Africa Cup of Nations

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Man Utd star Bailly’s horror ‘no-look’ penalty miss for Ivory Coast as he tries to copy Fernandes’ run and jump

      by

      ERIC BAILLY cocked up a shootout penalty to hand Egypt victory as he embarrassingly tried to copy Bruno Fernandes’ run-and-jump technique.Ivory Coast centre-back Bailly was the only player to miss from the spot in the AFCON last-16 tie following a tense 0-0 draw.

      Ivory Coast’s Man Utd defender Eric Bailly grimaces after his costly spot-kick missCredit: Rex
      Eric Bailly’s spot-kick was weak enough for sub keeper Gabaski to readjust and tip away – the only miss of the shootoutCredit: https://twitter.com/BBCMOTD

      And the manner of his miss might haunt him as a dreadful impression of Manchester United team-mate Fernandes proved costly.
      Taking just one step, then a skip, Bailly appeared to do a ‘no-look’ attempt, side-footing a soft spot-kick to the right of sub keeper Gabaski.
      The stopper dived the correct way, albeit too far – but because the penalty was so slow he was able to fling an arm back and scoop it onto the bar.
      That was the fifth of the ten spot-kicks as Egypt won the shootout 5-4.
      Gabaski was only on as first-choice keeper Mohamed El Shenawy injured his leg in the second half.
      Liverpool striker and Pharaohs captain Mo Salah then slotted the clinching penalty to set up a quarter-final with Morocco on Sunday.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      But it was a cruel for Bailly as his miss was the only blemish on his outstanding display.
      He wore a rugby scrum cap on his comeback from a head injury.
      Bailly then took a mauling after his spot-kick woe.
      One viewer joked: “That’s a normal penalty for Bailly I was expecting him to do a back heel personally.”
      And another wrote: “Lmao Bailly been around Bruno for too long. He said let me try this.”
      Plenty then made the same gag – joking Bailly had missed on purpose to make sure Liverpool star Salah is away from Premier League action for longer.

      Eric Bailly took just a short run-up before his tame penalty was easily saved as Ivory Coast won the shootout 5-4 to reach the quarter-finalsCredit: Sky Sports
      ⚽ Read our Manchester United live blog for the latest news and transfer gossip from Old Trafford More

    • 250 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Ivory Coast 0 Egypt 0 (4-5 pens) LIVE REACTION: Bailly misses in shootout as Salah sends Egyptians to AFCTON last-eight

      by

      EGYPT are through to the last-eight of AFCON after seeing off Ivory Coast on penalties. Goalless after 120 minutes, it all came down to who could hold their nerve from the spot.
      And Man Utd’s Eric Bailly was the only one to miss, his penalty tipped onto the crossbar by sub keeper Gabaski.
      Mo Salah took Egypt’s fifth and decisive penalty, slotting home and sending his country through to the quarter-finals.

      Final score: Ivory Coast 0-0 Egypt (4-5 pens)

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      FT: Ivory Coast 0 Egypt 0 (4-5 on penalties)
      Egypt go on to play Morocco in the quarter final.
      FT: Ivory Coast 0 Egypt 0 (4-5 on penalties)
      Gabaski would never have thought he was going to be a national hero tonight!
      Salah scores the goal to seal it, calm as you like.
      Lightening strikes for a third time for Les Elephants.
      Pens: Ivory Coast 4 Egypt 5
      Mo Salah wins the game for Egypt with a ball drilled into the bottom corner.
      GGGGGGOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLLL
      Pens: Ivory Coast 4 Egypt 4
      Zaha scores and cups his ears to the crowd.
      GGGGOOOAAALLLL
      Pens: Ivory Coast 3 Egypt 4
      Ahmed scores.
      GGGGOOOAAAALLLL
      Pens: Ivory Coast 3 Egypt 3
      Cornet passes it into the corner.
      GGGGOOOAAAALLLL
      Pens: Ivory Coast 2 Egypt 3
      Gabal scores
      GGGGOOOAAALLLL
      Pens: Ivory Coast 2 Egypt 2
      Bailly casually takes his penalty and the keeper tips it onto the crossbar.
      Pens: Ivory Coast 2 Egypt 2
      Soleya scores in the bottom corner
      GGGGOOOOAAALLLL
      Pens: Ivory Coast 2 Egypt 1
      Sangare dinks it into the corner, keeper going the wrong way
      GGGGOOOAAALLL
      Pens: Ivory Coast 1 Egypt 1
      Zizo scores in the top left hand corner
      GGGOOOOAAALLL
      Pens: Ivory Coast 1 Egypt 0
      Pepe scores
      GGGOOOAAALLLL
      Pens: Ivory Coast 0 Egypt 0
      Looks like Ivory Coast will take the first penalty….
      FT: Ivory Coast 0 Egypt 0
      Can Gabaski, the keeper brought on for Egypt, make a name for himself?
      FT: Ivory Coast 0 Egypt 0
      The managers, captains and players seem to be deciding the penalty-takers.
      This would have been decided before today no doubt but you need to check the players are still up for it.
      Big moment for players to make themselves national heroes.
      Load more entries… More

