Africa Cup of Nations

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      Mo Salah finally breaks silence on Liverpool return with passionate message to Egypt fans after backlash

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      MOHAMED SALAH has broken his silence after facing backlash for returning to Liverpool from the Africa Cup of Nations.The Reds winger left Egypt’s camp in the Ivory Coast after suffering a hamstring injury against Ghana earlier this month.
      Mohamed Salah has broken his silence on his Liverpool returnCredit: Getty
      He was later ruled out until at least the quarter-finals, if Egypt make it that far.
      In a post on Twitter, the 31-year-old said: “Yesterday I started the treatment and rehabilitation program and I will do everything possible to be ready as soon as possible and return to the national team as was agreed upon from the beginning…
      “I also love it and its people… try harder.”
      Salah’s return to England was met with backlash and accusations he had been “plotting” a departure from the tournament.
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      Those claims were despite the national team revealing they hoped he would return if Egypt are still in the tournament once he receives treatment at Liverpool.
      He had scored a 97th minute penalty to rescue a point in the Pharoahs’ opener against Mozambique.
      However, Salah was then forced off in the subsequent draw with Ghana last Thursday.
      Monday’s third consecutive 2-2 draw with Cape Verde was enough to see Egypt through in Salah’s absence.
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      The seven-time winners face DR Congo for a place in the last eight on Sunday.
      Liverpool hit back at the accusations against Salah this week, with assistant boss Pep Lijnders defending the Reds star.
      Speaking before their clash with Fulham, he blasted: “You should never doubt the commitment of Mo Salah. I never met a guy who is more committed to the life of being a professional football player.
      “I know that his country is devastated to lose him, we were devastated to hear that he got injured.” More

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      Ivory Coast appoint forgotten ex-Premier League star as freak results see them reach Afcon last 16 after sacking manager

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      Forgotten Premier League flop Emerse Fae has been handed the task of reviving the Ivory Coast’s AFCON campaign.Reading paid a then club record £2.5million for the Nantes midfielder in 2007.
      Former Reading midfielder Emerse Fae has been appointed Ivory Coast managerCredit: Action Images
      However, Fae made just 11 appearances as Steve Coppell’s Royals were relegated in 2008.
      He returned to France with Nice that year after starting just six times for the Berkshire side.
      Fae has recently worked as the Ivory Coast’s assistant manager – but has been given the top job after Jean-Louis Gasset was sacked with the Elephants on the brink of AFCON elimination.
      However, Morocco’s 1-0 win over Zambia on Wednesday kept the hosts in the tournament – and they will take on holders Senegal on Monday.
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      Fae, 40, won 41 caps for the west African country.
      He now hopes to profit from their miracle reprieve.
      “We were really disappointed with our own results, and afraid of not progressing in our home tournament,” he said.
      “But we have got through thanks to others, and have to remain humble.
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      Ivory Coast reached the round of 16 after other results went their wayCredit: AFP
      “Expectations weighed heavily on us, but now there is less weight on our shoulders.
      “We must focus on Senegal. They are a good side, and we must repay our fans.”
      Nantes-born Fae hung up his boots in 2012 after problems with veins in his legs. More

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      Afcon coach SACKED mid-tournament after humiliating defeat… despite still being able to reach knockouts

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      IVORY COAST have sacked manager Jean-Louis Gasset midway through the Africa Cup of Nations.The tournament hosts concluded their group stage campaign by losing 4-0 to Equatorial Guinea on Monday.
      Jean-Louis Gasset has been sacked by the Ivory CoastCredit: AFP
      Despite finishing third in group A, though, they could still advance as one of the four best third-placed sides.
      In a statement, the Elephants confirmed: “The contracts of coach Jean-Louis Gasset and his assistant Ghislain Printant are terminated due to insufficient results.”
      Gasset’s side began the tournament by beating Guinea-Bissau 2-0 before defeats to Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea.
      Those defeats leave the Ivory Coast hoping other results go their way to avoid a first group stage exit since 2017.
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      Gasset’s squad for the tournament included Premier League stars Serge Aurier and Simon Adingra.
      They will learn their fate once groups E and F play out their final matches on Wednesday.
      Reigning champions Senegal await in the round of 16 if the Ivorians do progress.
      The two-time winners were amongst the pre-tournament favourites as they staged AFCON for the first time in 40 years.
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      Gasset had been in charge of the national team since May 2022 after replacing fellow Frenchman Patrice Beaumelle.
      He had previously had spells as manager of Bordeaux, Saint-Etienne and Montpellier back in France.
      However, the 70-year-old now departs mid-tournament after back-to-back defeats. More

