31 January 2022

Usually last, but again is first

The Club World Cup usually ends of every year, but because of the global health situation again is played as first tournament of the following one (on a club level). With the hospitality country also changed, seven representatives fights for the trophy where there is awaiting a new champion to be crowned.
From 03 until 12 of next month the five continental Champions league winners, one nominated team plus the host will battle in United Arab Emirates for the eighteenth time of the 2021 (2022) edition. At the beginning five clubs will be introduced to the public.
Because of the epidemic and restrictions between countries on the continent Auckland city (on 31 December 2021) have withdrawn from this competition, thus the Oceania confederation has again nominated the new traveler of which will make a debut.

First round
03 February, Thursday at 17.30 CET: Al Jazira (host) - Pirae (nominated team from Oceania).

Second round
05 February, Saturday at 17.30 CET: Al Ahly (African winner) - Monterrey (North, Central American and Caribbean champion).

06 February, Sunday at 17.30 CET: Al Hilal (Asian winner) - victory club from round one.

Octagonal elimination competition resumes with its four plays

As its South neighbour, the North, Central America together with the Caribbean confederation is also three rounds away to complete the first (group) part of these World Cup 2022 qualifiers. Points are welcomed with open arms counted as gold for the following eight teams:

03 February, Thursday at 01.00 CET: Jamaica - Costa Rica.
03 February, Thursday at 01.30 CET: United States of America - Honduras.
03 February, Thursday at 03.00 CET: El Salvador - Canada.
03 February, Thursday at 04.00 CET: Mexico - Panama.

Four teams battle for one trophy

Because the title defenders were ousted at the group stage, it was obvious that on the Africa Cup of nations 2021 (2022) new king will reign (well...at least until next year). Thanks to the all quarter-finals played this weekend, we now know which teams can win the title.
However, here the real question is who is going to find additional strength to beat its rivals two consecutive times. As points no longer matter, lotteries shootout are not recommended, from now on only courage and lots of sweating, running (at these very warm weather conditions) can be the answer, and the mystery is going to unravel from the second part of following week.

Semi - finals
02 February, Wednesday at 20.00 CET: Burkina faso - Senegal.

03 February, Thursday at 20.00 CET: Cameroon - Egypt.

Classification duel for place 3 - 4
06 February, Sunday at 17.00 CET: losing semi-finalists teams.

Last duel
06 February, Sunday at 20.00 CET: winners from the two semi-finals.

Ten countries are three rounds away from conclusion

The long journey of the South America elimination games for World Cup 2022 takes us to phase number 16. From now it can be said that there is no room for mistake because each fight of every point is very precious for the teams.

01 February, Tuesday at 21.00 CET: Bolivia - Chile.

02 February, Wednesday at 00.00 CET: Uruguay - Venezuela.
02 February, Wednesday at 00.30 CET: Argentina - Colombia.
02 February, Wednesday at 01.30 CET: Brazil - Paraguay.
02 February, Wednesday at 03.00 CET: Peru - Ecuador.

Neutral place for one pair

Three elimination tournaments, one continental championship plus one annual club competition are going to entertain us at the first 12 nights of February.
Next month on the Asian continent is going to resume qualifiers for the World Cup 2022. The following six pairs from A and B groups are part of plays number eight, and one of them has to kick-off its duel elsewhere.

01 February, Tuesday at 11.10 CET: Japan - Saudi Arabia.
01 February, Tuesday at 13.00 CET: Lebanon - Iraq.
01 February, Tuesday at 13.00 CET: Vietnam - People's Republic of China.
01 February, Tuesday at 15.00 CET: Syria - South Korea (playing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates).
01 February, Tuesday at 15.30 CET: Islamic Republic of Iran - United Arab Emirates.
01 February, Tuesday at 17.00 CET: Oman - Australia.

Identical scores achieved that went at different sides

Elimination duels for World Cup 2022 - North, Central America and Caribbean region, phase 3, play 10 out of 14:

Canada - United States of America 2:0

Scorers: 1:0 07 (06.25) Cyle Larin
               2:0 90+5 (94.50) Samuel Adekugbe

Mexico - Costa Rica 0:0

Panama - Jamaica 3:2

Scorers: 0:1 05-pen (04.51) Michail Antonio
               1:1 43-own goal Javain Brown
               2:1 50 (50.18) Eric Davis
               3:1 68 (67.58) Azmahar Ariano
               3:2 86 (86.04) Andre Gray

- The home team had a penalty at 18 (17.30), but the opposing goalkeeper has perfectly saved the shot from Eric Davis.

Honduras - El Salvador 0:2

Scorers: 0:1 34 (34.20) Nelson Bonilla
               0:2 90+2 (91.54) Darwin Ceren

Goal that came in extra time have made its debut at the event

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), knockout phase 2 (last 8), night 18, match 47:

Egypt - Morocco 1:1, 2:1 after additional 30 minutes

Scorers: 0:1 06-pen (06.01) Sofiane Boufal
               1:1 52 (52.14) Mohamed Salah
               2:1 100 (99.27) Mahmoud Hassan

- This match was played one hour earlier than the original schedule.