    • 238 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Ivory Coast vs Egypt LIVE: Stream FREE, score, TV channel as match UNDERWAY, Salah starts – AFCON latest updates

      by

      IVORY COAST take on Egypt today in a heavyweight AFCON contest which will see one of the pre-tournament favourites crash out.Battling for a place in the quarter-finals, both sides are packed with star-studded names with Mo Salah hoping to fire the Egyptians into the next round.

      Kick-off time: 4pm GMT
      TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event/BBC Red Button
      Ivory Coast XI: Sangare, Aurier, Bailly, Deli, Konan, Sangare, Seri, Kessi, Gradel, Pepe, Haller.
      Egypt XI: El Shenawy, El Fotouh, Abdelmonem, Hegazy, El Solia, Fathi, Marmoush, Kamal, Elneny, Mostafa Mohamed, Salah.

      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Ivory Coast 0 Egypt 0
      4. The ball comes to Gradel out wide.
      Two defenders square up to him.
      He skips passed Hegazy and fires in a shot but the defender heads it away.
      Already Gradel is looking lively down the left.
      Ivory Coast 0 Egypt 0
      2. The ball drops to Kessie outside the box.
      He takes it passed his marker and gets a shot away.
      The ball misses the post by a few feet, the keeper seemed to have it covered.
      Ivory Coast 0 Egypt 0
      1. The roar from the fans as soon as the ball heads towards Mo Salah just shows how they feel about their ‘Egyptian King’.
      Ivory Coast will look to take this game to Egypt.
      They need to press Egypt from the off.
      Ivory Coast 0 Egypt 0
      1. Ivory Coast get the game underway.
      Let’s hope for a classic!
      Tactical battle
      As much as this is a game of two of the giants of African football, it is also a battle of two minds.
      Patrice Beaumelle vs Carlos Queiroz.
      How they deal with the opposition’s attacking threat is key.
      Beaumelle also has a strong bench, utilising these players at the right time could change the game.
      Beware the herd
      Ivory Coast have won AFCON twice, in 1992 and 2015.
      These two teams last met in a 2013 friendly which the Ivorians won 4-2.
      Les Elephants have two of the tournament’s form players in Nicolas Pepe and Franck Kessie.
      They also have in-form Ajax striker Sebastien Haller.
      Return of the king
      Egypt, despite having won seven AFCON titles, The Pharaohs have been eliminated in their last two knockout stage games.

      1-2 Cameroon (Final, 2017)
      0-1 South Africa (Round of 16, 2019)

