Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet has stepped down as the head coach of The Gambia after the team’s early exit from the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. The West African side finished at the bottom of Group C, losing all three games, including a 3-2 defeat by Cameroon in their final match.
Appointed in 2018, Saintfiet previously guided The Gambia to the quarter-finals of the 2021 AFCON, marking an impressive debut. However, the team couldn’t replicate that success in Ivory Coast this time round.
The Gambia, ranked 168th globally when Saintfiet took charge, improved to 126th under his tenure. Despite being the lowest-ranked team in the 2021 finals, they defeated Mauritania, Tunisia, and Guinea to reach the quarter-finals, where they were eventually defeated by hosts Cameroon.
In the 2023 AFCON, The Gambia started with a 3-0 loss to defending champions Senegal and followed with a 1-0 defeat against fellow West Africans Guinea. Saintfiet, who boasts coaching experience across four different FIFA confederations, faced challenges in the team’s build-up to the tournament.
The squad was caught in last September’s earthquake in Marrakesh, and a bonus payment dispute led to a pre-tournament training session boycott. Additionally, their flight to Ivory Coast was aborted due to a pressurisation issue, raising safety concerns.
The Gambia Football Federation expressed gratitude for Saintfiet’s service, acknowledging the departure of a skilled tactician. The search for a new coach now begins as The Gambia reflects on the hurdles faced during their challenging AFCON journey.
Senegal continued their flawless run at the Africa Cup of Nations, triumphing 2-0 over Guinea in a spirited West African derby. Abdoulaye Seck’s powerful header and a late goal from substitute Iliman Ndiaye secured three wins from three matches for AFCON holders Senegal.
Despite the loss, Guinea narrowly missed the second spot in Group C, as Cameroon secured it with a dramatic 3-2 win over The Gambia. Cameroon’s victory sets up a clash with Group A runners-up Nigeria, while Guinea will face surprise Group A winners Equatorial Guinea.
Senegal, topping Group C, will meet a third-place team from Group A or F, potentially Ivory Coast or one of DR Congo, Zambia, or Tanzania. Ghana, following a 2-2 draw with Mozambique, have been officially eliminated from the tournament, failing to secure one of the coveted third-place slots.
Senegal faced challenges in tonight’s game, with a disallowed goal and Sadio Mane missing a golden opportunity in an improved second half showing. Guinea tested Edouard Mendy in stoppage time, but the former Chelsea goalkeeper made a crucial save from Morgan Guilavogui’s volley.
The intensity of the first half, marked by few Nampalys Mendy efforts and repeated clashes between players, showcased the drama and competitiveness of the African football spectacle. Seck and Ndiaye’s goals sealed a 2-0 victory in the end.
In another thrilling AFCON group finale, the Indomitable Lions secured a dramatic victory, triumphing over Gambia in a five-goal spectacle to advance to the knockout stage.
Despite an uneventful, goalless first half, the game exploded into action after the break, with Cameroon taking the lead three times, sandwiched between Gambia’s historic first two goals against the formidable Indomitable Lions.
Gambia, despite being 80 places below Cameroon in the FIFA rankings, dominated the first half. However, Cameroon emerged strong in the second half, with Georges-Kevin Nkoudou hitting the crossbar in the 50th minute and setting up Karl Toko Ekambi’s opening goal six minutes later.
Toko Ekambi, a veteran from Cameroon’s 2017 Cup of Nations-winning side, showcased his experience with a well-timed header from Nkoudou’s cross to break the deadlock.
Gambia’s sudden burst of attack led to Ablie Jallow’s equaliser in the 72nd minute, followed by a close chance from Alieu Fadera hitting the post. In the 85th minute, substitute Ebrima Colley secured Gambia’s lead with a powerful shot after a clever one-two pass with Assan Ceesay.
