In a major setback for Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign, influential midfielder Emam Ashour will miss the crucial last-16 clash against DR Congo due to a concussion sustained during a celebratory backflip in training.
Ashour, a standout performer in the group stage victories over Ghana and Cape Verde, landed on his head while jubilantly celebrating a practice goal. The 25-year-old, who plays for Al-Ahly, was promptly attended to by team doctor Mohamed Abou El-Ela and later underwent medical examinations, requiring 24 hours of observation.
This injury compounds Egypt’s challenges as they are already without captain Mohamed Salah and goalkeeper Mohamed El-Shenawy. Despite these setbacks, Egypt who secured a second-place finish in their group, all three matches ending in 2-2 draws against Mozambique, Ghana, and Cape Verde will remain confident of progressing.
Their opponents, DR Congo, also progressed with three draws, setting the stage for a compelling last-16 encounter. The absence of Emam Ashour adds to the adversity as Egypt aims to claim their first AFCON title since 2010.
Liverpool’s star player Mohamed Salah has commenced his hamstring rehabilitation, expressing his commitment to rejoin Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
After sustaining an injury during Egypt’s match against Ghana, Salah returned to Liverpool for treatment. Salah, affirming his dedication, stated, “I will do everything possible to be ready as soon as possible and return to the national team as was agreed upon from the beginning.”Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp assured Salah’s return to AFCON if he recovers in time and Egypt reaches the final. Klopp emphasized mutual interests between Egypt and Liverpool, saying, “Egypt and Liverpool both have the same interest, we want Mo Salah fit as soon as possible.”
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp assured Salah’s return to AFCON if he recovers in time and Egypt reaches the final. Klopp emphasised mutual interests between Egypt and Liverpool, saying, “Egypt and Liverpool both have the same interest, we want Mo Salah fit as soon as possible.”
Pepijn Lijnders, Liverpool’s assistant manager, outlined a recovery timeline of three to four weeks for Salah, barring setbacks. The AFCON final is scheduled for Feb. 11.Klopp defended Salah’s decision to return for treatment, addressing criticism: “If somebody questions the loyalty of Mo Salah, they should ask themselves if their loyalty is right, because Mo Salah is definitely the most loyal Egyptian I’ve met in my life.” Klopp further explained that Salah’s return to Liverpool was agreed upon for providing the best medical treatment.
Klopp defended Salah’s decision to return for treatment, addressing criticism: “If somebody questions the loyalty of Mo Salah, they should ask themselves if their loyalty is right, because Mo Salah is definitely the most loyal Egyptian I’ve met in my life.”
Klopp further explained that Salah’s return to Liverpool was agreed upon for providing the best medical treatment. “If he stays in Africa and they can’t do the proper treatment, it will just delay everything, especially for Egypt if they go through the tournament.”
“We bring him here not because we want to take him away from Egypt but just to offer the best medical treatment. It’s all agreed. If Salah is fit and Egypt go to the final, it was always clear, he goes back, 100%. Mo wants that, we want that,” he said.
Cameroon’s football fans have reason to cheer as their captain, Vincent Aboubakar, is set to make a triumphant return to the pitch in the crucial Round of 16 encounter against Nigeria at AFCON 2023.
Aboubakar, who missed all three group games, is poised to bring his experience and leadership back to the team, adding a significant boost to Cameroon’s chances in the tournament.
The absence of Aboubakar during the group stage raised concerns among supporters, as the seasoned striker’s influence both on and off the field is undeniable.
His return couldn’t come at a better time for Cameroon, facing a tough opponent like Nigeria in a knockout match where every goal and decision matters. Aboubakar don’t forget won the Golden Boot at the last tournament with a whopping 8 goals.
His leadership qualities are crucial for the team, as he not only brings a wealth of experience but also serves as a motivating force for his teammates. His presence in the locker room and on the field is known to inspire confidence and elevate the performance of those around him.
The captain’s return also poses a tactical advantage for Cameroon’s coach, who now has the opportunity to integrate Aboubakar into the starting lineup asz replacement for Frank Magri or as a partner. He will be used strategically based on the team’s needs.
