2022 World Cup – Monday 05 December 2022

France 3 (0) – (0) 1 Poland (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

France scorers: Giroud (44′), Mbappe (74′, 90’+1’). Poland scorer: Lewandowski (90’+9’ pen)

 

These two teams had met previously in a World Cup back in 1982 when they contested the 3rd/4th place match at the Estadio Jose Rico Perez in Alicante. On that occasion it was the Poles who emerged 3-2 winners. The last competitive fixtures came in the qualifiers for Euro ’96, with both games ending in draws, as France went through to the finals as group runners-up with Poland finishing fourth in the group of six.

Since those times France have emerged as one of the best teams in the world becoming European Champions in 2000 and World Cup winners in 1998 and 2018, and as such came into this game as hot favourites.

Whilst the score-line suggest an easy win for the current World Champions, Poland certainly had their moments before France took the lead just before half-time. The goal was significant not just because it put Les Bleus ahead, but also because it was Olivier Giroud’s 52nd goal for France making his the country’s record scorer ahead of Thierry Henry. Kylian Mbappe was a constant threat throughout with his pace and physicality and his reward was two fine second-half goals which also were record breakers as the French striker bettered Pele’s total of scoring seven World Cup goals before the age of 24. The goals also saw Mbappe lead the race for the Golden Boot with five goals now to his name. Poland though gained a consolation deep into time added-on when they awarded a penalty which Robert Lewandowski converted at the second attempt (Lloris saved the first but was adjudged to have moved off his line too early) to make it 3-1. France looking ominously good.

 

England 3 (2) – (0) 0 Senegal (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

England scorers: Henderson (38′), Kane (45’+3’), Saka (57′)

 

This was the first ever senior international between The Three Lions and The Lions of Teranga (Teranga defined as a combination of hospitality, respect, community and solidarity) but who would be King of the Jungle (and not in a I’m a Celebrity kind of way).

England for the first thirty minutes were in a tight spot (cue Tight Fit’s version of The Lions Sleeps tonight for those of a certain age) as Senegal pressed, created decent chances and forced numerous passing errors. It was a nervous watch at this stage. There followed a switch as the slow playing from the back was replaced by a more direct style which suddenly produced results. As with the Wales game a quick two-goal salvo put the Three Lions in charge. Jude Bellingham was at the heart of both, first providing a break and great ball for Jordan Henderson to sweep home and for the second breaking up play and with a striding run created a move which Harry Kane finished gratefully smashed home. Suddenly that nervy first half hour was just a memory and England were cruising. An early goal in the second half from the Saka after a fine ball from Foden, meant a comfy lead and a chance for Gareth Southgate to ring the changes ahead of the Quarter Final with France. If England are to go any further then they have to do it the hard way. Surely a lion can overcome a cockerel?

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2022 World Cup – Wednesday 30 November 2022

Group A:

Ecuador 1 (0) – (1) 2 Senegal (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Ecuador scorer: Caicedo (67′). Senegal scorers: Sarr (44′ pen), Koulibaly (70′)

 

Netherlands 2 (1) – (0) 0 Qatar (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

Netherlands scorers: Gakpo (26′), de Jong (49′)

 

Going into the final round the table order was, Netherlands, Ecuador, Senegal and Qatar. For the Dutch their win over the hapless hosts Qatar was no surprise, although Cody Gakpo’s reputation was given another boost as he scored again to record three goals in three games, with the points sealed by a de Jong tap-in early in the second half. The win enough to ensure top spot. Just for the record, Qatar became the first host nation to exit the tournament with three group-stage losses, finishing bottom with no points.

The real interest in Group A was over at the Khalifa International Stadium. Both sides had the chance progress, with Ecuador knowing a draw would be enough for them. However, it was the Senegalese  Lions of Teranga who came to dominate the game. Without their star player Sadio Mane there was concern that Senegal would struggle. However, Watford winger set them on their way a minute before the break coolly slotting home a penalty. The English connection continued in the second half, with Brighton’s Moises Caicedo levelling for Ecuador somewhat against the run of play on sixty-seven minutes. The Tricolours joy was short-lived though, as just three minutes later Chelsea’s Kalidou Koulibaly’s side footed volley restored Senegal’s lead, one they held onto at the whistle.

