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      Ivory Coast 1 Equatorial Guinea 0 LIVE REACTION: Early Max Gradel strike gives Bailly and Co dream start to AFCON

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      IVORY COAST kicked off their AFCON challenge with a win against Equatorial Guinea.Eric Bailly started and was a rock at the back, with Max Gradel grabbing the only goal of the game.

      Final score: Ivory Coast 1-0 E Guinea

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      Top of the tree
      After the first round of fixtures in the group, thanks to Sierra Leone holding Algeria to a draw, Ivory Coast sit at the top of the group with a two-point gap between them and second place already. A good day to be a fan of ‘Les Elephants’
      Man of the Match:
      Jean Michael Seri
      The Fulham centre midfielder put in a polished performance breaking up play and stopping Equatorial Guinea playing through the middle of the park. As a result, they were forced to focus on wing play and balls over the top to bypass the midfield.
      FT: Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      A close game from start to finish. The depth of the Ivory Coast squad and their ability to bring world-class players from the bench just proved too much for Ivory Coast to overcome. Equatorial Guinea will feel they should have got something out of this game but they were not clinical enough when chances fell to them.
      Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      90 mins: Bringing Pepe and Zaha on has really stopped Equatorial Guinea as an attacking threat. Zaha creates himself an opportunity but drags his shot wide of the far post.
      Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      69 mins: Edu with a long range shot, just wide of the far post. It looked to have the keeper beaten.
      Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      68 mins: Can the National Thunder find this goal they crave or will all their efforts be merely a storm in a teacup?
      Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      66 mins: Nlavo is booked for Equatorial Guinea with his first contribution from the bench. A clumsy challenge.
      Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      65 mins: Ganet goes on a bursting run through the centre of midfield and unleashes a shot from outside the box which is closer than first thought as the replay shows.
      Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      62 mins: Another chance for Cornet, he turns inside a defender but again his shot is blocked as he lets rip. Equatorial Guinea go straight up the other end and Nsue is slotted through, one on one with the keeper, the striker cannot beat the Ivory Coast stopper.
      Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      59 mins: Cornet cuts in from the flank and glides passed two defenders into the centre of the box. Just as it seems he is to unleash a shot that may give ‘Les Elephants’ a second goal, a sliding challenge from the defender deflects the ball wide for a corner.
      Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      56 mins: If you were to tune into this game right now, you would think that Ivory Coast are playing in red. Equatorial Guinea are looking comfortable on the ball, playing slick passing and creating openings. Can they find that elusive goal to draw level?
      Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      53 mins: The ball runs free to the impressive Konan about 25 yards out. He unleashes a shot but doesn’t catch it right and the shot is well-wide.
      Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      49 mins: Nchama (Ndong) again causes problems down the left, crossing the ball into the six-yard box. Only some great tackles/blocks from Ivory Coast keep them out before the ball falls to Edu with a great sight on goal. His body-shape is all wrong and side-foots the effort well wide.
      Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      48 mins: Nsue gets to the byline and manages to pick out his strike partner Hanza-Meha. The striker cannot get enough power on the header to cause any problems
      Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      47 mins: One thing AFCON always guarantees us………..a reintroduction to the vuvuzela.
      Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      45 mins: Second half kicks off with Equatorial Guinea almost creating an opportunity on goal straight away.
      HT: Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      Despite the score, Equatorial Guinea have had more shots than their opponents in the first half. With both teams only registering one shot on target each, Guinea need to test the keeper more in the second half. Ivory Coast have edged possession slightly with 55%. All to play for in the second half.
      HT: Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      Gradel’s wonder-strike separates the sides at half-time. Other than that this has been an entertaining but quite evenly matched game. They need to deal with the options Konan is giving Ivory Coast down the left and try themselves to get more of the ball to Nchama (Ndong) who is causing problems himself down the flank.
      Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      45 mins: Although the score line favours Ivory Coast currently, providing it stays at 1-0, Equatorial Guinea are definitely still in this game. They have caused Ivory Coast plenty of problems in the last quarter of this half.
      Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      41 mins: Konan turns the right-back inside out again before going back for seconds, beating him, only for his cross to be cut out by one his fellow defenders.
      Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      39 mins: We do have VAR in this tournament, that ball looked to strike an arm in an unnatural position but play continues and the VAR room remains silent.
      Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      38 mins: Immediately after a penalty appeal from Guinea, a slotted through ball gives Nsue a strike at goal but the flag is raised.
      Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      35 mins: Equatorial Guinea are starting to settle and get into this game more. They seem comfortable in possession now and making more moves on the Ivory Coast goal. Sangare dives full stretch to deal with a low drilled cross into the danger area. Guinea are turning the screw a bit currently.
      Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      32 mins: If the first half hour of this game is anything to go by, Stade De Reims could be fielding a lot of phonecalls about Konan’s future after this tournament.
      Equatorial Guinea 0 Ivory Coast 1
      30 mins: Gradel protests with the referee about the challenge which results in a yellow card for Sangare. The replay shows it was a clumsy challenge by the Ivory Coast man.
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      Who is Tunisia vs Mali referee Janny Sikazwe, and what happened during AFCON game?

