ABIDJAN: Former champions Algeria crashed out of the Africa Cup of Nations in the group stage on Tuesday after a shock defeat against Mauritania, but Cameroon secured a last-16 place with a dramatic victory over Gambia.
Algeria won their second AFCON title in Egypt in 2019 but were then sent packing in the group stage at the last edition in Cameroon two years ago with just one point and one goal scored.
This campaign has been equally miserable for Djamel Belmadi’s team, who drew their first two matches in Group D against Angola and Burkina Faso but would have qualified for the knockout phase with a point against Mauritania in Bouake.
Yet Mauritania, who had lost their opening two matches in Ivory Coast and had never won in eight previous attempts at the AFCON, ran out 1-0 winners thanks to a 37th-minute goal by captain Mohamed Dellah Yaly, who plays his club football in Iraq.
The result relegated Algeria — who started the game with off-form Riyad Mahrez on the bench — to bottom spot in their group and they head home having now gone six Cup of Nations matches without winning since beating Senegal 1-0 in the 2019 final.
Mauritania, meanwhile, are now certain to advance to the knockout phase for the first time in their history as one of the four best third-placed teams.
“Nobody was thinking about Mauritania, but football is like that, full of surprises, and we have been rewarded for all the hard work we have put in,” Mauritania coach Amir Abdou told broadcaster Canal Plus Afrique.
Angola finish top of Group D ahead of Burkina Faso after beating the Stallions 2-0 in Yamoussoukro thanks to a goal in each half from Egypt-based striker Mabululu and Zini of AEK Athens.
The Angolans are through to the knockout phase for the first time since hosting the tournament in 2010, and will now play a best third-placed team in Bouake in the last 16.
Runners-up in 2013 and semifinalists two years ago, Burkina Faso will head to the northern city of Korhogo for a tie next Tuesday against the winners of Group E, which will be Mali, South Africa or Namibia.
Earlier on Tuesday, five-time champions Cameroon secured qualification for the next round with a 3-2 win over Gambia in an extraordinary match in Bouake.
Both teams needed a win to stand a chance of going through from Group C, and Cameroon took the lead early in the second half from a Karl Toko-Ekambi header.
Yet Gambia, quarter-finalists two years ago, drew level on 72 minutes when the unmarked Ablie Jallow finished past Fabrice Ondoa, preferred in goal to Manchester United’s Andre Onana.
Ebrima Colley then put Gambia ahead five minutes from time, meaning the Indomitable Lions were heading out.
However, James Gomez turned a cross into his own net two minutes later to make it 2-2, and Christopher Wooh then headed in Cameroon’s winner in stoppage time.
“It is in our DNA, it’s just what we are like,” Cameroon coach Rigobert Song said when it was put to him that his team never know when they are beaten.
They will now head to Abidjan for a heavyweight last-16 tie against Nigeria on Saturday, while Gambia go home with three defeats in as many games.
Gambia coach Tom Saintfiet confirmed after the match that he would be leaving his position, despite having a contract until 2026.
Meanwhile, reigning champions Senegal beat Guinea 2-0 in Yamoussoukro to top Group C with a 100 percent record, Abdoulaye Seck and Iliman Ndiaye scoring their goals in the second half.
They will stay in Yamoussoukro for a last-16 tie next Monday against one of the best third-placed teams, and there is a good chance they will end up playing hosts Ivory Coast who remain in contention to qualify despite coming third in Group A.
Cameroon’s comeback relegated Guinea — who had star striker Serhou Guirassy back from injury — to third place, but they will go through to the next round.
However, those results condemned four-time champions Ghana to elimination.
The group stage concludes on Wednesday, with South Africa playing Tunisia and Namibia facing Mali in Group E, while Tanzania take on the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia meet Morocco in Group F.