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), knockout phase 2 (last 8), night 18, match 48:

Senegal - Equatorial Guinea 3:1

Scorers: 1:0 27 (27.16) Famara Diedhiou
               1:1 56 (56.13) Jannick Buyla
               2:1 68 (67.28) Cheikhou Kouyate
               3:1 79 (78.28) Ismaila Sarr

World Cup times two

The big success of how much the World Cup, is and will be number one sporting event throughout the globe (towards the end of 2022), just proves the following sentence. When the 'golden papers' was released for the wide public on 20 January (from the world football organization), an incredible number was detected: more than 1.2 million tickets has been demanded in just 24 hours. This great interest came from Qatar, Argentina, Mexico, United States of America, United Arab Emirates, England, India, Brazil and Saudi Arabia. Prices for them have been announced: from 54 euros (group phase) until 75 euros (elimination rounds). There is also a special category for local citizens only which cost 10 euros (applies just for the group stages). Applications for purchasing the tickets last as far as 08 February.
And also on 18 January was released the news about an other event that have the same words as the above competition, but four letters are added in front. Referees for the Club World Cup competition has been revealed which starts next Thursday. From each confederation (except Oceania) was picked one main official, who together with assistant and video assistant judges can be seen or download their list, from the website of the same affiliation.

Jail sentence confirmed

Last Wednesday the court in Rome has confirmed the original ruling from 2017 that Robson de Souza (for the wide public known as Robinho) have to spent nine years in prison and to give 60.000 euros fine as a damages to the victim. He was accused of being part at a gang rape (together with his friends) over a 23-year-old Albanian woman at the Sio cafe nightclub in Milan at 2013.
Since the first verdict about this violent sexual assault was announced five years ago, the 38-year-old ex- footballer has filed an appeal twice, but both of them got rejected, which means that the upper judgment became final. At the time of the sentence the player was in his home country, so now it remains to be seen whether the former striker will serve either in Italian or Brazilian jail because the law (clearly) says that Brazil does not extradite its citizens to other countries.

30 January 2022

Eleven men beaten from ten

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), knockout phase 2 (last 8), night 17, match 45:

Gambia - Cameroon 0:2

Scorers: 0:1 50 (49.29) Karl Toko Ekambi
               0:2 56 (56.09) Karl Toko Ekambi

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), knockout phase 2 (last 8), night 17, match 46:

Burkina faso - Tunisia 1:0

Scorer: 1:0 45+2 (47.00) Dango Ouattara

- On 82 (81.53) the only goal scorer of the match received a direct red card for using an elbow.

29 January 2022

Hattrick scorer concluded phase 15

South American World Cup 2022 elimination games, round 15 of 18 (part 2 out of 2):

Colombia - Peru 0:1

Scorer: 0:1 84 (84.11) Edison Flores

Venezuela - Bolivia 4:1

Scorers: 1:0 24 (24.01) Salomon Rondon
               2:0 34 (34.16) Salomon Rondon
               2:1 37 (37.14) Bruno Miranda
               3:1 55 (54.37) Darwin Machis
               4:1 67 (66.29) Salomon Rondon

- Bolivian midfielder Leonel Justiniano Arauz picked up a direct red card on 60 (59.43).

28 January 2022

Second half most productive

Elimination duels for World Cup 2022 - North, Central America and Caribbean region, phase 3, play 09 out of 14:

United States of America - El Salvador 1:0

Scorer: 1:0 52 (51.42) Antonee Robinson

Jamaica - Mexico 1:2

Scorers: 1:0 49 (49.17) Daniel Johnson
               1:1 81 (80.56) Henry Martin
               1:2 83 (82.55) Alexis Vega

- The home defender Damion Lowe was sent off on 45+1 (46.05) with a direct red card.

Honduras - Canada 0:2

Scorers: 0:1 10-own goal (09.48) Denil Maldonado
               0:2 73 (72.45) Jonathan David

Costa Rica - Panama 1:0

Scorer: 1:0 65 (64.28) Bryan Ruiz

Couple of red cards issued in five minutes

South American World Cup 2022 elimination games, round 15 of 18 (part 1 out of 2):

Ecuador - Brazil 1:1

Scorers: 1:0 05 (05.17) Carlos Casimiro
               1:1 75 (74.28) Felix Torres

- Both teams have finished this duel with 10 players on the pitch: on 15 (14.45) a direct red card received the home goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez for dangerous play, while for Brazil Emerson Leite de Souza was awarded with his second yellow card on 20 (19.38).

Paraguay - Uruguay 0:1

Scorer: 0:1 50 (49.44) Luis Suarez

- On 90+4 (93.58) Gustavo Gomez picked up his second yellow card for the home team.