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      Man Utd blow after Gambia vs Cameroon chaos as fans laud ‘best Afcon ever’ after late handball drama and goals galore

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      MANCHESTER UNITED will continue to play without Andre Onana as Cameroon reach the Afcon knockout stage.In a five-goal thriller, Cameroon beat Gambia 3-2 in the dying minutes of the game.
      Manchester United will continue to be without Andre OnanaCredit: AFP
      Cameroon have secured their spot in the Afcon knockout stageCredit: Reuters
      Christopher Wooh scored the third strike that saw Cameroon win the game 3-2Credit: AFP
      A goalless first half had fans in doubt of Cameroon’s place in the next round of the Africa Cup of Nations.
      But a dramatic second 45 saw Rigobert Song’s side take the lead on three occasions in between Gambia’s two goals.
      And in the 94th minute, Tom Saintfiet’s Gambia squad thought they had equalised only for the goal to be disallowed by handball.
      Cameroon’s victory now means they will face Nigeria in the last-16 in Abidjan on Saturday.
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      And fans have lauded the chaotic Afcon match on Twitter with some calling the tournament “the best AFCON ever.”
      While another added: “the afcon cup script is unreal 😭.”
      A third then called Gambia’s handball: “Hand of God😂😂😂.”
      As Senegal beat Guinea 2-0 Cameroon finished their Group C stage in second and Gambia crashed out after a third successive loss.
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      Meanwhile, the Red Devils shot-stopper Onana will be hoping to regain his place after being dropped by Song for tonight’s game.
      Instead, Fabrice Ondoa, who is the United player’s cousin, was named in goal.
      Onana had retired from international duty after falling out with manager Song at the World Cup in 2022.
      But the two put their differences aside ahead of Afcon this year which saw the United goalie make a comeback.
      Gambia crashed out of the tournament after losing all three of their Group C gamesCredit: AFP
      A handball denied Gambia to equalise in the final moments of the gameCredit: Sky Sports More

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      Armed police ‘called in to contain angry journalists’ after Chris Hughton’s Ghana suffer Afcon humiliation

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      ARMED cops were called in to deal with fuming Ghanaian journalists with the country on the brink of an early Africa Cup of Nations exit.The Black Stars were leading Mozambique by two goals in stoppage time before an incredible collapse.
      Ghanaian journalists raged after finding out their team tried to avoid media dutiesCredit: @SaddickAdams
      Armed police were sent down to control the situationCredit: @SaddickAdams
      Ghana first gave away a penalty and then conceded from a corner in the 94th minute.
      Chris Hughton’s side now need several results to go their way in order to make it through to the knockout stages.
      Ghana have failed to win a match at three consecutive Afcons.
      With most accepting they are out this year’s tournament, angry journalists went downstairs at Alassane Ouattara Stadium to interrogate the manager and players.
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      Reporter Saddick Adams claims media workers waited over an hour before suddenly realising the Ghana flops were not going to turn up.
      The team bus reportedly “strategically parked at the entrance of the dressing room” with players ready to make a quick escape.
      Barricades were then erected to create a path for the Ghana stars to get to the bus.
      But the journalists were having none of it, refusing to move and stopping security from bringing the players out their dressing room.
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      As tempers flared, armed cops were called in to help deal with the situation.
      Media staff stood their ground and the players eventually had to walk past them.
      The team got booed and “unpleasant words” were exchanged.
      Adams insists: “Nobody was ready to harm anyone and nobody vandalised any bus.
      “We have tolerated this for far too long. This team was built with the toil and sweat of a few honest and dedicated individuals. We won’t allow a few to destroy it. Today, we will show them our anger.”
      After the game, ex-Brighton and Newcastle boss Hughton said: “I take responsibility for this performance and admit my results with the Black Stars have not been good enough.”
      Crazy stoppage time comeback…
      Ghana looked to be cruising 2-0 up against Mozambique and set to sneak through to the last 16 after losing their first game to Cape Verde and drawing their second with Egypt.
      Suddenly, the ref pointed to the spot as the ball hit ex-Prem star Andre Ayew’s outstretched arm.
      Geny Catamo converted the spot-kick and then in the 94th minute goalkeeper Richard Ofori made a huge error.
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      The ball was bouncing out for a goal-kick when he tried to keep the ball in – only for it to hit his hand and go behind for a corner.
      It gave Mozambique one last chance to load the box and they were rewarded as Reinildo Mandava’s looping header dropped into the net to break Ghana hearts.
      Ghana’s goalkeeper Richard Ofori made a mistake that led to the equaliserCredit: AFP
      Ghana have been sent home early from the Afcon againCredit: AFP More