Algeria crash out of Cup of Nations as Cameroon qualify for last 16
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Algeria crash out of Cup of Nations as Cameroon qualify for last 16
- The result relegated Algeria — who started the game with off-form Riyad Mahrez on the bench — to bottom spot in their group
Messi and Alba suspended for one match for missing MLS All-Star
- Messi and Alba did not compete on Wednesday despite not being injured
- The suspension will see them miss Inter Miami’s match against FC Cincinnati
NEW YORK: Lionel Messi has been suspended for one game after sitting out the MLS All-Star Game without prior approval, the league said on Friday.
The Inter Miami forward and his teammate, Jordi Alba, did not compete on Wednesday despite not being injured, even though they were included in the All-Star roster.
“Per league rules, any player who does not participate in the All-Star Game without prior approval from the league is ineligible to compete in their club’s next match,” MLS said in a statement.
The suspension will see them miss Inter Miami’s match against FC Cincinnati on Saturday. Messi has scored 18 goals so far this season.
Messi rested this week, according to Inter Miami coach Javier Mascherano.
“Look, players always have discomfort, especially when they play every three days,” Mascherano was quoted as saying by ESPN.
Ex-Italy skipper Pirlo appointed boss of Emirati second-tier club
- The ex-AC Milan and Juventus midfielder has signed a two-year deal with the club
- Pirlo, 46, has had spells in charge of Juve, Fatih Karagumruk in Turkiye and most recently Sampdoria
PARIS: Former Italy captain Andrea Pirlo has been appointed as United FC coach, the Emirati second-tier club United FC announced on Friday.
The ex-AC Milan and Juventus midfielder has signed a two-year deal with the club, also known as Dubai United, who play in the UAE First Division League, one tier below the country’s Pro League.
Pirlo, 46, a key player in Italy’s 2006 World Cup triumph, has had spells in charge of Juve, Fatih Karagumruk in Turkiye and most recently Sampdoria since retiring from playing in 2017.
“We are proud to welcome Andrea to the United FC family,” United FC president Ilie Cebanu said.
“He embodies the values and ambitions of our club, and we believe he will be a key figure in taking us to the next level,” he added.
Creative talents ready to raise the stakes in Women’s Euro final
- Graham-Hansen is one of many dribblers who have lit up the Women’s Euros with her skills
- Sunday’s final will be the most high-pressure game of the tournament
OBERENTFELDEN, Switzerland: With Lauren James of England and Aitana Bonmati of Spain set to clash in Sunday’s Women’s Euro final, the match will showcase two of the modern game’s premier creative dribblers vying for one of football’s biggest prizes.
Both sides boast a host of players who are more than comfortable with the ball at their feet and capable of bringing the crowd to theirs every time they take on an opponent, as well as defenders ready to stop them.
“You have to try to read the situation — what’s the right thing to do? Can you go at two (players) or should you pass the ball? We just have to analyze where the space is and what’s possible,” Caroline Graham-Hansen, a teammate of Bonmati’s at Barcelona, told Reuters.
“Just believe in yourself. Like, if you have two (players marking you), somebody else has more space, so just try to exploit that advantage or disadvantage that they try to give you,” she added.
Graham-Hansen is one of many dribblers who have lit up the Women’s Euros with her skills which she discovered and sharpened while playing with friends as a child.
“I just enjoyed dribbling. Going out, playing with the ball made me happy, it was something fun to do every time. I guess the playfulness of just enjoying the ball alone is part of my game today too,” Graham-Hansen explained.
Both James and Bonmati love to run at defenders, using changes of pace and direction to wrong-foot opponents and open up space for themselves. But though the world’s top dribblers are often given license to attack in unorthodox ways, they still have to fit into tactical systems.
With so many teams trying to win the ball and then play in transition, the dribblers have to weigh up when to back themselves and when to play it safe.
“It’s about trying to make the other team make mistakes, and the most difficult thing is obviously to dribble when there’s a high risk of losing the ball, but you have to try. If you can beat your defender, it’s always a big advantage,” Graham-Hansen said.
