Africa Cup of Nations

Subterms

    More stories

    • 263 Shares109 Views

      in Soccer

      Astrid Wett begs fans for help to get to Ivory Coast for Afcon final after proving she’s ’19 per cent Nigerian’

      by

      ASTRID WETT has begged fans to help her attend the Africa Cup of Nations final between Ivory Coast and Nigeria. It comes after the influencer claimed she was “19 per cent Nigerian”.
      Astrid Wett pleaded with fans to help her attend the Afcon finalCredit: X / AstridWett
      It comes after she declared she was 19 per cent NigerianCredit: X / AstridWett
      She asked fans whether there was any way to get around the vaccination requirements for the countryCredit: X / AstridWett
      Astrid posted an image with a piece of paper claiming to be from AncestryCredit: X / AstridWett
      Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, earlier this week, she said: “I want to go to the Afcon final but I don’t have the vaccinations ☹️.
      “Is there anyway around it? Apparently takes 10 days before you’re allowed to travel.”
      According to the Government website, a yellow fever certificate is required to travel to the Ivory Coast due to the risk of transmission in the country.
      This plea came after a post where Astrid claimed she was part Nigerian.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      A follow-up picture showed the Chelsea supporter wearing a Nigerian football team top and holding a Nigeria flag alongside a piece of paper apparently from genealogy company Ancestry.
      The paper in question showed a breakdown of Astrid’s ethnicity in regions.
      It showed her to be 39 per cent English, 36 per cent Welsh, 19 per cent Nigerian and three per cent German.
      She also had less than a one per cent link to Italy, Spain, Belgium and highlighted previous African Caribbean migration from her family tree.
      Most read in Football
      Astrid is a Chelsea fanCredit: Instagram @wettastrid
      She has been outspoken over the club’s poor formCredit: Instagram @wettastrid
      Astrid more than likely won’t be in attendance for Sunday’s final at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
      The match kicks off at 8pm UK time and is being shown on a number of UK broadcasters, including Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Football and BBC Three in the UK.
      Astrid Wett travels with the Chelsea away fans to Anfield as the Blues face Liverpool
      The game is also available to stream for FREE from the BBC iPlayer, so long as you have a valid TV licence.
      Astrid recently called for Chelsea to sack manager Mauricio Pochettino.
      Meanwhile, her attendance at another game at Stamford Bridge saw her almost hit in head by a stray shot from Liverpool ace Darwin Nunez.
      She is also a regular sight on influencer boxing shows.
      Astrid is an Onlyfans modelCredit: Instagram @wettastrid
      She is also a regular on the influencer boxing sceneCredit: PA More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Nigeria vs Ivory Coast – Afcon 2023 final: Kick-off time, team news as hosts face Osimhen and Co in huge showpiece clash