Chile - Argentina 1:2

Scorers: 0:1 09 (08.49) Angel di Maria
               1:1 20 (19.56) Benjamin Brereton
               1:2 33 (33.08) Lautaro Martinez

Only one side existed on the pitch at all duels

Qualifying games for World Cup 2022 - region Asia, round 3, play 07 out of 10:

Australia - Vietnam 4:0

Scorers: 1:0 30 (29.56) Jamie Maclaren 
               2:0 45+2 (46.24) Tom Rogic
               3:0 72 (71.40) Craig Goodwin
               4:0 76 (75.48) Riley McGree

Japan - People's Republic of China 2:0

Scorers: 1:0 12-pen (12.17) Yuya Osako
               2:0 60 (60.05) Junya Ito

Lebanon - South Korea 0:1

Scorer: 0:1 45+1 (45.27) Cho Gue-Sung

Islamic Republic of Iran - Iraq 1:0

Scorer: 1:0 48 (47.24) Mehdi Taremi

United Arab Emirates - Syria 2:0

Scorers: 1:0 43 (42.57) Caio Canedo Correa
               2:0 70 (69.32) Yahya al Ghassani

Saudi Arabia - Oman 1:0

Scorer: 1:0 48 (47.50) Firas al-Buraikan

27 January 2022

Zeros are back

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), knockout phase 1 (last 16), night 16, match 43:

Ivory coast - Egypt 0:0 ; on penalties: 4-5

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), knockout phase 1 (last 16), night 16, match 44:

Mali - Equatorial Guinea 0:0 ; on penalties: 5-6

26 January 2022

First double result difference at knockout phase

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), knockout phase 1 (last 16), night 15, match 41:

Senegal - Cape verde 2:0

Scorers: 1:0 62 (62.13) Sadio Mane
               2:0 90+1 (91.12) Ahmadou Bamba Dieng

- Cape verde deservedly finished this match with nine players after both of them received direct red cards: at 20 (20.02) Patrick Andrade was first to wave goodbye, while the goalkeeper Josimar Dias joined him on 56 (56.18).

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), knockout phase 1 (last 16), night 15, match 42:

Morocco - Malawi 2:1

Scorers: 0:1 07 (06.41) Hellings Mhango
               1:1 45+1 (46.19) Youssef en-Nesyri
               2:1 69 (69.02) Achraf Hakimi

25 January 2022

Debutants ended with mixed accomplishments

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), knockout phase 1 (last 16), night 14, match 39:

Guinea - Gambia 0:1

Scorers: 0:1 70 (70.11) Musa Barrow

- Yusupha Njie (Gambia) was awarded with his second yellow card on 87 (86.23), while on the opposite side Ibrahima Sory Conte at 90+3 (92.59) was sent off for the same reason.

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), knockout phase 1 (last 16), night 14, match 40:

Cameroon - Comoros 2:1

Scorers: 1:0 29 (28.43) Karl Toko Ekambi
               2:0 69 (69.07) Vincent Aboubakar
               2:1 81 (80.34) Youssouf M'Changama

- For dangerous play Nadjim Abdou received a deserved direct red card and left Comoros team from 07 (06.35).

24 January 2022

Two continents which is related with the name between each other in elimination action

Until the completion of this qualifying part are four rounds left in the South American region for the World Cup 2022 tournament. According to the schedule, all 10 of them are going to entertain us this month (and the next) twice, and first in order will be phase number 15.

27 January, Thursday at 22.00 CET: Ecuador - Brazil.

28 January, Friday at 00.00 CET: Paraguay - Uruguay.
28 January, Friday at 01.15 CET: Chile - Argentina.
28 January, Friday at 22.00 CET: Colombia - Peru.
28 January, Friday at 23.00 CET: Venezuela - Bolivia.

The layout of the North and Central neighbour together the Caribbean says that teams have to come out on the pitch of three more times for the same elimination event. Each of the four pairs will be treated as games number nine plus one on the weekend that would count as ten.

28 January, Friday at 01.00 CET: Jamaica - Mexico.
28 January, Friday at 01.30 CET: United States of America - El Salvador.
28 January, Friday at 02.05 CET: Honduras - Canada.
28 January, Friday at 03.05 CET: Costa Rica - Panama.

30 January, Sunday at 21.05 CET: Canada - United States of America.

Plays seven this month

We are near the end of the qualifying process for the World Cup 2022 competition, and from next week three confederations will entertain us with its games.
A and B groups in Asia continues with all teams involved from phase three. This month in action are going to be played duels number seven.

27 January, Thursday at 10.10 CET: Australia - Vietnam.
27 January, Thursday at 11.00 CET: Japan - People's Republic of China.
27 January, Thursday at 13.00 CET: Lebanon - South Korea.
27 January, Thursday at 15.30 CET: Islamic Republic of Iran - Iraq.
27 January, Thursday at 16.00 CET: United Arab Emirates - Syria.
27 January, Thursday at 18.15 CET: Saudi Arabia - Oman.

