• This will be the first encounter between Senegal and Gambia at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Excluding the CAF African Nations Championship, Senegal and Gambia last faced each other in the qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup: both games ended in draws (0-0; 1-1).
• Senegal are making their 17^th appearance at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. They will be aiming to win back-to-back AFCON tournaments for the first time since Egypt’s three in a row from 2006 to 2010, although no AFCON defending champion has progressed further than the round of 16 in the last six editions of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.
• Senegal have won their opening game in each of the last four CAF Africa Cup of Nations (v Ghana in 2015, v Tunisia in 2017, v Tanzania in 2019, v Zimbabwe in 2022).
• Since 2017, Senegal have kept more clean sheets than any other team in the Africa Cup of Nations (13 in 18 matches).
• This is Gambia’s second appearance at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. They reached the quarter finals in their inaugural participation in the 2021 edition, eventually losing 2-0 to Cameroon.
• As per the last edition, Gambia were the only team to make it through both the preliminary round and group stage of the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, beating Chad in the preliminaries and finishing second to Mali in the group phase.
• Despite reaching the quarter finals in AFCON 2021, Gambia never scored more than one goal in their five matches (W3 D1 L1). All three of their victories were by a 1-0 scoreline.
• Sadio Mané has scored or assisted 48% of Senegal’s goals over the last three CAF Africa Cup of Nations (8 goals, 3 assists). He’s also had 97 touches in the opposition box (5.4 per game) and completed 57 dribbles (3.2 per game) since his debut in the competition in 2015, more than any other player over that period.
• This is Aliou Cissé’s fourth consecutive CAF Africa Cup of Nations as Senegal head coach – under his leadership, the Lions of Teranga have been quarter-finalists in 2017, beaten finalists in 2019 and champions in 2022. Senegal have also won more games (11) and kept more clean sheets (13) at AFCON than any other team during the same period.
• Musa Barrow was directly involved in all four of Gambia’s goals at the 2021 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, scoring twice and assisting the other two.

• This will be the third encounter between Cameroon and Guinea at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, all taking place in the group stages. The two previous meetings ended in draws: 2-2 in 1998 and 1-1 in 2015.
• Cameroon are making their 21^st appearance in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, a tally only bettered by Egypt (26), Côte d’Ivoire (25) and Ghana (24). Egypt (7) are the only team to have won the tournament on more occasions than The Indomitable Lions (5).
• Cameroon won the only previous AFCON to be held in Côte d’Ivoire, it was in 1984. They beat Nigeria 3-1 in the final.
• Penalty shoot-outs excluded, Cameroon have lost only one of their last 17 matches at the Africa Cup of Nations (W8 D8), a 3-2 defeat against Nigeria in the round of 16 of the 2019 edition.
• Guinea are taking part in their 14^th CAF Africa Cup of Nations. It’s the most appearances for a team at the tournament without ever winning it – the closest they came was in 1976 when Guinea finished second to Morocco in what was then a final group stage.
• Guinea have reached the knockout stages of the Africa Cup of Nations in six of their last seven participations but have never actually progressed in the knockout phase of the competition during that time, either in normal/extra-time or on penalties.
• Guinea have won only two of their last 13 matches at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (D6 L5), a 2-0 win against Burundi in 2019 and 1-0 against Malawi in 2022.
• Vincent Aboubakar and Karl Toko Ekambi scored 13 of Cameroon’s 14 goals at the 2021 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, eight and five respectively. Aboubakar’s total was the highest in an edition of the tournament since 1974.
• Cameroon’s Rigobert Song is making his first CAF Africa Cup of Nations appearance as head coach. As a player, he featured in a joint-record eight AFCON tournaments and won it on two occasions (2000, 2002).
• Guinea’s nine goals scored in the qualifiers of this African Cup of Nations were scored by eight different players, with Naby Keïta the only player to find the net twice.

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations defending champions, Senegal kick off their title defense on Monday, 15 January against The Gambia. 

The Lions of Teranga and The Scorpions officially open what has been deemed as the Group of death in a Group C also consisting of Cameroon and Guinea.

Nothing less than a second consecutive title would a smile on coach Aliou Cisse and his star-studded squad that is touted as one of the tournament favourites with star players such as Sadio Mane in their arsenal. 

Interestingly, no African champion has progressed further than the round of 16 in the last six editions of the competition.  Another interesting fact that favours the defending champions is that they have won their opening game in each of the last four editions.