This is Senegal’s third World Cup, having debuted in 2002 and also participating in 2018. In Russia they exited in the group stages, but in 2002 beat Sweden 2-1 (AET) in the last sixteen, before exiting 1-0 to Turkey in the Quarter Finals. England beware.

 

Group B:

Wales 0 (0) – (0) 3 England (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

England scorers: Rashford (50′, 68′), Foden (51′)

 

Iran 0 (0) – (1) 1 USA (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

USA scorer: Pulisic (38′)

 

The table before these final fixtures saw England top, with Iran second, USA third and Wales bottom.

As with Ecuador earlier in the day, Iran knew that a point would be enough. However, with what was at stake, the game lacked a real intensity. The USA created more in the opening half and deserved their 1-0 advantage through Pulisic. Iran had a late claim for a penalty rejected, but with only one shot on target in the game it told you all you needed to know about this game. USA through to play the Netherlands.

The Three Lions knew that they had their fate in their hands and dominated Wales from the off with great energy and pressing that had been missing from the game against the USA but couldn’t find a finish. That was all put right in the second half as three goals in eighteen minutes extinguished the Red Dragons and their faint hopes of progress. The Welsh looked on the ropes during that second forty-five and for many of their senior players it was their last hurrah at a World Cup. Of course (without being patronising) it was an achievement for them to qualify – yes we know the last time as 1958. However, will just leave these here from a couple of the Welsh squad: Sorba Thomas, “We don’t fear England, never have. Whether that’s football, rugby, whatever, we don’t fear England and for us why not we be the ones to knock them out.” Kieffer Moore, “can’t wait to knock England out of the World Cup.”

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2022 World Cup – Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 November

Group B: Wales 0 (0) – (0) 2 Iran (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Iran scorers: Cheshmi (90’+8’), Rezaeian (90’+11’)

The Welsh will say that the sending-off of ‘keeper Wayne Hennessey with four minutes remaining was the turning point in this game, but the harsh truth is that Iran were the better side even before the red card. Gareth Bale had a quiet game and all in all it was a nervy and lacklustre performance from a side known for its passion and fighting qualities. Was there a touch of complacency on the part of the Wales team? Were they too focused on saying what they are going to do to England without dealing with the game in front of them? Whatever the reason, Wales are now in real danger of being on an early flight home.

 

Group A: Qatar 1 (0) – (1) 3 Senegal (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

Qatar scorer: Muntari (78′). Senegal scorers: Dia (41′), Diedhiou (48′), Dieng (84′).

Thankfully the results in Group A today meant that the hosts are out. What was telling yet again was the sight of ‘fans’ hitting the exits at half-time. Proof if needed that there is no appetite for the game in the country. I just hope those who voted for Qatar enjoy their thirty pieces of silver. It’s a tournament doing nothing for the game except bringing controversy.

 

Group A: Netherlands 1 (1) – (0) 1 Ecuador (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Netherlands scorer: Gakpo (6′). Ecuador scorer: E Valencia (49′)

The Dutch have been deeply criticised by their own media and pundits back home and this display showed why. They scored early in this game through Cody Gakpo with a powerful strike but then struggled therein after although credit must go to spirited Ecuador side. The South American’s will have felt slightly aggrieved that they had a first half goal struck off, with the decision that a player was in an offside position and in the ‘keepers eye-line. However, they were level soon after a Enner Valencia scored his third of this tournament with a tap-in and could have gone ahead when a Gonzalo Plata effort rattled the crossbar. All to play for in the final round of games, with the Netherlands, Ecuador and Senegal battling for the two places to progress.

 

Group B: England 0 (0) – (0) 0 USA (Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor)

It was mentioned more than once in commentary that this was a mirror of the Euros when England drew 0-0 with Scotland in their second group game. Then as now it was a poor  performance, but it meant the Three Lions have their destiny in their own hands when they face Wales next week. This was a return to the disappointing displays of this summer and once again dissenting voices questioned Gareth Southgate’s tactic and substitutions during this encounter. Credit though to the USA for getting their tactics right and more than deserving a point.

