TheNewsGuru

Tag: Cameroon

  • AFCON: We’re happy, but yet to reach final objective, says Egypt coach

    AFCON: We’re happy, but yet to reach final objective, says Egypt coach

    Diaa Elsayed, Egypt Assistant Coach has expressed joy over his team’s victory over host Cameroon.

    Egypt scaled through to the final of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after defeating hosts Cameroon 3-1 in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw after extra time in Yaounde.

    Elsayed who stood in for coach Carlos Queiroz in a the post-match press conference after the coach was shown a red card for losing his temper on the touch line said the players made the difference in a difficult match.

    He however stressed that even though they managed to reach the final, they are yet to achieve their final goal.

    “Each time, the Egyptian team are always favourites to win the tournament. Tonight we played the usual game and we managed to reach the final.

    “I will like to thank our coach Carlos Queiroz who was expelled during the game as well as all the players who made the difference with their ardor and grinta throughout the tournament.

    “We are happy, it’s true, but we have not yet reached the final objective: the coronation,” he said.

    Elsayed also praised their talisman Salah for his contribution to the success of the team thus far.

    “I can also add that our background is also due to the presence of one of the great players in our training, namely Mohamed Salah.

    “A very essential player in our team and who remains the centerpiece for us,” he said.

    Also, Man-of-the Match, Mohamed Abdelmoneim praised Salah for his support to the team, adding that he made the difference in a difficult match against a strong Cameroon side.

    “It was a good match for us.

    “A difficult match against a good Cameroonian team but our team knew how to make the difference with a Mohamed Salah who supported us throughout the match like a great leader.

    “Thank God, we succeeded in our penalty shootout to secure a place in the final,” he said.

  • AFCON: We’re sad but lost to a better team, says Cameroon coach

    AFCON: We’re sad but lost to a better team, says Cameroon coach

    Cameroon national team manager Antonio Conceiçao has expressed sadness at his team’s failure to reach the finals of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), admitting however that his team lost to a better side.

    Hosts Cameroon were knocked out of the 2021 AFCON tournament after losing 1-3 to Egypt in a penalty shootout following a goalless draw after extra time in the semifinals on Thursday in Yaounde.

    Conceiçao speaking at a post-match press conference rued his team’s missed chances at goal, adding that the Egyptians exploited their weaknesses.

    “The team played well during the 90 minutes trying to score goals but we didn’t succeed.

    “We are as sad as the 27 million Cameroonians, but I think the Egyptian team knew how to counter us.

    “We’re sad but it’s the reality,” he said.

    He noted that his boys lost steam after a very intense first half and failed to conserve their energy for the later part of the game.

    “The players felt some signs of fatigue at the end of the match, especially after a very physical and intense first half.

    “We had tried to save our energy to counter the opponent but in vain.”

    The hosts saw their hopes of AFCON glory and a sixth title on home soil ended in cruel fashion.

    The defeat comes as a major blow to the hosts, whose troubled tournament was overshadowed by the stadium crush that led to eight deaths last week.

    However, they must still get through a third-place play-off against Burkina Faso on Saturday as they seek to end their campaign on a high.

  • We want to offer the world very pleasant match, says Egypt’s coach

    We want to offer the world very pleasant match, says Egypt’s coach

    Egypt coach, Carlos Queiroz, says the goal of his team is to offer the world a pleasant match when they face hosts Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semifinals.

    The Pharoahs of Egypt will be seeking a place in the 2021 AFCON final when they lock horns with hosts Cameroon at the Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé on Thursday.

    There are no teams that have won AFCON titles more than Cameroon and Egypt.

    Between them they have lifted the holy grail of African Football 12 times, seven for the Pharaohs and five for the Indomitable Lions.

    Queiroz, speaking at a pre-match press conference in Yaounde, said his team was ready to play a very good match between two great African teams.

    “To reach the semifinals is a reward for us. Facing hosts Cameroon is tough as they play very good football.

    “We want to offer the world a pleasant match between two great African teams.

    “We are ready for this semifinal. It is true that we have played two consecutive matches with extra-time, but we remain ready to play a very good match.

    “We have the right team for this kind of games,” he said.