Quarter-final duels will be completed

The two pairs from tonight have formed one new for the second knockout round where the rest are going to be known by the end of next weekend. All of them would be played by then when we will find out the quarter-finalists of the Africa Cup of nations 2021 (2022). But in order to get there it has to be staged six more duels, so in the next seven consecutive nights the schedule for the penultimate week of this competition looks like this:

Last 16 (continuation):
game 3) 24 January, Monday at 17.00 CET: Guinea - Gambia.
game 4) 24 January, Monday at 20.00 CET: Cameroon - Comoros.

game 5) 25 January, Tuesday, at 17.00 CET: Senegal - Cape verde.
game 625 January, Tuesday, at 20.00 CET: Morocco - Malawi.

game 7) 26 January, Wednesday at 17.00 CET: Ivory coast - Egypt.
game 826 January, Wednesday at 20.00 CET: Mali - Equatorial Guinea.

Last 8:
29 January, Saturday at 17.00 CET: victory teams of duels 4 and 3.
29 January, Saturday at 20.00 CET: Burkina faso - Tunisia.

30 January, Sunday at 17.00 CET: winning names from matches 7 and 6.
30 January, Sunday at 20.00 CET: victory teams of plays 5 and 8.

Moment of truth in two months time

Finally, the 10 qualified teams from second round of the African region have learned their opponents. Yesterday in Cameroon was performed the draw for phase number three (which is also the last) where the group winners (from the previous stage) were divided in two pots (according to the ranking of the world football organization), and these pairs were formed:

Egypt - Senegal.

Cameroon - Algeria.

Ghana - Nigeria.

Democratic Republic of Congo - Morocco.

Mali - Tunisia.

Because this continent gives five places for the World Cup 2022 event there is no doubt that fierce battles are expected to be on the pitch over 180 minutes. These two duels (home and away) would have to be played between 24 and 29 March.

Goal came after 64 seconds, but in second half

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), knockout phase 1 (last 16), night 13, match 37:

Burkina faso - Gabon 1:1, on penalties: 7-6

Scorers: 1:0 28 (27.54) Bertrand Traore
               1:1 90+1-own goal (90.29) Adama Guira

- The only goal scorer for Burkina faso had a chance from penalty spot to give an early lead for his country, however his strike at 18 (17.28) hit the crossbar.
- Because of two yellow cards Sidney Obissa departed from Gabon on 66 (66.07).

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), knockout phase 1 (last 16), night 13, match 38:

Nigeria - Tunisia 0:1

Scorer: 0:1 46 (46.04) Youssef Msakni

- From 65 (65.06) Nigeria played with 10 men because Alexander Iwobi did a nasty foul and deservedly was awarded with a direct red card.

23 January 2022

Lowered ranked teams starts first

Currently we are into the African Cup of nations 2021 (2022) event, and the organizers has already performed the draw for the next edition. Between the group stages and the knockout round one, the resting days was filled to reveal the schedule for the preliminary round of the same competition that is going to begin next year.
Yesterday the following 12 teams (who are the lowest ranked of the continent) have formed 6 pairs. Each one of them will play twice with their opponents among 21 and 29 March, and the layout is:

Eritrea - Botswana.

Sao Tome e principe - Mauritius.

Djibouti - South Sudan.

Seychelles - Lesotho.

Somalia - Eswatini.

Chad - Gambia.

After that, the overall winning sextet is going to join the other 42 teams (which are already qualified) where 12 groups would be created. Participants which occupies the first 2 spots of the elimination process will book their tickets for the Africa Cup of nations occurring per thirty fourth time in Ivory coast from 23 June until 23 July 2023.

22 January 2022

Club tournament winner will be known next year

On each continent Champions league is playing every year, but at one it will be prolonged for the first time.
The Asian version of the event usually is playing from the beginning of every year (when are the qualifiers) and ending it in the same one (November or December). When the calendar for 2022 was made again last Thursday, this annual tournament has faced (some) complications. Mainly it was because of travel restrictions between the countries (caused by the epidemic situation) plus there is another football competition (which is the peak of this sport) that is happening towards the end of this year (the first ever winter World Cup).
Because of the above two reasons the winner of 2022 will be known in 2023. Elimination phases are going to be commenced first (March), and groups will follow playing in April (where everything has to be completed until 01 May). After that the champion from the East section will be known by August, and its West counterpart would be known on 10 February of next year. Finally, the battle between each other is expected to be on 19 and 26 February 2023.

21 January 2022

Unable and uninterested to defend its jewel

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group E, round 3, night 12, match 33:

Ivory coast - Algeria 3:1

Scorers: 1:0 22 (21.52) Franck Kessie
               2:0 39 (38.52) Ibrahim Sangare
               3:0 54 (53.41) Nicolas Pepe
               3:1 73 (72.43) Sofiane Bendebka

- On 60 (59.35) Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) have shaken the right bar from 11 metres.

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group E, round 3, night 12, match 34:

Sierra leone - Equatorial Guinea 0:1

Scorer: 0:1 38 (37.39) Pablo Ganet

- Sierra leone had a golden opportunity to equalize from penalty at 85 (84.31), however the opposing goalkeeper saved the shot from Kei Kamara.
- Kwame Quee said goodbye in the game on 90 (89.34) when the Sierra leone midfielder was awarded with his second yellow card.