 

Group D: Tunisia 0 (0) – (1) 1 Australia (Al Janoub Stadium, Al Wakrah)

Australia scorer: Duke (23′)

Whilst driving I caught the last 15 minutes of this game on the radio, and it sounded all Tunisia and only some superb defending and solid goalkeeping from Mat Ryan preserved their clean sheet and enabled the Aussies to claim the win thanks to a deft header in the first half thanks to Mitchell Duke. Australia know that victory over the Danes in their final game would guarantee a place in the last sixteen.

 

Group C: Poland 2 (1) – (0) 0 Saudi Arabia (Education City Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Poland scorers: Zielinski (39′), Lewandowski (82′)

By the time I arrived at my destination (Long Eaton United v Pontefract Collieries) this game was already underway, and despite the fact that the fixture was on various screens, their seemed little appetite for the action, which is a shame given from the highlights it looked a bit of a cracker with chances and incidents galore. Whilst 2-0 looks a solid win, it tells nothing of the Saudi’s attacking threat and some great saves from Wojciech Szczesny in the Polish goal including an excellent penalty save at the end of the first half. Robert Lewandowski scored late on to seal the points and take Poland top of the group.

 

Group D: France 2 (0) – (0) 1 Denmark (Stadium 974, Doha)

France scorer: Mbappe (61′, 86′). Denmark scorer: Christensen (68′)

France secured the win and a place in the last sixteen with a late win in an entertaining encounter. Les Bleus dominated the first forty-five but couldn’t finish any of the chances they created. It took until just after the hour to go ahead from Mbappe which spurned Denmark into action and indeed they levelled on sixty-eight minutes. Both sides had chances to win it but with four minutes remaining it was the World Champions who claimed the win with Mbappa bundling in at the post for his and France’s second goal.

 

Group C: Argentina 2 (0) – (0) 0 Mexico (Lusail Iconic Stadium, Lusail)

Argentina scorers: Messi (64′), Fernandez (87′)

After the shock defeat to Saudi Arabia, Argentina knew that nothing but a victory would be enough against Mexico. Given that pressure it was perhaps not surprising that this was best described as a cagey game. It took two smart finishes from Messi and Fernandez to see off the spirited Mexicans. Poland await Argentina in the final game of the group stage, whilst Mexico play Saudi Arabia will the group wide open.

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2022 World Cup – Monday 21 November 2022

The BBC were first out the blocks showing live the opening game of the competition and the hour before the first game was unlike any other build-up I’d witnessed for previous World Cups. The first thirty minutes were more akin to a political programme, as the show provided background and context from the awarding of the hosting to Qatar in 2010 whilst also highlighting the issues around the  regarding Qatar’s stance on same-sex relationships, its human rights record and treatment of migrant workers. Whilst some will have not favoured the handling of this, I genuinely believe that it was the right thing to do, in continuing to air the issues. To ignore what has and is going on and simply focus on the football as if nothing happened would be trite. Indeed, the Opening Ceremony was not shown on the main BBC1 coverage, an indication that there was a desire no to show what might be considered propaganda. This certainly didn’t feel like a celebration of the game or indeed the tournament to come.

FIFA bangs on about football being for everyone, but as pundit Alex Scott highlighted, Qatar is a venue where not every section of society is welcome.

Group A: Qatar 0 (0) – (2) 2 Ecuador

Scorers: E Valencia (16′ pen, 31′)

Al Bayt Stadium, Al Khor

An inauspicious start for the hosts, not just on, but off the pitch. As the PA announcer tried to whip up the crowd with a countdown to kick-off from 10 to 1, the game started with the crowd not even getting down to a count of four. Not a great start.

Then on the pitch it was evident that Ecuador were too strong from the off. It looked like Enner Valencia had given the South American’s a lead after three minutes, only for VAR to come up with an offside that sums up why this equipment, its use and interpretation are making a farce of the game.