Sunday’s final will be the most high-pressure game of the tournament, but Graham-Hansen said that dribbling specialists are well-used to performing in such circumstances.
“Obviously you feel the pressure — it’s possible that you don’t feel it, but it’s still as much fun when you win, so it’s worth it,” she said, smiling.
Liverpool spending backed by title win and long-term plan, says CEO
- Svensson’s uphill eagle attempt from just more than 48 feet hit the flagstick and dropped for an eagle, finishing an 11-under round with matching 30s on both nines
- He broke the previous course record of 62 originally set by Scott Piercy in 2019, and matched by Sam Stevens’ round that was completed just a few groups ahead of Svensson on Thursday
BENGALURU: Liverpool’s big-money investment on transfers is the result of long-term planning, club CEO Billy Hogan said, adding that winning a record-equalling 20th English top-flight title convinced the club it was time to act like a modern powerhouse.
Liverpool’s latest acquisition, French striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt in a deal worth £79 million ($106.84 million), including add-ons, has taken the club’s transfer expenditure this window to nearly £300 million.
Outgoings, six players including Trent Alexander-Arnold, have so far generated around £64 million.
The outlay marks a sharp departure from Liverpool’s traditionally measured approach in the market. However, Hogan insists the club has not deviated from the club’s policy of financial sustainability.
“It doesn’t just happen; it’s been years in the making,” Hogan told The Athletic in an interview.
“One of the things we’re constantly focused on is that ‘virtuous circle’. Trying to run the club in the right way to ensure that we can generate as much revenue as we possibly can. That obviously helps in terms of being able to put more back into the team.
“The difficulty is if you just look at one individual summer. That probably skews the data. There were a lot of comments made last summer that we didn’t spend enough...”
Hogan explained the approach reflects the ambitions of American-led Fenway Sports Group (FSG), who are seeking to build on last season’s Premier League title under manager Arne Slot.
“We also recognize, having won the English league title for the 20th time, that this is one of the biggest clubs in the world. We want to make sure that we are behaving like one,” he added.
“Having massive global stars come and play at Anfield, filling out stadiums in Hong Kong and Japan, those are things we expect and want to do.”
Liverpool face AC Milan in Kowloon, Hong Kong on Saturday, before taking on Yokohama FM in the J League World Challenge in Yokohama on Wednesday. They begin their Premier League title defense at home against Bournemouth on Aug. 15.
Barca’s Ter Stegen faces three months out after back surgery
- The Spanish champions signed Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer
- “Today is a personally difficult day for me. Physically and athletically,” said Ter Stegen
BARCELONA: Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen is set to undergo back surgery on a long-term problem and will miss three months as a result, the Germany international said on Thursday.
The Spanish champions signed Espanyol goalkeeper Joan Garcia this summer, who is expected to become the team’s first choice, with Wojciech Szczesny as back-up.
“Today is a personally difficult day for me. Physically and athletically, I feel in very good shape, although unfortunately I am not free from pain,” said Ter Stegen on social media network Instagram.
“After intensive discussions with the FC Barcelona medical team and external experts, the quickest and safest way for me to fully recover is through back surgery.
“After my last operation on my back, I returned to the pitch after 66 days-almost two months... this time, the doctors believe about three months will be necessary as a precaution, to avoid any risks.”
Spanish media reported Barcelona were hoping to sell Ter Stegen, 33, who signed for the club in 2014, to help register new signings Garcia and Marcus Rashford.
Last summer a long-term injury to defender Andreas Christensen allowed Barcelona to use a La Liga loophole to register playmaker Dani Olmo on a temporary basis after he signed from RB Leipzig.
“Emotionally, it hurts a lot not being able to support the team during this time. Fortunately, the rehabilitation is manageable and the road back is clear,” continued Ter Stegen.
“Don’t worry — I’ll be back.”
