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In a breathtaking encounter at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny, Egypt narrowly escaped an opening-game upset against Mozambique in their opening game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The match, held on Sunday evening, showcased the Mambas’ resilience as they fought back from behind, only to be denied victory by a late penalty from the ever-reliable Mohammed Salah.

The Pharaohs took an early lead courtesy of Mostafa Mohamed, who capitalized on a precise pass from Salah. Pouncing on a loose ball inside the penalty area, Mohamed clinically found the bottom right corner, giving Egypt a promising start.

However, Mozambique, making only their fourth AFCON appearance and their first since 2010, displayed commendable determination. In the second half, they orchestrated a quick turnaround with two goals in succession. Witi leveled the score at 1-1 in the 55th minute with a skillfully executed header following Domingos Macandza’s superb lofted cross. Just three minutes later, Clesio Bauque netted another for Mozambique, rolling the ball past Mohamed El Shenawy to seize a 2-1 lead.

The Pharaohs, determined to avoid an upset, pressed forward. Hamdi Fathi came close to restoring parity, but a wasted opportunity saw his first-time shot striking the right post in the 77th minute.

As tension gripped the stadium, the turning point came in stoppage time. Mostafa Mohamed went down under a challenge in the box, prompting vehement appeals from the Egyptian players. Initially dismissing the claims, the referee revisited the decision after consulting the Video Assistant Referee (VAR), ultimately awarding Egypt a lifeline in the form of a penalty.

With the weight of the nation on his shoulders, Mohammed Salah stepped up and clinically converted the spot-kick, salvaging a crucial point for the seven-time champions.

Despite the relief, the Pharaohs now face the challenge of seeking their first victory in the tournament when they lock horns with familiar foes Ghana in their second group-stage fixture on Thursday evening.

Source: 3news

Equatorial Guinea frustrated Nigeria with a 1-1 stalemate on Sunday afternoon after both sides kicked off their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Group A matches at Ebimpe’s Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium.

A composed finish by Ivan Salvador in the 36^th minute saw Equatorial Guinea shock the Super Eagles with the lead.

The celebrations were short-lived as Nigerian hitman, Victor Osimhen levelled matters with a difficult header that found its way into an empty net to salvage a point for the Nigerians.

With the crowd behind them, Nigeria went in search of the second and were almost rewarded in the 45th minute when Moses Simon’s well struck effort came off the upright to the relief of Equatorial Guinea.

Coming in the second half, both sides hardly troubled each other’s goals, with both set of defenders doing well to remain disciplined.

Up next for Nigeria is a clash that all of Africa will be waiting for with bated breath as they take on tournament hosts, Cote d’Ivoire who opened their campaign with a clinical 2-0 win over Guinea-Bissau on Saturday evening.

Equatorial Guinea on the other hand will be encouraged by the point when they face a wounded Guinea-Bissau.

The results sees Group A being led by Cote d’Ivoire while Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria are a point above Guinea-Bissau.

Ghana‘s bid for a fifth Africa Cup of Nations title begins on Sunday, when they take on Cape Verde in the second game of Group B at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.

The Black Stars were humbled at AFCON 2021, exiting at the group stage, and are keen to outdo that ignominious exit this time, while their opponents hope to surpass expectations again.

The game will KickOff at 20:00 GMT

Match preview

Ghana’s early group-stage exit at the previous Cup of Nations was a low point for the four-time African champions, who were eliminated that quickly for the first time since the 2006 edition.

The West African nation have since gone on to thrive at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and topped their qualifying group for the continental showpiece despite playing out three draws and as many wins in six games.

Chris Hughton‘s men were unconvincing and remain so; thus, it remains to be seen if the Black Stars turn it on at AFCON to banish the problematic showing from two years ago in Cameroon.

Mohammed Kudus starred in Qatar, and the West Ham United player is anticipated to carry the can for the four-time winners, who seek to claim another title since last reigning supreme in 1982.

However, Ghana must perform at a higher level to avoid early exits seen in 2019 — when they were eliminated at the round of 16 — or the previous edition’s group phase departure, when they ended fourth in their section without claiming a victory.

Cape Verde should fear nothing in Sunday’s fixture, with the Blue Sharks the type of opponent to make the Black Stars uncomfortable if they apply themselves appropriately.

Bubista leads the Portuguese-speaking nation to another finals, having managed the side to a round of 16 place at AFCON 2021, advancing as one of the best third-placed sides in the group stage.

That outcome is undoubtedly sterner to accomplish, with the Blue Sharks contending with nations that have secured the title multiple times.

Despite not being perennial participants, Cape Verde have made it out of the group twice (2013 and 2021) in three appearances at the finals, possibly giving Bubista’s men the needed confidence to navigate a tough draw.

While a 2-0 loss to Tunisia in their tune-up fixture was far from ideal, the Blue Sharks know their opponents are under more pressure to secure maximum points in Sunday’s game, meaning they can play without fear against the Black Stars.

