Tunisia head coach Jalel Kadri is expecting a positive reaction as his squad look to keep alive their Africa Cup of Nations hopes against Mali.
The Eagles of Carthage slumped to a shock defeat by Namibia in their opening Group E match and now face an uphill battle to reach the knockout stages.
Kadri, whose position is reported to be under threat should they fail to qualify, feels the squad can pull together to produce the required performance in Korhogo on Saturday.
“There are two matches remaining – and our reaction must be positive,” he told reporters.
“Then, God willing, we can get out of this situation we have put ourselves in.
“Argentina lost its first World Cup match against Saudi Arabia, but ultimately won the title.”
Tunisia will be without forward Taha Yassine Khenissi, who is set to miss the remainder of the tournament with a knee injury picked up during the first half against Namibia.
Mali kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 win over South Africa to sit top of the table.
Coach Eric Chelle, though, is not getting carried away as Mali aim to make the knockout stages for the first time.
“I would not say we are favourites to win the group just yet. Yes, we got the victory but a lot can still happen,” Chelle said at a press conference.
“We still have matches to play and so we have to keep working hard.”
Egypt captain Mohamed Salah was forced off with an injury before his side twice came from behind to draw 2-2 with Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Egypt and Liverpool fans face an anxious wait to discover the extent of the problem after the 31-year-old was forced off in the last minute of the first half of a thrilling Group B contest.
Salah slumped dejectedly to the ground with an apparent muscle injury and, after briefly being attended to by Egypt’s medical staff, handed over the armband to defender Ahmed Hegazi as he was replaced by Mostafa Fathi.
To add insult to injury, moments later West Ham forward Mohammed Kudus broke the deadlock in brilliant fashion as he held off the attentions of three defenders before drilling a left-footed shot into the bottom corner.
Salah, who scored a stoppage-time equaliser from the penalty spot as Egypt drew 2-2 with Mozambique in their first group game, had earlier been involved in a furious row with referee Pierre Atcho after Omar Marmoush went down in the area.
Salah appeared to be appealing for a penalty despite a free-kick being given against Marmoush and the former was perhaps fortunate not to be shown a yellow card for his vehement protests.
Despite the loss of Salah, Egypt started the second half well and had a goal disallowed for offside in the 51st minute before the impressive Marmoush was gifted the chance to equalise.
The 24-year-old pounced on a woeful backpass from Inaki Williams and calmly rounded goalkeeper Richard Ofori before sliding the ball into an empty net from a narrow angle.
Parity lasted just two minutes however, Kudus receiving a pass from Denis Odoi in the area and seeing his left-footed shot take a slight deflection off the unfortunate Mohamed Abdelmonem and beyond goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
The breathless action showed no signs of slowing and Egypt equalised for the second time just three minutes later, with Ghana again guilty of contributing to their own downfall.
Osman Bukari was dispossessed by Trezeguet on the right-hand side of his own area and the Trabzonspor midfielder drove to the byline before pulling the ball back for Mostafa Mohamed to stab home.
Cameroon striker Georges-Kevin Nkoudou believes his side have the “weapons” to get the better of defending champions Senegal in their Africa Cup of Nations clash.
Senegal got their title defence off to an ideal start with a 3-0 win over Gambia, while Cameroon had to come from behind to secure a 1-1 draw against 10-man Guinea in Group C.
However, Nkoudou remains in a confident mood ahead of Friday’s eagerly anticipated clash between the Indomitable Lions and the Teranga Lions at the Charles Konan Banny stadium in Yamoussoukro.
“It’s true that Senegal is the favourite, but as I always say we must never bury Cameroon, we remain a great team and a great nation,” Nkoudou said.
“They started this tournament with a very good victory against Gambia. For our part, we had a good match but unfortunately we only got one point.
“We have to put this behind us for now and focus on our match against Senegal which will be very difficult for both teams. I think we have all the weapons necessary to be able to put them in a more difficult position.”
