Africa Cup of Nations

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      Africa Cup of Nations fixtures and results: How to watch every game at Africa Cup of Nations

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      THE Africa Cup of Nations is finally here as 24 teams make it their aim to win the coveted prize.Originally supposed to take place in the summer of 2023, the tournament was moved over fears about playing it during raining season.
      Senegal won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2021 after beating EgyptCredit: AP
      Last time out, Senegal beat Egypt on penalties to win their first ever title, with Sadio Mane scoring the decisive penalty.
      This time, however, Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah will be looking to right the wrong by winning his country’s record eighth title.
      And it all gets underway on Saturday, January 13 with hosts Ivory Coast’s clash against Guinea-Bissau.
      What channel is the Africa Cup of Nations on?

      Every game at the Africa Cup of Nations will be live on Sky Sports in the UK.
      You can live stream the action on the Sky Go and NOW TV apps, both of which are available for download onto your mobile or tablet device.
      The tournament takes place from January 13 – February 11.

      AFCON 2023
      Group stages
      Saturday 13th January

      Ivory Coast 2-0 Guinea-Bissau

      Sunday 14th January

      Nigeria 1-1 Equatorial Guinea
      Egypt 2-2 Mozambique
      Ghana 1-2 Cape Verde

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      Monday 15th January

      Senegal 3-0 Gambia
      Cameroon 1-1 Guinea
      Algeria 1-1 Angola

      Tuesday 16th January

      Burkina Faso 1-0 Mauritania
      Tunisia 0-1 Namibia
      Mali 2-0 South Africa

      Wednesday 17th January

      Morocco 3-0 Tanzania
      DR Congo 1-1 Zambia

      Thursday 18th January

      Equatorial Guinea 4-2 Guinea-Bissau
      Ivory Coast 0-1 Nigeria
      Egypt 2-2 Ghana

      Friday 19th January

      Cape Verde v Mozambique (2pm) Sky Sports Football
      Senegal v Cameroon (5pm) Sky Sports Football
      Guinea v The Gambia (8pm) Sky Sports TBC

      Saturday 20th January

      Algeria v Burkina Faso (2pm) Sky Sports TBC
      Mauritania v Angola (5pm) Sky Sports Football
      Tunisia v Mali (8pm) Sky Sports Football

      Sunday 21st January

      Morocco v DR Congo (2pm) Sky Sports TBC
      Zambia v Tanzania (5pm) Sky Sports TBC
      South Africa v Namibia (8pm) Sky Sports TBC

      Monday 22nd January

      Equatorial Guinea v Ivory Coast (5pm) Sky Sports TBC
      Guinea-Bissau v Nigeria (5pm) Sky Sports TBC
      Cape Verde v Egypt (8pm) Sky Sports TBC
      Mozambique v Ghana (8pm) Sky Sports TBC

      Tuesday 23rd January

      The Gambia v Cameroon (5pm) Sky Sports TBC
      Guinea v Senegal (5pm) Sky Sports TBC
      Angola v Burkina Faso (8pm) Sky Sports TBC
      Mauritania v Algeria (8pm) Sky Sports TBC

      Wednesday 24th January

      Namibia v Mali (5pm) Sky Sports TBC
      South Africa v Tunisia (5pm) Sky Sports TBC
      Tanzania v DR Congo (8pm) Sky Sports TBC
      Zambia v Morocco (8pm) Sky Sports TBC

      Mohamed Salah walks past the trophy after losing Africa Cup of Nations 2021 finalCredit: AFP
      Round of 16
      Saturday 27th January

      R16 1: Group D Winner v Group B/E/F Third Place (5pm) Sky Sports Football
      R16 2: Group A Runner-up v Group C Runner-up (8pm) Sky Sports Football

      Sunday 28th January

      R16 2: Group A Winner v Group C/D/E Third Place (5pm) Sky Sports Football
      R16 3: Group B Runner-up v Group F Runner-up (8pm) Sky Sports Football

      Monday 29th January

      R16 4: Group B Winner v Group A/C/D Third Place (5pm) Sky Sports Football
      R16 5: Group C Winner v Group A/B/F Third Place (8pm) Sky Sports Football