      by

      IVORY COAST take on Nigeria in the African Cup of Nations final on Saturday.The host nation reached the final after edging out the DR Congo 1-0 thanks to a goal from Sebastien Haller.
      Sebastien Haller scored the winning goal against DR CongoCredit: AFP
      Nigeria beat South Africa to reach the finalCredit: EPA
      The former West Ham striker volleyed an unconventional strike over and past Lionel Mpasi in the second half.
      The Ivorians held out to seal the win and set up the final against Nigeria.
      They enjoyed their celebrations in the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé as Chelsea legend Didier Drogba also got involved.
      Nigeria made their own way to the last two after a tense clash with South Africa in the semi-final.
      READ MORE IN AFCON
      The Super Eagles looked to have done the job inside 90 minutes thanks to William Troost-Ekong’s penalty.
      However, extra time was forced as Teboho Mokoena also converted from the spot.
      A penalty shootout was needed to separate the sides as Nigeria scrapped though.
      The matter of the trophy will be decided at the Olympic Stadium.
      Most read in Football
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Ivory Coast has had an up-and-down tournament, having lost two of their group games.
      They only qualified as one of the best third-placed teams which saw them sack manager Jean-Louis Gasset mid-tournament.
      Watch Chelsea legend Didier Drogba’s wild celebrations as Ivory Coast storm into Africa Cup of Nations final
      The nation made a loan enquiry to appoint Herve Rennard from the French women’s team.
      He did not take the role and forgotten Premier League flop Emerse Fae took on the job and has had a great impact.
      The tournament has been full of thrills throughout, as former Manchester United flop Bebe and ex-West ham star Arthur Masuaku scoring brilliant free-kicks.
      Meanwhile, Morocco star Youssef En-Nesyri had to celebrate his goal from the bench, and Yves Bissouma playing while suffering from malaria.
      Team news
      Nigeria star Victor Osimhen was passed fit to play against South Africa despite initial concerns over an abdominal injury.
      He should be fine to face Ivory Coast in the final on Saturday.
      Meanwhile Ola Aina, Moses Simon and Calvin Bassey all escaped bookings in the semi-finals and are available for selection.
      Ivory Coast will welcome back trio Serge Aurier, Odilon Kossounou and Oumar Diakite after they complete their suspensions.
      Who will be the star men?
      Sebastien Haller is playing two years on from his cancer diagnosisCredit: AP
      Victor Osimhen is one of the world’s best strikerCredit: AP
      Sebastien Haller will want to play a key role for the Ivory Coast in the final.
      The former Hammer scored the decisive goal in the semi-final to take with his first of the tournament.
      He will have some stern competition, however, as Nigeria has its own attacking talisman.
      Osimhen may have only scored once during his six appearances, but he will be keen to add to that tally.
      The Napoli striker is considered one of the most prolific in Europe and could fire Nigeria to Afcon glory on Saturday.
      What have the managers said?
      Jose Peseiro wants to lead Nigeria to glorlyCredit: AFP
      Emerse Fae was appointed midway through the tournamentCredit: AP
      Nigeria manager Jose Peseiro has always insisted that when he took the job, he had one aim, and that was to win Afcon.
      He told BBC Sport Africa: “When I signed the contract, I said I want to win the Afcon.
      “Either way, I don’t know if everybody believed or not. I have believed since the first moment.
      “We haven’t won nothing until now – we want to win the Afcon.”
      Ivory Coast manager Emerse Faé has claimed that it is a “dream” to have led the team to the final.
      He said: “We are happy, we’re really moved. It’s like a dream, when you go back two weeks to the defeat here against Equatorial Guinea.
      “It was hard then to imagine that we might qualify for the final of our own Afcon.”
      SunSport prediction
      Nigeria 1 Ivory Coast 3
      When is Nigeria vs Ivory Coast?

      Nigeria’s big Afcon final clash with Ivory Coast will take place on Sunday, January 11.
      The game will kick off at 8pm UK time.
      Nigeria vs Ivory Coast will be played at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      Nigeria vs Ivory Coast will be shown live on Sky Sports Premier League, Sky Sports Football and BBC Three in the UK.
      You can live stream the action from the NOW TV or Sky Go app, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      The game is also available to stream for FREE from the BBC iPlayer, so long as you have a valid TV licence.

      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Odds

      Nigeria – 31/20
      Draw – 19/10
      Ivory Coast – 2/1
      Nigeria to lift trophy – 3/4
      Ivory Coast to lift trophy – 2/1

