The Nation Newspaper

Category: Sports

  • The best team is going home – Cape Verde coach

    The best team is going home – Cape Verde coach

    Cape Verde Islands coach Lúcio Antunes says the best team in the tournament are going home.

    Antunes was referring to his side that fell to a 2-0 loss at the hands of African powerhouses Ghana in their Africa Cup of Nations match at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth on Saturday.

    The Islanders dominated large parts of the encounter, and the game changed just after the break when Ghana were awarded a controversial penalty and The Black Stars never looked back.

    Cape Verde threw every player forward in desperate search of an equaliser and were caught out on the break, handing Ghana their second goal.

    “Today we watched a beautiful game of soccer, unfortunately the best team is going home tomorrow so the tournament is going to lose a little bit of shine,” said Antunes after the game.

    Antunes went on to question the match officiating.

    “Today was our fourth game of the tournament, never were there questions of the first, second and third. Now the questions come.” Antunes sarcastically said nobody would want to watch Cape Verde in the last four and that is why the Ghanians were going through.

    “Although the score was 2-0 Cape Verde really did put Ghana under pressure, especially in the second half they had a lot of stress. Do you think this result is fair?

    “The result is fair because Ghana won the match. I don’t think there would be very big interest for the tournament if Cape Verde for example was to play with Togo in front of maybe 200 spectators. It is important for the tournament that Ghana stays on to the semi-finals.”

    The coach questioned the objectivity of the referee, and also the selection of the officials.

    According to Antunes, even local South Africans would be disappointed that Cape Verde was eliminated.

    “Cape Verde is the best team of this tournament, and there are lots of South Africans even crying that Cape Verde is out of this tournament. “The positives that I’m taking from this is that Cape Verde is not worse than any of the other teams, in fact Cape Verde is as good as any of the big teams here.”

  • Mbalula lauds Bafana Bafana

    Mbalula lauds Bafana Bafana

    Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula praised Bafana Bafana for a well spirited and bitter fight during the African Cup of Nation (AFCON) on Saturday.

    “Our team fought hard and dominated but as a nation we understood that there could only be one winner,” he said.

    “For us, South Africa have already won by being the best of this successful tournament. We wish Mali and all the other teams well in their endeavour to lift the Afcon 2013 trophy on February 10.”

    He said it was the best Afcon tournament ever hosted in the country.

    “We look forward to Bafana Bafana representing us proudly in Brazil both at the 2014 Confederations and the Fifa World Cup. We thank South Africans who continued to rally behind Bafana Bafana and plead for their continued support towards the remaining teams in the tournament.”

    Bafana Bafana were knocked out from the continental showpiece after failing to beat Mali during a tough quarterfinal match at the Moses Mabhida stadium in Durban.

    Mali proceeded to the semifinals after winning 3-1 on penalties against South Africa. The two sides played to a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes.

    “For two weeks South Africa have displayed excellent performance on and off the field, which inspired many across the length and breadth of our beloved country,” Mbalula said.

    “We take pride in the support and confidence expressed by President Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma to Bafana Bafana prior and during the Afcon soccer tournament.”

    The final of the Afcon tournament will be played at the National Stadium in Johannesburg on February 10.

  • The penalty was key – Gyan

    The penalty was key – Gyan

    Despite a flattering 2-0 scoreline, and an unconvincing victory, Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan said winning was all that mattered in their Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal match at Nelson Mandela Bay stadium on Saturday.

    Tournament debutants Cape Verde Islands proved worthy opposition for the much-fancied Ghana side. The Black Stars managed to turn the tide with their opening goal just after the interval.

    “The key to our victory was the penalty and it opened up the game for us,” said Gyan after the match.

    “We stood firm, we have experience. At these knockout stages, when you lose a game you are out the competition so the most important thing is we got through.”

    Gyan said Cape Verde were a tactically astute outfit.

    “They are tactically disciplined and we were expecting a difficult game. They were all behind the ball and they have very strong players.