However, it wasn’t long before Valencia and Ecuador had the goal they deserved. Saad Al Sheeb the Qatar ‘keeper who has looked vulnerable in the melee that preceded the disallowed goal, then gave away a penalty just after the quarter of an hour mark, bringing down Valencia. The Fenerbahce forward dusted himself down and calmly slotted home the spot-kick. Ecuador dominated possession and it was no surprise when they scored a second on thirty one minutes, with Valencia beautifully heading home Preciado’s stunning cross. Qatar under the cosh and struggling.

They made it to the break just the two goals down and didn’t concede any further in a very flat second period. Ecuador took their foot off the gas as the game became a training ground stroll and the atmosphere wasn’t helped as many ‘fans’ left at half-time and on the hour mark. At the whistle it was three points to Ecuador and more pain one presumes to come for Qatar with fixtures against Senegal and the Netherlands remaining in the group.

My prediction of a 0-0, well it was truly off the mark – no surprise there given my record down the years!

Group B: England v Iran (Khalifa International Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Qualification route:

England – UEFA Group I winners

Iran – Asian Football Conference (AFC) third round Group A winners

Form (last three games):

14 June (UEFA Nations League A) England 0–4 Hungary   [Wolverhampton Wanderers FC, England]

23 September (UEFA Nations League A) Italy 1–0 England [Milan, Italy]

26 September (UEFA Nations League A) England 3–3 Germany [Wembley Stadium]

 

27 September (Friendly) Iran 1–1 Senegal [Maria Enzersdorf, Austria]

10 November (Friendly) Iran 1–0 Nicaragua [Tehran, Iran]

16 November (Friendly) Iran 0–2 Tunisia [Doha, Qatar]

Preview:

I’m old enough to remember the awful starts that the Three Lions have in the Group stages of major competitions down the years. This on paper is another potential banana skin. The Nations League relegation and fears over the teams defensive capabilities don’t do anything to calm the nerves and therefore it will be interesting to see how England approach this game.

The Iranian squad contains a sprinkling of players from around the European leagues and should not be taken lightly. Those looking for a Premier League link in the Iranian squad can find it with Brentford’s midfielder Saman Ghoddos. Ghoddos was born in Sweden to Iranian parents and made two appearances for them in friendly internationals in 2017 against the Ivory Coast and Slovakia. However, he made the switch to Iran later that year and has been part of the squad since. Additionally there is Carlos Queiroz the Iranian coach who had spells at Manchester United.

Of course my heart wants this to be a comfortable and stress free victory, but my head tells me that this could be a tight one with England nicking a 1-0 win.

Group A: Senegal v Netherlands (Al Thumama Stadium, Doha)

Qualification route:

Senegal – Confederation of African Football (CAF) third round winners

Netherlands  – UEFA Group G winners

Form (last three games):

17 July (COSAFA Cup 3rd-place match) Mozambique 1–1 (2–4 p) Senegal [Durban, South Africa]

24 September (Friendly) Bolivia 0–2 Senegal [Orléans, France]

27 September (Friendly) Iran 1–1 Senegal [Maria Enzersdorf, Austria]

 

14 June (UEFA Nations League) Netherlands 3–2 Wales [Rotterdam, Netherlands]

22 September (UEFA Nations League) Poland 0–2 Netherlands (Warsaw, Poland}

25 September (UEFA Nations League) Netherlands 1–0 Belgium [Amsterdam, Netherlands]

Preview:

Senegal nicknamed the Lions of Teranga are appearing in their third World Cup finals, having reached the Quarter-Finals in 2002 going out to Turkey 1-0 AET but not making it out of the group stages in Russia in 2018. Their squad is littered with players plying their trade in England including Chelsea duo, Edouard Mendy and Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gueye (Everton), Nampalys Mendy (Leicester City) and Nottingham Forest’s Cheikhou Kouyate. However, the squad were dealt a major blow when Sadio Mane withdrew injured before the tournament started.

The Dutch are a squad packed with stars from across Europe and follow in the tradition of the Oranje sides of yesteryear, who have got to three finals in 1974, 1978 and 2010 but have yet to lift the trophy. The Netherlands could be dark horses in this competition, and I expect them to start off with a victory by a single goal.

