Sports

Côte d’Ivoire Beats Nigeria To Win 2023 AFCON

The Elephant of Cote d’Ivoire defeated the Super Eagles of Nigeria 2-1 on Sunday to win the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament they hosted.

The Ivorians were by far the better side as the Eagles played negative football and were made to pay for their lackluster performance.

The Super Eagles opened the scoring in the 38th minute of the match. William Troost-Ekong headed the ball towards goal from close-range and it went into the roof of the net to leave the goalkeeper helpless.

In the 49t minute, Max Gradel was first to get to the rebound but his shot was blocked.

Cote d’Ivoire equalised in the 62nd minute of the match. Franck Kessie met the corner and displayed his eye for goal as he coolly planted a header from close range into the right side of the goal to make it 1-1.

Cote d’Ivoire deservedly scored their second goal in the 81st minute of the match. Simon Adingra sent a precise lofted cross into the box. Sebastien Haller latched on to it and finished with a quick shot into the top right corner, with the goalkeeper having no chance.

Sports

CAF Awards 2024: Super Eagles, Super Falcons nominated for National Team Of the Year

The Super Eagles and Super Falcons have been nominated for the Men’s and Women’s National Team of the Year at the 2024 CAF Awards.

The two teams made the final shortlist in each of the category.

The Super Eagles made it to the final at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations earlier in the year.

African champions Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire and Bafana Bafana of South Africa are also nominated for the award.

Meanwhile, the Super Falcons featured at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France but failed to make it beyond the group stage in the women’s football event.

Banyana Banyana of South Africa and Atlas Lionesses of Morocco are the other teams in contention for the Women’s National Team of the Year.

The award ceremony will hold in Marrakech, Morocco on Monday, December 16.

Sports

Manchester City stutter again, draw 2-2 at Crystal Palace

Premier League Fixtures Postponed Following Queen’s Death

Manchester City’s Premier League title defence stuttered again with a 2-2 draw at Crystal Palace on Saturday.

City twice came from behind to pick a point at Selhurst Park, but the champions have now won only once in six league games – four of which have been lost.

Palace led through full back Daniel Munoz’s fourth-minute goal before Erling Haaland headed City level.

Maxence Lacroix restored Palace’s lead after the break and Rico Lewis fired a fine 68th-minute leveller for Pep Guardiola’s side.

Lewis was later sent off six minutes from time for two bookings.

City are now eight points behind leaders Liverpool, having played a game more than Arne Slot’s side.

Liverpool’s derby at Everton was postponed due to a storm.

Sports

CAF President conveys condolences to the victims of Guinea stadium tragedy

The Confédération of African Football (CAF) President Dr Patrice Motsepe has conveyed condolences to the victims of the Guinea stadium tragedy.

According to a press release by CAF, Dr. Motsepe is deeply saddened by the stadium stampede that claimed the lives of over 50 football fans and left others injured during a football match at the Stade du 3 Avril in N’Zérékoré.

The tragedy occurred during a friendly football tournament between the city of N’Zérékoré and the city of Labe.

CAF President Dr Motsepe conveys his and CAF’s deepest condolences to the families of the deceased, the Fédération Guinéenne de Football (FGF) Leadership and the people of Guinea.

Dr Motsepe also wished a speedy recovery to the injured football fans.
(Sports village square)