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

    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)

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

    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.

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

    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.
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    “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

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

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

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

    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.
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    “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

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

    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.
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    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

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    Cameroon 2-1 Comoros LIVE RESULT: Visitors go down to brave defeat with ten men and no goalkeeper – AFCON reaction

    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
    GETTY IMAGES
    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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