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group F, round 3, night 12, match 35:

Gambia - Tunisia 1:0

Scorer: 1:0 90+3 (92.42) Ablie Jallow

- Tunisia could have taken the lead on 45 (45.06), but the 11 metre strike from Seifeddine Jaziri was perfectly saved.

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group F, round 3, night 12, match 36:

Mali - Mauritania 2:0

Scorers: 1:0 02 (01.33) Massadio Haidara
               2:0 49-pen (48.41) Ibrahima Kone

Additional information: although it is very nice weather (and hot) in Cameroon, Algeria (group E) will not prolong its stay, go straight back home to analyze the whole thing as they are prevented to defend its crown that was raised in summer 2019. Together with its group rivals Sierra leone plus Mauritania (group F) are going to cheer up and watch the rest of the competition from their own (warm, comfortable) home, so the African continent will crown the new king next month. Meanwhile Ivory coast, Equatorial Guinea (group E) and Mali, Gambia, Tunisia (group F) have all qualified for knockout phase one (which is starting this weekend).

20 January 2022

Only two participants goes from group four onto next round

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group D, round 3, night 11, match 31:

Egypt - Sudan 1:0

Scorer: 1:0 35 (34.45) Mohamed Abdelmonem

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group D, round 3, night 11, match 32:

Guinea-Bissau - Nigeria 0:2

Scorers: 0:1 55 (55.13) Umar Sadiq
               0:2 75 (74.28) William Troost-Ekong

Additional information: Nigeria (who is the only participant with 100 victories in each of the 6 groups) together with Egypt have qualified for the last 16. Sudan (which is third) has already been eliminated knowing that the other two mystery teams who will occupy place number three in the last two groups on Thursday have collected more points.

19 January 2022

Footballer has fired the ball into his own net

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group B, round 3, night 10, match 27:

Malawi - Senegal 0:0

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group B, round 3, night 10, match 28:

Zimbabwe - Guinea 2:1

Scorers: 1:0 26 (25.30) Knowledge Musona
               2:0 43 (42.39) Kudakwashe Mahachi
               2:1 49 (48.39) Naby Keita

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group C, round 3, night 10, match 29:

Gabon - Morocco 2:2

Scorers: 1:0 21 (20.51) Jim Allevinah
               1:1 73-pen (73.06) Sofiane Bouhal
               2:1 80-own goal (80.13) Nayef Aguerd
               2:2 84 (83.25) Achraf Hakimi

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group C, round 3, night 10, match 30:

Ghana - Comoros 2:3

Scorers: 0:1 03 (03.18) El Fardou Mohamed Ben Nabouhane
               0:2 61 (61.01) Ahmed Mogni
               1:2 64 (63.44) Richmond Boakye
               2:2 76 (76.12) Alexander Djiku
               2:3 85 (84.54) Ahmed Mogni

- For dangerous play the Ghana midfielder Andre Ayew was awarded with a direct red card on 25 (24.54).

Additional information 1: tonight for the very first time has happened three things at this competition.
- In an attempt to clear it Nayef Aguerd (Morocco) send a projectile towards the goal, but unfortunately it was in his own net.
- So far it was three, but now its one step higher: only in the second half, there were four targets given (Ghana - Comoros).
- Debutants Comoros has written its first ever win of the event.

Additional information 2: tonight we have seen the last appearance from Zimbabwe (group B) and Ghana (group C) in this competition as they are both out, and Malawi (group B) together with Comoros (group C) are on the waiting list. Meanwhile, knockout stage one welcomes Senegal, Guinea (group B) plus Morocco, Gabon (group C).

18 January 2022

Teams were afraid of victory

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group A, round 3, night 09, match 25:

Burkina faso - Ethiopia 1:1

Scorers: 1:0 24 (23.59) Cyrille Bayala
               1:1 51-pen (51.02) Getaneh Kebede

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group A, round 3, night 09, match 26:

Cape verde - Cameroon 1:1

Scorers: 0:1 38 (38.16) Vincent Aboubakar
               1:1 52 (52.03) Garry Rodrigues

Additional information: Ethiopia is going home, the fate of Cape verde says that it must wait until Thursday (whether to find out if it is one of the four fortunate third place teams), while into last 16 have qualified Burkina faso and Cameroon from the first group.

17 January 2022

Identical kick-offs

For the first and only time at the Africa Cup of nations 2021 (2022) competition there will be 12 duels that are going to start simultaneously. Because from tomorrow night part number one is finishing it is expected that the third and last group phase will be played in fair-play format. Next weekend one pair would be formed for the quarter-finals, but until then we have to wait to complete the following games just to see which teams are going to go through to the first knockout stage.

17 January, Monday at 17.00 CET: Burkina faso - Ethiopia.
17 January, Monday at 17.00 CET: Cape verde - Cameroon.

18 January, Tuesday at 17.00 CET: Malawi - Senegal.
18 January, Tuesday at 17.00 CET: Zimbabwe - Guinea.
18 January, Tuesday at 20.00 CET: Gabon - Morocco.
18 January, Tuesday at 20.00 CET: Ghana - Comoros.

