FULL-TIME!

A late penalty sends Cape Verde through! #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | #CPVMTN pic.twitter.com/hdbfKfEgdJ

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 29, 2024

Manager Bubista strategically rested key players in a prior match against Egypt, ensuring peak fitness for the crucial showdown with Mauritania. Despite Mauritania’s relentless pressing and fearlessness in their first-ever AFCON knockout match, Cape Verde dominated with Mendes spearheading numerous attacks. The first half saw both goalkeepers, Vozinha and Babacar Niasse, untested.

Also Read: DR Congo Secures Thrilling Victory in AFCON Shootout Against Egypt

The second half witnessed increased intensity, with Jovane Cabral’s powerful shot testing Niasse. However, Cape Verde’s Aboubakary Koita and Souleymane Anne also had their chances. In a tactical move, head coach Amir Abdou introduced Pape Ibnou Ba and former Fulham player Aboubakar Kamara. Cape Verde responded by bringing on Garry Rodrigues and Kenny Rocha Santos.

𝐐𝐔𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐃!

The Blue Sharks swim to the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 quarter-finals! pic.twitter.com/jyRpsZ4wz8

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 29, 2024

A turning point came when Niasse’s poor defensive header led to a penalty, allowing Mendes to secure the victory. Despite Mauritania’s efforts during 10 minutes of added stoppage time, Cape Verde held firm, setting the stage for a quarter-final clash with either Morocco or South Africa in Yamoussoukro on Saturday.

This historic win not only propels the Blue Sharks into the AFCON quarter-finals but also highlights their resilience and determination on the continental stage. Football enthusiasts eagerly await the outcome of their upcoming match as Cape Verde continues to make waves in the tournament.

The post Cape Verde Achieves Historic Africa Cup of Nations Triumph appeared first on KahawaTungu.

The shocking 1-0 loss to Mauritania on Tuesday led to the 2019 champions finishing at the bottom of Group D, marking another setback after their group-stage elimination in the 2021 finals.

Walid Sadi, the president of Algeria’s football federation, announced the amicable agreement to dissolve the association with Belmadi. Expressing gratitude for Belmadi’s contributions, Sadi wished him success in his future endeavors. The president acknowledged the bitter conclusion of their tournament and issued an apology to the national team’s fans and the Algerian people, emphasizing the federation’s efforts to create optimal conditions for player success.

Also Read: Ghana Fires Head Coach Chris Hughton after Africa Cup of Nations Exit

Belmadi, who took charge of the Desert Foxes in August 2018 and secured a contract extension until 2026 just a year ago, faced challenges following Algeria’s triumph in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations. Despite a remarkable 35-match unbeaten run and clinching the Afcon title, their subsequent performances disappointed, resulting in early exits from the 2021 finals and the 2022 World Cup qualification.

Sadi acknowledged the need for a significant overhaul to restore Algeria’s standing both continentally and internationally. He promised a “real revolution” to rectify past mistakes, aiming to rejuvenate Algerian football with the goal of achieving brilliance and victories. The president outlined the commitment to correcting the course and revitalizing the team for future competitions.

The post Algeria Parts Ways with Coach Belmadi After Disappointing AFCON Exit appeared first on KahawaTungu.

FULL-TIME!

Mauritania do just enough to protect their first half lead as they win all 3 points against Algeria. #MTNALG | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/xDu6gXq8Vv

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 23, 2024

Yali Dellahi became the hero for Mauritania with a crucial goal in the first half, taking advantage of a poor clearance by Algeria’s Mohamed Amine Tougai. The ball fell to Dellahi in the box, and his shot found the back of the net, ultimately sealing Algeria’s fate in the tournament.

Algeria, who claimed the trophy in 2019, seemed a mere shadow of their former selves. Despite making strategic changes like benching captain Riyad Mahrez and bringing him on at halftime, they failed to reverse their fortunes. This premature exit mirrors their disappointing performance in 2021.

