Africa Cup of Nations

MORROCO have beaten Malawi for a place in the AFCON quarter-final.The Atlas Lions made a disastrous start as an incredible Gabadinho Mhango strike gave the underdogs the lead.
However, Youssef En-Neysri got the crucial equaliser on the stroke of half time.
And Achraf Hakimi put the Moroccans on course for the quarter-final with a brilliant free kick.
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That’s all from the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium
Morocco book their place in the quarter finals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a deserved win against a determined Malawi side.
This evening’s fixture was not short of any action, with two potential goal of the season contenders.
The Atlas Lions will now take on either Ivory Coast or Egypt in the next game, which will likely be their toughest challenge yet.
Thank you for reading, and goodnight!
Eyes on the Quarter-Final
Morocco now progress to the quarter finals of the competition where they will face the winner of Ivory Coast vs Egypt, which takes place tomorrow afternoon.
The next round of the Africa Cup of Nations is due to be played at the weekend.
Goal of the tournament?
Despite Malawi’s loss, Gabadinho Mhango will be more than satisfied with his opening goal.
The striker was at least 30 yards out when he unleashed his stunning strike, which is sure to be a serious contender for goal of the tournament.
Full Time – Morocco 2-1 Malawi
Morocco have proven that they have the potential to go all the way in this tournament.
The Atlas Lions were abundant in creativity this evening but lacked efficiency in front of goal.
Full Time – Morocco 2-1 Malawi
Hakimi continues to stand out as one of the best players at this year’s tournament.
He created numerous goalscoring opportunities throughout the game and his world-class free kick perfectly encapsulates his outstanding form.
Credit: AFP
Full Time – Morocco 2-1 Malawi
Malawi took the early lead through a wonderstrike from Mhango, but it didn’t take long for Morocco to respond.
The Atlas Lions threw absolutely everything at the opposition and eventually got their reward just seconds before half time with an En-Nesyri header.
Hakimi then stole the headlines with 20 minutes to go as he converted an outstanding free kick from long range to secure the place in the final eight.
Whilst it is Morocco who progress, Mario Marinica will undoubtedly be proud of his team who had made it to the round-of-16 in the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in their history.
Credit: AFP
Full Time – Morocco 2-1 Malawi
Morocco book their place in the quarter-finals!
Malawi put in a great performance, but were ultimately outclassed by their opponents.
Credit: AFP
90. Morocco 2-1 Malawi
Four minutes to be added on…
Morocco give away a cheap free kick which is launched straight into the box by Phiri Jr.
Aguerd manages to head it away, winning a free kick in the process.
87. Morocco 2-1 Malawi
There is another change for Morocco.
En-Nesyri is replaced by Abouklal.
Vahid Halilhodzic’s side have just two more minutes to hold onto the lead.
85. Morocco 2-1 Malawi
Just five minutes to go.
Morocco look like they could clinch another.
A corner is sent into the box and finds Aguerd, who is completely unmarked.
The defender rises before heading towards goal, but his effort is off target.
80. Morocco 2-1 Malawi
Morocco are next to make a change.
Boufal makes way for El-Haddadi.
Louza makes way for Barkok.
78. Morocco 2-1 Malawi
Malawi make a triple substitution.
Fodya, Davie and Ngalande come on.
Madinga, Sanudi and Idana come off.
75. Morocco 2-1 Malawi
Morocco are in complete control of the game now.
Malawi have just 15 minutes to find the equaliser.
The next goal is crucial.
70. Morocco 2-1 Malawi
Morocco have a free kick from 25 yards out.
Hakimi steps up to take it and unleashes a beautiful strike into the top right corner.
No goalkeeper would’ve saved that!
WHAT. A. FINISH!
Credit: Reuters
69. GOAAAAALLLLLLL MOROCCO!
What a finish from Hakimi!
66. Morocco 1-1 Malawi
There are calls for a penalty from Morocco as Chembezi slides to block Hakimi’s cross but the ball deflects off of his arm.
Despite VAR checks no penalty is given and the game continues.