In The Gambia, Senegal meet one of the underdogs of the competition who are only making their second appearance of the competition. However, this is the same nation that reached the quarter-finals in their inaugural participation in 2021. 

Speaking to CAFOnline upon their arrival, The Gambia coach, Tom Saintfiet said they were aiming to do well in their second appearance and were well prepared for the competition. 

“We are delighted to arrive in Côte d’Ivoire for the second consecutive Africa Cup of Nations. We are well prepared for the competition, and we are ready for the start of the competition. We expect the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Côte d’Ivoire to be special and good, especially with the presence of The Gambia in Group C alongside Senegal, Guinea and Cameroon” 

Kick off at Yamoussoukro’s Charles Konan Banny Stadium is at 14h00 Local Time.

• Algeria and Angola are facing each other for the second time at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. Their only previous encounter produced a goalless draw in the group stages of the 2010 edition.
• Algeria are making their 20^th appearance at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. They will be attempting to win the trophy for the third time, after 1990 and 2019.
• Algeria’s two previous AFCON titles were won on North African soil: at home in 1990 and in Egypt in 2019. The only previous time Algeria have reached the final outside of North Africa was in 1980, in Nigeria.
• This is Algeria’s sixth consecutive appearance at AFCON, their longest streak since qualifying for seven tournaments in a row between 1980 and 1992.
• Algeria scored with only one of their 46 shots at the 2021 CAF Africa Cup of Nations. They converted 13 of their 77 shots on their way to the title in 2019.
• This is Angola’s ninth appearance at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. They have qualified from the AFCON group stages on only two occasions (2008 and 2010, the latter as hosts) but have never won a game in the knockout phase of the competition.
• Angola are winless in their last eight AFCON matches (D4 L4), their joint-longest drought in the competition. Their last victory was their 2012 opening group match against Burkina Faso.
• Angola’s last three matches of 2023 in all competitions ended goalless (v DR Congo in October, v Cape Verde and Mauritius in November).
• Angola are unbeaten in their last five opening matches at a CAF Africa Cup of Nations tournament (W1 D4). The last time they lost their first match at an AFCON edition was 2006 (1-3 v Cameroon).
• Angola have scored only two goals in their last seven AFCON matches – one of them was an own goal.
• Mohamed Amoura (3 goals) was the only Algerian player to score more than one goal in the qualifiers for this year’s tournament.

Egypt captain, Mohammed Salah scored late to rescue Egypt from a Mozambique shock in their opening group D game of the  Africa Cup of Nations Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

It took the seven-time champions just two minutes to get into the lead thanks to Mohamed Mostafa’s strike.

Mohammed Salah failed to connect to a cross from Mohammed Hamdi but Mostafa was just there to swivel a shot into the bottom corner.

Mostafa once again was put through by Salah but his final effort was saved by goalkeeper Ernan Siluane.

Mozambique came close to getting their first goal after Mohamed Abdelmonem was forced to put the ball into his own net but El Shenawy managed to save the situation.

The Mambas came into the second half much stronger.

Witness Quembo headed home the equalizer for Mozambique. A bullet header beat the palm of El Shenawy after a lovely cross from Domingos on the 55th minutes

The goal is Mozambique’s first in the last 14 years.

Three minutes later, Clesio Bauque added Mozambique’s second. He broke through the Egyptian to set up a one-on-one with Mohamed El Shenawy to score.

Domingos Macandza brought down Mostafa Mohammed in the closing stages of the game and after VAR review, Egypt were awarded a penalty.

Salah stepped up and scored for Egypt to draw them level.

Egypt will play Ghana on Thursday January 18 at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.

Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea shared the spoils in a 2023 AFCON group A fixture that ended in a 1-1 draw, SportsRation provides a comprehensive assessment of the individual performances of Super Eagles players at the Stade Olympique Ouattara in Ivory Coast.

