no to play under pressure, so they could enjoy their game.

Nigeria made history in African football as the Super Eagles staged the greatest come in the African Cup of Nations Championship after the team came back from three goals down at half to beat Morocco 4-3 in extra-time.

Morocco took the lead in the 33 minutes through Mohsine Moutaouali, who beautifully chipped the ball over Nigeria goalkeeper after receiving a lovely pass from the midfield.

Iajour doubled the lead four minutes later with a well-taken free kick just outside the penalty box before El Ouadi teed up Moutaouali, who fired home the third, just three minutes after the second goal.

With three goals inside ten minutes, the game looked beyond the Super Eagles and Moroccan fans were already celebrating victory over their Nigerian counterparts as the centre referee signaled for the break

However, as would be expected by Nigerian fans inside the Cape Town Stadium, the Stephe Keshi tutored boys looked more energised and determined in the second half.

Their efforts paid off as the Nigerians pulled a goal back early in the half through Ugonna Uzochukwu.

Inspirational midfielder Rabiu Ali gave the Super Eagles hope just ten minutes after the first goal, when he reduced the deficit in the 56th minutes with a shot taken from outside the box.

Nigeria took control of the game from that moment and pilled more pressure on their Moroccan counterparts as the Eagles constantly harassed their opponents’ defense.

However, the team had to wait over half an our for their reward. Tournament revelation and arguably Nigeria’s best player in South Africa, Ejike Uzoenyi’s 90th minute cracking shot was all Nigeria needed to send the match into extra time.

Not relenting in their efforts to ensure victory, the Super Eagles scored their fourth goal through substitute Aliu Ibrahim, who jabbed in the winner after goalkeeper Lamyarghri, in goal for Morocco fumbled the ball with 9 minutes to the end of the titanic encounter.

Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, who has consistently expressed confidence in the team made up of mainly domestic league players was mobbed by members of his technical crew in jubilation immediately after the final whistle.

The former Super Eagles captain had suspended his 52nd birthday celebration two days ago, saying ” until we accomplish our goal here”.

By Demola Aluko

Sports ministry splashes $100,000 on Eagles as Maigari expresses confidence in team

admin — Fri, 24 Jan 2014 06:11:03 +0000

The Federal Government of Nigeria has promised the Super Eagles an additional $100,000 if they beat Morocco in their CHAN 2014 quarter-final match in Cape Town on Saturday.

Nigeria’s sports minister Bolaji Abdulahi, who made this known through a statement issued by the country’s National Sports Commission (NSC) said the money was a special fund meant to encourage the players to in order give their all.

According to Abdulahi, the $100,000 was not not part of the team’s allowance and bonus.

“This incentive will hopefully further boost the morale of both the players and coaches and help the team to triumph over Morocco.” the sports minister said.

“I am very impressed with their performance so far. As we all can see, the team has been improving with each match, and it is our desire that they continue to do very well and reach the final. Abdulahi added.

Meanwhile, the president of the Nigeria Football Federation, Aminu Maigari has tipped the Super Eagles to win this year’s tournament.

Maigari, who left country on Thursday night to join the Nigerian contingent ahead of Saturday’s encounter said he was confident that the team made up of players selected from the Nigerian League, will not only overcome their counterparts from Morocco but will also go ahead to lift the trophy.

Team coach, Stephen Keshi, who suspended his 52nd birth celebration to concentrate on the tournament will see victory over the Atlas Lions as a birthday present his team.

Nigeria recovered from a disappointing defeat in their first game against Eagles of Mali to beat Mozambique 4-2 and hosts, South Africa 3-1 to book a quarter final date against the Moroccans.

By Demola Aluko

DR Congo sets CHAN record as Gabon qualify for quarter-finals

admin — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 19:46:38 +0000

Gabon and DR Congo have sealed their places in the quarterfinals of the 2014 African Nations Championship withvictories over Mauritania and Burundi respectively on Wednesday.

Mauritania twice led against Gabon and looked set to pick a point at least, until Gabon struck twice in injury-time to seal the win.

Mauritania made a fast start and were ahead inside four minutes though Moulaye Khalil, who netter a brace and had a goal disallowed in the game. Duval Nzembi, Aaron Appindangoye and a brace from Bonaventure Sokambi gave Gabon the win.

In the other group D game, a first half brace from Makusu Mundele was enough to seal DR Congo ‘s last eight place to become the first side to reach the competition’s knockout phase a third successive time after earlier feats in 2009 and 2011 as they beat Burundi 2-1.

Burundi’s captain Selemani Ndikumana slotted in a through ball from Fiston Abdoul in the 11th minute to give his country the lead, which obviously was not enough.

