Aubameyang African Player of the Year

Manchester City midfielder Yaya Touré missed out on a fifth successive African Player of the Year award as his reign was ended by Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Ivory Coast international Touré was edged out by the Gabon and Borussia Dortmund striker Aubameyang, who polled 143 voting points to Toure’s 136 among national coaches.

Aubameyang scored 41 goals and claimed 11 assists for his club and country during 2015, including 18 strikes in 17 Bundesliga games this season.

The 26-year-old winner wrote on Instagram: “Thanks to my Father and Mother thanks to my son and his Mom thanks to my family to my friends to my teammates @bvb09 and from Gabon national team thanks to my fans and thanks God and everybody.”

Touré, who won the African Nations Cup with his country last February, was sorry to miss out on extending his streak at the ceremony in Abuja, Nigeria, on Thursday night.

He said: “I’m quite disappointed, but I don’t want to complain too much. I just want to give credit to Aubameyang – you’ve been doing brilliantly well this year.”

The Swansea and Ghana forward André Ayew finished third in the poll with 112 points.

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Francois Zahoui Ready for Final

Cote d’Ivoire coach Francois Zahoui is satisfied with his team reaching the final of 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations, where they are due to face Zambia on Sunday in Libreville, Gabon.

For Zahoui, his satisfaction won’t be complete without the title, which has eluded the Elephants since 1992.

“We took a giant step by reaching the grand final and my joy will be complete when win the title. We are just one step away from that feat.”

“Achieving this success is the result of hard work from all stakeholders; the Football Association, supporters, technical staff and playing body. I’m lucky to have these talented and experienced players having participated in the last three editions of the Africa Cup of Nations. I can see determination in their eyes. They want to lift to the trophy.”

Zahoui, 51, considered back -to-back victories at the quarters and semis means getting closer to their target.

“If you want to win the title, you have to keep winning. It’s not about performing exceptionally. The most important thing is winning.

“We came here for that and have the experience to achieve it. The pitch will decide and the results are our target. We have won all our matches and is left with the key game.”

Zahoui recalls that they are primed for the title, which they last won in 1992 after a clean sheet in their previous matches at the tournament.

On Zambia, the Ivorian said: “Zambia is a big team and have a strong squad with good player. They are enthusiastic and play with high spirits and are not in the final by coincidence. It was unexpected but they deserve to be here and they a good coach too.”

Zahoui added that his players are ready for the game in their quest to break the jinx.

“It will be a balanced game and we will play only to win. It’s the same story with Zambia, but I know how to tackle them.

“My players are ready and highly motivated to win the title. This generation has failed several times and now they have the chance,” Zahoui concluded.

Mayuka Sends Zambia to Final

Substitute Emmanuel Mayuka scored 12 minutes from time to seal Zambia a shock 1-0 win over four-time champions Ghana and a place in the Africa Cup of Nations 2012 final.

The goal came against the run of play with Isaac Chansa setting up the 20-year-old striker, whose shot from outside the penalty area flew past goalkeeper Adam Kwarasey into the corner of the net.

Zambia will now go to Libreville for an emotional showdown with Côte d’Ivoire or Mali on Sunday. It will be the third final appearance by the Copper Bullets after losing to Zaire after a replay in 1974 and to Nigeria 20 years later with a team built in just 12 months.

Midfielder Derek Boateng was sent off seven minutes from time after a second booking to leave Ghana battling on with ten men in a tense finish as Zambia clung to the slender advantage.

Ghana made three changes from the team that edged Tunisia in a bruising last-eight match three days ago with Lee Addy, Derek Boateng and Jordan Ayew replacing Alhassan Masawudu, injured Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu and Sulley Muntari.

Addy was one of only two outfield players in the 23-man squad who had taken no part in the previous four matches, while Boateng made his first start and Ayew his second.

After making only one change in their previous four outings, Zambia coach Herve Renard dropped Chisamba Lungu and Mayuka from the side that convincingly defeated Sudan and brought in Francis Kasonde and James Chamanga.

Ghana had won two and Zambia one of three CAF Africa Cup of Nations matches between the two countries, with their last meeting 16 years ago in Johannesburg seeing the Copper Bullets score the lone goal in a third place play-off.

The Black Stars were favourites this time, however, and the early exchanges backed that view with the four-time champions squandering a great chance to take an early lead when Asamoah Gyan failed to convert a penalty. Awarded for a foul on Kwadwo Asamoah by Davies Nkausu, Gyan did not strike the spot-kick with great power and Kennedy Mweene guessed correctly, diving to his left to push the ball away.