    “The first half was a bit frustrating because we couldn’t go through their defence.”

    When the penalty was awarded in the 52nd minute substitute Wakaso Mubarak was given the responsibility instead of the captain. Gyan emphasised he would not take any penalties in regulation play in accordance with his mother’s wishes.

    “I said it over and over again, before this tournament my mother asked me not to take it. But if it came to a penalty shootout, I would have no option but to step in there.”

    Gyan was questioned about his role upfront on his own, but said he comfortable in the position.

    “Talking about me playing as a lone striker, I think I’ve been playing this kind of role for a couple of years now. I’m really happy, as I always say I’m very happy to be on a winning side. Sometimes it is quite frustrating being alone. But we came here to win and we did.”

    Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah agreed that getting the win was all that mattered.

    “The first half was OK, the mental attitude was really good. In the second half Cape Verde dominated and we stood up to them but the most important thing was that we won,” Appiah told reporters after the game.

    “I knew it would be a tough game, it was not one of our best games but there’s room for improvement before our next game.

    “Watching the way they qualified, I knew they would be trouble.”

  • Enyeama: I never doubted God

    Enyeama: I never doubted God

    Super Eagles goalkeeper, Vincent Enyeama says he was sure Nigeria would overcome Ivory Coast to reach the semi-finals of the 2013 AFCON because he never doubted God.

    The Maccabi Tel Aviv guardian told SportingLife that: “I was very confident – despite the criticisms – that we’ll defeat tournament favourites Ivory Coast to qualify for the semi-final as I never doubted God, the Almighty.”

    Asked how he felt after he put up a superb show against the Elephants, the former Enyimba goalkeeper, said: “My best is yet to come like you rightly said, as goalkeepers mature with age. And we mature as from the age of 32 upwards. Don’t get me wrong, I’m nearing it.”

    On the Eagles’ chances of upsetting the Keita-led Eagles of Mali in the semi-final in Durban, Enyeama stated: “For now, we are not talking about the Malians as they are a good team, they knocked out host South Africa. More so they would want to prove a point against us after losing to us twice in this stage of the championship.

    “We are going to study their match tapes to know how they have triumphed since they began their campaign and from there we’ll see how it goes.”

    Asked why he could not keep a clean sheet against the Elephants, he responded: “The goal caught us unawares as the first player next to me in goal and I just looked at ourselves. However, this is football, where the unexpected happens.”

  • Super Eagles crush Elephants’ dreams

    Super Eagles crush Elephants’ dreams

    Nigeria on Sunday rallied to beat Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 in a thrilling quarterfinal showdown in Rustenburg to reach 2013 AFCON semifinals and end the Elephants’ dreams.

    Nigeria ended a two-match AFCON winless run against their arch-foes in Rustenburg but it did little to settle the feud as to who is West Africa and ultimately the continent’s best.

    The Ivorians started off stronger in a first half that was littered with free kicks that saw Didier Drogba send one wide in the 6th minute.

    His former Chelsea team mate and Nigeria striker Victor Moses also took one two minutes later but Brown Ideye’s header went wide.

    On 23 minutes, Ivorian winger Cheik Tiote cracked a long range effort but that didn’t bother Vincent Enyeama.

    Three minutes later, Emmanuel Emenike missed a glorious chance from close range from Uwa Echiejile pass.

    Emenike made no mistake in the 41st minute with the opener after whipping in a cheeky indirect free kick off Mikel Obi to see them take a 1-0 halftime lead.

    However, Cote d’Ivoire came back fighting and levelled six minutes after the break through Tiote.

    Tiote nodded in an unstoppable free kick taken by Drogba to put the contest back on track.

    Nigeria were then frustrated with offside calls on Moses and Emenike.

    Nigeria sealed their semifinal place in vintage Eagles fashion through Sunday Mba in the 76th minute.