Group B: USA v Wales (Ahmad bin Ali Stadium, Al Rayyan)

Qualification route:

USA – Confederation of African Football (CAF) third round winners

Wales  – UEFA Group G winners

Form (last three games):

14 June (CONCACAF Nations League) El Salvador 1–1 USA [San Salvador, El Salvador]

23 September (Friendly) Japan 2–0 USA [Dusseldorf, Germany]

27 September (Friendly) Saudi Arabia 0–0 United States [Murcia, Spain]

 

14 June (UEFA Nations League) Netherlands 3–2 Wales [Rotterdam, Netherlands]

22 September (Nations League) Belgium 2–1 Wales [Brussels, Belgium]

25 September (Nations League) Wales 0–1 Poland [Cardiff, Wales]

Preview:

As a Fulham fan its great to see the Whites represented by the defensive duo of Antonee Robinson and Tim Ream. West London is also represented by Chelsea forward Christian Pulisic, and further representative from the English capital in Arsenal’s goalkeeper Matt Turner. Drawn in with England and Iran as well as Wales, the USA will fancy their chances of progression

The story around Wales centres on their talisman Gareth Bale and the fact that the last time the Welsh qualified was in 1958. As with the USA, Wales also include two Fulham players in their squad, in Harry Wilson and loanee Dan James.

Could be the first draw of the tournament in a cagey encounter.

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World Cup diary 2018 – Friday 29 June

So that’s that. The final round of group games were completed yesterday and the final sixteen teams are now all known.

The action began in Group H, and with Poland already out, it was left to Colombia, Japan and Senegal for fight for the top-two spots. It was to prove a controversial afternoon as with Colombia ahead 1-0 against Sengal through Mina (74′) and Japan losing 1-0 to Poland through a Bednarek (59′) goal, the Japanese knew that if the scores remained the same that was enough to send them through. With Senegal and Japan having the same points and goals scored it came down to the number of bookings. It produced a final ten minutes of the game that caused such outcry in 1982 between Austria and West Germany when they effectively played-out time without any intend of going forward, that FIFA made final round games kick-off at the same time. The reaction some 36 years later is no less vociferous, but let’s consider a couple of things. Firstly, Japan did nothing wrong, what they did was within the laws of the competition and whilst some might argue it’s not in the spirit of the game, they were perfectly within their rights to finish the game as they did. Secondly, it was a risky strategy from Japan, as Senegal only needed to equalise and the Blue Samurai would have been eliminated. Something for FIFA to ponder once this World Cup finishes.

That just left Group G to be completed with England and Belgium competing for top-spot and Tunisia and Panama vying to avoid finishing bottom. Tunisia won the game 2-1 thanks to a second-half strike from Sunderland’s Wahbi Khazri, condemning Panama to the bottom slot in the group. In the battle at the top, both sides rested players with England making eight changes and Belgium nine, so it was no surprise that it felt a somewhat disjointed game, that was ultimately won by a superb Adnan Januzaj strike six minutes into the second-half. Much of the debate wasn’t around the game itself, but which looked a better route to progression, which to me is all pretty academic if you don’t win your last sixteen game.

It left the final pairings as follows:

July 02 Belgium v Japan                 July 03 Colombia v England.

Today there are no games with the knockout phase beginning on Saturday with two Europe v South America clashes as France play Argentina in Kazan and later in the day, Uruguay play Portugal in Sochi. Both very difficult to call. Like the teams I’m resting for today and will pick up with previews tomorrow.

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World Cup diary 2018 – Monday 25 June

Yesterday I asked the footballing gods for a calm afternoon watching England and boy did they deliver. Yes, of course Panama were a limited side and their antics in the first-half were nothing short of embarrassing at times. However, you can only beat what is in front of you and there have been too many occasions down the years when the Three Lions have struggled to overcome stubborn opposition. England blazed their way to a 5-0 half-time lead thanks to a John Stones brace (8′ and 40’), a pair of Harry Kane penalties (22′ and 45’+1) and a sublime strike from Jesse Lingard (36′), with their set-pieces causing havoc for the Panama defence on every occasion. Understandably the second-half was a quieter affair, with Panama thankfully leaving their rough-house tactics in the changing room. Still there was enough time for captain Kane to claim a hat-trick and a consolation for Panama from a smart Defoy finish. Qualification sorted and the Belgium game becomes merely a top-spot battle.