Gyan, whose three goals were instrumental in Ghana reaching the 2010 final, was not at his sharpest and shot timidly at Mweene soon after when put through by Andre Ayew. Jordan Ayew, younger brother of Andre and son of Ghana legendy Abedi 'Pele' Ayew, was another culprit when he broke free inside the box but failed to connect with a delicate chip over the defence.

With the Black Stars doing most of the pressing, scoring chances for the Copper Bullets were few and far between although captain Christopher Katongo should have done better than blaze wide when set up by Rainford Kalaba.

Renard had a change of mind at half-time regarding his lone striker and introduced Mayuka for Chamanga, hoping the young Switzerland-based star could add to his two goals tallied early in the tournament.

However, the goalmouth action continued to be largely at the end guarded by Mweene, who had to get down smartly when Jordan Ayew unleashed a low, close-range shot. Ghana looked more likely to break the deadlock as the second half wore on and they suffered a blow when injury-prone captain John Mensah was forced to retire with Isaac Vorsah coming on.

Mayuka proved his side's match-winner, though, with time ticking down in the game when he turned and perfectly placed his shot beyond a diving Adam Larsen against the run of play. Ghana then had Boateng sent off for a second caution with six minutes to go as they crashed out at the semi-final stage for the third consecutive tournament.

Mali Lose Out to Ivory Coast

The Ivory Coast secured a place in the African Nations Cup final after Gervinho's solo goal saw them past Mali on Wednesday night in Libreville.

The Elephants will return to the same venue on Sunday seeking their second title after the Arsenal forward ran from his own half and slotted home.

His side's defence then kept their opponents at bay in the second half to ensure their progression to the final for the third time.

Siaka Tiene delivered a free-kick from the right and Didier Drogba's downward header bounced up and struck the top of the post.

Goalkeeper Soumaila Diakite, beaten to the ball by Drogba for that chance, then misjudged the bounce of the Chelsea striker's free-kick and was fortunate when the ball bounced into his face and around the post.

He was beaten at his near post by Yaya Toure's powerful drive but again saw the ball rebound to safety off the woodwork.

Mali's first chance fell to Cheick Diabate but Jean-Jaques Gosso made a goal-saving challenge and Sambou Yatabare could not convert the rebound.

Salomon Kalou then poked wide after creditably staying on his feet under a challenge in the penalty area, and Drogba scuffed a shot wide after holding off two defenders.

But Gervinho put the Elephants ahead on the stroke of half-time when he tricked his way past Ousmane Berthe on the halfway line, burst unchallenged into the penalty area and finished coolly.

Diabate chanced his arm from distance early in the second period, but keeper Boubacar Barry saved and held onto the ball as he collided with the post.

Barry's efforts were matched by opposite number Diakite, who tipped over Kalou's goalbound effort.

Yatabare shot just over for Mali, his last contribution before he gave way to Garra Dembele.

Toure twice went close and Diakite saved with his feet from Drogba, and Mali did not seriously threaten an equaliser in the closing stages.

Giresse Sees Mali Final Chance

Cote D’Ivoire will take on Mali on Wednesday as both sides clash in the Orange CAF African Cup of Nations semi final. The game kickoff is 5:00 PM local time at Libreville, Gabon.

Both Elephants and Eagles qualified on the expense of the co-hosts. Cote D’Ivoire defeated Equatorial Guinea 3-0 while Mali needed penalty shootout to see off Gabon after regular and extra time ended in a 1-1 draw.

Mali who participated in the finals 7 times before is looking for their first ever title, as their best achievement was being runner ups in 1972, while the Ivoirians are dreaming of a second title to be added to their only trophy in 1992.

Cote D’Ivoire had a rest day after their quarter final game as their manager Francois Zahoui feared his players’ fatigue on his way for the title. On the other side his counterpart Alain Giresse refused to do the same for his players and had a light training session after his team guaranteed their semi final spot.

Zahoui seemed satisfied with his team’s performance so far in the competition. “I’m happy with my boys and what they’ve done till now. We’re moving steadily towards our ultimate goal which is the title. We came here not only to participate but to win the trophy, and we’re capable of that”, Zahoui said.

The Elephants manager praised his captain Didier Drogba saying “I’m convinced with my players especially Drogba who has been awesome. I see he gives all his best on and off pitch. He’s a unique player and made the difference for us”.

Mali manager Alain Giresse also praised his players’ performance so far despite suffering many absentees during their quarter final clash against Gabon, saying that he admired the way both teams played. The Frenchman insisted his team will do anything to qualify for the grand final.