    Goalkeeper Mohamed El Shennawy noted that the game against the host was very crucial, adding that he was hopeful that their talisman Mohamed Salah would be at his best ahead of the clash.

    “It’s a very important match for us against hosts Cameroon; we want to go as far as possible and try to win the title.

    “Our objective since the start was to win the tournament.

    “We have one of the best players in the world, Salah, and I hope he will give what we expect from him,” he said.

    NAN also reports that the Pharaohs are desperate to extend their AFCON record by winning their eighth title.

    After a sluggish group stage campaign, Egypt rose to the expectations to oust Cote d’Ivoire and Morocco and reach the semifinals in style.

    Now they have to face another tough hurdle in the form of their hosts.

    The Pharaohs will look up again to their star captain Salah, who has already scored twice in the tournament, and assisted the winner in the quarterfinals against Morocco.

  • AFCON: My players are motivated to win, Cameroon coach says

    AFCON: My players are motivated to win, Cameroon coach says

    Cameroon coach, Antonio Conceiçao says his players are highly motivated ahead of their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semifinals match against the Pharaohs of Egypt.

    Host Cameroon will be seeking a place in the 2021 AFCON final when they lock horns with Egypt at the Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé on Thursday.

    Conceiçao speaking at a pre-match press conference in Yaounde said his players were motivated to win the Egyptians, adding that the overall objective was to win the title.

    “Our goal is clear; to play a good game and go to the final.

    “We will play against a very good team, Egypt, the most successful team in Africa.

    “They have very good players, including one of the best in the world, namely Mohamed Salah.

    “My players are motivated to win. We have positive pressure, but our pbjective is clear, to win the title for the Cameroonian people,” he said.

    Cameroonian Midfielder Andre Anguissa stressed that he and his team mates were motivated to play a good match against Egypt.

    “We are determined to achieve a good result, go to the final and win the title.

    “Playing at home is very special for us. We are committed to play this semi-final and go for the title next Sunday, for the Cameroonian people.

    NAN also reports that the hosts’ intentions have been clear from Day one; that they are on a mission to win the title at home.

    Four wins and a draw in the road to the semifinal give the Indomitable Lions a vast amount of confidence before facing rivals Egypt for a ticket in Sunday’s final.

    They know well they will have the support of thousands as they dream of a sixth AFCON trophy.

    Cameroon will once again rely on the lethal attacking duo of Vincent Abubakar and Karl Toko Ekambi, who has scored all Cameroon 11 goals to the moment, six for Abubakar and one less for Ekambi.

  • Senegal qualify for second consecutive AFCON final

    Senegal qualify for second consecutive AFCON final

    Senegal reached a second consecutive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final on Wednesday after goals from Abdou Diallo, Idrissa Gueye and Sadio Mane secured a 3-1 win over Burkina Faso.

    Aliou Cisse’s side were denied a first AFCON title by Algeria back in 2019, but they will now have another chance against either Cameroon or Egypt on Sunday.

    Senegal thought they had been awarded a penalty kick deep into first-half stoppage time, but the VAR came to Burkina Faso’s rescue.

    Referee Tessema Weyesa overturned his initial decision after replays showed Gueye’s shot had hit Edmond Tapsoba’s stomach and not his hand.

    The Lions of Teranga deservedly broke the deadlock in the 70th minute, however.

    That was when Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) defender Diallo spun in the goal area to fire a crisp strike past substitute goalkeeper Sofiane Ouedraogo.

    And Senegal doubled their advantage six minutes later when Gueye slotted home from inside the penalty area after being teed up by Mane.

    Ibrahim Toure pulled one back for Burkina Faso with an improvised finish with his knee in the 82nd minute.

    Mane put the game to bed five minutes later with a sublime breakaway goal.

  • AFCON 2021: CAF lifts suspension on Olembé Stadium

    AFCON 2021: CAF lifts suspension on Olembé Stadium

    The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Sunday said it has unanimously agreed to lift the suspension on the Olembé Stadium in Yaounde, Cameroon.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that CAF had announced the suspension of matches at the stadium following a tragic incident at the venue.

