Tottenham Hotspur midfielder Pape Sarr is set to make a swift return to action following Senegal’s early exit from the African Cup of Nations. After an impressive international campaign, Sarr’s availability for Spurs has been a topic of anticipation among fans.
Under Antonio Conte, Sarr faced challenges in securing a spot in the starting lineup, but he has thrived under the guidance of manager Ange Postecoglou.
The partnership with Yves Bissouma earlier in the season played a crucial role in Spurs’ ten-game unbeaten run, showcasing Sarr’s importance to the team alongside Rodrigo Bentancur, Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg and Oliver Skipp.
Although Sarr has been absent from the Spurs squad since sustaining an injury in the win over Bournemouth in January, his absence was subsequently due to international duty with Senegal at AFCON. Unfortunately, Senegal’s journey ended in a penalty shootout defeat to Ivory Coast.Postecoglou addressed Sarr’s return in a recent press conference, stating, “The latest I heard is he should be back tomorrow at some stage. Disappointed for him and Senegal. From our side, he’s a key member of the squad, and we’ll have him back, with availability expected for Saturday.”
Postecoglou addressed Sarr’s return in a recent press conference, stating, “The latest I heard is he should be back tomorrow at some stage. Disappointed for him and Senegal. From our side, he’s a key member of the squad, and we’ll have him back, with availability expected for Saturday.”While the manager expressed optimism about Sarr’s return, he acknowledged the toll of the gruelling extra time and shootout, hinting that the midfielder might not feature in the upcoming match against Brentford. Spurs fans await Sarr’s comeback, eager to see him continue his impactful contributions to the team.
While the manager expressed optimism about Sarr’s return, he acknowledged the toll of the gruelling extra time and shootout, hinting that the midfielder might not feature in the upcoming match against Brentford. Spurs fans await Sarr’s comeback, eager to see him continue his impactful contributions to the team.
In a stunning upset at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), South Africa’s Bafana Bafana emerged victorious against the highly-fancied Morocco, securing a 2-0 win in the last 16 match.
The thrilling encounter unfolded in San-Pedro, with Bafana Bafana’s Evidence Makgopa becoming the catalyst for the unexpected triumph. Makgopa’s goal just before the hour mark set the tone for an enthralling showdown, catching Morocco off guard and sending shockwaves through the tournament.
Pre-tournament favourites Morocco, boasting considerable talent and reputation, found themselves on the back foot as they attempted to recover from the early setback.
To compound their woes, Achraf Hakimi missed a crucial penalty, squandering a golden opportunity to level the score late in the second half. As the match intensified, Morocco’s hopes further dwindled when Sofyan Amrabat received a red card, reducing them to 10 men.
The numerical disadvantage proved to be a significant setback for Morocco, allowing Bafana Bafana to capitalise on their momentum and man advantage. Teboho Mokoena sealed South Africa’s triumph by scoring a sumptuous free kick.
That solidified their place in the AFCON quarter-finals. The elation and celebration among the Bafana Bafana players and fans were palpable, as they revelled in the unexpected success against a formidable opponent.
This victory not only propels South Africa into the next stage of the competition but also serves as a testament to the unpredictable nature of football. Bafana Bafana’s underdog status against Morocco only heightened the significance of their accomplishment.
As the tournament progresses, the shockwaves generated by South Africa’s triumph over Morocco will undoubtedly resonate, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the team’s next challenge against Cape Verde in the quest for continental glory.
The unpredictability of football remains a captivating element, and Bafana Bafana’s remarkable performance will be etched in the annals of AFCON history. This has indeed been a tournament of upsets.
Ivory Coast rebounded from a challenging group stage to knockout defending champions Senegal after a stunning 5-4 penalty shootout victory.
Last night’s victory has set up an unexpected Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Mali. After a humiliating 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea, the hosts overcame the setback and secured a spot in the last 16 as one of the four best third placed teams.
A late coaching change, with Emerse Fae taking over from Jean-Louis Gasset, proved crucial. Borussia Dortmund’s Sebastian Haller came on as a substitute for his first minutes at the tournament to hand the hosts an injury boost.
Midfielder Seko Fofana acknowledged the challenges, stating, “It was difficult to see the people crying after that loss, but we’ve made up for that now, and so we’re all very happy.” Fofana praised the strategy and the impact of the new coach, Emerse Fae, despite his lack of previous senior coaching experience.
Senegal, having dominated Group D, fell victim to the AFCON curse, becoming the seventh consecutive title holder unable to progress beyond the Round of 16. Senegal coach Aliou Cissé expressed disappointment but urged dignified reactions in both victory and defeat.
In other action, Cape Verde advanced to the quarterfinals with a late penalty from Ryan Mendes, securing a 1-0 win over surprise last-16 opponents Mauritania. The Blue Sharks, who last reached the quarterfinals in 2013, now face South Africa in the next round.
Senegal’s Krepin Diatta faces potential disciplinary action after labelling the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as “corrupt” following their exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.
The midfielder, expressing frustration over Senegal’s 5-4 penalty defeat to Ivory Coast, accused CAF of bias, particularly regarding a denied penalty appeal.
Diatta voiced his discontent, stating, “You have killed us. You are corrupt. Keep your African Cup,” as he left the stadium in Yamoussoukro. His anger stemmed from Senegal not being awarded a penalty early in the second half, a pivotal moment in the match.
“I’m sorry, but that is going too far. I am really sorry, but they have killed our competition,” Diatta added, referencing the decision by Gabonese referee Pierre Ghislain Atcho, who did not award Senegal a penalty.
Despite Senegal’s lead with an early goal by Habib Diallo, Ivory Coast later equalised with a VAR-confirmed penalty after the referee had failed to award the most blatant of penalties for a foul on Pepe.
The match ended 1-1, with the hosts triumphing on penalties to send the defending champions packing. Ivory Coast advanced to the quarter-final and will face Mali. Senegal meanwhile have to look closer to home for answers to their shock exit.
Mali secured a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso, marking their first quarter-final appearance since 2013.
An early own goal by Edmond Tapsoba and Lassine Sinayoko’s third goal of the tournament propelled Mali to victory. Bertrand Traore’s penalty reduced the deficit for Burkina Faso, but an offside call denied them a potential equaliser at the death.
Mali will face hosts Ivory Coast in the quarter-finals. Notably, Premier League players Yves Bissouma and Dango Ouattara started on the bench for Mali and Burkina Faso, respectively.
The match witnessed scorching temperatures and a fast start with Mali scoring the second fastest goal in the tournament. Sinayoko’s second-half goal sealed the win, setting up a crucial clash against Ivory Coast.
The encounter showcased Mali’s dominance, while Burkina Faso fought back with Traore’s penalty. Despite late drama, Mali held on for the historic quarter-final berth.
