Forest went ahead when 32-year-old striker Wood slid in a finish past Robert Sanchez after a good set-piece routine involving James Ward-Prowse and Nikola Milenkovic in the 49th minute.

But Chelsea responded quickly as Madueke equalised eight minutes later after cutting in on his left foot and shooting, his fourth such effort having had the beating of left-back Alex Moreno.

Midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White came off injured in the second half – putting his chances of contributing with England this month in major doubt as he gingerly walked off the pitch, looking in pain and frustrated.

Referee Chris Kavanagh sent off Forest’s Ward-Prowse for deliberately handling the ball to stop a Nicolas Jackson counter-attack in the second half, giving him a second yellow card, having booked him earlier on for a more conventional tactical foul on star man Cole Palmer.

Then, Madueke also appeared to go off injured after a melee sparked by Neco Williams, who pushed defender Marc Cucurella into Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca.

Chelsea looked to their extensive bench to win the match, bringing on Christopher Nkunku, Joao Felix, Mykhailo Mudryk and Pedro Neto to win the game with a man advantage, but Palmer had two chances well saved by Matz Sels and Felix headed an effort wide in stoppage time.

There were two huge efforts saved in the closing minutes.

Williams curling effort for the visitors was saved by Sanchez, before – at the other end – Nkunku’s diving header was saved at close range by Sels.

Chelsea defenders Cucurella and Wesley Fofana picked up their fifth yellow cards of the season, meaning they will miss the trip to Liverpool after the international break.

Footage online also appeared to show Jackson pushing Forest defender Morato in the face during the on-pitch melee.
Chelsea will also get a £25,000 fine from the Premier League after picking up six yellow cards in the game, while both clubs will likely face a charge of failing to control their players after ugly scenes near the end of the match.

Otherwise, it felt like a close match of two in-form clubs pitting their records against each other – with Chelsea dominant in the latter stages.

The Blues’ five-game winning run has ended but they remain unbeaten in the league since the opening match of the season, while Forest are undefeated on the road in six matches, their longest such run since 1995.

Injured England internationals create concern for Carsley

Two of interim England manager Lee Carsley’s stalwarts from the under-21s were injured at Stamford Bridge.
There was real concern when midfielder Gibbs-White was taken off after his powerful shot was blocked by Malo Gusto in the second half.

And, after a melee between the two groups of players, Madueke had to be helped off the pitch by goalkeeping coach Michele de Bernardin, unable to put weight on one of his legs.

It is unfortunate for Madueke, who excelled as the best attacker on the pitch, having had the majority of his side’s efforts created through his power and skill – before a chaotic end of the match where Chelsea threw the kitchen sink at Forest to get the winner, while also giving a lot of chances away.

It is possible Madueke will miss out on England’s upcoming Nations League games against Greece and Finland but Gibbs-White looks near certain to pull out, as he looked both in pain and devastated when coming off – despite the away end’s best efforts to pick up his spirits by chanting his name.

There are also doubts about Levi Colwill’s fitness after he was substituted while pointing to his hip.

Are Forest most advanced defensive team in league?

Forest have taken a huge leap forward under Nuno Espirito Santo this season.

That 90 minutes could be painted as an example of everything the Premier League should be – as Forest competed manfully, physically and with incredible tactical nuance at Stamford Bridge.

They were previously seen as a low block, defensive team under Steve Cooper – and in the first season under the Portuguese – but they are now able to retain possession and press higher up the pitch, while still sitting off teams when needed.

There has been an evolution that has taken them to one of the best defensive records in the league – conceding fewer than Manchester City, with their rearguard action crucial to this result.

The one-on-one defending of Ola Aina was exceptional, the two centre-backs Milenkovic and Murilo are two of the most physically imposing in the league and Sels has solved the goalkeeping problems since promotion.

Between them, they managed to handle Ward-Prowse’s red card in a masterclass of defending, wasting time and counter-attacking football that led to Williams and Jota Silva going close.

By BBC Sports

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The stadium, set to be one of the largest in the region and built to FIFA standards, is expected to be ready in time for the continental football event.