His ability to find the back of the net and create scoring opportunities could prove pivotal in a match where goals are at a premium. Fans can expect a charged atmosphere at the stadium as Aboubakar leads the team onto the field, and his famed partnership with Toko Ekambi will be closely watched.
The chemistry between the captain and his teammates may play a crucial role in unlocking Nigeria’s stern defence and securing a spot in the quarterfinals. As the spotlight turns to the Round of 16 clash, Cameroon supporters will be hoping that Aboubakar’s return marks the beginning of a successful campaign for their team.
The Indomitable Lions struggled throughout the group stages and required a late winner against Gambia to seal qualification. His impact on the pitch could prove decisive in determining whether Cameroon advances to the next stage of AFCON 2023 or bows out of the tournament.
In the world of football, the return of a key player can change the dynamics of a team, and Vincent Aboubakar’s comeback adds a layer of excitement and anticipation to an already intense knockout stage.
The captain’s resilience and determination to contribute to Cameroon’s AFCON journey make this Round of 16 clash against Nigeria one of the must-watch matches of the tournament.
In a surprising turn of events, Tunisia’s Africa Cup of Nations journey came to an unexpected end as they finished their group stage campaign with a goalless draw against South Africa.
The Eagles of Carthage, once considered strong contenders, found themselves at the bottom of Group E, leaving fans and football enthusiasts baffled.
Tunisia entered the tournament with high hopes and a talented squad, but their performances failed to live up to the expectations. The stalemate against South Africa proved to be the final blow, sealing their fate and marking an early exit from the prestigious competition.
Throughout the group stage, Tunisia struggled to find their rhythm, recording a shock loss to Namibia in their first game. The lack of goal-scoring prowess became evident, as they managed to net only once in three matches. This disappointing goal drought raised questions about their offensive strategies and team cohesion.
Bafana Bafana’s stalemate against Tunisia secured their spot in the knockout stages. Tunisia’s inability to secure a victory in any of their group stage matches highlighted the challenges they faced on the pitch.
The exit of the Eagles of Carthage will undoubtedly be a point of reflection for the team and its supporters. Questions will be raised about the coaching staff’s decisions, player form, and overall preparation leading up to the tournament. The disappointment will also resonate with fans who were optimistic about Tunisia’s chances.
While the tournament continues to unfold, Tunisia’s premature exit (as well as that of Algeria and Ghana) serves as a reminder that in football, success is never guaranteed. The competitive nature of AFCON and the unpredictable outcomes showcase the dynamism and excitement that define the beautiful game.
As the remaining teams gear up for the knockout stages, Tunisia will have to regroup and assess the shortcomings that led to their underwhelming performance. The Eagles of Carthage may have bowed out with a whimper, but their journey in AFCON 2024 will undoubtedly be remembered as a chapter of unexpected twists and turns in the vibrant tapestry of African football.
Mauritania delivered another surprising upset at the Africa Cup of Nations, eliminating 2019 champions Algeria with a 1-0 victory at the Stade de la Paix on Tuesday.
In a historic turn of events, Mauritania secured a spot in the last-16, marking their first-ever win in continental appearances. Yali Dellahi’s first-half goal sealed the fate of Algeria, continuing their disappointing early exit trend under coach Djamel Belmadi, reminiscent of their 2021 performance.
Group D standings saw Angola claiming the top spot with seven points from three games, followed by Burkina Faso with four points after a 2-0 victory by the Palencas Negras over the Stallions. Mauritania, with three points, secured a place among the top four third-placed teams, earning them a spot in the knockout stage.
Algeria, a shadow of their 2019 title winning form, made strategic changes by benching captain Riyad Mahrez initially. Despite bringing him on at halftime in a desperate attempt to reverse their fortunes, Algeria faced another disheartening exit from the tournament.
The shocking defeat for Algeria reflects a stark contrast to their triumphant 2019 campaign in Egypt. Coach Djamel Belmadi now faces scrutiny for the team’s inability to replicate past success.
Mauritania’s historic win adds a captivating underdog narrative to the tournament, showcasing the unpredictable nature of football on the African continent. As the knockout stage approaches, football fans are left eagerly anticipating more surprises and intense matchups in what has already proven to be a thrilling Africa Cup of Nations.