    Mba rolled back the days of Daniel Amoukachi when he raced the entire length of the Ivorians own half, beating three defenders to unleash a powerful right footed drive that sealed Nigeria’s passage to the semifinals.

    Nigeria play the semi finals February 6 in Durban.

  • It’s a shame Nigerians are impatient – Keshi

    It’s a shame Nigerians are impatient – Keshi

    Basking in the euphoria of his surprise defeat of Elephants of Cote d’ Ivoire Sunday in South Africa, Super Eagles coach Stephen Keshi says it is rather unfortunate that Nigerians are so impatient when it comes the game of football.

    The elated former Mali and Togo coach bared his mind in a post-match chat, describing the 2-1 result against Elephants who had been tipped to carry the day as a huge relief.

    He singled out home based Sunday Mba who he noted scored a goal that was too sweet to be forgotten in a hurry.

    “I thank God for the victory. I thank the players and the media who didn’t believe in the team and I thank my country Nigeria for the support. It is unfortunate that we do not have patience,” he submitted.

  • Moyes: I believe in Anichebe

    Moyes: I believe in Anichebe

    Nigeria striker, Victor Anichebe scored his sixth goal of the season for Everton on Matchday 25 of the Barclays English Premier League.

    Anichebe’s effort was just one in six of a thrilling game as Everton drew 3-3 against Aston Villa at Goodison Park on Saturday.

    The 24-year-old scored for Everton in the 21st minute to peg the score at 1-1 after Christian Benteke had opened the scoring for Aston Villa in the sixth minute.

    His goal exemplified genuine quality as he superbly held up the ball on the edge of the Villa box before spinning with ease and driving a low shot into the far corner of the net.

    It was his sixth goal of the season and his fifth in this season’s Premier League campaign for the Tofees.

    Anichebe meanwhile believes he has learned greatly from fellow forward Nikica Jelavic, but sees no irony in the fact he has replaced the Croatian in the team.

    Manager David Moyes said Anichebe has earned his place on merit – and his fifth goal in eight league starts in the 3-3 draw against Aston Villa on Saturday appeared to back that up – as Jelavic has lost his way in front of goal with his last top-flight goal almost two months ago.

    But Anichebe said: “I wouldn’t look too far into him not playing. Nikica has been unbelievable since he came to us and his record speaks for itself (18 goals in 45 appearances).”

    He added: “I was injured for two months and he took the burden on his own and he has been playing on his own every game. There comes a time when you have to take him out because he is pretty tired but the best of him will come. He has been playing for a long time on his own. Now I am back it is probably good time to give him a rest.

    “I talk to him all the time and some of the positions I am getting into is because of him, he has helped me get into more goalscoring positions.

    “We can play together. If he doesn’t play, if I don’t play, it is not a big deal.”

    Moyes believes Anichebe’s form is down to improved self-belief.

    “I think there have been a lot of times when Victor has been questioned and maybe even our faith in him at times,” he said. “But I hope he has seen we always believed there was a really good player in there if we could get it out of him.

    “He has been needing support from the crowd because for a long time I think he was probably believing they weren’t behind him or didn’t value him as a player and maybe some of the things he has done on the pitch you wouldn’t have (done so).

    “But we have tried to keep with him and work with him and he made a big contribution, scoring a goal, was a threat and was challenging high up the pitch. He is doing really well for us at the moment. We have brought him in and given Jela a breather and I think Victor is deservedly playing up front at the moment by how he is doing.”

  • Martins hits 7th goal

    Martins hits 7th goal

    A late goal from out-of-favour Super Eagles forward Obafemi Martins was not enough to spark a comeback by Levante as they fell 3-2 to Espanyol at the Estadi Cornella-El Prat on Saturday night.

    An own-goal from Levante’s Iborra had put Espanyol ahead in the 42nd minute, but Reuben Garcia levelled the scores in the second minute of the second half.