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      ZAMBIAN referee Janny Sikazwe has a reputation as one of the best in Africa.Chosen to officiate in the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Sikazwe is also appearing at this year’s Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon.
      Sikazwe angered the Tunisian bench with his handling of the AFCON clashCredit: Reuters
      But after farcical scenes in the match between Tunisia and Mali, the Zambian ref has inadvertently become a worldwide story.Who is Janny Sikazwe?
      A FAMILIAR face to fans of African football over the past decade, Sikazwe was born in Kapiri Mposhi in 1979.
      After receiving his Fifa licence in 2010, he first progressed through international youth matches before taking charge of African Cup of Nations qualifiers in 2012.
      Since then he has moved up the ranks and has a reputation for being a leniant ref who likes the game to flow.
      But controversy reigned when Sikazwe took charge of the 2016 Club World Cup Final between Real Madrid and Kashima Antlers.
      When Sergio Ramos brought down an opponent having already been booked, the Zambian reached for a second yellow card and called the Galacticos captain over.
      Averaging just over 3 cards per game, the Zambian ref is one of the most statistically lenient in RussiaCredit: AFP – Getty
      But he then put his hand back in his pocket and bizarrely chose not to send Ramos off.
      Sikazwe subsequently said the decision was down to miscommunication and as he misheard his assistant over his earpiece, thinking he had called for a card when he actually said “foul, no card”.
      He officiated two games at the 2018 World Cup – Belgium v Panama and Japan v Poland. – but was the subject of more controversy later that year.
      Sikazwe was temporarily suspended on suspicion of corruption after his handling of an African Champions League match between Esperance and Primiero Agosto.
      He gave a controversial penalty for Esperance before ruling out a goal for their opponents due to a perceived foul on the keeper.
      The suspension by CAF was imposed in November 2018 but lifted just three months later by FIFA.
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      What happened in Tunisia vs Mali?
      Security were forced to race on to the pitch to protect the referee after a series of outrageous blunders during Mali’s 1-0 win over Tunisia at the Africa Cup of Nations.
      Sikazwe endured an horrific afternoon as he gave two controversial penalties, a questionable red card and TWICE ended the game early.
      He first awarded a penalty early in the second half after Ellyes Skhiri was deemed to have blocked Boubakar Kouyate’s shot with his arm.
      Sikazwe awarded another penalty with just 15 minutes on the clock after Wahbi Khazri’s shot smacked into Moussa Djenepo’s hand.
      The ref originally missed the handball and needed VAR to bail him out.
      The match between Mali and Tunisia ended in farce after the ref blew for time earlyCredit: Sky Sports
      Incredibly, Sikazwe then blew for full time on just 85 MINUTES – before enraged Tunisia officials pointed out his simply bizarre error.
      Sikazwe then sent off sub El Bilal Toure two minutes later for a slightly late challenge which was worthy of a yellow card at worst.
      He was instructed by VAR to look at it again, but after a glance at the pitchside video screen, he stuck by his decision.
      And to make matters worse, he then called for the end of the game early AGAIN.
      The players left the field and it did for a time look like play could resume, but eventually Tunisia failed to materialise giving Mali their 1-0 win. More

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      Afcon chaos as ‘gun battle breaks out between rebels and government forces close to stadium hosting Mali vs Tunisia’