Ghana form (all competitions):

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Cape Verde form (all competitions):

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Team News

Thomas Partey‘s injury struggle means the Arsenal man is Ghana’s high-profile absence at AFCON 2023.

Kudus was an injury doubt, but the West Ham player should be fit to start on Sunday, with Inaki Williams leading the attack for the Black Stars.

Bournemouth striker Antoine Semenyo, like Kudus, played no part in the goalless non-competitive game with Namibia and may not be rushed back into the XI.

Cape Verde having eight different goalscorers in qualifying was a statistical quirk, and it suggests they are a team who do not rely on one player to deliver the goods, adding to their unpredictability.

The Blue Sharks do not have any reported injuries heading into the encounter, with Bubista expected to utilise a 4-3-3 against the Ghanaians.

Ghana possible starting lineup:
Ofori; Seidu, Djiku, Salisu, Mensah; Amartey, Baba; J. Ayew, Kudus, Paintsil; Williams

Cape Verde possible starting lineup:
Vozinha; Semedo, Borges, Pico, Stopira; Rocha, Costa, Monteiro; Mendes, Rodrigues, Bebe

We say: Ghana 1-1 Cape Verde

Ghana played out a goalless game against Namibia in their pre-AFCON friendly, and they may struggle to break down a stubborn Cape Verde defence on Sunday.

Source: Sportsmole.co.uk

Egypt begin their hunt for an eighth Africa Cup of Nations title when they face Mozambique at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium on Sunday.

The Pharaohs, beaten finalists at AFCONs 2017 and 2021, aim to end their drought at the finals, while Os Mambas are featuring at the continental showpiece for the first time since 2010.

The game will KickOff at 17:00 GMT.

Match preview

Rui Vitoria may have preached caution heading into AFCON 2023, but the Pharaohs are driven by defeats suffered at the deciding fixtures in the 2017 and 2021 tournaments.

Mohamed Salah, the team’s talisman, was involved in both losses against Cameroon and Senegal, failing to take a kick in the penalty shootout disappointment to the Lions of Teranga as Egypt’s chase for another African title was unsuccessful.

The Liverpool star, who would have been the Pharaohs’ fifth penalty taker against the Lions, has stated the importance of victory in the Ivory Coast, and the forward should play a pivotal role in how the seven-time winners fare in the competition.

Vitoria’s men were one of the top sides in qualifying, losing only one of their six fixtures — a 2-0 defeat against Ethiopia — and conceding only three times as the North African side kept four clean sheets.

Egypt lost only one game throughout 2023 — a 3-1 friendly loss to Tunisia — and they started 2024 positively with a 2-0 victory over Tanzania on January 7 in a tune-up game for the finals.

A repeat against a side 78 places below them in the FIFA rankings would be just what the doctor ordered for the Pharaohs.

As for their opponents, Mozambique are inexperienced at this level despite participating in four AFCONs — 1986, 1996, 1998 and 2010.

The Mambas comfortably finished second in qualifying, four points behind defending African champions Senegal, to make it to their first Cup of Nations since the finals in Angola 14 years ago.

Chiquinho Conde deserves credit for masterminding their journey to this stage, having seen Mozambique fail to qualify for six consecutive tournaments.

Whether they make it out of a group containing Ghana and Cape Verde remains to be seen, but their history of not winning a game at AFCON dilutes optimism before a ball is kicked.

Os Mambas have lost 10 of their 12 games at previous editions, a statistic that underscores the task facing Chiquinho.

Egypt form (all competitions):

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Mozambique form (all competitions)

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Team News

Salah was involved in four of Egypt’s 10 goals in qualifying, with Mostafa Mohamed a close second (three), and the pair should start on Sunday.

Trezeguet should complete the Pharaohs’ attack, while Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny should anchor the team’s midfield.

Mozambique currently have no reported injury worries, and the Mambas are expected to utilise a 4-2-3-1 or 4-3-3 against the seven-time winners.

Clesio Bauque was Os Mambas’ joint-top scorer with Geny Catamo on two goals in qualifying, and both could play a part against Egypt, with the former possibly starting.

Egypt possible starting lineup:
El-Shenawy; Kamal, Hegazy, Abdelmonem, Fatouh; Ashour, Elneny, Attia; Salah, Mohamed, Trezeguet

Mozambique possible starting lineup:
Ernan; Macandza, Mexer, Malembana, Langa; Guima, Shaquille; Lourenco, Domingues, Clesio; King

We say: Egypt 3-0 Mozambique

While Mozambique may back themselves to secure a shock result, Egypt’s superior quality should lead to a comfortable win for the Pharaohs on Sunday.

Source: Sportsmole.co.uk

Nigeria‘s bid for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title starts with Sunday’s encounter against Equatorial Guinea at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium.

The Super Eagles hope to remain competitive despite being forced into making several changes before their first game because of injuries, and the Nzalang Nacional aim to continue the record of always qualifying from their group.