    The incident had occurred during the fixture between hosts Cameroon and Comoros on Monday in a round of 16 tie of the ongoing 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    A total of 38 persons sustained varying degrees of injuries and eight supporters lost their lives at the stadium during the stampede.

    A statement by CAF on Sunday said the decision to lift suspension on the stadium followed a meeting of the CAF AFCON Organising Committee.

    This was after the receipt of the report on the tragedy which occurred at the stadium.

    “The President of CAF, Patrice Motsepe, having convened a meeting of the CAF AFCON Organising Committee, received the report compiled by CAF Safety and Security Department together with COCAN.

    “The report was in relation to the circumstances with regard to the tragedy that occurred at the Olembé Stadium.

    “The report highlighted the extensive on-site meetings and discussions which were held with senior representatives of the police, the gendarmerie, the military, together with high-ranking Cameroonian Government, Defence, and Police Ministers, inclusive of the Governor of Yaoundé and other stakeholders.

    “The report dealt with and highlighted the tragic circumstances which led to 38 people being injured and eight fatalities.

    “The report further highlighted the recommendations and interventions to ensure that a tragedy of this nature should never be repeated,” the statement said.

    It added that the CAF Organising Committee unanimously agreed to lift the suspension imposed on the stadium following recommendations and undertakings from the Cameroonian Government.

    “We note the recommendations and undertakings from Government in regard to additional security provisions over and above those which were already successfully implemented at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium during the Morocco and Malawi match and at the Japoma Stadium during the Gambia and Cameroon match,

    “Following this, the CAF Organising Committee unanimously agreed to lift the suspension imposed on the Olembé, Stadium and allow one of the AFCON Semi-Finals as well as the Final Match to take place at the Olembé Stadium.

    “In conclusion, CAF, the Local Organising Committee and the Government of Cameroon having significantly increased security and resources at the Olembé Stadium, are confident that the safety and security of spectators and visitors will be assured,” it said.

  • BREAKING: Egypt beat Morocco to setup 2021 AFCON semi final tie against Cameroon

    BREAKING: Egypt beat Morocco to setup 2021 AFCON semi final tie against Cameroon

    Egypt on Sunday beat Morocco to reach the semi finals of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the win means Egypt will now battle it out with host Cameroon for a slot at the final.

    Egypt beat Morocco by 2 goals to 1 in the Sunday’s encounter with a goal and assist by Liverpool forward, Mohamed Salah.

    Salah scored one goal and set up the other as Egypt beat Morocco in extra time in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.

    Sofiane Boufal had given Morocco an early lead with a penalty after Ayman Ashraf caught Achraf Hakimi, a decision given by the video assistant referee.

    But Salah tapped in an equaliser after Yassine Bounou parried a header and the game went to extra time.

    At extra time, Salah squared for Aston Villa’s Trezeguet to tap in the winner.

    Carlos Queiroz’s side will face hosts Cameroon in Thursday’s semi-final.

  • AFCON: Burkina Faso sends Tunisia packing

    AFCON: Burkina Faso sends Tunisia packing

    Lowly rated Burkina Faso has sent Tunisia back home after piping the north Africans 1-0 at the stroke of halftime on Saturday.

    Tunisia and Gambia have been dispensed with from the continuous Africa Cup of Nations tournament.

    The two of them lost their quarter-final conflicts against Burkina Faso and hosts Cameroon on Sunday.

    The Indomitable Lions required two second-half goals from Karl Toko Ekambi to see off their lowly-ranked opponents.

    Cameroon will presently meet the winner of the quarter-final among Egypt and Morocco.

    In the mean time, teenager Dango Ouattara scored on the stroke of halftime to get a 1-0 win for Burkina Faso over Tunisia.

    It is the third time in the last five editions of the continental championship that Burkina Faso must the semi-finals. They will confront the winners of Sunday’s quarter-final among Senegal and Equatorial Guinea.

  • Host Cameroon beat Gambia to reach AFCON semi-finals

    Host Cameroon beat Gambia to reach AFCON semi-finals

    Karl Toko Ekambi scored two second-half goals as hosts Cameroon beat The Gambia to move into the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.