      They will be looking to bounce back from these disappointing tournaments.
      Egypt subs:
      Trezeguet, Abdelghany, Sherif, Sobhi Ahmed, Ashraf, Abou Gabal, Lasheen, El Said, Alaa Eldin, Sayeed, Daader, Hamdy.
      Egypt team:
      El-Shenawy, Soleya, Hegazy, Abdelmonem Elsayed Mohammed Ahmed, Aboul-Fetouh, Abdel Wahed, Marmoush, Fathi, Elneny, Salah, Mohamed.
      Ivory Coast subs:
      Tape, Kanon, Koussounou, Zaha, Kouassi, Cornet, Maiga, Boga, Die, Kouame, Cisse, Boli.
      Ivory Coast team:
      B Sangare, Aurier, Bailly, Deli, Ghislain Konan, I Sangare, Seri, Kessie, Gradel, Haller, Pepe.
      Tally of the kings
      The Pharaohs lost their opening group game against Nigeria 1-0.
      A Mohammed Salah goal was enough for a 1-0 victory over Guinea-Bissau.
      In their final group game they beat Sudan 1-0.
      The goalscorer was Abdelmonem Elsayed Mohamed Ahmed.
      Parents up and down Egypt fear hearing children ask for his name on tops.
      Les Elephants unbeaten
      In their opening group game they beat Equatorial Guinea 1-0 with a Max Gradel goal.
      Goals from Haller and Pepe weren’t enough to prevent a 2-2 draw with Sierra Leone, their opponents equalising in the 93rd minute.
      Goals from Kessie, Sangare and Pepe contributed in a 3-1 victory over Algeria in their final game, knocking the holders out of the tournament.
      Deja vu
      Today’s game will make this the most played fixture in the history of the competition (11 times).
      Egypt won their fifth AFCON in 2006, beating Ivory Coast 4-2 on penalties in the final.
      They have met four times in the knockout stages with Egypt winning each time.
      Welcome back AFCON fans
      So far the round of 16 has given us more drama than any soap could.
      Today we are treated to a game good enough to be a final itself.
      Ivory Coast vs Egypt
      These two teams have 9 AFCON titles between them.
      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares149 Views

      in Soccer

      Senegal slammed over Sadio Mane head injury as Liverpool star says ‘what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger’

      by

      SENEGAL have been accused of ‘putting results ahead of safety’ after Sadio Mane was forced off with a head injury against Cape Verde.The Liverpool forward received treatment after a collision with goalkeeper Vozinha, who was taken off on a stretcher after being shown a red card.
      Sadio Mane and Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar EvoraCredit: https://twitter.com/CAF_Online
      Mane subsequently played on despite appearing to be initially knocked out during the Africa Cup of Nations last-16 game.
      But after scoring the opening goal 10 minutes later, Mane laid down on the pitch holding his head and had to be helped off and eventually substituted.
      Headway deputy chief executive Luke Griggs said Senegal and the tournament organisers’ protocols – concussion substitutes are not permitted at the tournament – had put the player at risk.
      “On the face of it, this seems to be yet another example of football putting results ahead of player safety,” he said.
      “This was a sickening collision that clearly left both players in enough distress for a concussion to have surely been considered a possibility at the very least.
      “At that point, the principle of ‘if in doubt, sit it out’ should have resulted in Mane being substituted without another ball being kicked.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      “The image of the player collapsing on the ground and having to be helped from the pitch after scoring his goal should tell you everything you need to know about the impact and the effect it had had on his brain.
      “Yet again, the desire to win is seen as being worth serious risks to players’ health. It is simply shocking that this continues to happen.
      “This is now a real test of leadership for the Confederation of African Football and world governing body FIFA – particularly if Senegal declare Mane fit for Sunday’s quarter-final.
      “If football wants to be taken seriously when it comes to concussion, it simply must take action to enforce and strengthen its protocols.”
      A couple of hours after the match, Mane, 29, and Vozinha, 35, were pictured together smiling and giving the thumbs up from hospital.
      The Liverpool forward wrote on social media: “Everything is fine, thank you all for the messages.”
      Mane was later discharged and rejoined his team-mates at their hotel.
      On the injury and subsequent trip to hospital, Senegal manager Aliou Cisse said: “He felt faint, his head was spinning and he had to go there.”
      Mane added: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
      Sadio Mane collides with Cape Verde goalkeeper Josimar EvoraCredit: Rex More

    • 188 Shares189 Views

      in Soccer

      Morocco 2-1 Malawi LIVE RESULT: Hakimi free kick sees Atlas Lions through to AFCON quarter-final

      by

      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.
      Follow all the latest with our live blog below…
      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      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.
      Load more entries… More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Senegal vs Cape Verde LIVE: Stream, score, TV channel as match UNDERWAY, Mane starts – AFCON latest updates

      by

      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.