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      Former Premier League and Ghana boss Chris Hughton all but out of Afcon after ‘most unnecessary mistake ever seen’

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      GHANA are heading out of the Africa Cup of Nations thanks to a baffling gaffe from goalkeeper Richard Ofori.The Black Stars are set to exit at the group stage after failing to win in three matches against Cape Verde, Egypt and Mozambique.
      Richard Ofori had a moment to forget against MozambiqueCredit: AFP
      Reinildo Mandava’s late equaliser means Ghana are heading out of AfconCredit: AP
      Ghana’s head coach Chris Hughton looks on during the game against MozambiqueCredit: AP

      They were minutes away from picking up a vital three points against Mozambique and would have done so if not for a big blunder from Ofori.
      Former West Ham star Jordan Ayew scored twice from the penalty spot to give Ghana a 2-0 lead, before Geny Catamo pulled one back from 12 yards in stoppage time.
      That meant there was time for late heartbreak as Reinildo Mandava jumped highest at the back post to steer a header into the top corner to equalise.
      However Mozambique only won the corner thanks to an incredible lapse in concentration from Ofori, who plays for Orlando Pirates in South Africa.
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      Mozambique star Mexer sliced an effort from outside the box that was bouncing harmlessly out of play – before Ofori intervened.
      The keeper appeared to try to catch the ball before being caught in two minds, leading him to instead palm out the ball for a corner.
      Fans could scarcely believe what they were watching as one reacted saying: “This tournament is quality.”
      Another added: “The most unnecessary mistake ever seen.”
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      A third wrote: “Should have caught it to be certain. Zero situational awareness displayed here.”
      And another commented: “The way he puts his hands up too I’m crying man😭”
      Pressure is now mounting on Ghana boss Chris Hughton who has overseen just four wins from 13 games.
      Ghana were expected to qualify from their Afcon group as the 11th ranked African side in the world, while they are 50 places above Mozambique in the world rankings.
      Meanwhile Mo Salah’s injury which he picked up playing for Egypt has now been revealed to be far worse than first thought. More

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      Africa Cup of Nations chaos as Morocco star chases opponent and brawl breaks out in tunnel before ace racially abused

