Africa Cup of Nations 2012

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns...rebels?cc=4716

Russian fears, Drogba & Libyan rebels
September 10, 2011

Tis week's Africa Report reads like socio-political football commentary, touching on why Libya's national team is extra-motivated by the political situation as well as why Africa's footballers r scared of flying in Russia.

Libya hv not lost a game since Jan 5, 2010. Surprised? While the world media has been scavenging 4 all tat is bad abt the North African state, the Greens hv been quietly keeping the national psyche intact with their displays.

A week ago, the All Africa Games started in Mozambique. Football, being 1 of the 23 sports being contested tis time, takes pride of place in tis predominantly footballing nation. B4 the tournament, the AAG was hit with withdrawals, 1st fr Mauritania & then Libya.

Mauritania had already withdrawn fr the African Nations Cup qualifiers 4 next year, so it was no surprise. Libya, on the other hand, r still in African qualifying & in with a shout, but the troubles @ home meant the decision had 2 be made. In the end Egypt, Libya's only opponent, qualified by default.

The withdrawal of the Libyan contingent fr the Games was keenly monitored by the Mozambican press, who were readying themselves 4 the crucial African Cup qualifier with the Greens on September 3.

Mozambique had already played Libya in the 1st leg a year ago &, despite home advantage, they had failed 2 win. Tis 2nd leg was supposed 2 be Libya's home game but was, 4 security reasons, played in Egypt. However, Mozambique hoped the political tensions would allow Libya 2 withdraw fr tis game as well, giving them (Mozambique) a bye in the process.

How wrong they were. At the moment tis Libyan side is, if anything, more motivated than it has been in a long time. Football has always been used by authoritarian governments 2 push their agenda, but in the case of Libya, the national team is currently firmly inclined 2wards the National Transitional Council, who used 2 be the rebel opposition.

Fr a propagandist point of view, tis has severely damaged the support 4 the Gaddafi regime, as the soul of people carried with the national team sits in the rebels' hands. Since June, when goalkeeper Juma Gtat announced the team's decision 2 side with the NTC, 18 notable players hv also publicly followed suit.

Since 2004, when Libyana took over sponsorship, there hv been a smattering of upgrades 2 the league but it still remains semi-professional. Tis has meant tat there is no real competition, as the sport is ruled according 2 the whims of the elite. The country is awash with money, but very little of it is seen in football development. The largest stadium seats 65,000 & is, predictably, home 2 the nation's most successful club, Al Ittihad.

They hv won 16 of Libya's 41 league championships. The rest r shared among clubs based in Tripoli & Benghazi. Then there is Al Madina, who share the same June 11 Stadium tat houses Al Ittihad. The rest of the stadiums in the league do not measure up @ all, ranging fr 2,000 to 20,000 seaters.

The best talents r usually snapped up in their youth by the big clubs, making the other teams perennial pedestrians. However, as in many cases, there is the occasional juggernaut. Despite playing 4 the small Akhdar club in Bayda, the country's 4th largest city, Abdelhameed al Zaidani scored 21 goals in the 2007 season. It remains the highest number of goals scored in a single Libya Premier League season. He still plays there, & is a rare success outside of the big clubs in Tripoli & Benghazi, where the power & money is centred.

All of tis has led 2 the current national side feeling a wave of patriotism they hv not felt b4. They went in2 the game against Mozambique with a swagger tat disconcerted the Black Mambas. Back home, hundreds had gathered near Martyr's Square 2 watch on large screens. It was the 1st match since rebels took control of the capital.

The team wore a new white jersey with the 3 colours of the pre-Gaddafi flag adopted by the NTC. Libya controlled the tempo of the game, which was played behind closed doors. On 31 mins, Rabie el-Lofi scored wat would be the only goal. Against all odds, Libya had temporarily gone top of Group C, meaning qualification 4 the next African Nations Cup is almost certain.


Watching Yaroslavl in fear
The plane carrying the Lokomotiv Yaroslavl team of Russia's Kontinental Hockey League crashed near Yaroslavl on Wednesday. 43 ppl died, including players & officials fr 10 nations. The team was on its way 2 Minsk, Belarus, in order 2 start the 2011/12 hockey league season. Due 2 the international make-up of the league, tis tragedy reverberated throughout the hockey world.

Though not directly affected, football also took notice. Russia has 16 teams in its premier soccer league, spread around a geographically large area. Moscow alone has 4 teams, 1 of which is CSKA, home of the league's joint top scorer, Seydou Doumbia. "Obviously the airlines try hard 2 get us 2 & fr games but we can't help thinking abt our safety when we r supposed 2 fly," he said.

Fr Ivory Coast, the man many hv called "the new Drogba" is the reason CSKA sit atop the league, with his 13 goals in 20 games making them fav 2 take 1 of 2 Champions League slots next season. Like most, he was shocked @ the demise of the hockey players, but was also worried abt the problem of air safety.

The Ivorian hitman has been courted by many European sides, so the logical question is: why has he not left if he is so worried abt air safety? "Any African player you ask tis question will tell you it's abt money. The money is quite good in the Moscow clubs." He also explained tat clubs r aware of the poor air safety record in Russia & do their best 2 make getting 2 games by air as infrequently as possible. "As much as possible we go 2 games by bus. But playing against Zenit, 4 example, means we hv 2 go by air." Zenit is the northernmost team in the Russian league.

Doumbia has scored 3 in CSKA's last 2 games, getting a brace against FC Tom Tomsk, 1800 miles east of Moscow."4 distances like tat u hv 2 go by air. Just b4 we left Sheremetyevo [Airport], our flight was delayed becos our club officials were not satisfied with the pre-flight checks. It's normal."