Katongo Hopes for Zambia

For Zambia captain, Christopher Katongo, they are faced with their best moment to win the Africa Cup of Nations title which has remained elusive as far as the Chipolopolos are concerned.

The Zambians will meet Ghana’s Black Stars for a place at the final on Wednesday at the Estadio de Bata and for Katongo, there can be no better time again to lay their hands on the Holy Grail of African football.

According to the 29-year old forward on the books of Chinese side, Henan Construction, they are “psychologically and physical prepared for the match. The issue of tactics remains with the coach.”

The army officer whose impressive performance at the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations has earned him an elevation to the rank of Warrant Officer Class One by Zambian President, Michael Sata is optimistic the Ghanaians cannot stand on their path to the final.

“It will be an interesting game due to the similarities between the playing styles of the two teams. Ghana is a strong team and we respect them. The only difference is that the Ghanaians have popular players, but it will be 11 against 11.”

The confident oozing Katongo is excited at his first ever game against the Black Stars and is relishing the challenge.

“To be honest, I like challenges. If you want to be at the top, you have to beat those there. This is a good opportunity for the players to make our name. It is a challenge to move a step further. This is our time.

“The challenge is to be at the top and we have to prove we deserve to be amongst the tops. The Ghanaian would also want to prove that they are champions and that will make the game interesting.”

Zambia, yet to win the flagship African football event were losing finalists in 1974 (Egypt) and 1994 (Tunisia).

Mali End Gabon Campaign

Mali send co-hosts Gabon packing out of the competition after beating them 5-4 on penalties in their quarter final clash on Sunday in Libreville.

The Malians came from behind to hold the Eagles to a 1-1 draw of the tie that failed to produce a winner after 120 minutes. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the star of the Gabonese team turned villain as he failed to score from the spot whilst veteran Seydou Keita netted the decisive kick as the Eagles soared into the last four of the tournament.

The Panthers were cruising to victory after Eric Mouloungui shot them into the lead on 55 minutes only for substitute Cheick Tidiane Diabate to draw level six minutes from time. It marked the first time since 2004 that Mali had reached the medal zone where they are due to face Cote d’Ivoire next Wednesday at the same venue.

Gabon joined fellow co-hosts Equatorial Guinea in bidding farewell to the competition but it was a painful scene for the former who were five minutes away from playing at the last four of the tournament.

The tactically disciplined Malians never allowed the Gabonese to play their normal game keeping Aubameyang at bay in the opening minutes. The co-hosts managed to weave through the Malian defence by beating the offside traps. 

On 28 minutes, Aubameyang was put through by Daniel Cousin, and he shot past Malian goalie Soumaila Diakite but his effort kissed the upright in what was the best chance of the first half.

The tempo of the game was at a constant in the second half and Gabon took the lead through Mouloungi who connected in from an Aubameyang cross. The Panthers remained in control whilst the Malians came into the picture gradually. Six minutes from time, Diabate stunned the crowd at the Stade de l’Amitie with the equalizer by firing in on the turn from close range.

The tie had to be decided on penalties after failing to produce a winner in extra time.

During penalties, Diabate, Mustapha Yatabare, Cedric Kante, Bakaye Traore and Keita scored for the Malians whilst Andre Biyogo, Bruno Mbanangoye, Mouloungi and Bruno Ecuele Manga found target for the Gabonese

Bashir Breaks Sudan Curse

Sudan had not scored a goal at the Africa Cup of Nations for 36-years, and it took the relatively unknown Mohamed Ahmed Bashir to break that seemingly ‘curse.’

The last time the 1970 African champions hit the back of the net at the flagship African football tournament was on March 6, 1976, in a 1-1 draw with DR Congo (then Zaire). Legend Ali Gagarine scored for the Desert Hawks whilst Mulumba N’daye netted for the Congolese.

After drawing blank at the 2008 edition in Ghana, which was their first ever appearance in 32-years; Bashir rewrote the history books with a brace in their 2-2 draw against Angola in Malabo at the group phase. 

“It is an unbelievable feeling to break a record that existed for so long a time. I’m very proud of that achievement and this is just the beginning of good things to come,” the shy-looking forward told Cafonline.com at his team’s hotel in Bata.

The two goals will later play an integral role as the Desert Hawks sealed historic place at the quarter finals thanks to a 2-1 win over Burkina Faso on goal difference, after Angola slipped to a 0-2 loss to Cote d’Ivoire in the other Group B clash. For Bashir, the flavour of qualification was already circulating in their camp after snatching a vital point of Angola.

“We were motivated by the fact we could do more after breaking the goal jinx. We were determined to achieve it and it’s a dream come true for the team and all Sudanese. Now, we want to go as far as we can.”