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      CONGO’S ex-Prem star Chancel Mbemba was racially abused on social media after a row with Morocco’s manager Walid Regragui sparked a huge brawl in their Afcon clash.The two African nations drew 1-1 in an ill-tempered match in the Ivory Coast after Congolese ace Silas cancelled out Achraf Hakimi’s early opener.
      An angry brawl ensued at the Africa Cup of Nations clash between Congo and MoroccoCredit: AP
      Congo’s Chancel Mbemba tackles Youssef En-Nesyri before their post-match fall-out
      Morocco star Youssef En-Nesyri chased Mbemba down the tunnel
      But a brawl followed at full-time when Mbemba and Regragui collided following an angry exchange at Afcon.
      Footage showed members of both teams pushing each other after the final whistle.
      According to AP, the Moroccan manager sought ex-Newcastle ace Mbemba – who played for the Toon between 2015 and 2018 – when the centre-back appeared to be praying on his knees.
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      The Marseille star took the 48-year-old tactician’s hand and clapped him on the back in what appeared to be a a friendly exchange.
      But Regragui kept hold of the 29-year-old’s hand and carried on talking to him.
      The Congo international angrily pulled his hand away and gestured towards the video referee before players from both sides jumped in.
      But that wasn’t the end of it as the fracas continued when the defender made his way down the tunnel.
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      Morocco star Youssef En-Nesyri angrily ran towards Mbemba and team-mate Yassine Bounou tied to hold him back.
      Players from both teams chased after En-Nesyri to make sure things didn’t get out of hand.
      After the game, Mbemba was racially abused on Instagram as yobs replied to his latest posts with monkey and gorilla emojis and added some vile statements.
      The Congo captain decided against addressing the full version of events but praised Regragui as he called him a “great man”.
      Mbemba said: “I respect the coach who is a great man. The TV cut the videos, but I have them. I don’t need to swing them.
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      “I keep my silence, it’s better, that’s how I am. Everyone knows me, I respect everyone, I don’t need to shoot anyone but God’s justice is there.”
      Regragui, who led Morocco to a historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup and made them the first ever African side to reach the semi-finals, offered his version of events.
      The former Toulouse player told L’Equipe: “I said to [Congo manager Sebastien] Desabre: ‘Bring him back to me, he’s going crazy, he’s talking nonsense’. I didn’t like it because it insinuates a lot of things.
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      “So if he has images other than what we see on television, let him take them out, with pleasure. And he’ll see exactly what happened.
      “And that’s what happened… Before I went to shake his hand, he took me and my assistant to task on the sidelines before the end of the game, he spoke badly to us. And Desabre knows it.”
      Morocco coach Walid Regragui during the game against Congo More

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      Egypt confirm Mo Salah has returned to Liverpool as they reveal striker’s targeted return date after Afcon injury

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      EGYPT have confirmed Mo Salah is returning to Liverpool for rehab after picking up an injury at the Africa Cup of Nations.The 31-year-old went down hurt and was substituted in the first-half of Egypt’s 2-2 draw with Ghana on Thursday.
      Mo Salah picked up an injury against Ghana on ThursdayCredit: AP
      He watched on at a Egypt training session today but is now returning to Liverpool for treatmentCredit: AFP
      Salah suffered a hamstring injury and has since undergone scans.
      And Egypt confirmed Salah was flying back to England, releasing a statement that read: “The Egyptian FA announces that Salah will now travel to England to receive treatment with the hope that he will join the Egyptian national team if it qualifies for the semi-finals.”
      Salah will miss Egypt’s game against Cape Verde and their following two knockout matches should they make it out of their group.
      The final is not until February 11.
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      The Pharaohs drew their opening two games of Afcon and need a win on Monday to seal their place in the last 16.
      Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp had already confirmed Salah’s return to the club prior to Egypt’s statement.
      When asked if he could still head back to the tournament, the Reds boss said: “If he is fit before the final then probably yes.
      “That’s the plan. If that’s already decided 100 per cent, I don’t know. But that’s the plan.
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      “I think probably everybody sees it makes sense that he’s doing the rehab with us or with our people.
      “That’s the plan. But if it’s written in stone already, I don’t know.”
      After Salah sustained the problem, the manager said: “I spoke last night with him and how it is with these injuries — you need further assessment.
      “That’s what they are doing now and then we will know more.
      “Of course it was in that moment a shock: ‘Oh my God, what is it?’ 
      “You have these kinds of hamstring injuries in a different way but he  felt it.
      “And we all know how rarely Mo goes off or needs to go off, so there is definitely something and we will see.”
      Jurgen Klopp also confirmed Salah had returned to LiverpoolCredit: AP More