19 January, Wednesday at 20.00 CET: Egypt - Sudan.
19 January, Wednesday at 20.00 CET: Guinea-Bissau - Nigeria.

20 January, Thursday at 17.00 CET: Ivory coast - Algeria.
20 January, Thursday at 17.00 CET: Sierra leone - Equatorial Guinea.
20 January, Thursday at 20.00 CET: Gambia - Tunisia.
20 January, Thursday at 20.00 CET: Mali - Mauritania.

Last 16:
23 January, Sunday at 17.00 CET: second placed teams will clash in this pair from A and C groups.
23 January, Sunday at 20.00 CET: winner of group D (Nigeria) - third spot teams of either B / E / F groups.

Maximum points lost at stoppage time after dreadful goalkeeping mistake

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group F, round 2, day 08, match 21:

Gambia - Mali 1:1

Scorers: 0:1 78-pen (78.05) Ibrahima Kone
               1:1 90-pen (89.58) Musa Barrow

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group F, round 2, night 08, match 22:

Tunisia - Mauritania 4:0

Scorers: 1:0 03 (03.20) Hamza Mathlouthi
               2:0 08 (08.01) Wahbi Khazri
               3:0 64 (63.45) Wahbi Khazri
               4:0 66 (65.27) Seifeddine Jaziri

- The final result could have been 5:0 for Tunisia, however Youssef Msakni hit the post from 11 metres at 90 (89.54).

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group E, round 2, night 08, match 23:

Ivory coast - Sierra leone 2:2

Scorers: 1:0 25 (24.39) Sebastien Haller
               1:1 55 (54.30) Musa Noah Kamara
               2:1 65 (64.44) Nicolas Pepe
               2:2 90+3 (92.36) Alhaji Kamara

- Ivory coast had a penalty on 12 (11.47) when the shot from Franck Kessie was perfectly saved.

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group E, round 2, night 08, match 24:

Algeria - Equatorial Guinea 0:1

Scorers: 0:1 70-pen (69.46) Esteban Orozco

16 January 2022

Video helping system has left one team goalless

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group D, round 2, night 07, match 19:

Nigeria - Sudan 3:1

Scorers: 1:0 02 (02.17) Samuel Chukwueze
               2:0 45 (44.47) Taiwo Awoniyi
               3:0 46 (45.38) Moses Simon
               3:1 70-pen (69.46) Walieldin Khedr

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group D, round 2, night 07, match 20:

Guinea-Bissau - Egypt 0:1

Scorer: 0:1 69 (68.43) Mohamed Salah

15 January 2022

Wonderful targets have been scored from both rivaling G teams

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group B, round 2, day 06, match 15:

Senegal - Guinea 0:0

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group B, round 2, night 06, match 16:

Malawi - Zimbabwe 2:1

Scorers: 0:1 38 (37.52) Ishmael Wadi
               1:1 42 (42.01) Gabadinho Mhango
               2:1 58 (57.52) Gabadinho Mhango

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group C, round 2, night 06, match 17:

Morocco - Comoros 2:0

Scorers: 1:0 16 (15.23) Selim Amallah
               2:0 88 (88.17) Zakaria Aboukhlal

- Youssef en-Nesyri could have taken Morocco to a 2:0 lead on 83 (82.25), but his 11 metre strike was perfectly saved.

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group C, round 2, night 06, match 18:

Gabon - Ghana 1:1

Scorers: 0:1 18 (17.59) Andre Ayew
               1:1 88 (87.37) Jim Allevinah

14 January 2022

Different comeback scenario for the hosts

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group A, round 2, night 05, match 13:

Cameroon - Ethiopia 4:1

Scorers: 0:1 04 (03.29) Dawa Hotessa Dukele
               1:1 07 (07.15) Karl Toko Ekambi
               2:1 52 (52.07) Vincent Aboubakar
               3:1 54 (54.06) Vincent Aboubakar
               4:1 67 (66.55) Karl Toko Ekambi

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group A, round 2, night 05, match 14:

Cape verde - Burkina faso 0:1

Scorer: 0:1 38 (38.14) Boureima Hassane Bande

13 January 2022

Story of a game that ended twice

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group F, round 1, day 04, match 10:

Tunisia - Mali 0:1

Scorer: 0:1 47 (47.13) Ibrahima Kone

- Wahbi Khazri had a chance to equalize it for Tunisia, but his powerful penalty shot was beautifully saved by the opposing goalkeeper at 77 (76.29).
- At 87 (86.43) El Bilal Toure (Mali) has done a nasty foul and deservedly was awarded with a direct red card.
- On 80 (79.44) the camera suddenly caught how Janny Sikazwe showed and said 'five', so the Zambian referee completed this duel prematurely at 85 (85.06). Realizing his mistake, the game continued, gave a direct red card shorty after and officially blows the final whistle at 90 (89.42). Tunisian players (together with the bench) were furious about this decision, surrounded the official, protesting for over couple of minutes on the pitch, but to be honest they were uninterested of the game because the whole time were running all over the terrain (not to say like crazy, but as someone is chasing to be caught).