      Tuesday 30th January

      R16 7: Group E Winner v Group D Runner-up (5pm) Sky Sports Football
      R16 8: Group F Winner v Group E Runner-up (8pm) Sky Sports Football

      Quarter-finals
      Friday 2nd February

      QF1: Winner of R16 2 v Winner of R16 1 (5pm) Sky Sports Football
      QF2: Winner of R16 4 v Winner of R16 3 (8pm) Sky Sports TBC

      Saturday 3rd February

      QF3: Winner of R16 7 v Winner of R16 6 (5pm) Sky Sports Football
      QF4: Winner of R16 5 v Winner of R16 8 (8pm) Sky Sports Football

      Semi-finals
      Wednesday 7th February

      SF1: Winner of QF1 v Winner of QF4 (5pm) Sky Sports Football
      SF2: Winner of QF3 v Winner of QF2 (8pm) Sky Sports TBC

      Third-place play-off
      Saturday 10th February

      Third-place play-off: SF1 loser v SF2 loser (8pm) Sky Sports Football

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      Final
      Sunday 11th February

      Final: SF1 winner v SF2 winner (8pm) Sky Sports Football More

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      Mohamed Salah injury updates LIVE: Latest as Liverpool star leaves AFCON 2023 game INJURED holding hamstring – updates

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      MOHAMED SALAH had to leave Egypt’s 2-2 draw with Ghana at Afcon 2023 INJURED. The Liverpool star had to fight back tears as he left the field clutching his hamstring, with Liverpool fans now fearing the worst.
      Salah had to come off on the stroke of half-time but the extent of his injury remains unknown.
      Follow all the latest updates with our live blog below…
      Egypt so far
      As you can see from the table below it’s all to play for, for Egypt.
      The loss of Mo Salah for their final group game isn’t going to help the situation.
      Work to do!

      Copy linkCopiedThe game itself
      The game itself was eventful even outside of the Salah injury.
      It finished 2-2 with West Ham star Mohammed Kudus scoring twice for Egypt.
      The draw means Egypt are still fighting to stay in the Afcon.
      They are on two points after two games, and lie second.
      But they’ll need to get a win against Cape Verde in their final match.
      Copy linkCopiedTitle race ramifications?
      What does this all mean for the title race you might ask?
      Well Salah isn’t due back from the Afcon for a few weeks anyway.
      Liverpool take on Premier League title rivals Arsenal on 4th February.
      He wouldn’t have been ready for that game anyway.
      But with Manchester City on 9th March, is that the date we could see him back?
      Copy linkCopiedEgypt boss speaks
      Egypt manager Rui Vitoria has spoken over Mo Salah’s hamstring injury tonight.
      He said: “I hope it’s not a big problem…but now, I don’t know, because it’s [too] early to see something.
      “I think it’s not [serious], but let’s see.
      “Let’s see if Salah recovers.”
      That sounds like good news for both club and country?
      Copy linkCopiedA GOOD OMEN?
      There is some slim hopes for Liverpool, and it’s linked to the last time Salah got a hamstring injury.
      In the 2019-20 season, he suffered a similar issue… and the Reds went on to win the Premier League title.
      Could history repeat itself? A good omen over bad news?

      Copy linkCopiedLENGTH OF TIME OUT?
      It’s all-but certain Salah has injured his hamstring, which has different levels of severity.
      According to reports, he could be out for as long as three-months, which would be a huge blow for Liverpool.

      First class: from 10 days to two weeks

      Second degree: from 3 weeks to 6 weeks

      Third degree: interruption (3 months)

      Copy linkCopied’Not looking good’
      Fans reacted with shock at the news of Salah’s injury and rushed to social media.
      One said: “Very disheartening that Mo Salah couldn’t continue.
      “Firstly, two great friendly nations locking horns.
      “Secondly, my Liverpool player getting injured. This is an awkward situation I find myself.”
      Another added: “That’s bad.”
      Copy linkCopiedWATCH IT HERE
      It’s a worrying time for Liverpool and Egypt, with the incident a real blow for both.
      Salah can be seen down on the ground, a pained expression on his face.
      Footage below shows how bad it could be for the legendary Reds striker.
      Watch it here:

      Copy linkCopiedMo in tears
      Salah looked visibly upset as he hobbled off the pitch playing for Egypt tonight.
      He fought back tears, with fears he could miss the rest of the tournament for his home nation.
      And it could have further ramifications for Liverpool if it turns into a long-term problem.
      The incident happened just before half-time during their game against Ghana.
      Copy linkCopiedSalah injured
      Mo Salah has left Liverpool fans fearing the worst after leaving Egypt’s clash with Ghana at Afcon 2023 injured.
      The Premier League star went down clutching his hamstring on the stroke of half-time.
      And he was taken off minutes later, before the game finished 2-2.
      The extent of Salah’s injury for now remains unclear.
      Depending on the grade of Salah’s injury, the 31-year-old could be out for as many as six weeks, which would end his time at Afcon.
      Copy linkCopied More

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      Sky Sports viewers can’t believe their eyes as they see forgotten Chelsea boss managing Zambia at Afcon 2023

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      FORMER Chelsea boss Avram Grant is managing Zambia during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.Grant burst onto the scene in 2007 when he replaced Jose Mourinho in the Blues’ dugout and led them to the 2008 Champions League final where they lost to Manchester United on penalties.
      Sky Sports viewers were surprised to see Avram Grant in the Africa Cup of NationsCredit: AP
      Ex-Chelsea boss Grant is now the manager of Zambia at AfconCredit: AP
      The Israeli tactician left the West Londoners that same year and had some brief spells at Portsmouth and West Ham.
      But the now 68-year-old disappeared from these shores after his departure from the Hammers in 2011.
      Grant went on to briefly manage Partizan and Ghana while he also worked as technical director for Thai outfit Police Tero and interim boss of NorthEast United in India.
      And now the ex-Chelsea head coach has returned to the fold as he led Zambia to Afcon.
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      Several fans watching the African nation competing against Congo couldn’t believe their eyes when they saw Grant in the dugout.
      One fan tweeted: “Avram Grant busy managing Zambia instead of being on speed dial to be our interim like in the good old days.”
      Another posted: “I’m shocked Avram Grant is Zambia coach.”
      A third wrote: “Is this the same Avram Grant that coached Chelsea FC some times ago?”
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      This fan said: “Wait…. Is that Avram Grant?”
      And that one wondered: “How on earth is Avram Grant Zambia’s coach!?
      “Some things are odd.” More

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      Heartbroken Nottingham Forest star Cheikhou Kouyate leaves Senegal’s Afcon camp after tragic death of his dad

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST star Cheikhou Kouyate has left the Africa Cup of Nations to attend his father’s funeral.Senegal released a statement confirming the midfielder’s departure from the tournament.
      Cheikhou Kouyate has left Afcon to attend his father’s funeralCredit: Getty
      It reads: “The president of the Senegalese Football Federation Mr Augustin Senghor, the members of the executive committee, the coach of the national football team Mr Aliou Cisse, the players of the national football team and the football family have the regret and deep pain to inform you of the death of Mr Bangiougou Kouyate, father of Cheikhou Kouyate, member of the Senegal national team.
      “His death occurred this Tuesday, January 16, in Dakar. The funeral is planned for Wednesday January 17 at the Khar Yalla mosque followed by the burial at the Musalman cemetery in Yoff.
      “In this painful circumstance, the Senegalese Football Federation presents its most saddened condolences to Cheikhou Kouyate who was also authorized to leave the national team gathering today, to go to the funeral in Dakar.”
      Kouyate, 34, was an unused substitute in Senegal’s Afcon opener as they beat Gambia 3-0.
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      He was a key part of the team that won the Africa Cup of Nations in 2022, and played in the final win over Egypt.
      Kouyate has won 90 caps for Senegal and has been to five Afcon tournaments.
      Nottingham Forest players will wear black armbands during tonight’s FA Cup replay against Blackpool as a mark of respect.
      A club statement said: “Our deepest condolences go out to Cheikhou Kouyaté following the passing of his father.
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      “Everyone at the club sends their love and thoughts to Cheikhou and his family at this truly difficult time. “We will wear black armbands tonight in memory of Cheikhou’s father. “We are all with you, Cheikhou.” :pray:
      Fans have shared their condolences for the Forest star following the tragic news.
      One wrote: “May his soul rest in peace.”
      Another added: “Peace to his soul may he rest in peace. Courage Kouyate.”
      And a third said: “May the almighty grant him rest. 🙏” More