Elsewhere in Group H, Poland were surprisingly dispatched 3-0 by Colombia, meaning the European team were out. With Japan and Senegal playing out a 2-2 draw, it means that the two teams going through won’t be sorted until the final round of games. One talking point for me though and highlighted in the Japan game, was the continuing modern trend for goalkeepers to punch the ball rather than catch it, for both crosses and increasingly shots. Take Senegal’s opening goal – Kawashima the Japanese ‘keeper, attempted to punch away a shot that was perfectly catchable and in doing so knocked it against Sadio Mane and it rebounded in for a goal – totally avoidable. Is it that modern day balls move so much that ‘keepers can’t trust the flight so feel punching it away is the best option, or is it a modern coaching fad that will pass? It will be interesting to monitor the men better between the sticks in the rest of the tournament.

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World Cup diary 2018 – Wednesday 20 June

The three games from yesterday continued to defy what many ‘experts’ had predicted pre-tournament. Tuesday opened with Columbia taking on a Japan side that was derided as very ordinary even by its own fans. Yet at the whistle in the Mordovia Arena, it was the Blue Samurai who had put the South American team to the sword. Japan were greatly helped by the third-minute dismissal of Carlos Sanchez for handling Shinji Kagawa’s shot at a goal, with the resultant penalty converted by Kagawa. Columbia though equalised through a low struck free-kick from Juan Quintero. Some parts of the media lauded it as a ‘clever free-kick’ as it passed under the leaping Japanese wall, for me though, ‘keeper Kawashima really should shoulder some of the blame for the goal. However, Japan were not to be denied victory and a header from Yuya Osako seventeen minutes from time, sealed an opening game win in Group H.

In the second game of the day, once again it was the unfancied team that came out on top. None of the African teams at the tournament had so far picked up a point and nobody gave Senegal much of a chance against a Poland side with Robert Lewandowski leading the Poles attack. However, eight minutes before the break, Everton’s Idrissa Gueye fired goal-ward, only for his shot to be deflected in by Polish substitute Thiago Cionek. Poalnd, the seeded team in the group, failed to cope with Senegal’s physicality throughout the game and as such it was no surprise when they scored on the hour mark to double their advantage. It was however, tinged with controversy. After receiving treatment on the sidelines, M’Baye Niang came back on to the field of play and instantly latched onto a Polish backpass, beating Juventus ‘keeper Wojciech Szczesny and Southampton defender Jan Bednarek to the ball, before slotting home into an empty net. Despite the protests of the Eastern European side, the goal stood. With four minutes remaining Grzegorz Krychowiak headed home for Poland, Senagal though held out for a 2-1 win, a victory they deserved.

Whilst the two earlier games saw the last of the first-round fixtures, the closing game on Tuesday night saw the second-round open in Group A with hosts Russia taking on Egypt. Prior to the start of the World Cup, this was a Russian side struggling badly with form and which wasn’t given any chance by its media and fans. However, this was a team rejuvenated by their 5-0 demolition of Saudi Arabia and they continued to grow into the competition with a 3-1 win over Egypt. Fathi (47′ og), Cheryshev (59′), and Dzyuba (62′) put Russia comfortably ahead just after the hour mark and even a Mo Salah penalty after seventy-three minutes couldn’t dent another moral boosting victory for the Sbornaya. The result all but ensured passage to the knock-out stages for Russia and almost certain exit for Egypt.

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Orange Africa Cup of Nations – Sunday 29 January 2012

Group A

Equatorial Guinea (0) – (1) Zambia [Nuevo Estadio de Malabo]

Libya (2) – (1) Senegal [Estadio de Bata]

So here we are at the final round of Group games. For these fixtures and in order to ensure that there is no advantage to any team, both games kick-off at the same time. It provides an occasion that players, coaches and fans are spending the game with half an eye on events happening elsewhere. The permutations of who could go through and how, made the Duckworth Lewis Method look simple! All that was certain going into the games today was that Equatorial Guinea were through and Senegal were out. Zambia were in control of their destiny in that they knew a victory would see them through and also top the Group. Libya were at the mercy of events in Malabo, all they could do was go out and win the game and hope Equatorial Guinea did them a favour.