    Toko Ekambi headed his country ahead in the 50th minute, glancing in from Collins Fai’s right-wing cross.

    It became 2-0 seven minutes later with Toko Ekambi finishing at the back post following Martin Hongla’s low delivery.

    Cameroon will play either Egypt or Morocco in the semi-final on Thursday, with the final next Sunday.

  • AFCON: Gambia, Cameroon’s coaches trade words ahead of quarter-final clash

    AFCON: Gambia, Cameroon’s coaches trade words ahead of quarter-final clash

    Antonio Conceiçao, Coach of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, says the objective of his team is to secure a win against Gambia in their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) clash on Saturday.

    Conceiçao, speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday in Douala ahead of their quarter-final match against The Gambia, said this was in spite of a lot of respect his side had for their opponents.

    The hosts and five-time champions, Cameroon, will be looking to end debutants, The Gambia’s fairy tale run, when they clash at the Japoma Stadium in Douala on Saturday.

    “We have managed a positive course, a satisfactory record so far. Against Gambia, the objective is to win. We are a playful team that likes to take the game on its own.

    “Against us, there will be a team that defends well and have five to six high quality attacking players. So, Everything is possible even if we only consider victory,” he said.

    Cameroon defender Jean Castelleto noted that even though they were up against a good team, he and his teammates were confident of victory against The Gambia.

    “I am very happy to take part in this competition, everything is going very well, we have had a good run so far and against Gambia, the objective remains victory.

    “We will play against a good team. In Douala, we have good memories. The reception is fantastic and we expect to have a popular fervor behind the team,” he said.

    Three wins and a draw for hosts Cameroon guided them to the quarterfinals, where they faced another debutant after going through fellow newcomers Comoros in the Round of 16.

    Captain Vincent Abubakar led by example to the moment, scoring six goals in four games, to become the first player since 1998 to reach this milestone in AFCON finals.

    Now he is looking for even more while aiming with The Indomitable Lions for one more step towards the ultimate.

    A sixth AFCON title is the dream of everyone in Cameroon, and coach Conceicao knows well an uneasy game against Gambia is another hurdle to pass to achieve that dream.

    Meanwhile, Tom Saintfiet, Coach of Gambia, says his team is used to being referred to as ‘underdogs’ ahead of every game they have played in the AFCON in Cameroon.

    Saintfiet speaking at a pre-match press conference on Friday in Douala ahead of their quarter-final match against Cameroon, said the hosts are the big favourites, adding, however, that his team would not be intimidated.

    The debutants Gambia face hosts Cameroon in an unprecedented quarterfinal that promises a lot of excitement on Saturday at the Japoma Stadium in Douala from 4 p. m.

    “Cameroon, one of the greatest nations in African and even world football, is the big favorite. I give my team a 20 per cent chance, the Gambian coach said.

    “But we are used to it and since I took office, it has always been the case. We had to fight against stronger teams than us and we managed to get by.

    “Against Cameroon, we will not be afraid, we will play to the fullest. It’s a bonus match. We visited Limbé, Bafoussam and now Douala, and we want to continue to Yaoundé,” he said.

    Gambian Midfielder and hitman Ablie Jallow expressed confidence in the ability of the Scorpions to win the match, adding that they would approach the game with a firm belief of going through to the semis.

    “It will be a tough match, but we are well prepared to go for the win. As in previous games, we will put all the assets on our side to pass.

    “Cameroon will be accompanied by its fans; they are the ones under pressure. We will play our game with the firm intention of going through,” he said.

    The hosts and five-time champions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, may seem like favourites, but they have to face an emerging force in continental football, The Gambia.

    The Gambia made it all the way through the qualifiers, starting from the preliminary round, passing a group that had DR Congo, Angola and Gabon.

    Then to the finals, where they have drawn with Mali and beaten Mauritania, Tunisia and Guinea to reach the final eight.

    Despite feeling the AFCON for the very first time, the Scorpions have shown that Cameroonians cannot even imagine taking them lightly.

    Led by Belgian Saintfiet, Gambia will look once more to the lethal striking force of Jallow and Moussa Barrow who netted twice each in earlier matches.