Nine years ago, Bashir was on the streets of Khartoum with his peers struggling to make ends meet. He was lucky to have been discovered by officials of local side Al Mourada whilst playing on the streets, and he will spend five booming seasons with the third force of Sudanese football. In 2010, he was signed on by Omdurman giants, Al Hilal, and he would soon be capped at international level.

The next moment he is playing at the Africa Cup of Nations, sharing the same platform with the finest African footballers and he attributes the soaring level in his career to hard work and determination.

“The chance to play for the national team was a dream come true. To play at the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations was an unbelievable feeling, and to score my country’s first goal at the finals in 36-years is simply too much for me. I strongly believe these will spur me on to greater height in my career.”

For the 28-year old, his participation in the recent CECAFA Cup in Dar es Salaam (Tanzania) last year was the perfect tonic that has fuelled his impressive outing at the tournament.

“I’m very grateful to CECAFA for the opportunity to play at the championships last year in Tanzania. It was a perfect preparation for me and my team and the results are there for all to see.”

Not only is Sudan the only team from the CECAFA region at the 28th edition of the showpiece African football event, the Desert Hawks are also the only team fielding an entire squad of locally-based players. Bashir says there are positive s and minuses regarding that, and he is hoping to land his breakthrough of playing abroad after the tournament.

“One of my dreams has always been to play in Europe or abroad and every member of the team shares the same vision. We hope the tournament will open that door for us.”

On the competition, the striker is the least surprised about the exit of big guns such as Senegal and Morocco insisting “the standard has been very high. The Africa Cup of Nations is big competition and one of the most sought after in world football.

“I’m not surprised at the results so far. The message is that Africa football has grown. If you play very well, you can win any game.”

Sudan will face Zambia in the quarter final clash on Saturday in Bata.

Mali Make it to Quarters

Mali progressed into the quarterfinals of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations after second half goals from Garra Dembele and Seydou Keita handed them a 2-1 win over Botswana in Libreville.

The Eagles had to come from behind after Mogakolodi Ngele had put the Zebras into a shock lead early in the second half, but the combination of their win and the draw between Ghana and Guinea was enough to clinch a place in the knockout rounds from a tightly-contested Group D.

Botswana went into this game hoping to put to bed the memories of that 6-1 defeat to Guinea behind them with a positive performance. While The Zebras could have qualified for the last eight, they needed an incredible score line to do that.

Botswana were put under pressure early in this game, as they had every man behind the ball as Mali played with confidence.

The Eagles’ Modibo Maiga did well to turn his marker inside out but his cross was over-hit when a goal looked certain in the 15th minute.

Again in the 26th minute, Maiga, who had been seeing a lot of the ball out wide for much of the match, got his head to a deep cross but failed to keep the effort on target under pressure from the Botswana defence.

Bakaye Traore with wasted a great scoring opportunity to round off a super build up for Mali, although the ball did bobble horribly just as he hit his shot from the edge of the box. There must have been 30 passes on the edge of the Botswana box as the Eagles tried to find space in which to attack.

In the 42nd minute, Abdou Traore found some magic in his feet with a fantastic turn as he tried to open up the Botswana defence, but to no avail, before Drissa Diakite drove in a fierce cross that Marumo did well to palm away. The Zebras showed great discipline in defence.

In the second half, the Zebras looked a lot more attack minded in the opening minutes and it came as no surprise when they opened the scoring. In the 51st minute, Mogakolodi Ngele powered the ball into the back of the net with his left foot after latching on to a great cross from the right-hand side from Moemedi Moatlhaping to make it 1-0.

But Botswana’s happiness did not last long as Mali responded within a matter of minutes. Garra Dembele restored parity from close range for the Eagles.

A great cross from Traore from the left-hand side was headed on target by Maiga and it was well saved by Marumo, but Dembele was first to react and smashed the ball home from just outside the Botswana six-yard box.

In the 68th minute, Coulibaly smashed the ball against the crossbar after an incredible run following a link up with Dembele. The substitute raced into the box before unleashing a bullet of a shot.

Seydou Keita renewed his side's hope of progressing with a super finish in the 75th minute. The Barcelona man curled the ball into the top left-hand corner of the net after linking up with substitute Diabate, who just managed to poke the ball back to his teammate with Motlhabankwe unable to clear the ball while sitting on the deck.

After the goal, every Botswana player was behind the ball as they attempted to stifle the Mali frontline, who were buoyed by their goal and went in search of another.

Phenyo Mongala’s late influenced did not repay the Zebras as Mali went on to win 2-1.

