Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

Equatorial Guinea president awards team €1 million for Afcon victory
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

€1m Euros bonus for Equatorial Guinea AFCON squad 

President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo has rewarded One Million Euros to the Nzalang Nacional’s AFCON team as a bonus for reaching the last sixteen in style and January 23 as a public holiday. 

Equatorial Guinea convincingly hammered hosts Ivory Coast 4-0 with a brace from danger man Emilio Nsue, a 34-year-old right back of the Spanish 3rd Division side based in Alicante and a goal apiece from Pablo Ganet and Jannick Buyla at Ebimpe’s Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium.

“Apart from the participation bonus, for the good match played this afternoon against the Ivory Coast, I promise Nzalang Nacional a bonus of “one million Euros.” they are the #HéroesNacionales,” President Nguema Mbasogo announced. 

“Today’s victory has been a brilliant victory, an excellent victory, and truly, we are all very proud and happy to see how you have won against the host country 4-0”, Teodorín said, also wearing the Nzalang jersey.

The vice president concluded his message with a “Bravo!” while applauding and raising his right fist in the air.”

Group winners Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea is set to face a third-placed side from Group C, D, or E in the last 16 on Sunday.

The best Cup of Nations performance was in the 2015 AFCON when they reached the semi-finals after losing to DR Congo 4-2 as Host in Malabo.

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The Black Stars of Ghana could be eliminated from the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations after a late Mozambique surge saw them held to a 2-2 draw in their final group-stage game at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara on Monday.
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cape Verde, Egypt progress, Ghana set for exit after draw

The Black Stars of Ghana are on the brink of being eliminated from the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations after a late Mozambique surge saw them held to a 2-2 draw in their final group-stage game at the Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara on Monday.

The West Africans were leading 2-0 into second-half injury time as the four-time winners looked destined for a place in the round of 16.

Mozambique staged a fashionable last-gasp comeback that may have dumped Chris Hughton’s Ghana out of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Two penalties from Crystal Palace attacker Jordan Ayew had put four-time champions Ghana on their way to victory. However, late goals from Geny Cipriano Catamo and Reinaldo Isnard Mandava dented hopes.

In the Group’s other matches, Cape Verde and Egypt played to a 2-2 entertaining draw at the Stade Felix-Houphouet-Boigny in Abidjan.

As a result, both sides progressed as the Blue Sharks emerged as group winners, followed by seven-time holders Egypt.

“I take responsibility for this performance,” ex-Newcastle and Ghana boss Hughton said. “As head coach, I have not done well enough in this competition.”

“We’ve played three games and we’ve conceded two goals in each of these games, and we haven’t put ourselves in a winning position where we could score goals.”

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Equatorial Guinea and Nigeria qualify for Cup of Nations last 16 from Group A
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Equatorial Guinea & Nigeria qualify for Cup of Nations last 16

Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea and Super Eagles of Nigeria have qualified for the last 16 knockout stages of the 2023 Cup of Nations on Monday.

Equatorial Guinea convincingly hammered hosts Ivory Coast 4-0 with a brace from danger man Emilio Nsue, a 34-year-old right back of the Spanish 3rd Division side based in Alicante (In Photo) and a goal apiece from Pablo Ganet and Jannick Buyla at Ebimpe’s Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium.

As a result, Afcon 2023 hosts Ivory Coast’s chances of progressing to the knock-out phase are out of their hands as they finish third place in Group A.

The four best third-placed sides across the six groups progress to the last 16.

Nigeria, who ended second behind Equatorial Guinea, progressed after a first-half Opa Sangante own at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny stadium.

José Peseiro’s men will face the team that finishes second in Group C on Saturday, 27 January. Group winners Equatorial Guinea is set to face a third-placed side from Group C, D, or E in the last 16 on Sunday.

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Odense Boldklub confirm striker Mohamed Turay to leave club
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Odense Boldklub confirm striker Mohamed Turay to leave

Danish top-flight football club based in Odense have confirmed Sierra Leone International is in talks with another club ahead of exiting Odense Boldklub.

The former Malmö FF attacker joined OB in May last year, on a contract until 2025 and has featured in all competitions and scored three goals.

“29-year-old Sierra Leone striker Mohamed Buya Turay is not on the training ground today as he visits a club to discuss his terms for a transfer.

“We currently have no further comment on the matter and we will communicate on our platforms should anything further happen,” OB announced on their website.

The 29-year-old striker became the top scorer in Allsvenskan with 15 goals in 2019, where he won the Swedish championship together with Djurgårdens IF.

Turay’s next move will be his eleventh professional club since his career with starting his career with Juventus IF in 2013.

Augustus Kargbo on target in Cesena's win over Pontedera
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Augustus Kargbo on target in Cesena’s win over Pontedera

Sierra Leone International Augustus Kargbo scored Cesena’s fourth in the 4-0 thrashing of Pontedera in the Italian series C on Saturday.

Kargbo, 24, recorded his fourth of the campaign in eighteen appearances this season as they secured the top spot in the promotion race.

The visitors suffered from the start as they were unable to handle the home side’s direct football. 

Cristian Shpendi scored a hat-trick, and the win was finished off by Kargbo’s goal in the 37th minute of the first half. 

In the second half, Cesena controlled position and saw their victory with no response from the Granata.

On Sunday, Cesena will travel to Ancona as they maintain their position at the summit. 

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