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      A GUNFIGHT broke out near the Mali football team’s base in Cameroon, forcing them to cancel their final training session ahead of their ACON match with Tunisia.Two people are reported to have been killed in a gunfight between government forces and separatists in the African nation.
      Gunshots rang out close to the Limbe Stadium – hosting Mali vs Tunisia on Wednesday – leading to the former cancelling their training sessionCredit: Reuters
      Mali took on Tunisia just 13 miles away from Buea, where the chaos was unfoldingCredit: Reuters
      The western region of Cameroon has been locked in conflict involving mostly English-speaking locals and the government of the largely French-speaking nation for years.
      And in a shocking video, armed fighters were seen storming the town of Buea, just 13 miles from Limbe – one of the host cities for this year’s AFCON.
      At one point in the clip, gunfire is clearly audible, sparking panic.
      Mali swiftly suspended their training session, according to local reports.
      Brighton ace Yves Bissouma and Southampton’s Moussa Djenepo are both part of the nation’s squad.
      Manchester United whiz Hannibal Mejbri and Arsenal youngster Omar Rekik are in the Tunisia group who on Mali in Limbe – with Mali winning the match 1-0.
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      On Wednesday afternoon, the Cameroon News Agency confirmed: “The Malian team has suspended training and left the Molyko stadium.”
      “Two civilians (men) have been found dead at the Buea Central market following exchanges of gunshots between Ambazonia and government force.”
      Human rights worker Blaise Chamango told Sportsmail: “There were gun shots this morning around the town.
      “We also got information there was an improvised explosive device at the market.
      “The [separatist] groups and security forces were fighting in the area.
      “The non state groups want to create the impression that nothing should take place in the south west region [of Cameroon during the Afcon].”
      Worryingly, a representative of the Cameroon Peace and Justice Group – Rebecca Tinsley – feared this was ‘just the beginning’ of the violence.
      Tinsley said: “It is a sign of what is to come, this is just the beginning.
      “This is the moment the world is looking at Cameroon, we are very concerned.
      “It has got to lead to the Government of Cameroon to offer a ceasefire and a roadmap towards peace negotiations.
      “If only they would do that the tournament could carry on in peace.”
      ANGLOPHONE CRISIS
      Over one million people have been forced to flee to ‘anglophone’ region of Cameroon, with 3,000 reported dead since the chaos began.
      Peaceful protests started in 2016, but quickly turned violent a year later following a heavy-handed response from the government.
      Human rights groups claim roughly 80 explosive devices have been detonated in the region in the last year alone.
      And it was recently revealed the tournament mascot – Mola the lion – was forced to wear a bulletproof vest while promoting the tournament in the western region.
      The 20,000-seat Limbe Stadium is due to host eight matches, including six group-stage games and two last 16 ties. More

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      Nigeria vs Egypt LIVE REACTION: Mo Salah’s Egypt off to losing start in AFCON after Iheanacho stunner – latest updates

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      MO SALAH’S Egypt have been defeated in their AFCON opener by Nigeria 1-0 after a stunner from Leicester’s Kelechi Iheanacho.The Foxes striker lashed home the only goal of the game after 30 mins as Egypt – the most decorated team in Africa Cup of Nations history – failed to impress in Cameroon.

      Result: Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      Egypt XI: El Shenawy; Hegazy, Hamdy, Fathi; Tawfik, Mohamed, Elneny, Fattoh; Trezeguet, Salah, Marmoush.
      Nigeria XI: Okoye; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Omeruo, Sanusi; Ndidi, Aribo, Iheanacho; Chukwueze, Awoniyi, Simon.

      JOIN SUN VEGAS: GET A FREE £10 BONUS WITH 100s OF GAMES TO PLAY AND NO DEPOSIT REQUIRED (Ts&Cs apply)
      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      Leicester fan Gary Lineker hailing Kelechi Iheanacho for his goal this afternoon.

      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      Kelechi Iheanacho has now scored 12 goals in 39 games for his country.
      However, today was his first in a major competition for Nigeria. Important.
      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      Egypt’s remaining group games. They are now huge in their bid to qualify for the knockout stages.

      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      Super Eagles soaring.

      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      The final match of today sees the other two sides in Group D face off as Guinea-Bissau take on Sudan.
      Neither side will be expecting to go through given Nigeria and Egypt are in with them. But a win for either side will pile the pressure on Egypt following their defeat today.
      Guinea-Bissau vs Sudan (7pm GMT)
      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      A reminder of the winning goal this afternoon.
      What a strike it was from Leicester and Nigeria marksman Kelechi Iheanacho.

      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      Not his finest hour.
      Salah had one big change for Egypt today but was thwarted by the legs of keeper Okoye.
      He’ll need to pick himself up and go again when Egypt take on Guinea-Bissau on Saturday.
      Credit: AFP
      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      Worth remembering that is Egypt’s first Africa Cup of Nations group stage defeat for 17 years!
      Some performance from Nigeria to end a run like that.
      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      Nigeria kicking off their campaign in winning style. A day to forget for Mohamed Salah.

