Africa Cup of Nations

GAMBIA, Mali and Tunisia have all gone through as AFCON’s Group F concludes.Next in the knockout stage, Tunisia face Nigeria, Burkina Faso take on Gabon and Mali meet Equatorial Guinea in some mouth-watering ties.
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That’s all from Cameroon
Gambia defeated Tunisia 1-0 in a dramatic encounter at the Limbe Stadium that saw both teams qualifying for the Africa Cup of Nations’ Last 16.
The Eagles of Carthage missed a golden opportunity to open the scoring in the first half after 43 minutes when Pa Modou Jagne fouled Seifeddine Jaziri in his own area.
Jaziri took on the spot-kick but his poor shot was blocked by Gambian goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye, who lunged to his bottom right corner.
Tempers flared at half-time and the referee showed a red card to Tunisia’s reserve goalkeeper Farouk Ben Mustapha for unsportsmanlike behaviour.
Nothing really changed in the second half until stoppage time when Musa Barrow delivered a fantastic cross from the left flank and found Ablie Jallow on the far post.
Jallow then delivered a powerful shot and sent the ball to Bechir Ben Said’s top left corner in the third minute of stoppage time to win the game with the final kick.
Mali also beat Mauritania 2-0 thanks to Massadio Haidara as well as Ibrahima Kone’s goals and topped Group F.
Gambia finished second whereas Tunisia made it through as one of four best third-placed teams from the group stage.
That’s all from us here at SunSport, have a great night!
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What’s next?
As mentioned earlier, Mali, Gambia and Tunisia have all qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations’ Last 16.
As it stands the Tunisians will meet Nigeria on January 23 at the Roumde Adija Stadium
Gambia, on the other hand, will lock horns with Guinea on January 24 at the Kouekong Stadium.
And finally, Mali will take on Equatorial Guinea on January 26 at the Limbe Stadium
Mejbri situation
It looks like Tunisia and Manchester United youngster Hannibal Mejbri was just shown a yellow card.
Mejbri was cautioned for a rough foul during stoppage time and his team-mate Mohamed Drager was also booked for protesting.
There was a little mix up as the referee also pulled out a red card but the Africa Cup of Nations’ official page doesn’t show anyone getting sent off.
Shortly after, Gambia broke the deadlock and scored with Ablie Jallow
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Final table
Mali finished top of Group F with the same points as the Gambia.
Therefore, those two teams have qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations’ Last 16.
Tunisia will join them as one of four of the best third-placed teams in the Copa Africa.
More below:

Stats
Tunisia dominated a whopping 70 per cent of possession and still lost to the Gambia.
The Eagles of Carthage registered a total of 19 shots, three of which were on target.
Gambia, on the other hand, only needed 10 shots, three of which were on target, to seal qualification to the Africa Cup of Nations’ Last 16.
The Tunisians’ passing was far more effective as they had a success rate of 82 per cent, compared to the Scorpions’ 59 per cent
Mali 2-0 Mauritania
Mali also picked up a major win against Mauritania at the Douala Stadium.
The Malians opened the scoring just after two minutes with Massadio Haidara.
They then started the second half in the exact same way as Ibrahima Kone made it two from the penalty spot on 49 minutes.
Mali have just punched their ticket to the Africa Cup of Nations’ Last 16 while Mauritania finished last
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FT: Gambia 1-0 Tunisia
Gambia defeated Tunisia in a dramatic encounter at the Limbe Stadium.
The Eagles of Carthage had a golden opportunity to open the scoring in the first half after 43 minutes when Pa Modou Jagne fouled Seifeddine Jaziri in his own area.
Jaziri took on the spot-kick but his poor effort was blocked by Gambian goalkeeper Baboucarr Gaye, who lunged to his bottom right corner.
Tempers flared at half-time and the referee sent Tunisia’s reserve goalkeeper Farouk Ben Mustapha off for unsportsmanlike behaviour.
Nothing really changed in the second half until stoppage time when Musa Barrow delivered a fantastic cross from the left and found Ablie Jallow on the far post.
Jallow then delivered a powerful shot and sent the ball to Bechir Ben Said’s top left corner in the third minute of stoppage time to win the game on the final kick.
During the closing moments, it seemed like the referee had sent Tunisia and Manchester United youngster Hannibal Mejbri off but that may have not been the case – we will keep you updated
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FT: Gambia 1-0 Tunisia
And that’s full-time in Cameroon!!!!
Gambia 1-0 Tunisia
90+3 GOAL for Gambia!!!!!
They did it! With the final kick of the game!
Musa Barrow delivers a crisp cross from the left and finds Jallow on the other side who fires a shot that hits Ben Said’ top right corner
Gambia 0-0 Tunisia
90+2 Yellow card
Tunisia and Man Utd ace Mejbri is booked and will be suspended for the next game!
Gambia 0-0 Tunisia
90 Three more minutes of stoppage time to go!
This is going to be dramatic, I think…
Gambia 0-0 Tunisia
90 Nothing ccomes off the free-kick as the ball hits the wall.
Gambia are holding up for second place, whereas Tunisia are trying to overtake them!
Gambia 0-0 Tunisia
90 Yellow card
Gambia ace Gomez gets booked and Tunisia gets a free-kick from a very promising position
Gambia 0-0 Tunisia
85 Substitution
Gambia make another change as Jobe replaces Modou Barrow
Gambia 0-0 Tunisia
83 Chance
Tunisia captain Skhiri delivers a long-range shot but gets a deflection and sees it go out for a corner-kick.
Nothing comes of the set-piece
Gambia 0-0 Tunisia
80 Man Utd ace Mejbri just picked up his 11th cap with Tunisia and second appearances in the Africa Cup of Nations.
The midfielder has been impressive so far against Gambia and almost scored a goal
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Gambia 0-0 Tunisia
79 Chance!
Tunisia and Man Utd youngster Mejbri almost breaks the deadlock!
The midfielder picks the ball up on the edge of the box and delivers a powerful low shot that Gaye blocks
Gambia 0-0 Tunisia
77 Yellow card
Tunisia’s assistant coach gets booked, that is the second card the Eagles of Carthage’s bench receives
Gambia 0-0 Tunisia
77 The crowd has come even more alive after Musa Barrow’s missed chance.
You would think that Tunisia’s crossbar is still rattling after that amazing shot!
Gambia 0-0 Tunisia
74 What a chance!
The Gambia come extremely close to an opener and a wondergoal!
Musa Barrow takes on a free-kick from quite a distance and rattles Ben Said’s crossbar!
Only missed by a few inches in Tunisia’s top left corner!
Gambia 0-0 Tunisia
72 Chance
The Gambia get a free-kick from a promising position on the right flank but Jallow sends it way over the crossbar
Gambia 0-0 Tunisia
70 Tunisia ace Rafia, who was just replaced by United’s Mejbri, is icing his left knee.
At first it looked like the Tunisian was dealing with fatigue but it now seems like he picked up a knock ahead of the Last-16
Gambia 0-0 Tunisia
68 Substitution
Tunisia make another switch with Manchester United youngster Mejbri replacing Rafia, who told his manager he can’t continue
Gambia 0-0 Tunisia
67 Chance
The Gambia register a shot on target as Musa Barrow shoots from a tight angle down the left but his effort is comfortably saved by Ben Said
Gambia 0-0 Tunisia
65 Gambia manager Sainfiet is reading the game well as his team is keeping Msakni quiet.
The Tunisian is his team’s most creative threat but isn’t seeing much of the ball
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ALGERIA look to be on the brink of a disastrous AFCON title defence as Ivory Coast aim to knock the favourites out at the group stages this afternoon. Elsewhere in the group, Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea are both fighting it out to qualify in second place.