The Office of State House Spokesperson on Sunday through a statement said there was tramendouse progress in the building of the stadium.

“The tremendous progress in the construction of the 60,000-seater Talanta Sports City, the prime Sports Arena being built at the Jamhuri Grounds, under Cabinet Secretary Ababu Namwamba’s Sports Ministry. This is where the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the 2027 AFCON will be held,” the statement read.

Kenya will co-host AFCON 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will manage the fixtures, events, and logistics.

Other stadiums in Kenya set to host matches include the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and the Nyayo Stadium. In Tanzania, the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and CCM Kirumba Stadium are expected to host matches, while Uganda’s Mandela and Nakivubo stadiums are also on the list.

Kenya is the only country among the trio building a new stadium specifically for the tournament. The Talanta Sports City Stadium, being constructed by the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) under the supervision of the Ministry of Sports, is expected to be completed by December 2025. Although the construction cost has not been disclosed, it is estimated to exceed Ksh30 billion.

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𝑻𝑯𝑬 𝑪𝑯𝑨𝑴𝑷𝑰𝑶𝑵𝑺

Côte d’Ivoire are crowned African Champions for the third time in their history! #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/Y2xx7l1JAb

— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 11, 2024

The game started with William Troost-Ekong giving Nigeria an early lead in the first half, capitalizing on a header from a dangerous corner routine. However, Franck Kessié leveled the score for Ivory Coast in the 62nd minute, converting a corner delivered by Adingra. The decisive moment came in the 81st minute when Haller, who overcame testicular cancer earlier in the year, secured the win with a crucial goal.

Also Read: Nigeria Secures AFCON Final Spot in Thrilling Penalty Shootout Victory

Adingra, named the man of the match, emphasized the team’s resilience, stating, “It’s the power of the group and the mindset that put us through. We had some challenging moments but we rescued ourselves, although it wasn’t easy.”

Borussia Dortmund forward Haller, a key player for Ivory Coast, missed the start of the tournament due to an ankle injury but played a pivotal role in their success. This victory marks Ivory Coast’s third AFCON triumph, bringing them level with Nigeria as the joint-fourth most successful team in tournament history and their first title since 2015.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino and Ivory Coast legend Didier Drogba were present at the final, witnessing the remarkable achievement. The result is even more impressive considering Ivory Coast’s coach, Emerse Faé, took over after the group stage, with the team initially managed by Jean-Louis Gasset, who faced early challenges.

Ivory Coast dominated the first half, with midfielders Seko Fofana and Jean Michaël Seri controlling the tempo. Despite Nigeria taking the lead against the run of play, Ivory Coast fought back and eventually secured the victory.

The historic win has ignited celebrations in Abidjan and beyond, with the home side’s defense holding firm against Nigeria’s late attacking efforts.

Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro acknowledged Ivory Coast’s superiority, stating, “Our team had a fantastic tournament, but today Ivory Coast was better. Our team didn’t show our level. That’s the truth. It was not the same job as we did in the previous rounds.”

This victory solidifies Ivory Coast’s status as a football powerhouse in Africa, and fans are sure to celebrate this memorable achievement for years to come.

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FULL-TIME!

Nigeria wins it from the penalty spot! #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | #NGRRSA pic.twitter.com/nATPdFA8TL

— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 7, 2024

The Super Eagles, boasting four consecutive ‘to nil’ victories leading up to the match, entered Bouaké with confidence, aiming for an eighth final appearance. South Africa, participating in their first AFCON semi-final in 24 years, posed a formidable challenge. The match began cautiously, with neither side gaining control early on.

Also Read: DR Congo Football Stars Use AFCON Platform to Advocate for Peace in Eastern Region Amid Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis

Approaching halftime, Bafana Bafana had a golden opportunity to take the lead, but Percy Tau’s effort was saved by Stanley Nwabili. Despite South Africa’s threat, Nigeria regrouped during halftime. Victor Osimhen’s driving run into the box resulted in a penalty, which Troost-Ekong converted, giving Nigeria a crucial lead.