      FULL-TIME: Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      That’s it! Nigeria upset Egypt in the opening game of Group D. Kelechi Iheanacho’s first half strike proves enough to hand them all three points!
      A superb display from the Super Eagles! Torrid stuff from Egypt.
      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      90+3 mins: Nigeria almost seal the victory! Ejuke uses his pace to fly past his marker but El Shenawy is equal to it!
      Corner to Nigeria. They will run the clock down here.
      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      90+2 mins: We are halfway through four stoppage time minutes.
      The ball drops to Salah on the edge of the box but it’s nicked away from him as he looks to burst beyond Troost-Ekong.
      Salah then drifts out to the left and chips a dangerous-looking cross into the six-yard box but no-one is there.
      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      90+1 mins: Everton’s Alex Iwobi comes in for the last moments. He replaces Moses Simon – probably my Player of the Match. Tormented the Egyptian defence all afternoon.
      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      90 mins: Ashraf’s cross is deflected out for an Egypt corner.
      Mohamed Sherif is on for Egypt as he replaces hamdy. One final roll of the dice.
      The corner comes to nothing. Another minute ticks down.
      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      88 mins: Egypt send a throw into the box and it finds its way to Salah. He holds it up but there are four Nigerian shirts circled around him and eventually he relinquishes possession.
      Not been Salah’s day. Not been Egypt’s day.
      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      86 mins: Nigeria do not look phased heading into the final stages of this one. They are not hanging on. They are not running down the clock. They are simply staying in their defensive block and breaking out when they win the ball.
      No real concerted pressure from Carlos Queiroz’s Egypt side.
      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      84 mins: Egypt have a corner which is floated to the back post when Hegazy waits.
      He controls the ball and sends a looping cross in. It looks for a moment as if it’s going to look Okoye but ends up on the roof of the net!
      A tame effort but probably about as close as Egypt have come in the last 20 minutes.
      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      Here was Iheanacho missing the chance to score a second of the game.

      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      82 mins: Ajayi runs straight over to mark Mohamed Salah.
      Meanwhile, a VAR penalty check takes a little while to decide that Egypt are not deserving of one. Monem went down but there was very little contact.
      Eight minutes of normal time remain. There is little in the way of Egypt pressure.
      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      80 mins: SUB! Another sub for Nigeria. The goalscorer Iheanacho is replaced by Kelechi Nwakali.
      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      80 mins: SUB! Not good news for Nigeria. Omeruo has been stretchered off here. Not clear what happened but it was in the melay from that scrappy corner.
      West Brom defender Semi Ajayi is on as his replacement.
      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      78 mins: Another chance for Nigeria! Chidera Ejuke has only come on for Chukwueze seconds ago and he nearly makes an instant impact!
      He drives down the right before rifling a shot into the midriff of El Shenawy.
      Nigeria look for likely to get a second than Egypt are to equalise.
      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      76 mins: Egypt have made four of their five changes. Mo Salah has had a good opportunity. Is it just not their day?
      You have to say Nigeria have undoubtedly been the better side.
      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      74 mins: Iheanacho bursts into the left channel but the pass is a little beyond him. Nigeria corner.
      Simon delivers it and El Shenawy misses it! It’s half cleared by Egypt before they eventually scramble it away.
      Nigeria 1-0 Egypt
      72 mins: OH THAT WAS THE CHANCE FOR SALAH!
      He times his run brilliantly and Monem finds him in between the centre-halves. It’s stuck under his feet a little but he still manages to get the shot off, only for the legs of Okoye to deny the Egypt captain.
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      Afcon viewers baffled by Egypt’s never-before-seen ‘5-5-0 formation’ against Nigeria in Salah and Co’s tournament opener

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      FOOTY fans were left BAFFLED after two broadcasters had Egypt down as playing an outrageous 5-5-0 formation for their African Cup of Nations opener.The Pharaohs kicked off their AFCON campaign this afternoon with a 1-0 defeat by Nigeria at the Roumde Adjia Stadium in Cameroon.
      Egypt kicked off their African Cup of Nations campaign against Nigeria on TuesdayCredit: BBC
      But Sky Sports bizarrely had the Pharaohs playing a 5-5-0 formationCredit: SKY SPORTS
      All was fine with the pre-match coverage, that was until BeIN and Sky Sports showed the north African side’s formation.
      Stunningly, the broadcasters showed Egyptians playing with two banks of five for their clash with the Super Eagles.
      And Twitter went into meltdown after seeing the formation.
      One fan tweeted: ‘Egypt playing a 5-5 formation?”
      Another said: “Interesting Egypt formation.”
      And another said: “I beg did anybody see that Egypt formation?
      @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);}
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      One remarked: “What the hell is that Egypt formation?”
      Another chimed in: “Egypt formation Game Plan: kick to Salah up front, he will see what to do!”
      As the game kicked off, it soon became apparent that Egypt chief Carlos Quieroz had not opted to use such an unconventional formation.
      But Liverpool superstar Salah was still hugely isolated up front in the defensive line-up.
      Former Manchester United No.2 Queiroz’s troops entered their clash with the Nigerians as one of the favourites to win the tournament.
      But their campaign got off to the worst possible start as Nigeria handed them an opening defeat thanks to a Kelechi Iheanacho screamer.
      @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);}Read More Sun Sport.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);}
      Carlos Quieroz’s Egypt are one of the favourites to lift the African Cup of Nations trophyCredit: AFP
      The Leicester forward produced a sublime piece of skill to control the ball and volley home from the edge of the box.
      Rangers star Joe Aribo provided a headed assist as he nodded the ball down to Iheanacho.
      And the Nigerian No.14 took a touch on his thigh before slamming home on the half-hour mark for the game’s only goal.
      Nigeria vs Egypt LIVE – Live stream, updates, action and reaction from tasty AFCON opener
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      Nigeria vs Egypt LIVE: Stream FREE, score, TV channel, kick-off time, team news – Mo Salah STARTS AFCON 2022 clash