Cameroon needed two goals in the remaining time and levelled the score when James Gomez inadvertently steered the ball into his own net. In a stunning conclusion, Wooh scored the winner with a well placed header from a corner, setting up a last-16 clash with Nigeria in Abidjan on Saturday.
Cameroon, making strategic changes after their previous defeat to Senegal, dropped Andre Onana for Fabrice Ondoa in goal. Despite initial uncertainties, Ondoa made crucial saves to keep Gambia at bay. The victory sets the stage for an intense knockout stage showdown between Cameroon and Nigeria.
Equatorial Guinea’s stunning 4-0 victory over Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations left top scorer Emilio Nsue emphasising humility despite the unexpected triumph.
Nsue, who scored twice in the match, stressed the importance of taking it step by step and staying humble. The underdogs, known as the National Thunder, secured their spot in the last 16 and aim to make their nation proud.Reflecting on their historic win, Nsue acknowledged the team’s determination, stating, “We have to keep being humble and trying our best.” Equatorial Guinea, previously considered underdogs, had never won a game by more than two goals at the finals before this impressive performance.
Reflecting on their historic win, Nsue acknowledged the team’s determination, stating, “We have to keep being humble and trying our best.” Equatorial Guinea, previously considered underdogs, had never won a game by more than two goals at the finals before this impressive performance.Captain Nsue, currently playing for Spanish third-tier team Intercity, opened the scoring just before halftime, contributing to his remarkable five-goal tally in the group stage. Despite beating Ivory Coast, Nsue remained grounded, stating, “We are not going to think that because we beat Ivory Coast we are going to win the tournament.”
Captain Nsue, currently playing for Spanish third-tier team Intercity, opened the scoring just before halftime, contributing to his remarkable five-goal tally in the group stage.
Despite beating Ivory Coast, Nsue remained grounded, stating, “We are not going to think that because we beat Ivory Coast we are going to win the tournament.” The National Thunder have advanced to the knockout stages in all four of their appearances.
Their best showing was of course the quarter-final finish in 2012 when they co-hosted the tournament alongside Gabon. Topping Group A ahead of Ivory Coast and Nigeria, they now prepare for the round of 16.
Nsue, the record scorer for his country with 22 goals, underlined the team’s commitment, saying, “We are going to give everything. We don’t care against who.” The 34-year-old expressed his joy at scoring two goals again, calling it a “big dream.”
Equatorial Guinea will face one of the best third-placed teams in the round of 16, returning to Abidjan’s Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Sunday. Nsue’s inspiring performance and the team’s unexpected success add an exciting twist to their Afcon journey, showcasing the unpredictable nature of football.
Bafana Bafana’s head coach, Hugo Broos, lauded midfielder Themba Zwane for an outstanding performance against Namibia at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite initial reservations about Zwane’s age, the 34-year-old has become a key player under Broos.
The Mamelodi Sundowns player earned the coach’s respect with a remarkable brace and the Man of the Match award against Namibia as he helped the side to an emphatic 4-0 victory.
Broos commended Zwane, affectionately known as “Mshishi,” highlighting his pivotal role in the team’s success: “When Themba plays well, the team plays good”, he said.
Zwane’s dynamic playstyle and strategic positioning were evident as he orchestrated plays throughout the match, contributing to Bafana’s impressive victory.
In addition to Zwane’s stellar performance, Broos made tactical decisions, including replacing Siyanda Xulu with Grant Kekana for speed in defense. Thapelo Maseko was also replaced by Thapelo Morena to enhance the team’s depth.
Broos explained, “The changes we made were tactical, and after a 4-0 win, I can say it was the right choice.” Looking ahead, Bafana faces Tunisia in the final Group E match, with the group dynamics shaken by Namibia’s surprising win over Tunisia.
Even Mali, despite a strong start, face uncertainties, making the upcoming matches crucial for determining the top two positions in the group. As Broos emphasises the importance of strategic choices, Bafana’s fans eagerly anticipate their team’s continued success in the tournament.