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      Meet Andre Onana’s little-known goalkeeper cousin who has more Cameroon caps than Man Utd star

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      ANDRE ONANA may have shot himself in the foot by jetting to the Africa Cup of Nations late in order to continue playing for Manchester United.The goalkeeper received special dispensation from the Cameroon FA in order to play against Tottenham on Sunday.
      Onana flew 5,000 miles to try and make it for his side’s opener against GuineaCredit: Rex
      And despite making it to the game in the nick of time, was left out of the squad and replaced by his cousin Fabrice OndoaCredit: AFP
      The initial plan was that he would then jet immediately to the Ivory Coast in order to play Cameroon’s Afcon opener against Guinea the very next day.
      But once he reached the Ivory Coast, his plane for the last leg of his journey was blocked due to bad weather, making him late to link up with the squad for in Yamoussoukro.
      While he did reach the at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in time for kick off, he was left out of the squad entirely, much to his fury according to reports.
      The keeper was heard asking Liverpool legend El-Hadj Diouf why he had even bothered charting a private jet to make it for the game if he was going to be left out of the squad anyway.
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      And with Onana left out of the squad, his cousin, Fabrice Ondoa that was brought in as Cameroon’s no1.
      And despite Ondoa, 28, playing in the French third tier for Nimes, he now has far more caps for Cameroon compared to Onana.
      Ondoa boasts 49 total appearances while Onana has 37.
      And the 28-year-old has proved himself an able deputy for his cousin in the past, stepping in when Onana temporarily retired from international duty last year.
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      The United stopper retired after a fallout with coach Rigobert Song at the World Cup in 2022 when he was told to kick the ball long rather than pass the ball out from the back.
      Like Onana, Ondoa started his career at Barcelona in the Samuel Eto’o academy but his career has been far more nomadic – playing for clubs in Belgium, Croatia and Latvia.
      He is yet to make an appearance for Nimes this season.
      Onana will be needed for a tough game on Friday against Afcon holders Senegal, who are among the favourites to retain their title. More

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      Andre Onana ‘has to be calmed down by El Hadji Diouf’ after Man Utd star rushed to Afcon only to be left out of squad

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      ANDRE ONANA reportedly had to be calmed down by El Hadji Diouf after his nightmare journey to join the Cameroon squad for their Afcon opener.The Manchester United goalkeeper had travelled 5,000 miles in less than 24 hours to make it in time for his side’s opener, only to be left out of the matchday squad entirely.
      Andre Onana was left out of the Cameroon squad to face Guinea despite facing a gruelling journey to get there in timeCredit: Instagram
      Former Senegal and Liverpool star El Hadji Diouf reportedly had to calm Onana downCredit: PA
      The pair were filmed in deep discussionsCredit: X @LRKABEYA
      Onana had delayed his journey out to meet up with the rest of the Cameroon squad in order to play in Man Utd’s clash with Tottenham on Sunday.
      But after doing his bit in helping the Red Devils secure a 2-2 draw he then headed straight for the airport to join up with his Cameroon teammates in time for their match against Guinea.
      And despite a hellish journey – that saw him travel an extra 150 miles by car due to weather concerns – Onana arrived at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium in time for kick off.
      But it didn’t matter as the 27-year-old was informed he would be sitting out the game with Fabrice Ondoa starting in goal instead and both Devis Epassy and Simon Ngapandouetnbu named as the substitute keepers.
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      It is reported by the Daily Mail that Onana was left frustrated at his omission from the squad and Senegal legend Diouf was forced to intervene to calm him down.
      It is said that Onana could be heard shouting: “If I wasn’t going to play or make the team, then why did I come here on a private jet?”.
      And footage of Diouf showed the former Liverpool and Bolton man chatting to a seemingly pent up Onana at the stadium.
      Without his contribution Cameroon only managed a draw in their first game of the tournament.
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      Rigobert Song’s side shared the points with Guinea in a 1-1 draw despite playing against 10 men for the entirety of the second half.
      Onana will be hoping he is more involved when Cameroon face Afcon holders Senegal on Friday.
      But may be left out once again by boss Song after he missed Cameroon’s pre-championship game against Zambia to assist United in a 2-0 FA Cup third-round win against Wigan last week.
      Onana’s international duties leave Man Utd boss Erik ten Hag with his number two Altay Bayindir until he returns from the Ivory Coast.
      Onana flew out late to join his teammates after staying with Man Utd in order to face Tottenham on SundayCredit: Getty More