South Africa sought a swift response, and Evidence Makgopa’s strike narrowly missed the target. Osimhen appeared to score a second goal, but VAR disallowed it due to a late tackle. Bafana Bafana capitalized on this lifeline, and Teboho Mokoena leveled the scores in the final minute of regular time.

𝙏𝙊 𝙏𝙃𝙀 𝙁𝙄𝙉𝘼𝙇!

The Super Eagles will fly to Abidjan for the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 final! pic.twitter.com/zVjwQTJwHJ

— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 7, 2024

The match took a dramatic turn in extra time when South African defender Grant Kekana received a red card for a foul on Terem Moffi. Despite the numerical advantage, Nigeria couldn’t capitalize, and the game headed to a penalty shootout. South Africa missed two of their initial three penalties, and Nigeria’s Kelechi Iheanacho scored the decisive spot-kick, securing a spot in the Sunday final.

Nigeria will face the winner of the Ivory Coast and Democratic Republic of Congo match in what promises to be an intense AFCON showdown. Stay tuned for more updates on this thrilling football tournament.

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The Ivory Coast team, also known as the Elephants, has experienced a rollercoaster journey in the tournament. Despite scraping through the group stage, they’ve displayed remarkable resilience in knockout matches, with late equalizers against Senegal and Mali. Interim coach Emerse Fae acknowledges the team’s luck but emphasizes the potential contributions from substitutes.

Also Read: South Africa’s Goalkeeper Saves Four Penalties in Shootout Win

Ivory Coast faces DR Congo, a team that reached the quarter-finals after drawing their first four games and boasts dead-ball prowess with three set-piece goals in the knockout stage. Despite the challenges, DR Congo remains unbeaten, and coach Sebastien Desabre believes they are gaining momentum.

In the other semi-final, Nigeria takes on South Africa in a repeat of the 2000 Nations Cup semi-final. Nigeria, playing in their record-extending 15th Afcon semi-final, has impressed with a solid defense, winning their past four games without conceding a goal. Coach Jose Peseiro emphasizes the defensive structure and praises the attacking prowess of players like Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon.

South Africa, led by coach Hugo Broos, has defied expectations, reaching the semi-finals for the first time in 24 years. Broos relies on the core of Mamelodi Sundowns players for their experience and teamwork. Despite achieving four consecutive clean sheets, Broos acknowledges concerns about fatigue, emphasizing the “heavy legs” observed in their last match against Cape Verde.

The post Afcon 2023 Semi-Finals Heat Up: Nigeria Faces South Africa, Ivory Coast Takes on Unbeaten DR Congo appeared first on KahawaTungu.

Bebe, Willy Semedo, Laros Duarte and Patrick Andrade were all denied in the shootout by the outstanding Williams, who also made a spectacular late save to tip Gilson Benchimol’s first-time strike against the woodwork and ensure the gruelling quarter-final entered extra time.

Cape Verde goalkeeper Vozinha made two exceptional saves in quick succession shortly after extra time began to deny Mihlali Mayambela and Teboho Mokoena.

South Africa will now have the chance to avenge their defeat by Nigeria on their last appearance in the Afcon semi-finals, when they were beaten 2-0 by the Super Eagles in 2000.

Williams sends South Africa to semi-finals

A moment which will perhaps be remembered as the save of the tournament was as close as either team came in normal time during a contest largely characterised by poor finishing.
Williams will undoubtedly be a contender for the Best Goalkeeper award once the tournament is over, and his fingertip save as he sprung into the air to keep out Benchimol’s effort by the slightest of margins was a remarkable reflex stop.

There was even better to come from the 32-year-old when he stopped Cape Verde’s first three penalties by diving to his right and thwarted Andrade by leaping in the opposite direction, having appeared to consult notes on a water bottle between each kick.

Cape Verde had more of the possession during the early stages before South Africa midfielder Teboho Mokoena blasted an effort straight at Vozinha and Themba Zwane and Evidence Makgopa both scuffed shots wide from promising positions at opposite ends.

With Percy Tau better placed to shoot, an off-balance Khuliso Mudau wedged an early effort behind as part of a slick South Africa move he was at the centre of.

