Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

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.

Mendes scored penalty secure Cape Verde's quarter-final spot
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Cape Verde book Cup of Nations quarter-final spot

In a thrilling match at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Cape Verde defeated Mauritania 1-0 with a late penalty scored by Ryan Mendes, securing their place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Throughout the game, Cape Verde had more possession and created more chances. Jovane Cabral had a goal disallowed for offside early on. However, Mauritania’s defence held strong, and both teams went into the closing stages of the game without scoring a goal.

As the match progressed, Cape Verde continued to push for a goal, while Mauritania posed threats on the counterattack. The passionate fans of both teams cheered loudly, but the deadlock remained.

In the 87th minute, Babacar Niasse of Mauritania fouled Gilson Tavares in the box, giving Cape Verde a penalty kick. Ryan Mendes stepped up and scored, making the score 1-0 in favour of Cape Verde.

With time running out, Mauritania tried to equalise, but Cape Verde held on to secure their spot in the quarter-finals for the second time. They will face either Morocco or South Africa on Saturday.

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

Bo Ranger suffer first home & league defeat
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Bo Rangers suffer first home defeat of the season

On Sunday, East End Lions defeated the league leaders Bo Rangers 1-0 at the Southern Arena in Bo City to stop the Elephants’ unbeaten record at home.

Despite the defeat, the Southern Province and reigning champions still top the summit with 29 points from 13 matches played in this campaign.

They suffered their second defeat of the season – having lost 1-0 to Bai Bureh Warriors in December 2023.

Yakuba Koroma scored the only goal for the Killers, securing their third win of the season. As a result, EE Lions moved up three places to eleventh in the Premier League with 16 points.

The last time Bo Rangers lost a home match was on March 5th 2022, when Ports Authority defeated the defending champions 1-0. Mohamed Bangura scored for the Water Front Boys.

On the same day, there were several football matches played in Sierra Leone. Freetonians SLIFA defeated Kahunla Rangers 1-0, Bai Bureh Warriors and Luawa FC drew 0-0, Bhantal FC won 1-0 against FC Kallon, and Kholifa Stars won 3-0 against Ports Authority.

DR Congo advanced to the quarter-finals to face Guinea
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

DR Congo advance to the quarter-finals to face Guinea

The Democratic Republic of Congo has eliminated Egypt from the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 tournament by winning 8-7 on penalties in the round of 16 at Stade Laurent Pokou.

The match was intense and went on for 120 minutes of mouthwatering contest. 

Sebastien Desabre’s team will face Guinea in the next round after Guinea eliminated Equatorial Guinea in the quarter-finals.

Meschack Elia scored in the 37th minute, giving DR Congo the lead with a header from the six-yard box. The Pharaohs responded to Les Léopards ‘s lead in the first half.

Egypt was awarded a penalty after a VAR review, and attacker Mostafa Mohamed converted it into the top right corner, beating goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau.

Although the seven-time champions dominated the second half, they were unable to break through the resilient Les Léopards defence. The match eventually went into extra time, marking the first time in the tournament in Côte D’Ivoire.

The game travelled to a shootout, and Egypt missed twice from the penalty spot. Mostafa Mohamed and goalkeeper Gabaski both missed their kicks, while Arthur Masuaku missed his earlier for Les Léopards.

DR Congo has advanced to the quarter-finals after winning 8-7 on penalties. Egypt has attempted to advance from the last 16 three times in the past but has failed to do so twice. D.R. Congo has been eliminated in their first knockout game in their two previous appearances in 2019 and 2017.

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Nigeria beat Cameroon to set Angola's quarter-final date
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Nigeria beat Cameroon to set Angola’s quarter-final date

On Saturday, Ademola Lookman was the hero as Nigeria defeated Cameroon 2-0 in their Round of 16 of CAF Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023 as the continent’s football heavyweights battle at the Stade Félix Houphouët Boigny.

As a result, the Supers Eagles will face Angola, who brushed aside Namibia 3-0 in the quarter-finals, while Cameroon exited the competition. 

Cameroon started the game brightly after Zambo Anguissa found Karl Toko Ekambi, but William Ekong blocked the striker’s shot. 

Nigeria appeared to score early on through Ajayi, but VAR disallowed the goal for offside after Lookman’s corner.

However, the Super Eagles did manage to break through in the 36th minute. Victor Osimhen capitalized on a defensive mistake and set up Lookman, who finished the move calmly past Onana. 

Cameroon was unable to deal with Nigeria’s intensity and conceded again just before full-time. Lookman latched onto his own through ball before slotting it home to make it 2-0.

With their clinical victory, Nigeria has demonstrated that they have the quality and experience to end their long wait for a fourth continental title in CAF AFCON.

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