The game will KickOff at 14:00 GMT.

Match preview

The preparation by Jose Peseiro‘s Nigeria has been shabby, while their on-field performances inspire little confidence that a fourth title is imminent before Sunday’s opening fixture against Equatorial Guinea.

Nigeria have flattered to deceive despite the recognition of their attacking talent, and missing the 2022 World Cup disappointed observers, as they fell to a Ghana side that exited AFCON 2021 at the group stage a couple of months before the double-header between the West African neighbours.

The Super Eagles did not fare any better at the previous AFCON, eliminated in the round of 16 after Moses Simon‘s inspired performances in the group stage gave way when the three-time African champions faced a coherent team in Tunisia in the first knockout round.

Victor Osimhen is the nation’s undoubted best player heading into this tournament, and the current African Footballer of the Year, who ended as the leading scorer in qualifying (10 goals), should be pivotal to the Super Eagles’ prospects in Group A.

Peseiro’s men lost their final friendly game before the Cup of Nations – a 2-0 loss to Guinea – which has resurrected doubts about the Portuguese manager’s tactical ability and the squad’s imbalance before their tournament opener.

As for the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea, continuing their impressive record of progressing to the last eight whenever they participate at the continental showpiece motivates them before Sunday’s fixture.

While it should be noted that two of the three times the Equatoguineans thrived came in tournaments they either co-hosted or outright hosted, the tiny West African country flourished at AFCON 2021 in Cameroon to reach the quarter-finals.

Juan Micha‘s men go into this year’s finals in outstanding form, going undefeated throughout 2023 and claiming victories in World Cup qualifying games against Namibia and Liberia without conceding a goal.

The Nzalang Nacional’s top victory of the previous year came in their 1-0 success over Tunisia in AFCON qualifying, giving them confidence in securing another shock victory against a Nigeria side whose competence has been questioned.

Success is far from assured, but the Equatoguineans have nothing to fear against the Super Eagles, who are less than the sum of their parts.

Nigeria form (all competitions):

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Equatorial Guinea form (all competitions):

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Team News

Peseiro has had to deal with several forced withdrawals — Wilfred Ndidi, Victor Boniface, and Sadiq Umar have been replaced on the eve of their first game because of injury — while Kelechi Iheanacho is doubtful.

While Bayer Leverkusen’s frontman was primed to partner Osimhen in a 4-4-2, Alex Iwobi was expected to play alongside Ndidi in midfield, and it remains to be seen how Peseiro rejigs his side.

Much has been made about Peseiro’s preference for Francis Uzoho, but the goalkeeper should retain his starting berth.

Emilio Nsue will be pivotal to Equatorial Guinea’s hopes of success at AFCON 2021, and the striker should lead the line in Micha’s 4-2-3-1.

A possible threat to the Super Eagles is Jose Machin, whose ball-carrying could disrupt Nigeria’s flawed organisation out of possession.

Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Uzoho; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Chukwueze, Iwobi, Onyeka, Simon; Moffi, Osimhen

Equatorial Guinea possible starting lineup:
Owono; Akapo, Anieboh, Orozco, Ndong; Ganet, Bikoro; Miranda, Machin, Salvador; Nsue

We say: Nigeria 1-1 Equatorial Guinea

Unbeaten in 11 competitive and non-competitive games, Equatorial Guinea should make that 12 against a Super Eagles side heavily reliant on Osimhen to deliver the goods.

Source: Sportsmole.co.uk

Côte d’Ivoire’s National Football team has defeated Guinea-Bissau by 2-0 in the opening game of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Hosts Côte d’Ivoire were quick to score their opening goal, opening the scoring in the fourth minute of the match through Seko Fofana.

Jean-Philippe Krasso then scored his team’s second goal in the 58th minute of the game.

The Ivorian squad put in a strong performance throughout the game, dominating possession of the ball by a whopping 61%.

The game, which took place at the Alassane Ouattara stadium in Abidjan, marked the first game of matchday 1 of the group stage.

The tournament’s draw has placed the two teams in group A, alongside Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.

Following today’s game, the host country will lock horns with Nigeria on January 18 and Equatorial Guinea on January 2022.

The ongoing AFCON marks Côte d’Ivoire’s 25th appearance at the continental tournament, the second highest number of participations after Egypt’s 26 appearances.

According to CAF, the opening match is Côte d’Ivoire’s 100th AFCON match, becoming the third team to reach the mark after Egypt and Ghana.

The West African country is keen on clinching the 2023 AFCON trophy for the third time, which they last won in 1992 and 2015.

Today’s game followed a spectacular opening ceremony of the tournament. The event featured a mesmerizing display of African culture, music, and football passion.

It included diverse performances from local dancers and singers, as well as performances from artists from across the continent.

In addition, Franco-Ivorian group Magic System, Nigerian singer Yemi Alade, and Egyptian star Mohamed Ramadan performed the 2023AFCON anthem “Akwaba.”

© Morocco World News