62. Morocco 1-1 Malawi
Malawi have a fantastic chance to take the lead again!
Madinga crosses the ball into Mbulu but the striker completely misses the header.
This game could go either way!
60. Morocco 1-1 Malawi
Sanudi is booked for a late challenge on Boufal and Morocco have a free kick in a very positive position.
Boufal takes the kick but it is headed clear.
54. Morocco 1-1 Malawi
Morocco have made their first change.
El Kaabi has made way for Mmaee.
52. Morocco 1-1 Malawi
Malawi are struggling to maintain possession of the ball.
The tactics seem to be to launch the long ball over to Mhango in the hope of catching the defence out, but Morocco are handling the pressure well.
47. Morocco 1-1 Malawi
Boufal heads straight towards goal as he cuts in from the right, but his shot is way off target.
Morocco have continued their positive momentum from the latter stages of the first half.
Kick off – Morocco 1-1 Malawi
We’re underway for the second half!
Malawi have made another substitution.
Mbulu has replaced Muyaba.
Half Time – Morocco 1-1 Malawi
Malawi were forced into a change just before half time.
Mhone has picked up an injury and will be replaced by Gerald Phiri Jr.
Half Time – Morocco 1-1 Malawi
The standout performer of the half has to be Thom, who made some exceptional saves to prevent the equaliser for so long.
The pressure was too much in the end for the Malawi defence to handle, but they are certainly still in this game
Credit: Rex
Half Time – Morocco 1-1 Malawi
A spectacular early goal from Mhango is cancelled out in the final seconds of the half by En-Nesyri.
A sucker punch for Malawi, who have done well so far to keep the opposition at bay.
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SENEGAL take on Cape Verde in the last-16 of AFCON 2022, with Sadio Mane’s side one of the favourites to reach the final stages of the competition. The Lions of Teranga have yet to lose a game this tournament but Cape Verde are sure to put up a very stern test.

Start time: 4pm GMT
TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event
Live stream: Sky Go/NOW TV
Senegal XI: Mendy, Ciss, Diallo, Koulibaly, Sarr, P. Gueye, Mendy, I. Gueye, Dia, Diedhiou, Mane.
Cape Verde XI: Vozinha, S Fortes, Lopes, Stopira, J Fortes, Andrade, Tavares, Rocha Santos, Rodrigeus, Monteiro, Mendes.

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Senegal 0 Cape Verde 0
5. Senegal play the corner short to Mane.
He looks for the oncoming run into the box like they have no doubt practiced over and over on the training ground.
The pass is easily cut out by the defence.
Back to the drawing board.
Senegal 0 Cape Verde 0
3. Senegal are straight out of the blocks here.
In the opening minutes they are playing high-tempo, fast paced football looking to breach the Cape Verde defence early.
Aliou Cisse stands on the line getting his instructions across.
It seems strange to wear a face mask in such an open space.
I wonder if it is difficult getting his message across, mouth covered.
Senegal 0 Cape Verde 0
1. Mane threads a pass from inside his own half down the left hand channel.
He continues his run into the box and is eventually found with a lay-off on the penalty spot.
He side-foots the effort with pace and it thunders back off the post.
The keeper was beaten.
Big chance.
Senegal 0 Cape Verde 0
1. And we are underway.
Senegal kick off.
Time to find out who wants to be in those quarter finals more.
Follow the leader
As the teams stream out of the tunnel and onto the pitch, they line up awaiting the national anthems.
Moments to go before another day of AFCON action……
First AFCON meeting
These two sides have never met in the tournament before.
They last met in a 2021 friendly, Senegal winning 2-0 with goals from Idrissa Gueye and Sadio Mane.
The first twenty minutes is going to be key for both sides for differing reasons.
Senegal drought
It has to be a worry for Aliou Cisse that his side has only scored one goal in three games so far at AFCON.
They have yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
If Mane is not firing, you wonder where the goals are going to come from.
No fear
‘Facing a team like Senegal is added motivation because the match is like a derby.’