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

    • 213 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Watch Chelsea legend Didier Drogba’s wild celebrations as Ivory Coast storm into Africa Cup of Nations final

      by

      IVORY COAST legend Didier Drogba celebrated wildly as he watched his country reach the final of the Africa Cup of Nations.Sebastien Haller’s second-half strike handed the Elephants a 1-0 win over DR Congo on Wednesday night.
      Didier Drogba urged the Ivory Coast fans to make more noise during the gameCredit: CAF
      He waited intently for the referee to blow the final whistleCredit: CAF
      Drogba celebrated wildly after the whistle was blownCredit: CAF
      He began dancing with other ecstatic Ivorian fans by the side of the pitchCredit: CAF
      The result sets up a meeting with Nigeria on Sunday as Ivory Coast look to win the competition for a third time in front of their own fans.
      And the scenes inside the Alassane Ouattara Stadium were a sight to behold as Drogba conducted the adoring Ivory Coast fans.
      The Chelsea icon, 45, was filmed pitchside urging the supporters to make even more noise during the game.
      Towards the end of the match, he was then seen pointing to his watch as he called for the final whistle.
      READ MORE ON CHELSEA
      And when the referee eventually ended the match, he leapt up in excitement and punched the air.
      Drogba, who was wearing a “CAN 2023” shirt which refers to the Coupe d’Afrique des Nations, then began celebrating and dancing with those around him with infectious delight.
      And fans on social media were loving the scenes, with one saying: “True king.”
      Another added: “Die-hard fan indeed, congratulations to you and your country. You did well. Best of luck in the final.”
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      While a third replied: “You can’t hate this guy, so free-spirited.”
      Despite claiming four Premier League titles and the Champions League with Chelsea, Drogba never won the Africa Cup of Nations with Ivory Coast.
      Prem hero Sebastien Haller seals Ivory Coast’s Afcon final spot with shock volley less than 2yrs after cancer diagnosis
      He reached two finals – in 2006 and 2012 – before coming up short against Egypt and Zambia.
      He retired from international football in 2014, before Ivory Coast lifted the trophy the following year.
      Meanwhile, the Ivorians’ current team have had a remarkable path to the final.
      After losing two of their three group games, they thought they were heading out of the tournament and so decided to sack manager Jean-Louis Gasset.
      But results went their way as they edged into the last 16, before they knocked holders Senegal out on penalties to reach the quarter-finals.
      Last-minute goals in normal time and extra time then saw them beat Mali 2-1 in a thrilling match to set up a tie with DR Congo in the last four.
      And Haller’s goal has now set up a clash with three-time winners Nigeria on Sunday after they beat South Africa on penalties. More

    • 275 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Fans left stunned by Afcon turnaround as Osimhen scores to seal win… only for VAR to give PENALTY at the other end

      by

      NIGERIA’S semi-final clash against South Africa was turned on its head by VAR in the dying minutes of the match.Victor Osimhen thought he had doubled Nigeria’s 1-0 lead in the last five minutes – but play was brought back.
      SOUTH AFRICA EQUALISE IN THE 90TH MINUTE! 😱Nigeria have a goal disallowed after a VAR check and South Africa are awarded a penalty! pic.twitter.com/IGbjBhNK0s— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) February 7, 2024

      Teboho Mokoena converted a last-minute penalty to equalise for South AfricaCredit: AP
      South Africa stars celebrate the last-gasp turnaroundCredit: AFP
      Victor Osimhen thought he had sealed the win by doubling Nigeria’s leadCredit: AFP
      VAR reviewed the passage of play and after a lengthy delay decided there had been a foul on a South African player in Nigeria’s box before the Super Eagles broke free.
      Referee Amin Omar eventually blew for a penalty which was converted by Teboho Mokoena in stoppage time.
      That levelled the score and South Africa even had a chance to win it late on but Khuliso Mudau blazed over from a rebound which was easier to score.
      The match went to extra-time but Nigeria were not to be denied a place in the final, as they won the shoot-out 4-2.