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Follow ALL the action with our live blog below…
      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.
      Load more entries… More

    • 163 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Afcon quarter-final moved from Olembe Stadium after eight people die in horror stampede

      by

      SUNDAY’S Africa Cup of Nations match scheduled for the Olembe Stadium has been moved following the horror stampede that killed eight people.Tragic chaos broke out at the ground on Monday before hosts Cameroon edged past Comoros in the capital city of Yaounde.
      A tragic stampede broke out at the Olembe Stadium on Monday as eight people diedCredit: AP
      The devastating situation occurred before the Cameroon vs Comoros last-16 tieCredit: AP
      Eight are confirmed to have died, including a six-year-old girl, with at least a further 50 injured.
      Witnesses reported that gate attendees were too overwhelmed by the mass of people to check tickets.
      Now the Confederation of African Football has confirmed the change in location for Sunday’s quarter-final.
      That match, between the winners of Ivory Coast vs Egypt and Malawi vs Morocco, will now be held across town at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium.
      CAF president Patrice Motsepe said: “We have a duty to find out exactly what happened and more importantly to put in preventative measures to ensure that what happened never happens again.
      “Clearly there were deficiencies, weaknesses, failures, things that should have been foreseen.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      “When people lose their lives you must be angry and demand explanations and guarantees that it will never happen again.”
      The Olembe Stadium staged the opening ceremony and is due to host a semi-final and the Afcon final on Sunday, February 6.
      Motsepe, who visited injured supporters in hospital, added that the investigation surrounding the fatal crush will look into the closing of the Olembe Stadium gate.
      He said: “If it was open they would have walked through and it was closed for inexplicable reasons.
      “If that gate was open as it was supposed to we wouldn’t have had this loss of life.”
      Cameroonian President Paul Biya also ordered an investigation into the ‘tragic incident’, while CAF is in ‘constant communication’ with the Cameroon government and the local organizing committee.
      A minute’s silence will be held before upcoming Afcon matches to remember the victims of the stampede.
      Cameroon won the match 2-1, helped by Comoros having to field a left-back in goal and then getting a man sent off after just seven minutes.
      Caf president Patrice Motsepe paid tribute to the victimsCredit: AFP
      The Olembe Stadium is also scheduled to host a semi-final and the finalCredit: AFP More

    • 213 Shares139 Views

      in Soccer

      How Aubameyang’s Arsenal career unravelled from fanfare over new contract to £350k-a-week exile set for transfer exit