Cape Verde manager, Pedro Brito
Cape Verde subs:
Monteiro Sanches Borges, Oliviera Borges, Varela Semedo, G Tavares, Brazao Sosa, dos Santos Rodrigues, Furtado, J Tavares, Kevin Sousa, Moreira Fernandes, Semedo Afonso, Spinola Lima.
Cape Verde team:
Vozinha, S Fortes, Lopes, Santos Tavares, J Fortes, Andrade, Rocha Santos, Tavares dos Santos, Rodrigues, Mendes, Alvarenga.
Senegal subs:
Dieng, Cisse, Balde Diao, H Diallo, Toure, Lopy, Dieng, P Sarr, Mbaye, Gomis, Name, Thiam.
Senegal team:
E Mendy, B Sarr, Koulibaly, A Diallo, Ciss, Dia, I Gueye, N Mendy, P Gueye, Diedhiou, Mane.
Lions roar
Having won the silver medal in the 2019 AFCON tournament, the Teranga Lions will be looking to go one better this time out.
Senegal have won 3 out of 4 knockout games they have played at AFCON.
Their only defeat coming in the final against Algeria.
Shark-infested waters
Cape Verde beat ten-man Ethiopia in their opening group game 1-0.
Defeat to Burkina Faso (1-0) was followed by a draw with Cameroon (1-1) to go through as one of the highest ranked third-place teams.
The Blue Sharks will feel they have nothing to lose with Senegal firm favourites.
Favourites faultering
As the bookies’ favourite to win the tournament, Senegal have failed to impress so far.
Sadio Mane’s 97th minute penalty gave the Teranga Lions a slender win against Zimbabwe in their opening game.
Two goalless draws against Guinea and Malawi then followed.
Despite their performances, Senegal topped their group with five points.
Welcome back AFCON fans
The round of 16 has not failed to entertain us.
Two days of football has already decided two of the quarter finals.

Gambia vs Cameroon (4pm)
Burkina Faso vs Tunisia (7pm)

Time to find out who is going to join them there.
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COMOROS almost pulled off Mission Impossible as they took ake on AFCON hosts Cameroon with no goalkeeper available.The islanders were hit with a wave of Covid, ruling 12 players out of contention for this round of 16 game, including all their keepers.
As a result, left-back Chaker Alhadhur played in goal for the night.
To make matters worse, former Millwall star Nadjim Abdou was sent off after just six minutes, before Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting gave the Indomitable Lions the lead on the half hour mark.
Vincent Aboubakar then doubled the home side’s lead with 20 minutes remaining.
But a stunning free kick from Youssouf N’Changama gave Comoros hope.

TV channel: Sky Sports Premier League/BBC Red Button
Live stream: Now TV/Sky Go/Sky Sports app
Free live stream: BBC iPlayer/BBC website
Cameroon XI: Onana, Fai, Ngadeu, Castelletto, Tolo, Hongla, Anguissa, Choupo-Moting, Ngamaleu, Toko Ekambi, Aboubakar
Comoros XI: Alhadhur; Zahary, Nadjim, Ben Djaloud, Said; Bachirou, M’Changama, Abdullah; Baki Youssouf, El Fardou, Mogni.

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FT: Cameroon 2-1 Comoros
Cameroon made it through to the quarter-finals after beating a depleted but heroic Comoros side at the Paul Biya Stadium.
The Coelacanths were without 12 players, who have contracted Covid-19 as well as manager Amir Abdou, who was replaced by assistant Younes Zerdouk.
The visitors were also playing with left-back Chaker Alhadhur as a makeshift goalkeeper as two of their keepers have coronavirus and the other is injured.
If that wasn’t enough, Comoros lost their captain Nadjim Abdou to a straight red card after he stomped on Moumi Ngamaleu’s ankle from behind in the seventh minute.
Cameroon didn’t really struggle and opened the scoring after 29 minutes when they dispossessed the opposing defence and Vincent Aboubakar teed off Karl Toko Ekambi, who didn’t miss in the area.