Libya got the perfect start when on 5 minutes they opened the scoring. Senegal were sloppy in defence and gifted Ahmed Sa’ad the ball, whose jinking run and clever through ball to Ihab Albusaifi was slotted home. Zambia at this stage were drawing 0-0, so still had the edge in terms of progressing. Senegal then further dented Libyan hopes, when on 11 minutes Deme N’Diaye headed home a corner. His task was made easier by Libyan keeper Samir Aboud, who having started to come for the corner, then stopped and was in no position to claim the corner or stop the header. Back in Malabo there was still no score in the opening ten minutes. Libya and Senegal continued to provide a more end to end game than that between Equatorial Guinea and Zambia and so at the half-time whistle it was 1-1 in Bata and 0-0 in Malabo. The second-half continued to lack bite and edge, not so surprising since both teams had qualified. However, on 68 minutes Zambia took the lead. From a throw-in Chris Katongo received the ball, took on one defender, cut across the penalty area, before sending a skimming shot than bounced a couple of times in front of the keeper before finding the net. This goal meant that Zambia were now top of the Group and the chances of Libya advancing receded significantly. The game in Bata became scrappy, but Libya didn’t give up hope and were rewarded on 84 minutes when Senegal didn’t deal with a long ball into the box, allowing Zuway to  cross for Ihab Albusaifi, who volleyed home to give the Libyans a 2-1 advantage. However, to go through they needed Equatorial Guinea to score twice in the remaining minutes, which looked a forlorn hope as the game in Malabo drifted to a finish. At the whistle, Zambia (1-0) and Libya (2-1) had won the final fixtures, with Zambia through as Group winners and Equatorial Guinea as runners-up. Libya had not disgraced themselves given the difficult period they had leading to the tournament. For Senegal it was an embarrassing exit; as one of the pre-competition favourites, they left without a single point.

Final Positions:

(1) Zambia: 7 pts, (2) Equatorial Guinea: 6 pts, (3) Libya: 4pts, (4) Senegal: 0 pts.

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Orange Africa Cup of Nations – Wednesday 25 January 2012

Group A:

Libya (2) – (2) Zambia

The second round of group fixtures kicked-off today, which would, if results went a certain way, see the first teams qualify for the Quarter-Finals. After their opening game wins, both Zambia (nicknamed, Chipolopolo – The Copper Bullets) and Equatorial Guinea (nicknamed, Nzalang Nacional – National Lightning) knew that victory today would see them through. Toto famously sang, “…I bless the rains down in Africa…”, although I don’t think the organising committee of the Africa Cup of Nations would agree! The start of this game at the Estadio de Bata was delayed 75 minutes after torrential rain, however even at kick-off the pitch had a great deal of surface water. This didn’t seem to deter Libya (nicknamed, The Mediterranean Knights) who within five minutes had gone ahead. Walid Elkhatroushi picked up the ball midway in the Zambian half and threaded a ball to Ahmed Saad Osman, whose crisp finish was impressive given the wet conditions. With both sides bogged-down (quite literally) by the conditions, the game became scrappy. However, Zambia did get themselves level just before the half-hour mark. From a Rainford Kalaba cross dug-out of a puddle on the left, Emmanuel Mayuka cleverly hooked in a right foot volley across Libyan keeper Samir Abod. The second-half got off to an explosive start, as within two minutes, LIbya went 2-1 ahead. Substitute Ihab Albusaifi got down the right and behind the Zambian defence, to cross into the box. The Zambian defence failed to clear and Ahmed Saad Osman skipped past a couple of tackles and slotted in off the post. Within seven minutes the game was back all square at 2-2. Mayuka’s clever over-head kick sent the ball to the right where Christopher Katongo headed in. Both sides went looking for the winner, with the best chances falling to Ahmed Saad Osman and Ahmed Zuway for Libya and Christopher Katongo and brother Felix for Zambia. There was late drama in the dying seconds as Zambia thought they should have a had a penalty. However, it was not to be and the tournament had its first drawn game. Given the conditions it was a credit to both sides that the game was as good as it was. Although whether the game should have gone ahead in the first place is a different argument entirely.