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group F, round 1, night 04, match 11:

Mauritania - Gambia 0:1

Scorer: 0:1 10 (09.48) Ablie Jallow

- Due to the above incident, this match was postponed and started 47 minutes than the original schedule.
- After two unsuccessful attempts, the third time had to be lucky, however that was not the case for the Mauritanian anthem as it was decided not to be played.

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group E, round 1, night 04, match 12:

Equatorial Guinea - Ivory coast 0:1

Scorer: 0:1 05 (04.26) Max-Alain Gradel

12 January 2022

Less excitements than matches

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group E, round 1, night 03, match 07:

Algeria - Sierra leone 0:0

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group D, round 1, night 03, match 08:

Nigeria - Egypt 1:0

Scorer: 1:0 30 (29.50) Kelechi Iheanacho

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group D, round 1, night 03, match 09:

Sudan - Guinea-Bissau 0:0

- Guinea-Bissau could have taken the lead on 82 (81.46), but an weak 11-metre shot from Judilson Gomes prompted the opposing goalkeeper to freely save it.

11 January 2022

Equal amount of goals in both halves

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group B, round 1, night 02, match 03:

Senegal - Zimbabwe 1:0

Scorer: 1:0 96-pen (96.20) Sadio Mane

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group C, round 1, night 02, match 04:

Morocco - Ghana 1:0

Scorer: 1:0 82 (82.04) Sofiane Boufal

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group B, round 1, night 02, match 05:

Guinea - Malawi 1:0

Scorer: 1:0 35 (34.50) Issiaga Sylla

Africa Cup of nations - Cameroon 2021 (2022), group C, round 1, night 02, match 06:

Comoros - Gabon 0:1

Scorer: 0:1 16 (15.33) Aaron-Salem Boupendza

10 January 2022

Introducing to the public the other 20 teams

So far we have seen only four teams at the Africa Cup of nations 2021 (2022), while the rest will be presented in the following nights. From the second half of the midweek round two is going to start, and first travelers of the knockout phase will emerge. In order to get there, the schedule says that that is going to be known if the next 22 games are played.

10 January, Monday at 14.00 CET: Senegal - Zimbabwe.
10 January, Monday at 17.00 CET: Guinea - Malawi.
10 January, Monday at 17.00 CET: Morocco - Ghana.
10 January, Monday at 20.00 CET: Comoros - Gabon.

11 January, Tuesday at 14.00 CET: Algeria - Sierra leone.
11 January, Tuesday at 17.00 CET: Nigeria - Egypt.
11 January, Tuesday at 20.00 CET: Sudan - Guinea-Bissau.

12 January, Wednesday at 14.00 CET: Tunisia - Mali.
12 January, Wednesday at 17.00 CET: Mauritania - Gambia.
12 January, Wednesday at 20.00 CET: Equatorial Guinea - Ivory coast.

13 January, Thursday at 17.00 CET: Cameroon - Ethiopia.
13 January, Thursday at 20.00 CET: Cape verde - Burkina faso.

14 January, Friday at 14.00 CET: Senegal - Guinea.
14 January, Friday at 17.00 CET: Malawi - Zimbabwe.
14 January, Friday at 17.00 CET: Morocco - Comoros.
14 January, Friday at 20.00 CET: Gabon - Ghana.

15 January, Saturday at 17.00 CET: Nigeria - Sudan.
15 January, Saturday at 20.00 CET: Guinea-Bissau - Egypt.

16 January, Sunday at 14.00 CET: Gambia - Mali.
16 January, Sunday at 17.00 CET: Ivory coast - Sierra leone.
16 January, Sunday at 17.00 CET: Tunisia - Mauritania.
16 January, Sunday at 20.00 CET: Algeria - Equatorial Guinea.

Vigorous opening followed by terrible mistakes

Africa Cup of nations 2021 (2022), group A, night 01, match 01:

Cameroon - Burkina faso 2:1

Scorers: 0:1 23 (23.04) Gustavo Sangare
               1:1 40-pen (39.49) Vincent Aboubakar
               2:1 45+3-pen (47.36) Vincent Aboubakar

Africa Cup of nations 2021 (2022), group A, night 01, match 02:

Ethiopia - Cape verde 0:1

Scorer: 0:1 45+1 (45.40) Julio Tavares

- On the first night the first direct red card was awarded to Yared Bayeh Belay (Ethiopia) on 11 (11.14).

09 January 2022

Owe from the past

Last month the legendary former striker from Cameroon Samuel Eto'o was elected to lead its football federation, however this player was connected to a document released on 27 December 2021 (in negative connotation).
In it the Spanish tax authorities are stating that the now 40-year-old president is in debt of 981.598,19 euros. At a period of five years this sum was piled up when he was playing for Barcelona from 2004 until 2009.
The same player were also accused of tax evasion in November 2016 when he 'forgot' to pay 3.9 million euros from marketing rights during plays for the Catalan club. Back then the public prosecutor wanted 10 years prison together with 18 million euros punishment.