Senegal can advance to the last 16 with a game to spare if they can make it two wins out of two, but head coach Aliou Cisse expects a reaction from Cameroon following their disappointing draw with Guinea.
“It was important to enter the competition with a victory, which encourages the players,” Cisse said.
“We are ready for the second match against a strong team, and we have prepared well for it. We know Cameroon well and it is a strong African team.
“Cameroon remains Cameroon. Our match against them is not revenge. Cameroon have already won many continental titles and we are going to face a team motivated to make up for the result they got in the first match.
“We have a competitive group and all players can participate, it doesn’t matter who starts the match, the most important thing is the performance provided.
“Our team does not suffer from a lack of efficiency and we scored three goals in the first match.”
A William Troost-Ekong penalty gave Nigeria a 1-0 victory over hosts Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday.
The Nigeria captain struck from the spot early in the second half in Abidjan as the Super Eagles claimed their first victory of the tournament and leapfrogged the Ivorians in Group A.
Ivory Coast spurned a host of chances and paid the price after Ola Aina was adjudged to have fouled Victor Osimhen in the area following a review by VAR.
The result meant Nigeria drew level with Equatorial Guinea on four points in the group, while Ivory Coast have three with one game to play.
Napoli forward Osimhen went close to giving Nigeria an early lead when he outpaced Serge Aurier but he was unable to keep his shot down.
That proved a rare opening for Nigeria in the first half as Ivory Coast dominated.
Christian Kouame was a threat up front for Ivory Coast but headed well over under pressure from Troost-Ekong.
Kouame shot on the turn after Zaidu Sanusi failed to deal with a bouncing ball but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali blocked.
Kouame also pulled back across goal to tee up Evan Ndicka but he volleyed straight at Nwabali.
Nwabali then kept out a long-range effort from Seko Fofana and Sanusi reacted quickly to block Kouame’s follow-up attempt.
Nigeria seized the initiative early in the second half after Aina appeared to kick Osimhen in a challenge. Play was initially allowed to go on but the referee reversed his decision after reviewing on the pitchside monitor.
Former Watford defender Troost-Ekong made no mistake as he smashed home the resulting spot-kick.
Ivory Coast responded but Ousmane Diomande headed well over and Ibrahim Sangare also missed the target.
Fofana went closer as the hosts stepped up the pressure but his shot flew wide and Ndicka missed with a back-post header.
Bright Osayi-Samuel spurned a chance to wrap up victory for Nigeria when he delayed a shot but Ivory Coast failed to threaten again despite applying late pressure.
A William Troost-Ekong penalty gave Nigeria a 1-0 victory over hosts Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday.
The Nigeria captain struck from the spot early in the second half in Abidjan as the Super Eagles claimed their first victory of the tournament and leapfrogged the Ivorians in Group A.
Ivory Coast spurned a host of chances and paid the price after Ola Aina was adjudged to have fouled Victor Osimhen in the area following a review by VAR.
The result meant Nigeria drew level with Equatorial Guinea on four points in the group, while Ivory Coast have three with one game to play.
Napoli forward Osimhen went close to giving Nigeria an early lead when he outpaced Serge Aurier but he was unable to keep his shot down.
That proved a rare opening for Nigeria in the first half as Ivory Coast dominated.
Christian Kouame was a threat up front for Ivory Coast but headed well over under pressure from Troost-Ekong.
Kouambe shot on the turn after Zaidu Sanusi failed to deal with a bouncing ball but goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali blocked.
Kouambe also pulled back across goal to tee up Evan Ndicka but he volleyed straight at Nwabali.
Nwabali then kept out a long-range effort from Seko Fofana and Sanusi reacted quickly to block Kouame’s follow-up attempt.
Nigeria seized the initiative early in the second half after Aina appeared to kick Osimhen in a challenge. Play was initially allowed to go on but the referee reversed his decision after reviewing on the pitchside monitor.
Former Watford defender Troost-Ekong made no mistake as he smashed home the resulting spot-kick.