    Stuani headed Espanyol back into the lead in the 68th minute as he rose majestically to meet Sergio Garcia’s cross. The hosts would extend their lead a minute later as Stuani turned provider with his pass finding Sergio Garcia who took a touch touch before firing his effort into the bottom corner.

    Martins, who had been a torn of the flesh of the Espanyol defence all night, brought Levante back into the game when he collected a pass from Michel before firing his effort into the top corner in the 87th minute.

    But the hope of a comeback never came to be as the home team managed to hold onto their lead despite a flurry of incursions into the vital area in the latter stages of the game.

  • Jonathan tasks Super Eagles against Elephants

    Jonathan tasks Super Eagles against Elephants

    … Reiterates desire to watch final match

    PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has again reiterated his desire to be in South Africa for the final match of the 29th Africa Cup of Nations, provided that the Super Eagles make it that far.

    This message was passed to the Super Eagles on Friday by the Honourable Minister and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, through the President of NFF, Alhaji Aminu Maigari.

    Nigeria’s sports-loving number one citizen will be among heads of state expected at the closing ceremony inside the National Stadium (known until recently as Soccer city) in Soweto on Sunday, February 10.

    This is also contingent on the Eagles overcoming the Ivorian Elephants on Sunday, and then winning their semi final clash against the winner of Saturday’s clash between host South Africa and Mali in Durban.

    “President Jonathan has told me that he wants to be at the final match, and that is only on condition that you are in the final. That is why you have to go all out, first against the Ivoirians on Sunday. Let us take it one match at a time,” said Abdullahi.

    President Jonathan was a surprise guest at the Super Eagles’ training session at the National Stadium, Abuja, days before the team’s first leg, final qualifying-match against Liberia in Monrovia in September 2012.

    He is the first head of government of Nigeria to personally attend the national team’s training since Alhaji Shehu Shagari visited the team camp on the eve of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

    The President spoke with each member of the team prior to the Group C clash with Zambia in Nelspruit on January 25.

    It can also be recalled that President Jonathan was at the Super Eagles’ camp at Protea Hotel Wanderers in Johannesburg on the eve of their opening 2010 FIFA World Cup match against Argentina.

    The Sports Minister will speak with each member of the squad before Sunday’s battle.

  • Jonathan tasks Super Eagles against Elephants

    Jonathan tasks Super Eagles against Elephants

    … Reiterates desire to watch final match

    PRESIDENT Goodluck Jonathan has again reiterated his desire to be in South Africa for the final match of the 29th Africa Cup of Nations, provided that the Super Eagles make it that far.

    This message was passed to the Super Eagles on Friday by the Honourable Minister and Chairman of the National Sports Commission, Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi, through the President of NFF, Alhaji Aminu Maigari.

    Nigeria’s sports-loving number one citizen will be among heads of state expected at the closing ceremony inside the National Stadium (known until recently as Soccer city) in Soweto on Sunday, February 10.

    This is also contingent on the Eagles overcoming the Ivorian Elephants on Sunday, and then winning their semi final clash against the winner of Saturday’s clash between host South Africa and Mali in Durban.

    “President Jonathan has told me that he wants to be at the final match, and that is only on condition that you are in the final. That is why you have to go all out, first against the Ivoirians on Sunday. Let us take it one match at a time,” said Abdullahi.

    President Jonathan was a surprise guest at the Super Eagles’ training session at the National Stadium, Abuja, days before the team’s first leg, final qualifying-match against Liberia in Monrovia in September 2012.

    He is the first head of government of Nigeria to personally attend the national team’s training since Alhaji Shehu Shagari visited the team camp on the eve of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

    The President spoke with each member of the team prior to the Group C clash with Zambia in Nelspruit on January 25.

    It can also be recalled that President Jonathan was at the Super Eagles’ camp at Protea Hotel Wanderers in Johannesburg on the eve of their opening 2010 FIFA World Cup match against Argentina.

    The Sports Minister will speak with each member of the squad before Sunday’s battle.