08 January 2022

Clear body for leading a healthy life

Footballers in People's Republic of China will not play for the national team if their body are having tattoos. Those who are having it, are advised to have them removed or cover it so they would not be seen in public.
With absolute right, the General administration of sport has issued this warning two days before the end of 2021 just to relay the message that existing players with drawings onto the body has to give good example to society and be role models for young generations to come.

07 January 2022

Players on the list

Yesterday the African football confederation has released the last mystery of the puzzle so that its regional championship can begin this weekend. Each team had a right to register 28 footballers, which means 672 of them will take part on the upcoming competition (well...some because there is not a possibility for everyone to appear on the pitch). All of you can download the whole list from their website - 24 times.

06 January 2022

Hooligans have expelled their favourite clubs

Violence on stadia across France have become very frequent, so clubs from first and second division have fall as victims (in a very stupid way) from the behaviour of their own supporters.
Competing at the national Cup and because of the abandoned duels from 17 December 2021, last Monday the federation has decided to punish couple of names for the same reason: hooliganism at the stands. With 52.000 euros plus fans are forbidden to appear on the away matches for the rest of this season is the penalty for Olympique Lyonnais. Paris had to give 10.000 euros while their arena have to be closed for five matches.
And most importantly, what connects these two is that both have been thrown out of the competition due to this serious problem.

05 January 2022

Just in time to advertise itself at home

Six days ago, one of the partners of the African championship that is starting this weekend became Union Camerounaise de brasseries. Being supportive, the local beverage company will promote its products throughout the whole tournament. In this very smart marketing move plus having all the exclusivity, they are going to provide what participants need the most during the games: from mineral water to soft drinks together with beer for delegations, whether it is dedicated for stadia, fan zones or approved outlets.

04 January 2022

Draw date known

At the end of December 2021 the Asian football confederation has announced draw dates that will happen for various competitions throughout the region.
One of them represented a joint qualifiers for the first two rounds (with another tournament), and so far four play-off matches have been played for the Asian Cup 2023 as an alone competition. The last phase would have to give the final 11 travelers.
Layout for this round would be performed on 24 February when the 24 teams will find out their opponents. Every one of them are going to be situated in six groups, while elimination duels will be completed in six nights. From earlier it was revealed that one place will host each group, and plays are going to be held on 08, 11 and 14 June. Six winners together with five best runners-up plus the other 13 (who are already qualified) will all fight for the continental title scheduled in summer next year.

03 January 2022

Next weekend begins the only regional tournament in 2022

The following championship was moved twice, and the third time was lucky: climatic (rainy) conditions was the reason for the first, while the next the global pandemic situation was to blame. Although we have stepped into 2022, the official name is going to sound Africa Cup of nations 2021 where after the June / July period this competition is put back to be played on winter time (first since 2017).
Edition number 33 is scheduled to start from 09 January until 06 February. During these dates, 63 referees are going to observe 52 duels who will play on 6 stadia at 5 cities across Cameroon. In the group stage competes 24 teams which later, are going to shrink to 16, 8, 4 and 2, through 8 resting nights. As each one have to register 28 footballers, 672 of them (sadly not all are going to appear on the terrain) will be available to the coaches. Gambia and Comoros are debutants of the event where Algeria defend its title that was won three years ago. Layout for the opening matches is:

09 January, Sunday at 17.00 CET: Cameroon - Burkina faso.
09 January, Sunday at 20.00 CET: Ethiopia - Cape verde.

02 January 2022

Two clubs will continue sharing stadium under new name

From 2027 instead of San siro the famous stadium will be called 'The cathedral'. Revealing on the plans of Inter and Milan to replace the existing arena came out on 21 December by the Italian media, and the city council together with the mayor has approved this project on the last days of 2021.
Because the target of opening the new arena will not be met until 2026 when the Winter Olympics ceremony is going to be hosted, it was decided that the first kick-off will be one year after that, while the construction in the district is starting in 2023. The whole complex is going to cover over 110.000 square meters with lots of green surface and would be a pedestrian zone only. Parking lot which represents 27 percent of the area in the scheme is going to be transferred to an underground level. A complete new look of the arena would be covered in a glass facade that will change colours of whether the first club is playing or the other.
The future name is deliberately chosen because it is a symbol and cultural heritage at the city of Milan.

01 January 2022

Important message to everyone

Just to be short, for next year the layout of tournaments would have to look like this:
Continuation of the knockout stages at the three European club competitions and starting with the new 2022-23 season (from qualifiers and up until the completion of group games) of the same event. Also that are going to be mentioned here as well are the annual tournaments: Club World Cup and Super Cup. On the team level in here is going to be followed: the only continental championship from Africa, closing elimination encounters for one grand tournament (that will be the peak of 2022) - the World Cup finals itself, while in between them comes the Asian Cup qualifiers 2023 together with two Nations league events 2022-23 (North, Central America and Caribbean plus the European version).
In the end and to conclude 2021: wherever you are have yourself a wonderful moments in the New year filled with love, happiness and success. Happy 2022!