      by

      MO SALAH’S Egypt kick off their AFCON 2022 campaign this afternoon against Nigeria in Cameroon.Egypt are the most decorated team in Africa Cup of Nations history, having won the tournament a record seven times.
      Although, they not won the competition since 2010.
      There is some Premier League interest in the Pharoahs manager too – former Manchester United assistant Carlos Quieroz.

      Kick-off: 4pm GMT
      TV/ live stream: Sky Sports Main Event, BBC Red Button/ iPlayer (free)
      Egypt XI: El Shenawy; Hegazy, Hamdy, Fathi; Tawfik, Mohamed, Elneny, Fattoh; Trezeguet, Salah, Marmoush.
      Nigeria XI: Okoye; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Omeruo, Sanusi; Ndidi, Aribo, Iheanacho; Chukwueze, Awoniyi, Simon.

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      Follow ALL of the latest updates below…
      Nigeria 0-0 Egypt
      8 mins: Tawsik is still down and receiving treatment. He didn’t actually go down from a foul, he simply got twisted up when Simon checked back inside onto his right foot.
      He’s back to his feet now but then goes off the pitch to receive some more treatment. Not sure he will be able to continue. We shall see.
      Play resumes.
      Nigeria 0-0 Egypt
      6 mins: Egypt break forward with pace as Mohamed drives down the right-hand side before letting fly from a tight angle. It’s a comfortable save for Rotterdam keeper Okoye but we’ve had our first shot on goal of the match.
      Salah then gets his first touch of the ball inside his own half before Tawfik wins a free-kick for Egypt. And he’s not getting up…
      Nigeria 0-0 Egypt
      4 mins: Troost-Ekong tries a direct ball over the top for Awoniyi but it’s cut out by Hegazy on the stretch.
      Awoniyi then pinches it away from Sanusi and looks to drive into the box but he can’t quite get control of the ball and eventually Egypt win a free-kick.
      Nigeria 0-0 Egypt
      2 mins: A very enjoyable punt into touch from kick-off by Egypt. Proper rugby stuff.
      Early possession for Egypt as they feel their way into the game. Egypt in red shirts and white shorts. Nigeria in a dark blue/black shirt and dark shorts.
      KICK-OFF: Nigeria 0-0 Egypt
      1 min: Here we go then!
      Can Nigeria end Egypt’s 17-year unbeaten run in the Africa Cup of Nations group stages?
      Nigeria vs Egypt
      The warm-ups are all done. Nigeria coach Augustine Eguavoen and Egypt manager Carlos Queiroz will be giving their final words of encouragement.
      It’s almost time for the start of Nigeria and Egypt’s Africa Cup of Nations campaigns!
      Nigeria vs Egypt
      Right, so one more reminder of the teams 10 minutes before we get underway. Let’s show you in a more visual way this time…