Alhadhur should have done better as he watched the weak shot send the ball to his bottom right corner, but then again who can blame him…
Alhadhur stole the headlines in the second half as he denied an unbelievable opportunity for Cameroon on 54 minutes.
Aboubakar broke inside the area from the left and delivered a shot that the Comoros makeshift keeper saved down his bottom left corner with a fine lunge.
Ngamaleu got the rebound but the full-back quickly got back up to his feet and saved his shot with a stunning save.
Comoros’ hopes seemed to have faded away in the 70th minute when Martin Hongla delivered a fantastic low pass to Aboubakar, who ran behind the visitors’ defence.
The Africa Cup of Nations’ leading goalscorer found himself in front of Alhadhur, who should have come off his line earlier, and beat him with a fine finish to score his sixth goal of the tournament.
But Comoros got one in with what will be remembered as their greatest goal so far, which could go down as the best finish of the tournament.
Youssouf M’Changama delivered a stunning long-range free-kick and sent the ball to the top right corner of Onana, who couldn’t do anything about it.
That’s all from us here at SunSport, have a lovely night!
GETTY IMAGES
Chak this out
Cameroon made it to the Africa Cup of Nations’ quarter-finals and were superior to the depleted Comoros.
But the Coelacanths still put together an inspiring performance in what will go down as a historic Copa Africa for them.
The minnows were missing 12 players including their manager Amir Abdou to Covid-19.
They were also without a goalkeeper as two of them have coronavirus and the other is injured.
Thus, left-back Chaker Alhadhur had to start between the sticks in what should have been a very difficult decision for him.
And still, Alhadhur stood his ground and made six saves, which was two more than his counterpart Andre Onana.
The Ajaccio ace even made a brilliant double save on 54 minutes when he denied Vincent Aboubakar and Moumi Ngamaleu’s shots
GETTY IMAGES
What’s next?
Cameroon are through to the Africa Cup of Nations’ quarter-finals after eliminating Comoros.
And the Indomitable Lions are set to face another Copa Africa debutant in the Gambia.
The Scorpions finished second in Group F behind Mali and eliminated Guinea in the Last 16.
Cameroon are now considered among the favourites to win the tournament
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Stats
Cameroon dominated 66 per cent of possession against a depleted Comoros side.
The Indomitable Lions registered a total of 19 shots, six of which were on target.
The Coelacanths, on the other hand, recorded 13 shots, seven of which were on target.
Comoros’ makeshift goalkeeper Chaker Alhadhur made six saves, two more than his counterpart Andre Onana
FT: Cameroon 2-1 Comoros
Cameroon made it through to the quarter-finals after beating a depleted but heroic Comoros side at the Paul Biya Stadium.
The Coelacanths were without 12 players, who have contracted Covid-19 as well as manager Amir Abdou, who was replaced by assistant Younes Zerdouk.
The visitors were also playing with left-back Chaker Alhadhur as a makeshift goalkeeper as two of their keepers have coronavirus and the other is injured.
If that wasn’t enough, Comoros lost their captain Nadjim Abdou to a straight red card after he stomped on Moumi Ngamaleu’s ankle from behind in the seventh minute.
Cameroon didn’t really struggle and opened the scoring after 29 minutes when they dispossessed the opposing defence and Vincent Aboubakar teed off Karl Toko Ekambi, who didn’t miss in the area.
Alhadhur should have done better as he watched the weak shot send the ball to his bottom right corner, but then again who can blame him…
But Comoros showed some real spirit as they came close to an equaliser TWICE on 33 minutes.
Ahmed Mogni delivered a fantastic shot from the edge of the box but Andre Onana denied it with an incredible lunge to his bottom left corner.
Youssouf M’Changama got the rebound inside the penalty area and released a good shot towards the bottom right corner but Onana showed incredible reflexes once more.
Alhadhur stole the headlines in the second half as he denied an unbelievable opportunity for Cameroon on 54 minutes.
Aboubakar broke inside the area from the left and delivered a shot that the Comoros makeshift keeper saved down his bottom left corner with a fine lunge.