      They will now face hosts Ivory Coast in Sunday night’s final after they beat DR Congo 1-0, thanks to Sebastien Haller’s second half goal.
      Osimhen had poked home from close range from a low cross for Nigeria to spark furious protests from South Africa.
      VAR then reviewed an incident involving South Africa star Percy Tau, who just pipped opponent Alhassan Yusuf to the ball before being tripped just inside the box.
      The ref was left with no option but to chalk off Osimhen’s goal before pointing to the spot in a dramatic sequence of events.
      Most read in Football
      South Africa were surprise participants in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final having not reached the last four of the competition since 2000.
      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      They had goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to thank for progressing from the quarter-final as he saved an astonishing four penalties in the shoot-out win over Cape Verde.
      Fans were amazed by the latest thriller, with one saying: “Afcon moving like Eastenders.”
      William Troost-Ekong opened the scoring for Nigeria from the penalty spotCredit: AFP
      Fans left devastated as ‘breathtaking’ Afcon Goal of the Tournament contender disallowed and say ‘if only…’ More

    • 225 Shares159 Views

      in Soccer

      Afcon 2023 semi-finals LIVE SCORES: Latest updates, Nigeria vs South Africa before Ivory Coast vs DR Congo TONIGHT

      by

      NIGERIA will face South Africa this evening in the first Afcon semi-final of the day.The Super Eagles are eying their first Nations Cup triumph since 2013 when they beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final.
      Later tonight, Ivory Coast will take on DR Congo after Oumar Diakite’s 122nd-minute match-winner against Mali booked the host’s spot in the final four.

      Nigeria vs South Africa kick off time: 5pm GMT
      Ivory Coast vs DR Congo kick off time: 8pm GMT
      TV channel: BBC Two/Three
      FREE live stream: BBC iPlayer

      CASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERS
      Follow our live blog below…
      Team news
      Starting with Nigeria, who will be thrilled to have Victor Osimhen fit for this one.
      He gets the nod in a stellar attacking line-up filled with Premier League stars, past and present.
      Fulham’s Calvin Bassey also takes his place in defence.
      NIGERIA XI: Nwabali, Aina, Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey, Osay-Samuel, Onyeka, Iwobi, Lookman, Simon, Osimhen
      Copy linkCopiedTop hosts
      Ivory Coast and DR Congo meet in the other semi final later tonight.
      The host nation are just favourites in the betting to reach the final – after a hugely dramatic campaign to date.
      They sacked head coach Jean-Louis Gasset after a hugely disappointing group stage campaign – which they ended up QUALIFYING from to reach the last 16.
      A penalty shoot out win over Senegal followed, with them needing extra time to beat Mali in the quarter finals.
      Who could begrudge them a final on home turf?
      Copy linkCopiedNigeria record at this stage…
      Incredibly, this is Nigeria’s record 15th appearance in the semi finals of this competition.
      But it’s been a stage they’ve stuttered at recently.
      In fact, they’ve only reached the final once from their last six games in the AFCON semis.
      Though the one time they did progress to the final in that time – in 2013 – they went on to claim the trophy.
      The hosts that year? South Africa.
      Copy linkCopiedNeed to create
      Nigeria boss Jose Peseiro has lauded his side’s defensive displays after four consecutive clean sheets to reach the final four.
      But he’s pleaded with his side to create more scoring chances tonight.
      He reckons a more prolific display in the final third will be necessary to reach the final.
      He said: “The team could have created more opportunities. 
      “We are a quality team Angola was very good, but we had more luck. I remain satisfied with my players but want us to be more efficient.
      “We’re missing key creators like Iheanacho and Aribo, so it’s been hard. But others must now step up.”

      Copy linkCopiedFears over
      Victor Osimhen’s participation tonight looked in serious jeopardy when Jose Peseiro refused to give an update on his fitness.
      The Napoli superstar’s abdominal discomfort forced him not to travel to Bouake.
      But the Super Eagles’ X account calmed fears yesterday, revealing he will be fit this evening.
      The statement read: “Victor Osimhen has been declared fit and available for selection in the semi-final clash against South Africa on Wednesday,’ the statement read.
      “He has joined the team in Bouaké and has trained with the squad today.”
      Copy linkCopiedWelcome!
      A very good evening and welcome to tonight’s first African Cup of Nations semi final between Nigeria and South Africa.
      Nigeria secured their passage to this stage with a 1-0 win over Angola in the quarters.
      Former Everton and Fulham winger Ademola Lookman with the only goal in the game in the first half.
      That was their third 1-0 victory of the competition.
      South Africa’s quarter final was an even tenser affair, relying on a penalty shoot out to prevail beyond Cape Verde.
      Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was the hero on the night saving FOUR penalties in that shoot out.
      That’s led both sides to tonight….
      Copy linkCopied More