Start time: 4pm GMT
TV/Live stream: Sky Sports Football & Premier League
Ivory Coast XI: 23 Sangare; 17 Aurier, 7 Kossounou, 14 Deli, 3 Konan; 18 Sangare, 4 Seri, 8 Kessie; 15 Gradel, 22 Haller, 19 Pepe
Algeria XI: 23 M’Bolhi; 20 Atal, 21 Bensebaini, 2 Mendi 17 Bedrane; 6 Zerrouki; 22 Bennacer, 27 Benrahama, 8 Belatili, 7 Mahrez; 9 Bouncedjah
Sierra Leone XI: 1 Kamara; 2 Kakay, 17 Bangura, 5 Caulker, 3 Wright; 6 Kamara, 27 Diaby; 7 Quee, 10 Ansu-Kamara, 19 Bundu; 28 Noah-Kamara
Equatorial Guinea XI: 1 Owono; 15 Akapo, 21 Esteban, 16 Coco, 11 Nichama; 6 Salavador, 22 Ganet, 8 Machin, 17 Miranda; 4 Bikor, 18 Hanza

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The great wall of Ivory
Ivory Coast frustrating Riyad Mahrez by not enabling the Algerian’s free-kick to get past the wall.

Ivory Coast 0-0 Algeria
3. After a long build-up with the referee Victor Gomes letting the players know they must wait until the whistle has blown before anything can happen, Mahrez smashes the ball into the wall.
What an anticlimactic experience that was.
Ivory Coast 0-0 Algeria – early free-kick in a dangerous position!
2. That wasn’t so smart from Jean Michael Seri who has committed a foul on Baghdad Bounedjah right outside the 18-yard-box.
Riyad Mahrez has picked up the ball and the Algerian has no doubt in his mind what he wants to do.
Ivory Coast 0-0 Algeria
1. The Elephants are favourites to go through this afternoon and many people have them jotted down to win the tournament altogether.
But nobody would have predicted that Algeria’s hopes of defending the AFCON crown would have been riding on their last group game especially as they came into the tournament on a historic unbeaten run.
Kick-off – Ivory Coast vs Algeria
Finally! The highly anticipated match between two successful nations in the African continent is under-way.
The other match in Group E – Sierra Leone vs Equatorial Guinea also has lift off too so we will be keeping a close eye on that match because what happens over at Stade Limbe will have an impact on the result in this game vice versa.
Tunnel vision all around Cameroon
With so much riding on both games, it has built up some serious tension in both tunnels because no player wants to let their nation down.
If only we could play you the noises that are coming out of Stade Jampoma which features Ivory Coast vs Algeria or Stade Limbe who is the hosting Sierra Leone vs Equatorial Guinea because both sets of crowds are certainly fired up.
AFCON round of 16 scenarios
In the African Cup Of Nations, the best third-placed teams out of the six groups can still progress to the round of 16 so it raises the stakes for every team even if they are sitting bottom of their group going into match-day three.
But the most secure spots are of course first and second which is still yet to be decided in Group E and here is who each nation is expected to could face depending on how the table concludes by this evening.
Winners of Group D (Nigeria) vs third place of Group B/E/F
Winners of Group A (Cameroon) vs third place of Group C/D/E
Winners of Group E vs runners-up of Group D
Winners of Group F vs runners-up of Group E
The inspector gadgets are out
It seems as even though I mentioned a bobbly pitch making the football more exciting, not everyone is happy with the conditions of the field.

Sierra Leone vs Equatorial Guinea head-to-head
Sierra Leone and Equatorial Guinea have only crossed paths six times since data has been recorded but the Leone Stars have been the dominant force in this encounter.
Check out the numbers below:

Sierra Leone wins – 4
Draws – 1
Equatorial Guinea wins – 1

Equatorial Guinea striving for success
Central African country Equatorial Guinea were on decent form entering AFCON 2022 and it is having an impact on their performances in Group E.
Juan Micha’s side won 60% of their matches before the opening game of the tournament winning six in ten across all competitions so when they lost to Ivory Coast last Wednesday, it would have brought the National Thunder back down to Earth.
However, beating Algeria four days ago put them back on track so all they need to do is this afternoon is to collect a point and hope that Ivory Coast do them a favour against the Algerian’s.
Sierra Leone’s poor recent run
The Leone Stars have had an average campaign up to this point having drawn their first two group games when they were expected to have lost at least once by this stage, but John Keister’s men haven’t had the best run of results coming into the tournament.
In their last 13 fixtures across all competitions, Sierra Leone have only managed to secure two victories and one of those wins was irrelevant because they still got kicked out of the competition via an aggregate score line.
All the Leone Stars need to do tonight is beat their opponents; sounds simple enough but when you have only won twice in 13 attempts, then it suddenly becomes a steep hill to climb.
Equatorial Guinea members on command
2 Maye, 5 Anvene, 7 Belima, 9 Siafa, 10 Nsue, 12 Mba, 14 Sam, 19 Nlavo, 20 Eneme, 23 Meseguer, 24 Balboa, 28 Enrique
Equatorial Guinea players to start!
Juan Micha has felt the need to rotate his striking option despite fighting hard to get that shocking 1-0 victory over the current holders Algeria.
Oscar Siafa gets dragged and in steps Hanza
(4-4-2): 1 Owono; 15 Akapo, 21 Esteban, 16 Coco, 11 Nichama; 6 Salavador, 22 Ganet, 8 Machin, 17 Miranda; 4 Bikor, 18 Hanza
Sierra Leone subs if needed
4 Mohamed Medo-Kamara (GK) 8 Fofanah, 9 Williams, 11 Kaikai, 12 Kamara, 13 Kargbo, 14 Buya Turay, 15 Dunia, 16 Sessay, 20 Mansaray, 22 Kallon, 23 Isaac Caulker
Sierra Leone starting lineup paper!
After that fascinating and gutsy performance last time out against the Ivorian’s, John Keister didn’t feel the urge to tinker with the squad too much.
However, the Sierra Leone boss has made the one change in midfield which is Abu Dumbaya coming in for Mohamed Buya Turay
(4-2-3-1): 1 Kamara; 2 Kakay, 17 Bangura, 5 Steven Caulker, 3 Wright; 6 Kamara, 12 Dumbaya; 7 Quee, 10 Kei Kamara, 19 Bundu; 28 Musa Noah-Kamara
Credit: @SLFA_sl
Ivory Coast vs Algeria head-to-head
Overall, the figures between the two huge nations are close in terms of victories. Feast your eyes on them below:

Ivory Coast wins – 8
Draws – 7
Algeria wins – 9

Algeria’s recent run of form
If anybody knows how told go on a run of games without losing it is Algeria because coming into AFCON 2021, the Greens were on a 31-game unbeaten run winning 21 of those including a penalty shootout victory over today’s opponents Ivory Coast.
But eyebrows were raised when Djamel Belmadi’s side weren’t able to capitalise on their 69% possession against Sierra Leone in their opening group game and then things went from bad to worse when they saw their streak go up in smoke courtesy of a 1-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea last Sunday.
Algeria will be desperate to get the unbeaten run up and going again but it needs to start with a win here and possibly an emphatic one too.
Ivory Coast’s previous 14 fixtures
The Ivorian’s have been in good form coming into this competition and have somewhat continued those performances in their two opening group games.
Despite being denied a second consecutive win in AFCON having beaten Equatorial Guinea on match-day one, they were all over the Leone Stars controlling a large percent of the possession and hitting almost twice as many shots on goal but the one mistake from keeper Badri Ali Sangare proved to be costly.
However, the Elephants still didn’t lose the game which was the silver lining for them once the dust had settled and it meant that Ivory Coast head into this afternoon’s encounter against Algeria on a 14-match unbeaten run.
Ivory Coast players in reserve
1 Tape, 5 Kanon, 9 Zaha, 10 Kouassi, 11 Cornet, 12 Maiga, 13 Boga, 20 Serey-Die, 21 Bailly, 24 Kouame, 26 Cisse, 28 Boli
Ivory Coast team sheet revealed! – Nicolas Pepe makes his second consecutive appearance!
After failing to capitalise on their possession and hold their lead in the previous group game against Sierra Leone, the Elephants gaffer Patrice Beaumelle has decided to make a switch up-top which is Max Gradel coming in for Crystal Palaces’ Wilfried Zaha.
And was forced into brining in Kossounou to replace Eric Bailly whose slight knock permits him to the bench.
But the one surprising element is that, goalkeeper Badra Ali Sangare starts despite rumour circulating that he wasn’t able to feature this afternoon.
(4-3-3): 23 Sangare; 17 Aurier, 7 Kossounou, 14 Deli, 3 Konan; 18 Sangare, 4 Seri, 8 Kessie; 15 Gradel, 22 Haller, 19 Pepe
Credit: CAF_Online
Algeria members to call upon – Former Leicester City forward Slimani only makes the bench
1 Zeghba (GK) 2 Tahrat, 10 Feghouli, 11 Braihimi, 12 Belkebla, 13 Slimani, 14 Bendekba, 15 Boulaya, 19 Zorgane, 24 Chetti, 25 Benyada, 26 Amoura
Algeria first XI is in! – Both of their Premier stars are starting!
Djamel Belamadi has decided to make some alterations from the side who were unable to hold their unbeaten record against Equatorial Guinea last Sunday.
The injury to Benlamri means in steps Bensebaini and Sofiane Feghouli loses his spot to West Ham’s Said Benhrama
(4-2-3-1): 23 M’Bolhi; 20 Atal, 21 Bensebaini, 2 Mendi 17 Bedrane; 6 Zerrouki; 22 Bennacer, 27 Benrahama, 8 Belatili, 7 Mahrez; 9 Bouncedjah
Credit: @LesVerts
Equatorial Guinea’s fully fit team
Similar to his opposite number, Equatorial Guinea manager Juan Micha has a full-fledged team to select from this afternoon as all of his players escaped the 1-0 win over Algeria without set-backs.
The only negative from that match was Olympiacos Volos forward Oscar Siafa failing to have any influence up-top which led to the 24-year-old being hooked off at the interval so there would be no surprises to see Micha not involve Siafa from the start.
No Sierra Leone injury concerns
For all of Sierra Leone’s fight and efforts in their surprise draw with 2x AFCON champions Ivory Coast, the Leone Stars’ gaffer John Keister was fortunate to not see any of his players leave the field with an injury.
Which could mean that it is expected for him to go with the same starting eleven who performed that heroic display four days ago.
In addition to that, Barnet defender David Sessay tested negative twice so we should see the 23-year-old in and amongst the squad this afternoon.
On the flip side, Danish side Randers’ front man Alhaji Kamara was used as a super sub and he fulfilled his duties when the 27-year-old grabbed the equaliser deep into stoppage time so that might have earned him a spot in the first XI this afternoon.
Algeria is in the building
In continuation to Djamel Belmadi’s side, the Greens have stepped foot on the green for the first time this afternoon.

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AFCON’s Group C ended in thrilling fashion with Gabon drawing 2-2 with Morocco and Comoros beating Ghana 3-2.The results mean Morocco win the group, Gabon go through as runners up and Comoros possibly in the next round as one of the best third-placed finishers.
But Ghana are OUT of AFCON after picking up just one point from the group, meaning Arsenal will retain the services of star midfielder Thomas Partey earlier than they would have thought.