      Nigeria captain Musa on opening game
      Nigeria captain Ahmed Musa – who has 103 caps for his country – remains confident despite his side being the underdogs against Egypt.
      Speaking ahead of the game, he said: “We consider that we are ready.
      “We are just waiting for tomorrow and hopefully we are going to end up until the final and win the cup.”
      Nigeria vs Egypt
      Less than 20 minutes until kick-off, who else is excited for this one?
      Two of Africa’s biggest sides go head to head in a mouthwatering group stage clash.
      Elneny a stalwart for Egypt
      Enough chat about Mo Salah, Mohamed Elneny actually has nine more caps for his country than the Liverpool forward.
      The Arsenal man will earn his 85th cap for his country today as he bids to command the midfield alongside Mostafa Mohamed.
      No player starting the game has more international experience than Elneny. Nigeria’s Ahmed Musa is the only player in either squad with more caps – 103.
      Nigeria vs Egypt – Iheanacho in midfield?!
      There’s a real clash of styles going on when it comes to how the two sides have lined up.
      The way the team sheets have come out indicate Nigeria will be playing a 4-3-3, while Egypt seem to have gone with a 3-4-2-1.
      Kelechi Iheanacho has been put on the right of a midfield three for Nigeria – a rather bizarre move if you ask me.
      Mo Salah is in his usual position off the right-hand side of the striker.
      Nigeria without Ighalo and Dennis
      Worth remembering that Odion Ighalo and Emmanuel Dennis have both not joined up with the Nigeria squad for the tournament.
      Dennis, in particular, has been in sensational form for Watford so far this season.
      But Nigeria accused the Hornets of ‘baring fangs’ after it was confirmed he would not be a part of the national team squad for the Cup of Nations.
      Salah on Nigeria
      Mo Salah is well aware of the threat Nigeria pose to Egypt this afternoon.
      Speaking ahead of the match, he said: “I think they (Nigeria) are a dangerous team.
      “I don’t think we are the favourites (to win) this tournament, but we do our best to win it.
      “We have a good coach, a good team, a very good group.”
      Mo Salah in the house
      Mo Salah is raring to go ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations. Can Nigeria stop him in his tracks today?
      Credit: AFP
      Egypt team to play Nigeria
      Egypt XI (3-4-2-1): El Shenawy; Hegazy, Hamdy, Fathi; Tawfik, Mohamed, Elneny, Fattoh; Trezeguet, Salah, Marmoush.
      Subs: Monem, Wahed, Ashour, Sherif, Sobhi, Ashraf, Lasheen, Said, Alaa, Sayed, Sobhy, Gad.
      Nigeria team to play Egypt
      Nigeria XI (4-3-3): Okoye; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Omeruo, Sanusi; Ndidi, Aribo, Iheanacho; Chukwueze, Awoniyi, Simon.
      Subs: Ajayi, Musa, Onyeka, Onyekuru, Ejuke, Akpeyi, Iwobi, Ebuehi, Uzoho, Sadiq, Nwakali, Ndah.
      Algeria 0-0 Sierra Leone
      We’ve had our first goalless draw of the tournament and thank the lord it’s not a game I’m covering!
      Pre-tournament favourites Algeria have been held by Sierra Leone in their opening group game of the Africa Cup of Nations. Bit of a surprise, that one.
      None of the games have seen more than one goal since Cameroon beat Burkina Faso in the opener on Sunday.
      Mark my words: that is changing in this next game.
      Mo Salah: Egypt’s golden boy
      Mohamed Salah is not just Liverpool’s superstar forward – he is also the Egypt national team’s talisman.
      The 29-year-old has scored 45 goals in 73 appearances for his country – a remarkable return.
      No one would bet against him adding to that tally today.
      Who will win the tournament?
      So, the two sides today will both be hoping they can lift the trophy at the end of the Africa Cup of Nations.
      But who are the favourites?
      Here are the current odds:

      Senegal 10/3
      Algeria 4/1
      Egypt 8/1
      Ivory Coast 8/1
      Cameroon 8/1
      Morocco 9/1
      Nigeria 12/1
      Ghana 20/1
      Tunisia 20/1

      English-based players in Egypt
      And here are the Egypt internationals who play their club football in England.

      Trezeguet (Aston Villa)
      Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal)
      Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

      English-based players in Nigeria’s squad
      Who will English fans know from the Nigeria squad? Here are those who play their club football in England.

      William Troost-Ekong (Watford)
      Semi Ajayi (West Brom)
      Alex Iwobi (Everton)
      Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester)
      Frank Onyeka (Brentford)
      Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester)

      Can Nigeria overcome Egypt hoodoo?
      Nigeria have actually beaten Egypt eight times and only lost five times in their head-to-head history.
      However, in recent times the Egyptians have undoubtedly got their African counterparts’ number.
      The nations have met three times at the Cup of Nations over the past 11 years – with Egypt winning twice and the other ending in a goalless draw.
      Nigeria have also scored just one goal against Egypt at the AFCON since 1990.
      Good afternoon AFCON fans
      Welcome or welcome back to coverage of the Africa Cup of Nations!
      We are now a few days into the tournament and beginning to get a feel for how each team could fair when it comes down to the latter stages.
      Yesterday, I was on Morocco vs Ghana duties and, I’ll be honest, it wasn’t a classic. We did get one goal as Sofiane Boufal handed Morocco the victory late on. But other than that it was one to forget.
      However, today we have a mouthwatering prospect coming up in a little over an hour as Nigeria and Egypt clash in their AFCON opener.
      It’s the Mo Salah vs Kelechi Iheanacho derby. Bring it on!
      Load more entries… More

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      Algeria 0 Sierra Leone 0 LIVE REACTION: AFCON champions fail to impress in drab opening group game – latest updates

      by

      ALGERIA drew 0-0 with Sierra Leone in their opening group game in Daoula and failed to impress as they set out to defend their AFCON crown.
      RESULT: Algeria 0-0 Sierra Leone
      Algeria XI: M’Bohli; Atal, Bedrane, Mandi, Bensebaini; Brahimi, Belkebla, Feghouli; Mahrez, Belaili, Slimani
      Sierra Leone XI: M.Kamara; Kakay, Wright, Caulker, Zangalay, J.Kamara; Quee, K.Kamara, Bundu; Buya, A.Kamara

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      Thanks for joining us!
      That’s all we’ve got time for following a famous point for Sierra Leone.
      Next up we see two of the big guns.
      Join us here for all of the action from Egypt vs Nigeria!
      Rudi good show
      Chelsea star Antonio Rudiger was a keen viewer as Sierra Leone held Algeria to a 0-0 draw.
      The Germany international’s mother Lily was born in the country, and he would have especially enjoyed Steven Caulker’s block which prevented the Algerians netting a near-open goal.