      by

      AS ARSENAL’s stars fly to Dubai ahead of a week of warm weather training, the chances of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang heading for the Middle East are increasingly remote.Most of Mikel Arteta’s squad are travelling with their families today, with others joining them in the next couple of days before the hard work starts in earnest on Thursday.
      Pierre Emerick Aubameyang’s stock has fallen at ArsenalCredit: PA
      The striker’s relationship has reportedly soured with Arsenal boss Mikel ArtetaCredit: Rex
      But Aubameyang has almost certainly not been invited to join the party after failing to re-establish himself in the manager’s good books.
      And he is highly unlikely to take up loan offers from two of Saudi Arabia’s richest clubs despite Arsenal’s willingness to release their highest paid player.
      Al Nassr and Al Hilal are both prepared to pick up the tab for his £250,000-a-week basic pay and pay a fee in the region of £8million to secure a permanent move in the summer.
      But Aubameyang, like Mesut Ozil before him, has made it clear that he will only leave the Emirates on his own terms and will not be forced out of the door against his wishes.
      And even though his Arsenal career might be coming to an end, the 32-year-old striker still believes he can compete at the very highest level with an elite European team.
      Yet the very fact that he is so far out of the picture at a club which has not scored in seven hours of football illustrates just how far his star has fallen.
      @font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Regular.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Medium.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;font-stretch:semi-condensed;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-Bold.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:normal;font-display:swap;}@font-face{font-family:’The Sun’;src:url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff2’) format(‘woff2’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.woff’) format(‘woff’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.ttf’) format(‘truetype’),url(‘/assets/fonts/the-sun/TheSun-HeavyNarrow.svg#’) format(‘svg’);font-style:normal;font-weight:700;font-stretch:condensed;font-display:swap;}.css-qu9fel{border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-b9nmbi{margin-bottom:16px;border-top:1px solid #dcdddd;}.css-1qsre5o{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;}.css-q8gelu{margin-bottom:24px;}.css-7ysxcx{padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-7ysxcx:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:center;-webkit-box-align:center;-ms-flex-align:center;align-items:center;-webkit-flex-direction:row;-ms-flex-direction:row;flex-direction:row;-webkit-box-pack:justify;-webkit-justify-content:space-between;justify-content:space-between;padding:0;text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-jkwlot:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}.css-zkaekv{font-family:The Sun;font-size:24px;line-height:1.1666666666666667;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:semi-condensed;padding:1px 0px;}.css-zkaekv::before{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-bottom:calc(-0.24520833333333342em + -1px);}.css-zkaekv::after{content:”;display:block;height:0;width:0;margin-top:-0.2333333333333334em;}.css-1lobn43{display:inline;font:inherit;margin:0;color:rgba(0,0,0,1);}.css-1lobn43 svg{fill:rgba(0,0,0,1);}Most read in Football.css-1gojmfd{margin-bottom:16px;}.css-zdjvqv{display:-webkit-box;display:-webkit-flex;display:-ms-flexbox;display:flex;height:100%;-webkit-align-items:flex-start;-webkit-box-align:flex-start;-ms-flex-align:flex-start;align-items:flex-start;-webkit-align-content:flex-start;-ms-flex-line-pack:flex-start;align-content:flex-start;-webkit-box-flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-wrap:nowrap;-ms-flex-wrap:nowrap;flex-wrap:nowrap;-webkit-flex-direction:column;-ms-flex-direction:column;flex-direction:column;-webkit-box-pack:space-around;-ms-flex-pack:space-around;-webkit-justify-content:space-around;justify-content:space-around;margin-top:calc(-12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(-12px/2);}.css-zdjvqv:before,.css-zdjvqv:after{content:”;display:block;}.css-1meuhfk{display:-webkit-inline-box;display:-webkit-inline-flex;display:-ms-inline-flexbox;display:inline-flex;margin-top:calc(12px/2);margin-bottom:calc(12px/2);}
      BETTING SPECIAL – GET £40 IN FREE BETS ON THE AFCON
      It was only 16 months ago that Arsenal were celebrating their £56million top scorer committing his future to the club until the summer of 2023.
      But the ink was barely dry on that lucrative new contract before his relationship with Arteta started to come apart at the seams.
      A lockdown tattoo which appeared to breach Covid protocols while visiting his sick mother in France went down like a lead balloon with Arsenal’s disciplinarian manager.
      The following month he was dropped for the North London derby after constantly turning up late before contracting malaria while away on international duty with Gabon.
      His commitment to the cause was further called into question when he held a birthday party for his son a week before the start of the new season and missed the opening day defeat at Brentford after contracting Covid.
      And Arsenal’s patience finally snapped last month when Aubameyang reported back late from another trip to France to help his mother.
      That was to prove the final straw for Arteta, who stripped Aubameyang of the captain’s armband and ordered him to train alone.
      He has not been involved in Arsenal’s last ten games and hopes he could get his career back on track at the African Cup of Nations have also been scuppered by the player’s apparent disregard of protocols.

      Aubameyang was pictured partying in Dubai before joining his Gabon team-mates in CameroonCredit: Snapchat / @walter_sk
      Pictured partying in a Dubai nightclub ahead of joining up with the Gabon squad, he tested positive for Covid on arriving in Cameroon and was placed into immediate isolation.
      Medical tests carried out by the Gabonese medical team suggested that Aubameyang had developed ‘heart lesions’ as a result of the infection, although subsequent scans have delivered a clean bill of health.
      Yet that did not stop the Gabon national coach Patrice Neveu from sending the player home without playing a single game, with his side knocked out by Burkina Faso in the contest’s quarter-finals.
      And numerous reports, denied by Aubameyang, have claimed he was actually kicked out for ‘inappropriate behaviour’.
      Yet even with five teenagers on the bench and a squad desperately short of numbers, Arteta did not even consider recalling Auba for their goalless draw against Burnley.
      Aubameyang’s Gabon team-mates suffered a quarter-final exit from the Africa Cup of Nations after losing a penalty shootout to Burkina FasoCredit: Rex
      But if Arsenal are unable to sign another striker in the next seven days – and it’s beginning to look increasingly unlikely – then there still might be a shot at redemption for the wayward star.
      Because it makes absolutely no sense to be paying a world class striker £250,000-a-week to stay at home when the team is struggling for goals and in danger of missing out on a top four finish.
      But with Arteta adopting a ‘my way or the highway’ attitude and Aubameyang showing no signs of changing his ways, a parting of the ways is now only a matter of time. More