Results: Gabon 2-2 Morocco, Ghana 2-3 Comoros

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That’s all from the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium
Morocco and Gabon both progress to the AFCON knockout stages.
Both sides put on a great performance tonight and have proven that they have what it takes to go far in the competition.
Thank you for reading, and goodnight!
Credit: Reuters
Final standings in Group C
Morocco top the group with seven points.
Gabon are runners-up with five points.
Comoros finish third with three points.
Ghana finish at the bottom of the group with one point.
Ghana crash out of the competition
Ghana’s AFCON journey has come to an end after they were beaten by tournament debutants Comoros.
The result sees them finish bottom of the group with one point.
Credit: AFP
Gabon progress to the knockout stages
The Panthers put on a superb display throughout the game and thoroughly deserve their place in the knockout stages.
Boupendza and Allevinah have both been excellent so far in the competition and are certainly ones to watch as Gabon progress.
Credit: Reuters
Morocco top Group C
The 2-2 draw against Gabon means that Morocco keep their place at the top of Group C.
Their second half performance proves that they are a force to be reckoned with in the competition with outstanding performances from individual players such as Boufal and Hakimi.
Full Time – Ghana 2-3 Comoros
An 85th minute goal for Comoros sees them take all three points in their first ever AFCON victory.
What a result!
Full Time – Gabon 2-2 Morocco
After a slow start to the game both sides increased the intensity to make for a great fixture.
Both Gabon and Morocco progress to the knock-out stages, with Morocco topping the group.
90. Gabon 2-2 Morocco
Another change for Gabon.
Boupendza makes way for Meye.
Five minutes to go…
89. Gabon 2-2 Morocco
Morocco make some more changes.
Chakla comes off for Saiss.
Ounahi comes off for Tissoudali.
88. Gabon 2-2 Morocco
Gabon make another substitution.
Allevinah makes way for Mayi.
86. Gabon 2-2 Morocco
What a goal from Hakimi!
The defender lines up a free kick from 25 yards out before rifling the ball into the top left corner.
Morocco are back at the top of the group!
Credit: Reuters
85. GOOOAAAAALLLLL MOROCCO EQUALISE AGAIN!!!!!!!
What a goal from Hakimi!
83. Gabon 2-1 Morocco
Obiang drives forward through the midfield before sending the ball through to Allevinah who squares it to Boupendza.
The striker hooks it with the outside of his boot, sending it past Munir.
Credit: AFP
82. GOOOOOAAAAALLLLLLL GABON!
Boupendza restores the lead!
77. Ghana 2-2 Comoros
Ghana have equalised!
However, it may not be enough to send them through to the knockout stages.
75. Gabon 1-1 Morocco
Boufal levels the score with a superb penalty.
The striker rifles the ball into the bottom left corner.
Amonome dives the right way, but there was too much power on the shot.
Credit: AFP
74. GOOAAAAALLLLLLL MOROCCO!!!!!
Boufal equalises with the penalty!
72. Gabon 1-0 Morocco
Penalty for Morocco!
Poko lunges for the ball but goes takes down Boufal.
VAR is checking.
70. Gabon 1-0 Morocco
Gabon have made a change.
Autchanga has come on for Moussounda.
69. Gabon 1-0 Morocco
Poko and Amallah both go down injured after a 50/50 challenge.
Both players look to continue after treatment.
Morocco have the free kick.
64. Ghana 1-2 Comoros
Comoros extend their advantage to two goals.
But, Ghana get one back just one minute later.
60. Gabon 1-0 Morocco
Morocco have the ball in the back of the net but the linesman’s flag is up.
Aguerd sends the ball long, it heads straight into the direction of Amonome but the keeper completely misses it.
The goal is disallowed as En Nesyri was in an offside position whilst blocking Amonome’s view.
59. Gabon 1-0 Morocco
Gabon have another opportunity as the ball is crossed into Allevinah in the box.
The striker attempts to volley but his effort deflects off the crossbar.
57. Gabon 1-0 Morocco
Morocco make a double substitution.
El Kaabi and Fajr come off for Amallah and Boufal.
56. Gabon 1-0 Morocco
Gabon have their first opportunity of the half.
The ball is switched over to Kanga who brings it down before tapping it through to Boupendza who strikes wide.
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SENEGAL take on Malawi today looking to book their place in the knockout stages of AFCON.After a draw last time out against Guinea, Senegal know that victory will be enough to secure top spot in Group B.
We’ll also have updates from Guinea vs Zimbabwe, with qualification possible for all four teams in the group.

Kick-off time: 4pm GMT
TV channel: Sky Sports Main Event
Live stream: Sky Go/NOW TV
Senegal XI: Mendy, Sarr, Koulibaly, Diallo, Ciss, Kouyate, Mendy, Gueye, Dia, Diallo, Mane.
Malawi XI: Thomu, Sanudi, Chayiza, Chembezi, Chirwa, Mhone, Idana, Banda, Madinga, Muyaba, Mhango.

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