Ghana and Libya know quarter-final opponents on Wednesday

admin — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 02:58:59 +0000

Ghana and Libya have booked their places in the quarter-finals of the African Nations Championship.

Kwabina Adusei scored a 76th-minute penalty to give Ghana a 1-0 victory over Ethiopia and ensure the Black Stars finished top of Group C.

Libya, who had been top of the table, came back from 2-0 down to draw with Congo and book their last-eight spot.

They had been heading for the exit until Abdelrahman Fetori scored on 93 minutes to make it 2-2.

Libya’s last-gasp strike turned the tables on Congo, who had looked to be qualifying ahead of their opponents – and the Red Devils will head home reflecting on what might have been.

Moise Nkounkou gave them the lead after 36 minutes, scoring with a close-range volley, and eight minutes after the break Hardy Binguila doubled Congo’s advantage when he smashed in a shot from 25 yards.

They held the lead until the 75th minute, when Abdelsalam Omar converted from a cross to give Libya hope.

And just as time was about to run out, Fetori hit a speculative effort from about 30 yards that seemed to bounce over the arm of the diving goalkeeper.

It put Libya through on five points, with Congo one point behind them.

There was no such drama in the group’s other tie where Ghana needed only a solitary strike to seal their win and claim top spot with seven points.

On 77 minutes Adusei converted from the penalty spot after Salahadin had brought down Seidu Bancey.

Ghana and Libya will find out their quarter-final opponents after the conclusion of Group D on Wednesday.

Bafana Manager Praises Super Eagles

admin — Mon, 20 Jan 2014 03:40:38 +0000

…As Keshi Re-emphasizes Confidence in Team

South Africa coach Gordon Igesund says his men were outmuscled by Nigeria in their final outing at the African Nations Championship on Sunday night.

The Super Eagles knocked Bafanabafana out of the tournament via a brace from Man of the Match Ejike Uzoenyi, and strike from Ifeanyi Ede, with Bernard Parker pulling one back for the hosts at Cape Town Stadium.Igesund said the Super Eagles were more physical than his side, adding that the Stephen Keshi tutored boys deserved credit for their performance.”I’m very disappointed not to get something out of this, but well done to Nigeria, they were more physical than us and won the second ball and got the goals”Meanwhile, Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi, has re-emphasized his confidence in the home based players following their hard fought victory against the Bafanabafana on Sunday.

The former Super Eagles captain said he knew his boys would qualify for the quarter final despite losing their first group match to Mali.

“The boys fought like wounded lions to stay in this competition,” Keshi said.

“I’m very grateful to them and I salute them, they did wonderfully well.

“In the first game they had a little bit of stage fright. But I knew their ability, I know what they can do, so I knew they would qualify.

“We’ll just take it game by game,” he added of the African champions’ prospects going forward.

Nigeria, Mali book quarter final tickets

admin — Sun, 19 Jan 2014 21:40:42 +0000

The Super Eagles of Nigeria Sunday put up an outstanding performance that stunned and sent hosts, South Africa out of the African Nations Championship with a 3-1 victory.

The Super Eagles, who needed the maximum three point to progress to the quarter final were at their best in front of 36,000 home fans, scoring two quick goals after Christantus Ejike’s 21st minute opener was followed by a well-taken spot kick by Ifanyi Ede 9 minutes later.

Ejike, who sealed victory for Nigeria with his second of the day in the second half of the encounter would have scored a hat-trick, but his half volley hit the bar.

Bernard Parker converted a spot kick in the 81st minute to give the Bafanabafana their only goal of the encounter.

The Super Eagles join group A leader Mali, who also recorded a 2-1 victory against Mozambique to advance to the quarter finals of this year’s tournament.

Demola Aluko

CHAN: Uganda Win as Morocco and Zimbabwe Settle for Draw

admin — Mon, 13 Jan 2014 03:35:54 +0000

The Cranes of Uganda put up a spectacular performance to secure maximum points after beating Burkina Faso 2-1 in a group B clash at the on-going 2014 African Nations Cup Championship in Cape Town on Sunday.

Yunus Sentamu broke the deadlock in the first half after capitalizing on a mistake from Nigerian born Burkina Faso international Issoufou Dayo, who slipped while trying to clear the ball.

Sentamu converted a cross from Aboubakar Traore to complete his brace that moved the Cranes to the top of group B.

Substitute Cyrille Bayala’s goal came too late to give his side any hope of preventing the defeat.

In another group B match on Sunday, Morocco played out a 0-0 draw.

Matches of the 2014 CHAN continues on Monday with the Black Stars of Ghana facing DR Congo in Free State, while Libya take on Ethiopia in the second group C match.

-Demola Aluko