HOW THE EAGLES FARED VS EQUATORIAL GUINEA

1. Stanley Nwabali (5.5/10): The Chippa United goalkeeper exhibited calmness throughout the game. Despite conceding a goal, Nwabali had little chance to stop Iban Salvador’s well-placed shot that in a game he did not have any save to make.
2. Ola Aina (6/10): The Nottingham Forest full-back started shakily but improved as the game progressed. Aina provided width in attack and had a near-scoring opportunity denied by Equatorial Guinea’s goalkeeper, Jesus Owono.
3. William Troost Ekong (6.5/10): Captain for the day, Ekong led the backline effectively, displaying good command and vocal leadership.
4. Semi Ajayi (6.5/10): The West Bromwich Albion central defender faced physical challenges but excelled with the ball at his feet as usual, contributing solid passes to aid the team’s build-up from the back.
5. Zaidu Sanusi (6/10): The Porto full-back showcased defensive solidity. His indecision in delivering the crosses and poor finishing were costly.
6. Frank Onyeka (6/10): The Brentford midfielder concentrated on providing cover to the backline. Did little going forward or with the long passes.
7. Yusuf Alhassan (8/10): A stellar Super Eagles debut for the Royal Antwerp midfielder. Yusuf impressed with his physicality and attempts to drive the team forward from midfield and movements across the pitch. Unfortunately, he came off with injury.
8. Alex Iwobi (6/10): Iwobi dazzled early in the game but saw a decrease in involvement as time progressed. He forced a save from Owono in the first minute but struggled to make a significant impact afterward until the pocket pass to send Osimhen through on goal in the final quarter.
9. Ademola Lookman (7.5/10): The Atalanta winger showcased versatility, causing trouble for Equatorial Guinea’s defense with his movement and ability to create space for his teammates. Lookman was unfortunate not to score but displayed creativity in setting up Victor Osimhen for Nigeria’s equalizer.
10. Moses Simon (5/10): The Nantes winger had a challenging game on the right flank, with limited success in delivering crosses. His notable moment came when his shot was tipped onto the woodwork by Owono. One of his worst game in Nigerian colour.
11. Victor Osimhen (6/10): The CAF Player of the Year award winner scored Nigeria’s equalizer and posed a constant threat to the opposition defense. However, his finishing lacked precision, missing crucial chances that would have handed Nigeria maximum points.

Substitutes:

• Joe Aribo (6.5/10): Came on for the injured Yusuf, the Southampton midfielder created a late chance with his run-into the box and contributed to the team’s attacking efforts.
• Samuel Chukwueze (4.5/10): The right winger struggled with decision-making, after beating his man. A game to forget.
• Calvin Bassey: Late substitute for Sanusi, the left-back had limited impact, similar to Bright Osayi-Samuel.

As Nigeria prepares to face Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday, January 18, 2024, Nigerians will be hoping to see improvements in teams finishing.

Nigeria played a 1-1 draw vs Equatorial Guinea in their opening group game of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Cote d’Ivoire. SportstRation reports.

The match was played at the Alassana Oauttara Stadium In Abidjan on Sunday, January 14, 2024.

Nigeria dominated the opening exchanges and should have been two-goals up inside ten minutes.

Alex Iwobi drew a save from Owono with the first shot of the game inside the opening minute, while Victor Osimhen fired over the crossbar when passing to a teammate looked like the best option before Zaidu Sanusi missed a glorious chance when he failed to stab home a cross from Alhassan Yusuf with the goal at his mercy.

Equatorial Guinea grew into the contest and took the lead in the 36th minute when Ivan Salvador fired past a stranded Super Eagles goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabili.

Nigeria responded immediately as Ademola Lookman found reigning CAF player of the year Victor Osimhen to head home an equalizer and force a 1-1 draw at half-time.

The Super Eagles returned for the second half like a house on fire and carved out chance after chance but failed to hit the target early in the half.

Zaidu Sanusi, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen missed great goal-scoring opportunities with Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Owono effective to keep the Eagles at bay.

Victor Osimhen missed another great opportunity to give Nigeria maximum points when played through on goal, firing wide with only goalkeeper Owono to beat.

The match ended Nigeria 1-1 Equatorial Guinea, both teams taking a point apiece for their efforts in the game.

Equatorial Guinea goalkeeper Jesus Owono was named Man of the Match after an outstanding performance to secure his sides 12-game without defeat.

With the result, Cote d’Ivoire lead group A following their 2-0 opening day win over Guinea Bissau.

Nigeria’s campaign will continue when they face Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday, January, 18, 2024. same day Equatorial Guinea battle Guinea Bissau in group A.

Nigeria’s U20 girls, Falconets brought joy to the nation’s teeming football lovers with a 1-0 defeat of Burundi in the first leg of their FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round fixture in Dar es Salaam on Sunday.