      Man of the Match
      Sierra Leone goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara has been named as Man of the Match.
      The 22-year-old is still playing in his own country with East End Lions, but if he keeps playing to this standard he will have a great chance of earning a move.
      In a Manuel Neuer-like display, Kamara repeatedly charged out of his area, winning header after header and showing total confidence in his game.

      Unbelievable Jeff!
      Chris Kamara was thoroughly enjoying a hard earned point for his father’s country.
      The Soccer Saturday legend revealed he had the chance to play for Sierra Leone himself, but waited for an England call-up which never came.

      Kei rallies the troops
      A rousing speech from Kei Kamara as the Sierra Leone team form a huddle at the end of the game.
      The former Norwich and Middlesbrough defender tells his team-mates: “That’s what it’s all about!”
      Sierra Leone bag a point
      The Sierra Leone players celebrate wildly in front of their fans after earning a crucial point.
      Algeria looked like they might steal it at the death with a free header but Kamara held on once again.
      In the dying minutes, the Algerians looked like they were the only team capable of winning it. However, Sierra Leone were good value for the draw.
      Algeria can look back on a hatful of chances missed in the second half, but also at an anaemic first 45 minutes in which their opponents were the better team despite not qualifying for the tournament for 25 years.
      FULL TIME: Algeria 0 Sierra Leone 0
      90+1: Algeria 0 Sierra Leone 0
      Left-back Rensebaini looks to take matters into his own hands and beats his man on the wing.
      However, he comfortably fires into the arms of Mohamad Kamara, who has had a fantastic game tonight.
      89: Algeria 0 Sierra Leone 0
      Sierra Leone looked like they were about to nick it.
      A quick free kick puts their player clean through on goal, but the referee pulls it back and tells them to wait for the whistle.
      Three minutes added on.
      87: Algeria 0 Sierra Leone 0
      A quick free kick finds Baghdad Bounedjah unmarked.
      However he needlessly rushes the shot, attempts the lob and scuffs it into the arms of Kamara.
      85: Algeria 0 Sierra Leone 0
      Almost an immediate impact from Said Benrahma!
      He’s picked out completely unmarked on the penalty spot but scuffs inexplicably wide.
      The West Ham star will feel he should have done better.
      Sierra Leone are almost dead on their feet and desperate for the final whistle.
      83: Algeria 0 Sierra Leone 0
      Said Benrahma finally gets his chance to impress.
      He replaces Haris Belkleba as the Algerians make their fifth and final change.
      80: Algeria 0 Sierra Leone 0
      A first chance for Riyad Mahrez.
      Steven Caulker holds up the Algerian attack on the left hand side but a lofted cross finds the Man City star.
      Mahrez then fires low and forces a brilliant save from Mohamed Kamara.
      Hard to believe the Sierra Leone goalkeeper is still playing for local side East End Lions.
      73: Algeria 0 Sierra Leone 0
      Sierra Leone overcook their corner and Riyad Mahrez leads the counter-attack.
      He plays the ball to Belaili who beats his man in the penalty area then goes down clutching his ankle under the challenge.
      But the referee has no hesitation in pointing for a corner rather than a penalty.
      Replays show he probably dived.
      68: Algeria 0 Sierra Leone 0
      Algeria really turning the screw now.
      Goalkeeper Mohamed Kamara once again appearing to style himself as the Manuel Neuer of West Africa as he charges out of his box to win a header.
      The ball then falls to Riyad Mahrez but the Sierra Leone defence hold him up for just long enough for Kamara to get back into the penalty area and make the save.
      67: Algeria 0 Sierra Leone 0
      Algeria so close to a lead they scarcely deserve but Steven Caulker saves the day for Sierra Leone!
      Brilliant work on the left wing for the Algerians sets up Bendebka, who appears to have an open goal to shoot at.
      But Caulker gets a toe on it to send it wide.
      64: Algeria 0 Sierra Leone 0
      A triple change for Algeria sums up how Djamel Belmadi feels about his team’s performance.
      Brahimi is replaced by Bendebka, Slimani replaced by Bounedjah and Feghouli by Boulaya.
      A furious-looking Slimani tries to fire up the replacements as they come on.
      60: Algeria 0 Sierra Leone 0
      Another half chance for Brahimi, who has looked a lot livelier this half.
      The Porto winger beats his man on the left hand side of the pitch, cuts inside and fires directly at goalkeeper Kamara.
      51: Algeria 0 Sierra Leone 0
      The best chance of the game by far falls to Yacine Brahimi.
      The Algerian is played clean through on goal but fires the ball into the ground, allowing Kamara to get a palm on it and claim it at the second attempt.
      How badly will they regret that miss?
      48: Algeria 0 Sierra Leone 0
      Sierra Leone have the ball in the net for the first time today.
      Alhaji Kamara bundles it home before wildly celebrating with a knee slide….
      Which is a bit awkward as VAR shows he was offside by a huge distance.
      VAR check – Possible Sierra Leone goal!
      We’re underway in the second half!
      Up next
      Algeria will be desperate to improve here and pick up a win in the second half.
      The AFCON holders take on Equatorial Guinea next and will be keen to seal their place in the knockout stages before their final group match against the Ivory Coast.
      HALF TIME: Algeria 0 Sierra Leone 0
      It’s goalless at the break and it’s not Sierra Leone who are holding on.
      The West Africans have looked good on the break and completely dominated in the air, but just lacked the end product.
      Algeria have been far from their best and created little of note, but you feel they may have the greater ability to manufacture the crucial opportunity in the second half.
      The two teams are also playing at very different paces. Sierra Leone are looking to make it a full blooded street fight while Algeria are keen to slow the tempo down and turn it into a chess match.
      45+1: Algeria 0 Sierra Leone 0
      A good chance for Islam Slimani who picks up the ball on the edge of the box with the Sierra Leone defence all over the place.
      However, the goalkeeper is once again quick off the line to stop the shot with his leg.
      Load more entries… More