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      Fans left devastated as ‘breathtaking’ Afcon Goal of the Tournament contender disallowed and say ‘if only…’

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      ALGERIA striker Baghdad Bounedjah might have scored the Africa Cup of Nations Goal of the Tournament – but it does not count. Bounedjah opened the lead against Angola in the Afcon group stage match in the Ivory Coast.
      Baghdad Bounedjah saw his bicycle kick ruled out for offside

      And he thought he had doubled his lead after perfectly taking down the ball from a cross before bicycle kicking his volley into the net.
      But replays revealed Bounedjah – who plays for Qatari side Al Sadd – was well offside when the cross was played to him.
      It meant one of the tournament’s all-time great goals was chalked off – much to the heartbreak of fans.
      One said: “IF ONLY…”
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      Another added: “Watching this live, this was breathtaking. So sad such an amazing moment won’t even make a highlight reel.”
      One agreed: “That was beautiful, shame it was off.”
      Another fumed: “This offside pain me pass because what a goal!”
      The disallowed effort came back to haunt Bounedjah and Algeria as Mabululu’s leveller from the spot on 68 minutes saw the points shared.
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      Algeria boss Djamel Belmadi said after the game: “This is not the result we expected. We were expecting to have three points.
      “We tried our best and didn’t want to lose the game so we did what we can do to get a point which was necessary. 
      “We were suppose to do better in the second half but we can also talk about the moments we did well.
      “We have identified our weakness as we didn’t defend very well for us to concede the penalty which was a big mistake.
      “We are in a transitional period so we try for this team to work together and we have also learnt lessons from this game for our remaining games.” More

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      Premier League star limps off in Afcon opener with fans fearing worst as they say ‘most depressing day of the year’

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      NOTTINGHAM FOREST fans are fearing the worst after Moussa Niakhate limped out of Senegal’s win over Gambia.The defender was forced off late on in his country’s opening Africa Cup of Nations match on Monday.
      Moussa Niakhate picked up an injury during Senegal’s win over Gambia on MondayCredit: Getty
      The defender’s injury comes as a concern for Forest supportersCredit: Sky Sports
      He first went down injured in the 73rd minute before attempting to continue.
      However, Niakhate was ultimately replaced by Abdoulaye Seck nine minutes from time.
      The injury concern is another blow for Forest fans after the club was charged with breaching Financial Fair Play rules earlier in the day.
      Both Forest and Everton could face a minimum six-point deduction for breaking Profitability and Sustainability Rules last season.
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      The Toffees were previously hit with a 10-point penalty in November for the same offence in the 2021/22 campaign.
      Reacting to Niakhate’s injury on social media, one fan sarcastically joked: “Great start to the week.”
      Another fumed: “Niakhate injured. Today is some f***ing day for us.”
      A third supporter also added: “No wonder today is the most depressing day of the year, Forest facing a possible points deduction & Niakhate gone off injured.”
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      Meanwhile, one more wrote: “Nothing says Nottingham Forest like being charged with a breach of the Premier League’s Profitability & Sustainability Rule and having Moussa Niakhate injured on international duty in the space of half an hour.”
      The 27-year-old defender only made his Senegal debut in March after switching his international allegiance from France.
      Niakhate had been capped up to under-21 level by the country of his birth before opting to represent the Lions of Teranga.
      He has also been an important player for Forest so far this term, making 15 appearances across all competitions. More