Belhanda Morocco Goal Not Enough

Morocco bowed out of the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations on a high note after beating Niger 1-0 in their Group C encounter on Tuesday in Libreville.

Younes Belhanda scored the only goal of the match on 79 minutes to hand the Atlas Lions a winning note to their not impressive campaign at the tournament.

There was nothing at stake for both teams as they were playing for academic purposes but were bent on bowing out of the competition on a positive note.

The fact that there were no major changes in the line ups of the two teams affirmed the importance both teams attached to the ultimate matches of the group phase.

After a barren first half, both teams lifted up their game in their quest to score and lighten up the game.

But it was Morocco, who scored what turned out to be winner in the closing stages to seal the three points through Belhanda.

By the victory, the Atlas Lions finished on three points, six points adrift of leaders Gabon, who beat Tunisia 1-0 in Franceville. Tunisia followed on six points with Niger at the bottom pointless.

Drogba Helps Ivory Coast Top Table

Angola choose the wrong day to put up a Luke-warm performance and it cost them a place in the Orange Africa Nations Cup after the 2-0 loss to Ivory Coast opened the door for Sudan 2-1 winners over Burkina Faso to pip Palancas Negras at the post. Angola finished on four points with Sudan but the Desert Hawks’ scored enough goals to overtake Angola

Ivory Coast made several changes to the team that started the first two matches with quarter final place already assured. The changed Ivorian side proved a handful for Angola who just did not bring their A game on the night. In the end the Palancas Negras were so disjointed that they even contributed to their own downfall with defender Dani Massunguna in a miscommunication beat his own goalkeeper with a header that Wilfred Bony gladly helped on for Ivory Coast’s second goal. 

Before that Emmanuel Eboue had put Ivory Coast in the lead in the 33rd minute from just a meter out after Angolan defender Miguel had failed to clear from a cross and had the ball stuck between his legs and when the ball fell kindly to Eboue he put it away.

Angola had possession for a good part of the game and had some chances too but it was not the Angola that imposed its style in the early games. Palancas Negras was largely unchanged side with only two players, Wilson in goal for suspended Carlos Fernandes and Dede coming in for veteran Flavio. The cohesion and usual sharpness was lacking and star striker Manucho was quiet by his standards. Even when down by two goals the urgency did not seem to be a priority for Angola and Angola coach Lito brought in Jose Vunguidica for Djalma and the change did breathe some life into the attack but the real threat for goals was still missing.

It was Ivory Coast who almost added to the score Bamba missed with his head from meters out after a flick from Lolo. At the other end Mateus wanted more time when he had a chance in Ivorian box and the delay led to recovery by defenders and Angola only got a corner.

There were a few more chances for both sides as the game opened up with Angola perhaps aware of Sudan’s lead went in search of a goal which wasn’t coming. Manucho‘s head back across goal found no taker. 

Didier Drogba came on for Ivory Coast towards the co-favourites made sure they finished top of the group on maximum points and will now meet co-hosts Equatorial Guinea in the quarter final while Sudan who edged Angola to the second place face Zambia in the other quarter final.

Orange African Cup of Nations 2012

Libya Go Home Despite Win

Ihaab Boussefi's two goals were not enough to send Libya through to the quarter-finals at the Africa Cup of Nations despite a 2-1 win over Senegal on Sunday.

Boussefi struck in the fifth and 84th minutes to give Libya victory at the Estadio de Bata but Zambia's 1-0 win over the co-hosts Equatorial Guinea in Group A's other game in Malabo – which was played at the same time – saw the Zambians progress.

The striker's double did give Libya their first victory at the Cup of Nations in 30 years, however, and the country's first win in the competition on foreign soil.

Libya reached the final of the African Cup at home in 1982, then had two defeats and a draw at their only other appearance six years ago.

Boussefi's early goal raised hopes of an unlikely quarter-final place for Libya, who needed a win combined with a defeat for Zambia to have any chance. He finished neatly after being set up by Ahmed Sa'ad.

Deme Ndiaye equalised with a glancing header from a corner in the 11th minute for Senegal, who were playing for pride alone after defeats in their opening two games.

Boussefi claimed a late winner with a sweetly struck volley six minutes from time but Zambia progressed as group winners ahead of Equatorial Guinea, who had already qualified.

The Libyans still go home with a win from a tournament they were never expected to reach after they emerged from chaos and civil war at home during the qualifying competition to make the finals.

For Senegal it was a third straight defeat at the tournament and a humiliating end to their Cup of Nations after being tipped as possible contenders. They lost all three games by 2-1 to exit the tournament without a point for the first time in their history.