    • 263 Shares99 Views

      in Soccer

      Nigeria vs South Africa – Afcon semi-final: Super Eagles and Bafana Bafana look for final spot – stream, TV, team news

      by

      NIGERIA will face South Africa in the semi-final of Afcon TONIGHT.The Super Eagles booked their place in the last four with a 1-0 win over Angola on Friday.
      Ademola Lookman was the difference maker against AngolaCredit: GETTY
      Ronwen Williams was the hero for South Africa against Cape Verde with four penalty saves in the shootoutCredit: AP
      Former Premier League star Ademola Lookman was the difference maker with a thumping strike on 40 minutes.
      Nigeria have won the Nations Cup three times, with their last tournament triumph coming in 2013 when they beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final.
      The Super Eagles will face South Africa in this year’s semi-final after the latter booked their spot in the last four with a win over Cape Verde.
      Bafana Bafana shot-stopper Ronwen Williams was the hero after he became the first goalkeeper to save four penalties in an Afcon shootout.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      When is Nigeria vs South Africa?

      Nigeria vs South Africa will take place on Wednesday, February 7th.
      The match will kick off at 5pm GMT.
      The Stade de la Paix in Bouake will host.

      What TV channel is Nigeria vs South Africa on and can it be live streamed?

      Nigeria vs South Africa will be broadcast live on BBC Two and Sky Sports Main Event.
      You can live stream the match for FREE on BBC iPlayer, providing you have a valid TV license.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.

      Team news
      Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen was taken off late on against Angola on Friday night with an apparent injury.
      However, the Napoli striker was pictured walking freely away from the stadium after the match.
      Most read in Football
      Hugo Broos will be hoping his South Africa side came through their gruelling 120-minute quarter-final unscathed.
      What are the odds?
      Match result

      Nigeria – 3/5
      Draw – 5/2
      South Africa – 6/1

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and are correct at the time of publication. More

    • 275 Shares179 Views

      in Soccer

      Ivory Coast vs DR Congo – Afcon semi-final: Hosts take on underdogs for spot in final – stream, TV channel, team news

      by

      IVORY COAST are on step away from reaching the Africa Cup of Nations 2023 final on home territory. The Elephants have been brilliant so far but will have to be at their best again to get past plucky underdogs DR Congo.
      Ivory Coast beat Mali to reach the semi-finals of Afcon 2023
      DR Congo’s Arthur Masuaku celebrates with teammates after scoring his side’s third goal against Guinea
      Ivory Coast overcame Mali in sensational circumstances in the quarter-finals to reach the Afcon semis.
      Two goals, once in the 92nd minute and again in the 120th minute sealed their meeting with DR Congo.
      The Leopards, meanwhile, beat Guinea 3-1 and even knocked out Egypt on penalties in the last-16.
      When is Ivory Coast vs DR Congo?

      Ivory Coast’s clash with DR Congo takes place TONIGHT at 8pm GMT.
      The match will be held at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.

      What channel is it and can it be live streamed?

      Ivory Coast vs DR Congo will be broadcast live on BBC Three and Sky Sports Football.
      You can live stream the match for FREE on BBC iPlayer, providing you have a valid TV license.
      Alternatively, you can keep up to date with all the action by following SunSport’s live blog.