Ivory Coast responded but Ousmane Diomande headed well over and Ibrahim Sangare also missed the target.
Fofana went closer as the hosts stepped up the pressure but his shot flew wide and Ndicka missed with a back-post header.
Bright Osayi-Samuel spurned a chance to wrap up victory for Nigeria when he delayed a shot but Ivory Coast failed to threaten again despite applying late pressure.
Guinea striker Serhou Guirassy has set his sights on Africa Cup of Nations glory as he prepares for a belated introduction to the competition.
Stuttgart’s 17-goal striker – only England frontman Harry Kane has found the back more often in the Bundesliga to date this season – will hope to play a part in Friday evening’s showdown with Gambia at the Stade Charles Konan Banny in Yamoussoukro.
The 27-year-old sat out the opening 1-1 draw with Cameroon through injury, but is preparing for an extended stay in Ivory Coast.
Asked about his club form, he told the tournament’s official website: “My personal goal is to continue in the same vein, especially since the matches in Africa are far more difficult.
“I strive to play good matches and help my country’s team in a good way. I aim to do well and why not win the title of this competition?”
Kaba Diawara’s men battled their way to a draw with Cameroon in their opening fixture despite having skipper Francois Kamano sent off, meaning he will be suspended for the second game.
The Scorpions, meanwhile, finished on the wrong end of a 3-0 scoreline against reigning champions Senegal, during which Cardiff midfielder Ebou Adams was dismissed and he too will be banned.
Speaking after the defeat, coach Tom Saintfiet said: “We will prepare well and we will be ready for the Guinea match. I know that we will be ready.
“Things have become difficult for us now, especially after losing by three. We need four points to qualify, so there is still hope.”
The sides met in the last 16 of the competition in Cameroon two years ago when Musa Barrow’s goal handed Gambia a 1-0 victory.
Former Middlesbrough and Birmingham full-back Emilio Nsue scored a hat-trick as Equatorial Guinea roared to a 4-2 Africa Cup of Nations win over Guinea-Bissau.
Nsue, now 34 and captaining his national side as well as leading the attack, hit the first treble at an AFCON since 2008.
The Elephants now have four points from their first two matches in Group A following Sunday’s surprise 1-1 draw with Nigeria.
The opening goal arrived in the 21st minute following a poor clearance by Guinea-Bissau goalkeeper Ouparine Djoco.
Pablo Ganet lifted the ball over the back-line into the path of Nsue, who charged through on goal and slotted his finish past Djoco.
Guinea-Bissau, beaten by hosts Ivory Coast in their opening match, equalised after 37 minutes when Mauro Rodrigues sent a low cross into the box and defender Esteban turned the ball into his own net.
Moments later Guinea-Bissau were awarded a penalty after Saul Coco appeared to bring down Franculino Dju in the area, but the decision was overturned by VAR.
Instead another mistake at the start of the second half gifted Equatorial Guinea the lead again.
Sori Mane failed to deal with a long ball and Josete Miranda was able to race clear and fire home.
That advantage was extended in the 51st minute when Djoco missed Basilio Ndong’s cross and Nsue finished at the far post.
Nsue, who played more than 100 games in the Championship between 2014 and 2018, completed his treble on the hour after rounding Djoco.
The goal was initially ruled out by an offside flag, but after an anxious wait was eventually given by VAR.
Nsue therefore became the first player to achieve the feat since Morocco’s Soufiane Alloudi 16 years ago and joined an illustrious list of AFCON hat-trick heroes including Samuel Eto’o, Hossam Hassan and Benni McCarthy.
Ze Turbo pulled another back for Guinea-Bissau on the stroke of full-time.
Brentford forward Yoane Wissa helped DR Congo to a 1-1 draw with Zambia in Group F of the Africa Cup of Nations.
They fell behind to former Chelsea and West Ham boss Avram Grant’s side when Kings Kangwa put them in front, but Wissa levelled soon after.
DR Congo were the better side but could not find a winner as both sides trail Morocco in the table after the first round of games.