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      Mo Salah and Sadio Mane get armed guard protection at Afcon with even mascot wearing bulletproof vest over attack fears

      by

      ‘WORRIED’ football stars are being protected by armed guards at the Africa Cup of Nations.And even the official mascot – Mola the Lion – is wearing a bulletproof vest.
      Sadio Mane is one of the highest-profile footballers competing at the Africa Cup of NationsCredit: AFP
      Teams are being protected by armed security guards and soldiers throughout the tournament in CameroonCredit: Reuters
      The tight security measures are due to fears over attacks in Cameroon, where the continental tournament is being staged.
      A Premier League source told the Mirror: “The players are worried especially as threats have been made.
      “However, they have been ensured everything will be done to protect them with special forces ready to jump into action if there is any real threat or attack.
      “A lot of the players come from where there have been security problems, like Nigeria or Ivory Coast, so they are used to it.
      “They are proud to play for their countries so wouldn’t let the people down.”
      Senior security commander Engamba Ledoux said: “Measures are being put in place to ensure AFCON goes smoothly.”
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      FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS
      Forty Premier League aces – including Mo Salah, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – are competing for their respective African nations.
      However, they are under strict restrictions which include a curfew while armoured vehicles patrol the streets to keep players and fans safe, as reported by the Mirror.
      Guards are also stationed at hotels and training grounds with soldiers in place at stadiums across the country.
      The 2010 tournament was overshadowed by the terrorist attack on Togo’s team bus in Angola.
      Emmanuel Adebayor was on the coach when gunmen opened fire as the bus driver, a journalist and Togo’s assistant manager were all killed.
      AFCON organisers, understandably, do not want a repeat of that tragedy.
      The threat of attack in Cameroon this year is real.
      An ongoing civil war between English-speaking rebels and the French-speaking government continues to cause devastation.
      In the four years of fighting, more than 3,000 people have been killed and 700,000 people forced to flee.
      ‘HORRIBLE SITUATION’
      There have been 80 bomb attacks in the last year – including one in the coastal town of Limbe last week and another that killed a five-year-old girl in her school classroom.
      Bombs also exploded near the stadium in Limbe during last year’s African Nations Championship.
      Islamic State terrorists and allies Boko Haram have control of large areas of northern Cameroon and there are concerns both sides will view AFCON matches as opportunities to strike.
      Human rights researcher Rebecca Tinsley added: “It is a horrible situation. The rebels are serious about attacks.”
      Brighton’s Yves Bissouma and Moussa Djenepo are both representing Mali in Limbe as they face Tunisia, Mauritania and Gambia in Group F.
      Non-essential travel to the town is advised against while the UK government warns people not to go to the northern regions.
      On the pitch, hosts Cameroon kicked off the tournament with a comeback 2-1 win over Burkina Faso.
      Mane held his nerve with a 97th-minute penalty to beat Zimbabwe 1-0 while Thomas Partey’s blunder ensured Ghana suffered defeat to Morocco in their Group C opener.
      Even mascot Mola the Lion is wearing a bulletproof vestCredit: Reuters More