Ngamaleu got the rebound but the full-back quickly got back up to his feet and saved his shot with a stunning save.
Comoros’ hopes seemed to have faded away in the 70th minute when Martin Hongla delivered a fantastic low pass to Aboubakar, who ran behind the visitors’ defence.
The Africa Cup of Nations’ leading goalscorer found himself in front of Alhadhur, who should have come off his line earlier, and beat him with a fine finish to score his sixth goal of the tournament.
But Comoros got one in with what will be remembered as their greatest goal so far, which could go down as the best finish of the tournament.
M’Changama delivered a stunning long-range free-kick and sent the ball to the top right corner of Onana, who couldn’t do anything about it
GETTY IMAGES
FT: Cameroon 2-1 Comoros
Referee blows his whistle while Comoros are on the attack, very poor that!
Cameroon 2-1 Comoros
90 Just three more minutes of added time to go.
Are we going to see any late drama?
Cameroon 2-1 Comoros
90 Chance!
Cameroon star Honga delivers a powerful long-range shot that forces a save from Ahadhur
Cameroon 2-1 Comoros
88 Substitution
Comoros make some late changes with M’Madi, Djoumoi and Djoudja replacing Bakari, Bachirou and Youssouf
Cameroon 2-1 Comoros
87 Yellow card
Comoros substitute Mattoir goes in the book as the visitors are pushing for the miracle
Cameroon 2-1 Comoros
86 That is because M’Changama scored an absolute screamer in the dying minutes of the match!
The Comoros ace hit the back of the net with a long-range free-kick from the left!
GETTY IMAGES
Cameroon 2-1 Comoros
85 Cameroon star Aboubakar thought he clinched the win for Cameroon.
But the hosts’ place in the quarter-finals is not exactly sealed
GETTY IMAGES
Cameroon 2-1 Comoros
84 Substitution
Cameroon make a late change as Jean Onana replaces Zambo Anguissa
Cameroon 2-1 Comoros
81 Let’s ask ourselves the same question: Is it over? Not quite!
M’Changama scores perhaps the nation’s finest ever goal with a long-range free-kick.
Onana tried, he really tried, but there was nothing the Cameroon keeper could do as he saw the ball hit his top right corner!
An absolute screamer of a goal! Maybe the best goal of the tournament this year!
Cameroon 2-1 Comoros
GOAL!
Comoros are back in the game with M’Changama!
Cameroon 2-0 Comoros
80 Yellow card
Cameroon ace Hongla gets booked as we approach the final 10 minutes of the match
Cameroon 2-0 Comoros
78 What a chance!
Comoros come extremely close to an equaliser!
A loose header sets Ben inside the area and he delivers a powerful shot that is denied by Onana!
The Coelacanths keep the ball alive with Mattoir and M’Changama gets the ball before he shoots it over the crossbar
Cameroon 2-0 Comoros
77 Substitution
Cameroon respond with Lea Siliki replacing Toko Ekambi.
We told you Toni will start saving players for the quarter-finals
Cameroon 2-0 Comoros
75 Substitution
Comoros make another change as Mattoir replaces Youssouf
Cameroon 2-0 Comoros
75 Cameroon’s tempo has decreased and we shouldn’t be surprised if Toni starts saving key players for Gambia.
Comoros, though, are pushing for a goal, their fourth ever in the competition!
Cameroon 2-0 Comoros
73 Chance!
As we were saying, Comoros can get a goal in!
Mohamed gets the ball in the area from the right.
The substitute shoots from a tight angle and forces a save from Onana
Cameroon 2-0 Comoros
73 The noise from the stands has increased as the home fans are confident Cameroon are already through to the quarter-finals.
But Comoros could still get one in and earn a moral victory
Cameroon 2-0 Comoros
70 Is that it? Probably…
Hongla delivers a fantastic low pass to Aboubakar, who runs behind Comoros’ defence.
The Cameroon star finds himself in front of Alhadhur, who should have come off his line earlier but meh, and beats him with a fine finish
Cameroon 2-0 Comoros
GOAL!