Zambia took the lead in the 23rd minute after some calamitous defending from DR Congo.
Goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi came hurtling out to clear a ball and was left stranded as Zambia took a quick throw-in and Kangwa hooked the ball towards goal.
There was still a chance for DR Congo to clear it but Henock Inonga Baka made a meal of his attempt, kicking fresh air and the ball trickled in.
DR Congo’s response was swift and they levelled four minutes later.
Cedric Bakambu broke the offside trap and fired a ball across the face of goal which Wissa turned in from close range.
Wissa almost turned the game around minutes later as the ball fell to him but Rodrick Kabwe produced a brilliant goalline clearance.
DR Congo thought they had been given a penalty midway through the second half when Tandi Mwape appeared to handle a cross after slipping, but VAR overturned the decision.
DR Congo looked the more likely to get a second but they could not find a winner, with Silas blazing over deep into time added on.
Goals from Romain Saiss, Azz-Eddine Ounahi and Youssef En Nesyri fired Morocco to a 3-0 win over Tanzania in a one-sided Africa Cup of Nations opener.
Former Wolves defender Saiss struck in the first half but, despite their total dominance, Morocco had to wait until the unfancied Tanzanians were reduced to 10 men late in the second half before finishing them off.
While Morocco could boast the likes of Paris St Germain defender Achraf Hakimi and Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat, Tanzania started with Tarryn Allarakhia of Wealdstone in attack.
Thus, the gulf in class between the World Cup semi-finalists and the minnows who have never won a match at the AFCON was clear, but Morocco could not find a way through until the 30th minute.
Ibrahim Hamad’s foul on Hakim Ziyech gave the Chelsea winger, on loan at Galatasaray, the chance to get the first shot on target of the match.
Ziyech’s fierce free-kick was beaten out by Tanzania goalkeeper Aishi Manula but Saiss was following up and buried the rebound.
Ziyech, becoming increasingly influential down the right, then swung in a cross which En Nesyri headed over before forcing a decent near-post save from Manula.
As half-time approached, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli blazed over from a tight angle as Tanzania somehow made it to the break only trailing by one.
Tanzania were pushing their luck with some physical challenges and a predictable second yellow card ended Novatus Miroshi’s involvement 20 minutes from time.
Morocco then doubled their lead when Ounahi played a slick one-two with substitute Amine Adli before slotting past Manula.
Moments later Ounahi crossed for Sevilla striker En Nesyri to tuck in the third and ensure the Atlas Lions got off to a winning start.
Egypt coach Rui Vitoria has warned his team that Ghana will punish any mistakes ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations Group B clash on Thursday.
Egypt were held to a 2-2 draw by Mozambique in their opening game of the tournament on Sunday.
Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah’s penalty claimed a point for his country and Portuguese manager Vitoria has told his side they will need to be on top of their game against Ghana.
He said: “It’s going to be a different story. We will have to reduce the spaces and be more concentrated because against an experienced team like Ghana, the slightest mistake is paid dearly.”
Ghana lost their first game 2-1 to Cape Verde courtesy of Garry Rodrigues’ stoppage-time winner.
Vitoria also highlighted the tactical problems his side encountered during their draw to Mozambique.
He added: “Mozambique has a solid team, I said it before meeting them and that’s what happened.
“They gave us a lot of tactical problems with this low block. This team has excellent elements in midfield. They found gaps in us and they took advantage of it.”
Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi admits beating the Ivory Coast on Thursday night is the only way his Nigeria side will quieten the critics after a lacklustre Africa Cup of Nations opener.
The Super Eagles could only manage a 1-1 draw against Equatorial Guinea, a side 46 places below them in FIFA’s global rankings, and next face a tough test in Group A challengers and AFCON hosts Ivory Coast.
Sunday’s stalemate left some speculating whether or not Nigeria, among the tournament favourites, have what it takes to advance in the tournament, with fears they could face an early exit without swift improvement.
