by Silas Boahene | Jan 27, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Moroccan referee Bouchra Karboubi expressed her pride in officiating the game between Nigeria and Guinea-Bissau at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking a historic moment in African football. The match, a pivotal group-stage encounter, showcased an all-female officiating team, with Karboubi at the center, becoming only the second woman to take charge of an AFCON game. The first was Rwandaâs Salma Mukansanga at the previous AFCON in 2021.
Reflecting on her experience, the 36-year-old referee acknowledged the significance of her appointment. “I was happy to get the appointment to become the second female referee and the first Arabic referee to officiate at the AFCON. I was proud, and I did my best,” shared Karboubi with Sportblog247.com.
Despite a few contentious decisions, Karboubi maintained control throughout the game. Nigeria emerged victorious with a 1-0 win, securing their place in the AFCON’s round of 16. The match not only showcased the prowess of the players but also highlighted the strides being made in promoting diversity and inclusivity in football officiating.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 27, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Soccer
Having successfully secured a spot in the last 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), Bafana Bafana captain Ronwen Williams lauded the team’s professionalism and expressed a hunger for further achievements. The South African side clinched a 0-0 draw against Tunisia, ensuring their progression in the competition. However, Williams emphasized that while reaching the next round was a significant accomplishment, the team’s ambitions extend beyond, with a keen desire for more success.
“We have progressed to the next round, which is what we wanted, but we havenât achieved or won anything yet. We are happy that we have progressed, but there is so much more we want to achieve as a team,” remarked Williams as the team readied themselves to face World Cup semi-finalists Morocco.
Reflecting on their journey in the tournament, Williams highlighted the team’s adaptability and versatility in playing different styles. “In the three games at the tournament so far, we have played three different ways like building up from the back, going direct, and we can fight, and we can be physical as well,” he explained.
Williams commended his teammates for their humility and flexibility, emphasizing their responsiveness to coaching instructions and the ability to adjust their style of play when needed. “Thatâs what helped us to be in the next round. This tournament is tough, and for us, it is not all about playing good football. That is what we are known for, but results are more important, and the guys have seen that,” he added.
The captain highlighted the team’s collective effort in studying the tournament, expressing confidence in their approach as they continue their Afcon journey.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 27, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Soccer
Morocco coach Walid Regragui’s suspension at the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) has been overturned following a successful appeal by the country’s football federation. Initially handed a four-match ban, with two games suspended, and fined for bringing the competition into disrepute, Regragui was forced to watch Morocco’s last group game against Zambia from the stands.
The decision to lift the ban means that Regragui, who guided his team to the World Cup semifinals in 2022, will be back on the bench for the crucial last-16 clash against South Africa on Tuesday.
Regragui’s suspension stemmed from an on-field altercation with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) captain Chancel Mbemba during their Group F match in San Pedro. The incident led to scuffles among players and staff on the pitch and alleged fighting in the tunnel, away from public view.
Regragui had approached Mbemba for a handshake at the end of the match but held on to his hand, attempting to address the defender. Mbemba resisted and broke away, triggering chaos after the 1-1 draw.
âHe insulted me and my assistant on the sidelines before the end of the match,â Regragui explained to reporters. âAnd in the end, despite that, I went to shake his hand but also to ask him: âWhy are you talking to me like that?â Then he looked away like he didnât want to shake my hand.”
Moroccoâs football federation criticized the initial decision, and the successful appeal was filed just hours before the Zambia game, during which Regragui communicated with his bench from the VIP stand while assistant Rachid Ben Mahmoud replaced him on the touchline.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 27, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, International, Soccer
An investigation into Ghana’s disappointing campaign in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has exposed a range of issues, with rampant allegations circulating about players, officials, and supporters.
The Black Stars’ performance in Ivory Coast fell short of expectations, sparking nationwide outrage over the team’s condition and the state of Ghanaian football. Despite the dismissal of head coach Chris Hughton by the Ghana Football Association, demands for accountability persist as Ghanaians seek answers for the team’s recurring poor showings in international tournaments.
Amidst the call for answers, journalists present in Ivory Coast during the tournament have put forth various claims about events within the team’s camp.
On January 25, 2023, Saddick Adams of Angel Broadcasting Network, known as Obama, shared insights on Peace FM regarding the Black Stars in Ivory Coast. He revealed that, according to one player, there was a prevailing sentiment in the camp that some players wanted Ghana to be eliminated so they could return to their club commitments.
Reportedly, the team lacked unity, with discontent among players who were unhappy with their teammates. Obama disclosed, “A player told me that players want to go back to their team. There was no unity in the camp. Some of the players who were not playing were unhappy that others they believed they were better than were playing ahead of them.”
Another reporter from ABN Kumasi, identified as Jeff, added more shocking allegations, claiming that the Black Stars’ hotel was frequented by women who visited the players. He alleged that players were seen interacting with these women in the hotel lobby, even late at night before games.
Contrary to previous reports of tight security, Jeff’s claims suggest a different atmosphere at the team’s hotel during the tournament.
The Black Stars, unable to secure a victory, recorded two draws and one loss in their three Group B matches, leading to their early exit from the AFCON. The disappointing outcome resulted in the dismissal of coach Chris Hughton by the Ghana Football Association.
by Silas Boahene | Jan 27, 2024 | AFCON, Africa, International, Soccer
Hosts Ivory Coast have been unable to secure French women’s team coach HervĂ© Renard on loan for the remaining matches of the Africa Cup of Nations. Renard, who guided Ivory Coast to the African title in 2015, was a sought-after candidate for another stint after the dismissal of Jean-Louis Gasset on Wednesday.
However, discussions with the French federation regarding a potential loan for Renard concluded without an agreement on Thursday.
HervĂ© Renard, 55, expressed his feelings about the situation, saying, âThe negotiations did not end favorably; itâs because it wasnât necessary. I would have liked to, but destiny decided otherwise,â in a statement to Canal Plus.
Despite a 4-0 loss to Equatorial Guinea in their final group match on Monday, Ivory Coast still had a chance to qualify as one of the four best third-place finishers. They eventually secured a spot in the round of 16 on Wednesday, following Gasset’s dismissal, thanks to Morocco’s victory over Zambia.
Emerse Faé, the interim coach, is expected to remain in charge for the upcoming match against reigning champions Senegal on Monday in Yamoussoukro.
The Ivorian Football Federation has not publicly commented on the matter.
Renard remains popular in Ivory Coast for leading the country to its second African Cup title. It marked his second title, having previously guided Zambia to victory in 2012. Renard, who orchestrated Saudi Arabia’s surprising World Cup win over eventual champions Argentina, assumed charge of the French women’s team last year.