Cameroon double their lead with Aboubakar!
Cameroon 1-0 Comoros
68 Comoros are showing signs of life as they just broke into a counter-attack with M’Changama and Ben.
Cameroon clear the ball but understand this game is not won yet!
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GAMBIA take on Guinea in this afternoon’s AFCON 2022 last-16 clash in Cameroon. Both sides finished second in their respective groups but Gambia have yet to lose a game in the tournament and are considered favourites to progress.

TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event
Live stream: Sky Go/NOW TV
Guinea XI: A Keita, Sow, M Ali Camara, Conte, Diawara, Cisse, Camara, Kourouma Kourouma, Konate, Martinez, Bayo.
Gambia XI: Gaye, Janko, Gomez, Colley, Touray, Darboe, Marreh, Bobb, Mousa Barrow, Jallow, Modou Barrow.

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Guinea 0 Gambia 0
7. Gambia work the ball into the box but it is headed clear.
The ball drops on the volley to Musa Barrow but his effort goes over.
That would have been some goal if he connected.
Guinea 0 Gambia 0
6. Pressure exerted by the Barrow boys forces Guinea into an error.
First corner of the game for The Scorpions.
Mousa Barrow’s in swinging corner is cleared on the near post.
Guinea 0 Gambia 0
4. The corner seems too deep.
Guinea win the second ball in the air and Bayo turns to shoot at goal.
He doesn’t catch well and the ball sails over the bar.
Guinea 0 Gambia 0
3. Guinea start passing the ball around and looking for runners.
Diawara seems up for this game in his new role of captain.
Guinea win the first corner of the game.
Guinea 0 Gambia 0
1. Another day of drama is started by Gambia.
Let’s hope both of these teams go for this one from the off.
Quarter Finals
The fixtures for Saturday are starting to take shape.
We will know who plays in the 7pm game later today.
4pm: Burkina Faso vs Tunisia
7pm: Cameroon/Comoros vs Guinea/Gambia
West African affair
Guinea will really miss Keita today as he has shone in the centre of their midfield.
Gambia have punched above their weight all through the group stages.
The AFCON debutants have no time for their underdog tag.
Sylli Nationale (National Elephants) beware.
Gambia subs:
Jobe, Ngum, L Jallow, Ceesay, Jagne, Sohna, Jallow-Mbye, Jobe, Colley, Badamosi, D Darboe, Om Njie.
Gambia team:
Gaye, Janko, Gomez, Colley, Touray, Darboe, Marreh, Bobb, Mousa Barrow, Jallow, Modou Barrow.
Guinea subs:
I Conte, Dyrestam, M Camara, Kane, Kaba, M Konate, Diallo, F Camara, Siby, Sylla, Guilavogui.
Guinea team:
A Keita, Sow, M Ali Camara, Conte, Diawara, Cisse, Camara, Kourouma Kourouma, Konate, Martinez, Bayo.
Head to head
These two have drawn 12 times in their history.
Guinea have 7 wins to their name, Gambia 4 wins.
This is their first ever AFCON meeting.
History makers
Guinea are still chasing their first ever AFCON title, although they have reached the final once, in 1976.
The ‘National Elephants’ were surprised in their last group game, defeated 2-1 by Zimbabwe.
In their other group games, they beat Malawi 1-0 and drew 0-0 with Senegal.
Manager Paul Put took Burkina Faso to the 2013 final.
Naby Keita is suspended, receiving a one-match ban for his yellow card last time out.
First timers
This is Gambia’s first ever AFCON.
‘The Scorpions’ finished unbeaten in their group.
They left it late in their last game against Tunisia, with a 93rd minute Jallow goal, sealing a 1-0 win.
In their other group games, they beat Mauritania 1-0 and drew 1-1 with Mali.
Welcome back AFCON fans
Yesterday we had upsets, missed penalties, red cards, disallowed goals, extra time and shootouts……..the tournament did not disappoint.
More of that today please.
Guinea vs Gambia……the battle of West Africa.
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