Iwobi told Nigerian media: “We’re excited. We thought we should have won. We know it’s not going to be easy but we’ll analyse the team and see what we can do.
“The only way to correct that impression is if we win. As long as you win, all of a sudden you’re giving your best. That’s the only way to keep the critics quiet.
“I always enjoy playing for the national team. To win (AFCON) would be my biggest dream, so hopefully that is something I can achieve.”
Napoli striker Victor Osimhen shone brightest for Nigeria in their opener, closely followed by Alhassan Yusuf, who was forced off in the second half.
Super Eagles boss Jose Peserio told Nigerian media the midfielder would miss the Ivory Coast encounter, but could still return to face Guinea-Bissau for their final group stage encounter.
Ivory Coast enter the contest bolstered by a 2-0 triumph against Guinea-Bissau, and head coach Jean-Louis Gasset is preparing for CAF African footballer of the year Osimhen to cause problems once again.
He told a press conference: “We know the strengths of Nigeria, they have an impressive offensive armada.
“They have the best African player in their squad, but against them, we will have to raise our game, and I know my players will do it because I know you have to win that first game to be released.”
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Hamari Traore and Lassine Sinayoko struck second-half goals as Mali launched their Africa Cup of Nations campaign with a 2-0 victory over South Africa.
Captain Traore tapped his side into a 60th-minute lead in the Group E encounter in Korhogo before striker Sinayoko quickly added a second.
South Africa had the better of the opening period but paid a heavy price for a penalty miss from former Brighton forward Percy Tau.
Following a relatively uneventful start to the match, the 1996 champions were handed a golden chance to edge ahead after Evidence Makgopa was caught in the face by the elbow of Sikou Niakate inside Mali’s box.
Egyptian referee Mohamed Edel pointed to the spot following VAR intervention, only for Tau to wastefully fire his 19th-minute effort high over the crossbar.
Tau, who left the Seagulls to join Egyptian club Al Ahly in 2021, was then twice denied by Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra as he sought to make amends.
Mali barely threatened in the opening period but nearly snatched the lead in added time when poor defending from Siyanda Xulu and Mothobi Mvala was almost punished by Auxerre forward Sinayoko.
RB Leipzig midfielder Amadou Haidara should have put 1972 runners-up Mali in front just four minutes into the second period but he somehow skied over after being slipped clear by Sekou Koita.
Eric Chelle’s side were far better after the restart and grabbed the lead with half an hour remaining.
Koita’s curling left-footed free-kick from the edge of the box was kept out by a combination of South Africa keeper Ronwen Williams and the bar but fell kindly for Real Sociedad defender Traore to poke home.
Sinayoko put the result beyond doubt only six minutes later, escaping Xulu to latch on to Kamory Doumbia’s through ball and jab beyond Bafana Bafana captain Williams.
South Africa never looked like salvaging anything from the game in the closing stages, albeit they did strike the left post through a speculative long-range free-kick deep into added time.
Tunisia fell to a shock 1-0 defeat against Namibia in their Africa Cup of Nations opener in Korhogo.
Deon Hotto stole in to head the winner in the 88th minute for the side ranked 115 in the world, getting on the end of substitute Bethuel Muzeu’s cross.
It leaves Tunisia facing a challenge to make it to the last 16, with matches against South Africa and Mali to come in the group stage.
For Namibia, it was a first-ever win at the tournament at their 10th attempt across four finals.
Peter Shalulile had the chance after 10 minutes to give them a surprise early lead but fired straight at Bechir Ben Said after the ball reached him inside the box, striking first time when he had space to take a touch.
Yousef Msakni tested goalkeeper Lloyd Kazapua with a header from a corner seconds after the break as Tunisia looked to finally make their supposed superiority count.
Shalulile, making his 50th international appearance, had an even better opportunity minutes later, meeting a low cross with his toe and seeing his effort diverted behind from the foot of the post by defender Montassar Talbi.
Talbi put a header wide from a free-kick after 70 minutes with the goalkeeper having committed himself. Kazapua redeemed himself in Tunisia’s next attack, saving with his legs from Elias Achouri after coming out and narrowing the angle well.
