Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos eyes AFCON final
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos eyes AFCON final 

South Africa’s coach, Hugo Broos, has encouraged his players to aim high and “dream of the final” following their victory over Morocco, the favorites for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. 

Evidence Makgopa and Teboho Mokoena scored the goals in a 2-0 win over 2022 World Cup semi-finalists, Morocco, on Tuesday. 

The 1996 holders will face Cape Verde in the quarter-finals on Saturday at 20:00 GMT. 

South Africa began the tournament with a 2-0 defeat by Mali but went on to secure qualification from a group that saw 2004 champions Tunisia knocked out. 

Broos stressed the importance of growing as a team throughout the tournament, and he believes that their victory over Morocco has given them the confidence to aim higher. 

“The most important thing is that you can grow in a tournament, when you become better and better,” said Broos.

“It’s very good in a tournament that South Africa does it. We eliminated Tunisia. And we were ready to have the confrontation with Morocco.

“If you can win that, then the confidence is so big that we dream now of the final.”

“It was a difficult game, Morocco is still a difficult side and it does not take away how good they are that we won,” South Africa forward Percy Tau said.

“We’ve always been a serious team but for us to win against Morocco and [draw with] Tunisia and to get out of our group, it also gives us a good reputation.

“It does not take away how difficult this tournament is. And that the next game is still going to be also difficult.”

Broos, who is Belgian, has previously won the Afcon trophy himself, guiding Cameroon to victory in 2017.

AFCON 2023 Quarter finals schedules
AFCON 2023 Quarter finals schedules
Mali oust neighbours Burkina Faso in AFCON last 16 duel
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali oust neighbours Burkina Faso in AFCON last 16 duel

Mali secured their place in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 quarter-finals with a thrilling 2-1 victory over Burkina Faso on Tuesday in Korhogo.

As a result, they face tournament hosts Cote d’Ivoire in the quarter-finals on Saturday, 3 February in Bouake.

Mali took the lead just three minutes into the game when a powerful header from Amadou Haidara hit the woodwork and rebounded off Edmond Tabsoba’s clearance, ending up in his net.

Mali continued to dominate the game and had several chances to extend their lead but were unable to convert them into goals.

In the second half, Lassine Sinayoko doubled Mali’s lead by beating the offside trap and slotting the ball past the keeper. However, Burkina Faso was given a lifeline when Mohamed Konate’s header struck the arm of Boubacar Kouyate, and VAR awarded a penalty which Bertrand Traore converted.

Burkina Faso piled on the pressure in the remaining minutes of the game, but Mali’s defense held strong and ensured victory.

Sierra Leone's Ibrahim Conteh set for CAF Instructors Workshop
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Sierra Leone’s Ibrahim Conteh set for CAF Instructors Workshop

The workshop will take place from January 31 to February 2, 2024, and will include 31 participants.

The objective of the workshop is to enhance the Club Licensing system in African football. CAF Muhammad F Sidat will oversee the participants and train potential candidates, who will be assigned by the continental football body to impart knowledge and expertise on the club licensing support mission.

Conteh was chosen by CAF based on his performance during the Training-of-Trainers workshop, which was organized by the Sierra Leone Football Association in December 2023.

The African football landscape aims to continuously improve the Club Licensing system. Therefore, CAF plans to organize a workshop for CAF Club Licensing Instructors and CLOP experts with clear objectives.

CAF will train and select new licensing instructors and experts for the next cycle.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 African News.

Mali & Burkina Faso ready for AFCON last-sixteen decider
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Mali & Burkina Faso ready for AFCON last-sixteen decider

On Tuesday (January 30), Mali and Burkina Faso will face off in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 at Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium. 

This will be the second time the neighbouring West African teams will face each other in the AFCON. The first time was during the 2004 edition.

Mali and Burkina Faso have received local support more than any other teams in 2024, except hosts Cote D’Ivoire, where many of their fans reside.

Mali has won seven out of eight clashes against Burkina Faso, who have only managed one draw. However, Burkina Faso looks motivated and could upset their old foes. 

Burkina Faso finished second in Group D with four points, behind leaders Angola, who had a near-flawless run with seven points. 

In contrast, Mali finished unbeaten in the group stage, but Burkina Faso’s defensive weaknesses were exposed in their last group game, where they lost 2-0 against Angola. 

Les Etalons are expected to fix their defensive issues to avoid a similar fate. While Mali is a pacy side that mostly attacks through the flanks, Burkina Faso’s talisman Bertrand Traore, formerly of Chelsea, could come to their rescue.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 African News.

Hosts Cote d'Ivoire purge holders Senegal to reach last eight
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Hosts Cote d’Ivoire purge holders Senegal to reach last eight

Cote d’Ivoire defeated reigning defending champions Senegal in a dramatic match, securing their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

Senegal took the lead just four minutes into the game with a goal from Habib Diallo after a superb cross from Sadio Mane.

However, the hosts gradually grew into the game and had the better of the first half, with Ibrahim Sangare posing a constant threat on the wing.

Despite several near misses, Senegal’s defence, led by Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo, repelled everything thrown at them.

In the second half, Cote d’Ivoire continued pressing, and the game turned on a pivotal 86th-minute moment when Nicolas Pepe was brought down in the box, and Franck Kessie scored the equalizer from the spot.

The scores remained level in extra time, and in the shootout, both sides netted their first four penalties. However, when Kalifa Coulibaly’s effort came off the upright, Kessie stepped up to smash home the winning kick, capping a remarkable turnaround for the hosts.

Led by captain Serge Aurier, the spirited hosts fought until the end and rode their luck at times against profligate opponents. After a disastrous group stage, Cote d’Ivoire showed tremendous resilience and spirit to dethrone Senegal, who will have to relinquish their title.

The defending champions are out, and the unfancied hosts march on in dramatic style. This result has opened up the tournament and makes the quarter-finals even more exciting.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and the Writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32 African News.