Also Read: Nigeria Secures Africa Cup of Nations Semi-Final Spot with Victory over Angola

Tau was then involved in a flashpoint on the stroke of half-time when he appeared to push Kenny Rocha Santos to the floor, with Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala deciding to take no action against either player.

The incident proved the final act of a first period which was far from a classic, causing some locals in the stands at Yamoussoukro’s Charles Konan Banny Stadium to create their own entertainment by audibly celebrating Ivory Coast’s last gasp win over Mali after extra time of Saturday’s earlier quarter final.

Garry Rodrigues, who is the Cape Verde’s hero with their late winner against Ghana in their opening match of the finals, made his first start at the tournament in place of former Manchester United attacker Bebe, while Rocha Santos replaced Deroy Duarte in midfield for the Blue Sharks.

Joao Paulo Fernandes sent Rodrigues clear inside the penalty area with a perceptive low pass from the flank, only for the winger to send a shot straight into Williams’ arms.
Cape Verde had two fine chances in quick succession following the introduction of Bebe for Rodrigues late in the second half, Rocha Santos having a shot blocked after incisive work by the substitute and Jovane Cabral blazing a strike over.

With nerves fraying in the shootout, Mokoena scored for South Africa but Zakhele Lepasa sent his effort high and Aubrey Modiba saw his parried by Vozinha as Hugo Broos’ side triumphed 2-1.

Broos has successfully trusted in unchanged starting selections for each of his side’s past four matches, and their task could be far trickier against their next opponents, who are in the semi-finals for the 13th time in 15 Afcon appearances and on a run of four successive clean sheets.
South Africa have matched that defensive sequence, doing so for the first time in their 11th appearance at the finals.
And with Williams in this form, it may take something special for Victor Osimhen and his team-mates to find a way past the 1996 champions, who will attempt to bridge a 24-place gap in Fifa’s rankings when they meet the three-time winners in Bouake on Wednesday (17:00 GMT).

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FULL-TIME!

The Super Eagles snatch a crucial 1-0 victory, thanks to Lookman's first half goal! #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | #NGRANG pic.twitter.com/IBUNQIFByr

— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 2, 2024

Lookman, 26, capitalized on Simon’s exceptional play down the left flank, skillfully evading defender Kialonda Gaspar to create an opportunity. Simon then set up Lookman for the crucial goal, marking his third in the tournament. The 41st-minute strike at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium secured Nigeria’s place in the semi-finals, where they are set to face either the Cape Verde Islands or South Africa on Wednesday.

𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐃!

The Super Eagles put their feet into the semi-finals! #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/2RPTpHSmJC

— CAF (@CAF_Online) February 2, 2024

The upcoming semi-final promises to be a fierce encounter as Nigeria looks to advance further in the Africa Cup of Nations. The quarter-final clash between the Cape Verde Islands and South Africa, scheduled for Saturday, will determine Nigeria’s opponent in the semi-finals.

Also Read: Algeria Parts Ways with Coach Belmadi After Disappointing AFCON Exit

Meanwhile, fans can anticipate another exciting quarter-final matchup later on Friday in Abidjan, where the Democratic Republic of Congo and Guinea will battle for a spot in the semi-finals. Stay tuned for the latest updates on this thrilling African football tournament.

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The Super Eagles, known for their solid defensive strategy and quick transitions into attack, aim to maintain their successful formula against Angola. Peseiro emphasizes the importance of consistency and maintaining their style of play, acknowledging the challenge posed by Angola’s goal-scoring prowess.

While Nigeria stands as the highest-ranked team remaining and a title favorite, midfielder Alex Iwobi highlights the tournament’s unpredictability, urging the team to remain focused on their own performance rather than external expectations. The history between Nigeria and Angola adds an extra layer of significance to the match, with the Super Eagles seeking to avenge past defeats and pay tribute to the late Samuel Okwaraji.