 

Equatorial Guinea (2) – (1) Senegal

With the delay to the first match in Bata, this fixture was also put back by 75 minutes. Senegal (nicknamed, Les Lions de la Teranga – The Lions of Teranga) knew that defeat would see them (one of the favourites) out of the competition. On a pitch still sodden and worse for wear after the earlier game, there was drama aplenty. Senegal were quickest to settle in the difficult conditions with Fenerbahçe midfielder Issiar Dia pulling all the strings for Senegal.  However, as with Morocco earlier in the week, the Senegalese didn’t capitalise on their chances and at the break the game stood at 0-0. Equatorial Guinea started the second-half with more intent and now it was a much more open, end-to-end game. Senegal paid for their profligacy on 62 minutes when Equatorial Guinea went ahead. A cross-field ball found Kily, whose teasing centre was headed home by Randy. As expected Senegal responded, but their attacks were becoming more desperate as the clock ticked down. Then on 89 minutes, home fans hearts were broken. From a free-kick a hopeful ball was pumped into the box, which ricocheted around until substitute Moussa Sow hooked in an equaliser. Suddenly the stadium was silent and the Equatorial Guinea team looked out on their feet. Senegal sensed that perhaps there was time for a winner. Incredibly, there was a clinching goal, but it was for Equatorial Guinea. Four minutes into time added-on, Kily received the ball outside the Senegal penalty area and unleashed an unstoppable shot into the net – cue pandemonium on the pitch and in the stands! One of the favourites Senegal were out and the lowest ranked team in the tournament were through to the Quarter-Finals. Who said lightning never strikes twice!

Final Group A fixtures: Sunday 29 January – Equatorial Guinea v Zambia and Libya v Senegal

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Orange Africa Cup of Nations – Saturday 21 January 2012

Group A:

Equatorial Guinea (1) – (0) Libya

Co-hosts Equatorial Guinea got the best possible start to the tournament with a single goal victory over Libya. In pure ranking terms this could be considered to be a surprise result given that Libya are ranked 63rd in the FIFA rankings against that of 151st for Equatorial Guinea. However, given Libya qualified against a background of Civil War and that they were forced to play all their home games in Egypt, the fact that they have even made it to the Finals is an achievement in itself. In an open first half, the home team thought they had taken the lead after 16 minutes, Libyan keeper Samir Aboud made a complete mess of Ivan Bolado’s shot which slipped under his body and crawled over the line, but the goal was ruled out for offside. The second half was a cagier affair, but just when it seemed that both sides would take away a point, Javier Balboa was just onside when he coolly curled home, three minutes from time to secure the victory for Equatorial Guinea and send the fans inside the Estadio de Bata into raptures.

 

Senegal (1) – (2) Zambia

The second game in Group A also caused something of an upset, when one of the tournament favourites Senegal lost 2-1 to Zambia. The Senegalese found themselves 2-0 down in the opening twenty minutes. Emmanuel Mayuka, who plays for Young Boys in Switzerland, opened the scoring for Zambia after 12 minutes. From a free-kick the ball was headed across the Senegalese penalty area and an unmarked Mayuka from six yards out made no mistake with his header. Zambia’s lead was doubled just seven minutes later by Tout Puissant Mazembe forward Rainford Kalaba, who beat the offside trap before rounding the keeper and slotting home. Senegal responded with a number of second half substitutions, one of which gave Newcastle fans a sight of the Demba Ba and Papiss Demba Cissse partnership. Dame N’Doye another of the substitutes got Senegal back into the game on 74 minutes, when he controlled a cross on his chest, cut inside his man before beating the Zambian keeper at his near post. However, Senegal couldn’t force a second goal and Zambia held firm to clinch a famous victory.

 Group A resumes on Wednesday 25 January, with Libya v Zambia and Equatorial Guinea v Senegal.

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