Mauritania’s triumph positioned them third in Group D with three points, ensuring qualification as one of the four best third-placed teams. Angola secured the top spot with seven points, followed by Burkina Faso with four points. Algeria, with only two points, finished in fourth place.

Also Read: Ghana Fires Head Coach Chris Hughton after Africa Cup of Nations Exit

The turning point of the match came in the 37th minute when Dellahi capitalized on a defensive lapse, showcasing the vulnerability of the Algerian side. Although Mauritania had a chance to double their lead in the second half through Aboubakary Koita’s skillful run, the shot went wide.

Mauritania’s goalkeeper, Babacar Niasse, played a crucial role in preserving the lead with notable saves, including a spectacular stop against Hicham Boudaoui’s powerful header and a reflex save to deny Aïssa Mandi from close range.

Group D

This is how teams stand as matchday 3 ends for the group! #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 pic.twitter.com/JVQARFOVgc

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 23, 2024

As Algeria pressed forward in search of an equalizer, they left gaps in their defense, providing opportunities for Mauritania. Substitute Pape Ibnou Ba had a late chance to secure a second goal but narrowly missed the target.

The thrilling victory for Mauritania was not without suspense, as they had to endure 11 tense minutes of added time before celebrating their historic achievement in the tournament. This unexpected outcome adds another layer of excitement to the Africa Cup of Nations, showcasing the unpredictable nature of football on the continental stage.

The post Mauritania Stuns Algeria with 1-0 Victory, Secures Historic Round of 16 Spot in AFCON appeared first on KahawaTungu.

FULL-TIME!

Entertainment levels off the charts as Angola beat Mauritania with 3 goals to 2. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 | #MTNANG pic.twitter.com/JLFSRjhy0c

— CAF (@CAF_Online) January 20, 2024

In the early stages, Angola dominated the attacking exchanges, with Mabululu’s fierce strike requiring two saves from Mauritania’s goalkeeper, Babacar Niasse. On the other hand, Mauritania’s Pape Ibnou Ba missed a chance to score when he headed a well-worked corner over the crossbar.

The game’s intensity peaked around the half-hour mark. Just a minute after Ba’s one-on-one attempt was thwarted, Gelson Dala showcased brilliance with a scissor-kick finish, breaking the deadlock for Angola. However, Mauritania responded before halftime, as Sidi Bouna Amar mirrored Lionel Messi’s finesse, dribbling through defenders and unleashing an unstoppable shot into the net.

Also Read: Late Bounedjah Header Secures Algeria a Draw Against Burkina Faso in AFCON Thriller

Angola, determined to reclaim the lead, delivered a decisive three-minute spell after the restart. Gelson Dala found the net once again with a clever strike, aided by the post, and Gilberto extended the lead with a clinical finish after dispossessing HT substitute Khadim Diaw.

The match continued its dramatic turn as Aboubakary Koita’s stunning long-range strike brought Mauritania back into contention, making it 3-2 in a span of 13 second-half minutes. Despite the potential for chaos, both teams managed only one additional shot on target.

This victory propels Angola to the top of Group D, displacing Burkina Faso. To secure a spot in the knockout stages for the first time since 2010, Angola aims for victory against Hubert Velud’s side in the final group game. Conversely, the defeat puts Mauritania on the brink of elimination, needing a victory to avoid finishing last. They face Group D’s top seeds, Algeria, in their upcoming Tuesday clash.

The post Gelson Dala’s Brace Propels Angola to Thrilling 3-2 Victory Over Mauritania appeared first on KahawaTungu.

The country has recorded only 8 positive COVID-19 cases, 6 have recovered, while one person has died.

Like in most countries, sporting activities were postponed to help curb spread of the disease hence affecting livelihoods of many people.

To help mitigate the effects, each premier league club will receive Kshs7 million, while each player will pocket Kshs 140k.

Each coach in the top flight will get Kshs260,000, with the rest of the money (Kshs59 million) going to regional leagues, referees and others.

The country intends to resume football activities in June.

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