Also Read: Ivory Coast Stuns Defending Champs Senegal in AFCON Shootout Drama

Iwobi recognizes Angola’s achievements in reaching this stage and acknowledges the need for defensive solidarity against a team known for its creativity and goal-scoring ability. Despite the anticipated challenges, he expresses confidence in the team’s ability to withstand pressure and secure a victory.

As Nigeria faces Angola in the quarterfinals, the stage is set for a highly competitive match, with both teams aiming to advance in the tournament. Stay tuned for updates on the final lineup decisions and key moments in this crucial Africa Cup of Nations encounter.

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FULL-TIME!

South Africa snatch the win from Morocco! #MARRSA | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/0QqsGfpFVH

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 30, 2024

Despite being considered favorites at the Ivory Coast tournament, Morocco’s dreams were dashed as they failed to break through South Africa’s stoic defense. The turning point came in the 57th minute when Themba Zwane orchestrated a precise pass to tall striker Makgopa, who calmly slotted the ball past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou. Mokoena later sealed the victory with a spectacular late free kick.

Morocco’s woes were compounded when Sofyan Amrabat received a late red card, leaving them with 10 players. A missed penalty opportunity by Achraf Hakimi further highlighted their struggles. The defeat marks another chapter in Morocco’s quest for a Cup of Nations title, eluding them since 1976.

“We could have maybe settled the game in the first half but, at this level, you get immediately punished for any chance you waste,” Morocco coach Walid Regragui told said after the match. “The penalty hurt us a lot, and surely we didn’t do everything that is required but I take full responsibility.”

Also Read: Ivory Coast Stuns Defending Champs Senegal in AFCON Shootout Drama

South Africa, winners in 1996, showcased resilience and flashes of attacking prowess after enduring hardships in continental competitions. This victory sets the stage for a quarter-final clash with Cape Verde in Yamoussoukro on Saturday.

The first half witnessed South Africa adopting a cautious approach, playing defensively and denying Morocco clear chances. Mokoena’s long-range shot and Percy Tau’s header were notable attempts, while Morocco’s Amine Adli missed a crucial opportunity just before halftime.

Makgopa’s goal prompted South Africa to adopt a more defensive stance, relying on counter-attacks. The decisive second goal came from Mokoena’s exquisite free kick in stoppage time, taking advantage of Amrabat’s red card for a professional foul.

As South Africa prepares to face Cape Verde in the quarterfinals, the narrative shifts from their past struggles to a potential resurgence in the Africa Cup of Nations.

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FULL-TIME!

Cote d'Ivoire are through after an intense penalty shootouts! #SENCIV | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/kBtagLEzWX

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 29, 2024

Senegal quickly took the lead within four minutes as Habib Diallo chested down Sadio Mane’s left-wing cross, unleashing a powerful 10-yard shot into the top corner. Despite Mane avoiding a red card for a questionable challenge, Senegal couldn’t extend their lead. In the final minutes, Ivory Coast was awarded a penalty, and Franck Kessie equalized, forcing the match into a shootout.

Ivory Coast, reeling from a recent 4-0 home loss to Equatorial Guinea, made a remarkable turnaround, replacing coach Jean-Louis Gasset with assistant Emerse Fae. The Ivorians displayed a vastly improved performance against Senegal, who had comfortably won their group matches.

Also Read: Cape Verde Achieves Historic Africa Cup of Nations Triumph

Sebastien Haller, Ivory Coast striker, expressed the emotional journey his team went through, saying, “It’s very emotional; the last few days were tough for us.” Despite recent challenges, Ivory Coast now advances to the quarterfinals, facing the winner of the Mali vs. Burkina Faso match.

Senegal, leading 1-0, believed they deserved a penalty in the second half, but VAR disagreed when Ismaila Sarr went down in the box. The hosts dominated the night, and although Senegal missed opportunities, Ivory Coast secured a penalty through VAR, leveling the score. The game went to penalties, and Niakhate’s miss proved costly for Senegal, allowing Ivory Coast to secure a quarterfinal spot.

The hosts, relieved to avoid an early exit, showcased a resilient performance, and the upcoming quarterfinals promise more intense action in the Africa Cup of Nations.

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