In a thrilling display of the unpredictable nature of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), this year’s tournament has witnessed numerous upsets and surprising early exits, none more significant than Mauritania’s stunning 1-0 victory over two-time champions Algeria in the final Group D match.
Lamine Ba, the standout center-back for Mauritania, expressed the team’s joy, saying, “It is amazing for us to reach the next round for the first time, a great feeling for the team to know we have made the people of Mauritania happy.”
Despite initial setbacks against Burkina Faso and Angola, Mauritania’s historic win secured their spot in the last 16, marking their debut in this stage of the competition. Ba, who made his AFCON debut in 2022, played a pivotal role in repelling Algeria’s attack, describing the victory as a moment of pride for the team.
Coach Amir Abdou, who previously led Comoros to the last 16 in their AFCON debut, has once again worked wonders with the 105th-ranked Mauritania. Ba commended Abdou, stating, “Our coach is really a man of the people, a leader who makes his players believe. For sure, this is a very good coach.”
The emotional aspect of the journey is heightened for Ba, as he shares the pitch with his older brother El Hadji. Ba humorously shared, “When I do good things on the pitch, I never hear from him, but any small mistake, he will let me know about it.”
Looking ahead to the knockout stage, Mauritania faces Cape Verde, a team that has been a role model for smaller African nations. Ba acknowledged Cape Verde’s success, saying, “They play amazing football, and we know it will be a tough match, but we can do the job and reach the quarter-finals.”
Drawing from his experience at Paris St-Germain, Ba emphasized his self-belief, saying, “Even against Algeria, it was a great feeling, but I am straight away thinking about the next game. For me, AFCON is a chance to show my ability and my mentality.”
Ba believes that the quality of football across Africa has significantly improved, with smaller nations gaining confidence. He remarked, “The big African nations haven’t really accepted this change yet, but they should, as this is what African football is like now – any team can win.”
Mauritania’s journey is not just a triumph for the team but a testament to the evolving landscape of African football, where underdogs are proving they can compete with the best.
Ademola Lookman shone with a double as Nigeria capitalised on errors by the Cameroonian backline to advance to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on Saturday night.
Lookman netted both goals, with Victor Osimhen and Calvin Bassey providing crucial assists. Osimhen’s stellar performance, marked by relentless running and attacking, earned him the fans’ admiration, especially after his pivotal role in setting up Lookman’s first goal.
The atmosphere at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium was electric as the chants of “Osimhen! Osimhen! Osimhen!” echoed in appreciation of the Napoli star’s outstanding performance. Osimhen not only showcased his attacking prowess but also displayed commendable defensive efforts when called upon.
A defining moment occurred when he dispossessed Cameroon’s Oumar Gonzalez, leading to Lookman’s first goal in the 36th minute. Osimhen’s engagement with the fans, lifting his arms to encourage them after a spirited battle near the sideline, further endeared him to the passionate crowd.
Despite Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s injury, Francis Uzoho stepped in to see out the victory. Cameroon’s late introduction of Vincent Aboubakar, a key figure in the 2017 final, added intensity to the closing stages, but it was Lookman who ultimately secured Nigeria’s triumph.
He swept home from close range after a clever free kick routine. The Super Eagles soared and showed their credentials. Their steely defence, marshalled brilliantly by skipper Troost-Ekong, didn’t allow the Indomitable Lions a single shot on target.
Nigeria have only conceded one goal at the tournament thus far, and that came in their opening game against Equatorial Guinea. Defence like that wins titles. Their quarter final showdown with Angola promises to be some game.
Angola secured a convincing 3-0 victory against Namibia, advancing to the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals as Gelson Dala shone with two goals.
The match took an unexpected turn when Angola’s goalkeeper Neblu received a red card for handling the ball outside his area just 17 minutes into the game. However, Angola’s response was impressive, displaying resilience and cohesive teamwork.
Angola orchestrated a beautiful move for Dala’s opener as quick combination play between Fredy and Gilberto led to Dala’s tapping home at the backpost, highlighting the Palancas Negras’ attacking prowess.
Namibia’s Lubeni Haukongo was also sent off for a second bookable offence after fouling Mabululu. Dala then headed home Fredy’s free kick delivery to double his side’s lead before the break.
A second-half goal on the counter attack from Mabululu sealed Angola’s largest AFCON win, setting up a quarter-final clash with West African giants Nigeria. Angola dominated this knockout tie, showcasing skill and resilience on their path to success.
They will have it all to do when they take on the Super Eagles for a place in the semi finals. They’ve been a credit to their nation during this run in the tournament.
Manchester United goalkeeper was once again dropped by coach Rigobert Song as Cameroon were beaten 2-0 by Nigeria in the Round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nation.
Rigobert Song refuted rumours of a rift with Andre Onana before the match, emphasising that decisions are made for the team’s benefit.
Onana missed the opening Africa Cup of Nations match due to travel woes and was dropped as Cameroon secured a 3-2 victory over Gambia.
The United goalkeeper faced competition from his cousin, Fabrice Ondoa, who started in goal for both previous matches and was poor for both goals against the Super Eagles.
Onana now returns to Manchester United and one would assume he would retire one again from international duty. The former Inter Milan shot stopper withdrew from the 2022 World Cup squad, retiring from international duty after a reported falling out with Song.
This time round, a rumoured rift with Fecafoot President and Cameroonian legend Samuel Eto’o contributed to his little involvement at the tournament. His only appearance came against Senegal where he shipped three goals and failed to make a single save.
Morocco’s coach, Walid Regragui, has successfully appealed the two-match suspension imposed during the Africa Cup of Nations, allowing him to return to the bench for the last-16 clash against South Africa.
Initially handed a four-match ban with two games suspended, Regragui faced consequences for an on-field altercation with Democratic Republic of Congo’s captain, Chancel Mbemba.
The incident led to scuffles between opposing players and staff on the pitch and alleged fighting in the tunnel at the stadium, but out of public view.
Regragui explained: “He insulted me and my assistant on the sidelines before the end of the match. And in the end, despite that, I went to shake his hand but also to ask him: ‘Why are you talking to me like that?’ Then he looked away like he didn’t want to shake my hand.”
“He claimed I had called him an idiot but I never said that. He should be a little honest with himself,” Regragui added. The Moroccan football federation denounced the decision, and the successful appeal reinstates Regragui for the upcoming match against Bafana Bafana.