Ben Said punched Hotto’s free-kick from the right over the bar in the final five minutes as Namibia sought an unlikely win.
And with two minutes of normal time to play, the goal that stunned Tunisia arrived, Hotto appearing inside the six-yard box to nod home and cause the shock of the tournament so far.
Morocco boss Walid Regragui has told his players to forget about their World Cup heroics as they prepare to launch their Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Tanzania.
The Atlas Lions head into the tournament as one of the favourites to lift the trophy after their remarkable performance in Qatar, where they became the first African side to reach the semi-finals before losing 2-0 to eventual runners-up France.
They kick off their latest quest for glory against Group F Tanzania at the Stade Laurent Pokou in San Pedro on Wednesday, with Regragui taking nothing for granted.
He told a press conference: “Since the start of the competition, there haven’t been any easy matches. Our first match is important for us to enter the competitive atmosphere.”
The sides last met in a World Cup qualifier in November last year when Hakim Ziyech and a Lusajo Mwaikenda own goal secured a 2-0 win for Morocco.
Regragui, who boasts Paris St Germain defender Achraf Hakimi and Manchester United midfielder Sofyan Amrabat among his squad, will be without defender Noussair Mazraoui through injury.
The Taifa Stars, who have made the finals for just the third time, have included four players in their squad who are currently plying their trade at non-league level in England.
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Defender Haji Mnoga, who is on loan at Aldershot from Portsmouth, Wealdstone frontman Tarryn Allarakhia and Boreham Wood midfielder Mohammed Sagaf are all playing in the National League, while forward Ben Starkie is on the books at Northern Premier League Premier Division Ilkeston Town.
Head coach Adel Amrouche, who tempered earlier comments criticising the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s influence over the African game, said: “I spoke out a month ago, saying they are one of the best teams in the world. They reached the semi-final.
“They are not a team that win by luck, they win with their abilities. They deserve.”
Bertrand Traore scored a late penalty as Burkina Faso snatched a 1-0 victory over Mauritania in their Africa Cup of Nations opener.
Aston Villa’s Traore, a former Chelsea forward who is currently on loan at Istanbul Basaksehir, netted in added time to decide the Group D game in Bouake.
Mauritania, making their third appearance at the tournament, were denied on two occasions in the first half as Burkina Faso goalkeeper Herve Koffi kept out efforts from striker Aboubakary Koita.
Mauritania have only scored one goal in the history of the tournament and their goalless run since 2019 continued when Koffi denied Sidi Amar in the second period, before Traore settled the contest late on.
The game’s first chance fell to Koita, who drilled straight into the grasp of Koffi six minutes in.
Burkina Faso produced their first strike on target 10 minutes later when Mohamed Konate rose highest from a free-kick but saw his header comfortably saved by Babacar Niasse.
Mauritania were looking for their first ever win in the competition and came close to the opener half an hour in when Koffi was wrong-footed by a Koita free-kick but recovered to tip the ball over the bar for a corner.
Mauritania, ranked 48 places below their opponents in the FIFA rankings, threatened again through Hemeya Tanjy but his effort from outside the area was saved.
Burkina Faso started the second period with a little more zest and had a chance when Stephane Aziz Ki received a ball from Issoufou Dayo and shot just wide.
Mauritania almost snatched the lead in superb fashion with 15 minutes to go when substitute Amar twisted and turned outside the box before unleashing an effort towards goal which was tipped wide by Koffi.
Burkina Faso, who had scored in their previous 14 AFCON matches, were next to threaten when Traore’s curling strike was plucked out of the top corner by goalkeeper Niasse.
They were given the chance to make the decisive breakthrough in added time following a VAR check, after Nouh El Abd brought Issa Kabore down inside the box.
Traore, a 73rd-minute substitute, stepped up and slammed the ball home to ensure a first win in their opening game of the tournament in 13 attempts for Burkina Faso.
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