      Team news
      Ivory Coast will be without suspended Serge Aurier for their huge semi-final.
      Simon Adingra scored the equaliser against Mali last week and could get a start here alongside Sebastian Haller.
      And Ibrahim Sangare could return to the XI in place one Franck Kessie.
      Most read in Football
      For DR Congo, they could be without former Chelsea man Gael Kakuta, but they’ll ne more worried about Arthur Masuaku’s risk of suspension for the final.
      Odds

      Ivory Coast – 21/20
      Draw – 9/5
      DR Congo – 5/2
      Ivory Coast to qualify – 8/15
      DR Congo to qualify – 27/20

      *Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and correct at time of publication. More

    • 225 Shares199 Views

      in Soccer

      Mo Salah set for awkward decision as Egypt hire the national legend who slammed Liverpool star’s Afcon exit

      by

      MOHAMED SALAH is set for and awkward encounter following Eygpt’s decision to hire Hossam Hassan.The Pharaohs hired the national legend to replace Rui Vitoria following their Afcon exit.
      Hossam Hassan has been named Egypt’s name managerCredit: AP
      He criticised Mohamed Salah for returning to LiverpoolCredit: AP
      Rui Vitoria was sacked for losing just once as Eygpt managerCredit: AFP
      Egypt were knocked out of Afcon in the last-16 after a shock defeat to DR Congo.
      Salah, 31, has wished the Portuguese manager well on social media following his departure.
      He wrote: “Thanks for everything, coach. I wish you the best in the future.”
      Victoria’s exit came as a bit of a surprise as he had only lost one match during his time in charge.
      READ MORE IN FOOTBALL
      While it appears that Salah had a good relationship with the former Benfica and Al-Nassr boss, it is likely there could be some friction with his replacement.
      Hassan, 57, was hired by the Pharaohs as the technical director but will be fulfilling the role of a manager.
      The former striker is a legend for Egypt as he scored 68 goals and is the all-time leading goalscorer, 12 more than Salah.
      During Afcon he was working as a pundit and was left unimpressed with Salah’s decision to return to Liverpool.
      Most read in Football
      FREE BETS – BEST BETTING OFFERS & NEW CUSTOMER BONUSES
      The forward had picked up a hamstring injury against Ghana and he returned to Merseyside for rehab.
      Hassan said: “If Salah feels he wants to travel, he should travel and not return to the national team again because the injury is not severe; he needs physiotherapy which is available with the national team.
      Mo Salah gives motivational dressing room speech to Egypt team-mates after Afcon defeat
      “A hamstring injury does not require extensive facilities in Liverpool.
      “Big clubs always send doctors and physical therapists with top players to these tournaments, and in Liverpool, they know if Salah needs something, they will send doctors to him.
      “Salah, with his great value, should continue with the national team both morally and psychologically.
      “It affects other teams that he can participate at any time, but his departure will affect Egypt negatively and the opponents positively.”
      This is not the first managerial issue Salah has had to deal with recently as Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp announced he would be stepping down at the end of the season.
      Hassan, a three-time Afcon winner as a player, continued to reveal how he would deal with the situation.
      He added: “If I was the Egypt manager and he told me his desire to travel to Liverpool, I would tell him to continue there, and we have capable men in the national team.
      “Salah is one of the best individuals who have achieved accomplishments for Egypt globally, but the national team is a red line for anyone.
      “Even if you are injured and cannot play, you have a significant role from both a technical and moral perspective.”
      Salah will have a decision over his international future following the arrival of Hassan, especially if the environment is not welcoming.
      This year’s tournament has seen some other shock eliminations with nations like Senegal, Cameroon and Morocco all suffering early exits.
      DR Congo have been one of the surprise teams having reached the semi-final against host nation Ivory Coast.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Star player and former West Ham defender Arthur Masuaku scored a brilliant free-kick in the quarter-final.
      Cape Verde also punched above their weight before they were knocked out in the quarter-finals by South Africa after a dramatic penalty shootout. More