Janet Akekoromowei scored from the penalty spot in added time in the first half to give the 2022 World Cup quarter-finalists victory, and the Burundians played with only 10 women after that following red card to defender Ariella Umuarerwa.

Both teams will clash again at the MKO Abiola National Stadium, Abuja on Saturday, in the final leg of the qualification series, with the winner on aggregate qualifying as one of Africa’s four representatives at this year’s FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup finals in Colombia.

24-time Grand Slam champion Novak Djokovic held off a spirited showing from 18-year-old Dino Prizmic to reach the second round of the 2024 Australian Open. The 36-year-old won in four sets 6-2 6-7 6-3 6-4 to defeat his unseeded opponent.

Fourth seed Jannik Sinner dispatched Botic van de Zandschulp in straight sets to reach the second round of the tournament. The Italian star claimed a 6-4 7-5 6-3 win over his opponent to progress.

Fifth seed Andrey Rublev overcame a huge scare to defeat unseeded Brazilian Thiago Seyboth Wild in the first round of the 2024 Australian Open. The Russian needed five sets to take care of business against Wild, claiming a 7-5 6-4 3-6 4-6 7-6 win to progress.

Taylor Fritz had to dig deep to find a win over unseeded Argentine Facundo Diaz Acosta and reach the second round of the tournament. The 12th seed claimed a 4-6 6-3 3-6 6-2 6-4 triumph in their first round meeting.

Frances Tiafoe needed four sets to defeat Borna Coric in their 2024 Australian Open first round clash. The 17th seed claimed a 6-3 7-6 2-6 6-3 win to reach the second round.

In the women’s draw, second seed Aryna Sabalenka eased past Ella Seidel in straight sets 6-0 6-1 to reach the second round.

Caroline Wozniacki continued her comeback with a win over 20th seed Magda Linette in their first round meeting. The former world number one led 6-2 2-0 when her opponent retired with an injury.

Eighth seed Maria Sakkari defeated Japanese star Nao Hibino in straight sets to reach the second round at the 2024 Australian Open. The Greek star claimed a 6-4 6-1 win over her opponent.

Ninth seed Barbora Krejcikova had to come from a set down to reach the second round against Japan’s Mai Hontama. The match ended 2-6 6-4 6-3 in favour of the Czech star.

Teenage star Maria Timofeeva booked her place in the second round with a win over experienced campaigner Alize Cornet in the 2024 Australian Open. The youngster won the match 6-2 6-4 in straight sets to progress.

Vinicius Junior orchestrated Real Madrid’s commanding 4-1 victory over 10-man Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Riyadh, securing a first-half hat-trick. 

The Brazilian exploited Barcelona’s lax high line twice within the first 10 minutes, putting Real 2-0 ahead. Robert Lewandowski narrowed the gap, but Vinicius completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot in the 39th minute. Rodrygo sealed the one-sided win after halftime.

Adding to Barcelona’s woes, Ronald Araujo was sent off in the 71st minute for another foul on Vinicius. Real Madrid, who triumphed over Atletico Madrid in a thrilling semi-final, continue to assert their dominance over their rivals. Carlo Ancelotti’s side previously won in October’s El Clasico and holds a seven-point lead over Barcelona in LaLiga at the halfway mark.

Barcelona, led by Xavi, aimed to retaliate, but their risky high defensive line backfired as Real took the lead after seven minutes. Jude Bellingham’s superb pass set up Vinicius to round Inaki Pena and score. Vinicius struck again as he converted Rodrygo’s cross with ample space left behind the defensive line.

Despite Ferran Torres’ attempt hitting the bar, and efforts from Torres and Lewandowski being saved, Barcelona couldn’t recover. Lewandowski’s powerful volley brought them back into contention, but Araujo’s foul on Vinicius led to a penalty, and Real restored their two-goal lead at halftime.

Xavi’s triple substitution after the hour mark failed to impact the game as Real extended their lead in the 64th minute. Vinicius’ cross was intercepted by Jules Kounde, landing at the feet of Rodrygo, who slotted the ball past Pena. Araujo’s second bookable offense compounded Barcelona’s misery, and Ancelotti withdrew Vinicius and Bellingham in the closing stages, with focus shifting to the upcoming Copa del Rey showdown against Atletico on Wednesday.