Apart fr FC Tom Tomsk in Siberia, all the Russian league teams r in the west of the country. But in Russia, the world's largest country, the word "west" comprises a huge landmass. Former Ghana international Laryea Kingston told me abt the transport fears players faced. He played in 3 diff Russian teams betw 2004 & 2007.

"I played 4 Krylia Sovetov, Terek Grozny & Lokomotiv Moscow & @ all 3 places, players spoke abt how poor air services were." According 2 him, players in other European leagues usually love flying 2 games since it was safer. Not in Russia. "It was very common 4 us 2 hear funny noises in planes if we travelled over long distances. When u tell the club bosses, they will say there is nothing much they can do."

The situation needs urgent attention, as Russia has already had 15 plane crashes tis year alone. However, it seems the lure of $ keeps pulling African footballers there. Are they doing it @ the risk of their lives? We hope not.


Drogba: Le politicien
Obviously, it's great 2 be Didier Drogba - with the $, fame & the glamour. It is esp so in the Ivory Coast, where he is almost deified. However, in the past few months, being Drogba has meant taking responsibility & effecting roles tat do not involve scoring goals - @ least not on the football field.

Following the country's post-election conflict tat plunged everything in2 chaos, the Ivory Coast government contacted the Chelsea man 4 a special assignment. He was asked 2 be part of a special 11-member commission with a difficult job: reconciling a nation thru advocacy & dialogue.

He accepted. His specific role would be 2 score goals in the hearts of his countrymen, esp those in the Diaspora. Due 2 his current injury, Drogba could not attend the 1st sitting of the commission tat took place during the recent international break. But what made Drogba so appealing 4 tis political job, outside his popularity?

The player is Catholic, which guarantees him accessibility with the country's Christian minority - the bulk of whom r Catholic. His wife, Lalla, is a Muslim which scores him valuable points among the religious majority who mostly live in the north. She is also Malian, which means he will beat the offside trap set by traditional apathy fr the large foreign West African population, who live & trade in the country.

Ivory Coast's economy is also heavily reliant on remittances fr its citizens abroad, & Drogba is expected 2 hold meetings with them whenever possible. The msg will be obvious: help me kick ethnocentrism out & let's get Ivory Coast the 3 points.

He has started brilliantly, alrdy. Aft the injury he sustained @ Norwich, he sent emissaries 2 speak on his behalf in a meeting with Ivorians in London. In the video message, he apologised 4 his inability 2 be there but relayed the message clearly. He ended by asking his countrymen 2 push 4 peace.

But not every1 is hapi with the striker's decision 2 accept tis latest challenge. Drogba is fr the Bete tribe, where the deposed Laurent Gbagbo comes fr. At the height of the post-election troubles tis year, the rebels attacked Drogba's village, burning down his home in the process. Although Drogba has asked 4 the incident 2 be forgotten, many of his tribesmen r dishing political yellow cards @ every opportunity.

So far, Drogba is dodging the flying tackles. Here's 2 hoping he goes unbeaten.

[joew2005]

Current CAF/Fifa ranking: Updated on 21 Sept 2011.
Next update on 19 Oct 2011.

1. Côte d'Ivoire (Fifa 16)
2. Egypt (Fifa 36)
3. Ghana (Fifa 37)
4. Burkina Faso(Fifa 41)
5. Senegal (Fifa 42)
6. Nigeria (Fifa 43)
7. Algeria (Fifa 46)
8. Cameroon (Fifa 48)
9. South Africa (Fifa 51)
10. Morocco (Fifa 59)
11. Tunisia (Fifa 61)
12. Libya (Fifa 62)
12. Mali (Fifa 62)
14. Zimbabwe (Fifa 66)
15. Gabon (Fifa 67)
16. Sierra Leone (Fifa 68)
17. Guinea (Fifa 76)
18. Malawi (Fifa 78)
19. Uganda (Fifa 82)
20. Zambia (Fifa 83)
21. Angola (Fifa 84)
22. Cape Verde (Fifa 91)
23. Benin (Fifa 92)
24. Niger (Fifa 93)
25. Botswana (Fifa 95)
25. Togo (Fifa 95)
27. Sudan (Fifa 103)
28. Central African Republic (Fifa 111)
29. Mozambique (Fifa 115)
30. Namibia (Fifa 119)
31. Gambia (Fifa 124)
32. Tanzania (Fifa 126)
33. Liberia (Fifa 127)
34. Congo DR (Fifa 128)
35. Kenya (Fifa 130)
36. Ethiopia (Fifa 132)
37. Burundi (Fifa 140)
38. Rwanda (Fifa 142)
39. Congo (Fifa 143)
40. Equatorial Guinea (Fifa 151)
41. Madagascar (Fifa 158)
42. Chad (Fifa 160)
43. Guinea-Bissau (Fifa 162)
44. Lesotho (Fifa 167) - Not in CAF 2012 Qualification
45. Swaziland (Fifa 169)
46. Seychelles (Fifa 177) - Not in CAF 2012 Qualification
47. Comoros (Fifa 179)
48. Mauritius (Fifa 188)
49. Eritrea (Fifa 190) - Not in CAF 2012 Qualification
50. Mauritania (Fifa 193) - Not in CAF 2012 Qualification
50. Somalia (Fifa 193) - Not in CAF 2012 Qualification
52. Djibouti (Fifa 196) - Not in CAF 2012 Qualification


http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ra...23913&rank=208

[joew2005]

Qualification

Group A
Mali P5 W3 D0 L2 GS7 GA4 GD+3 Pts=9
Zimbabwe P5 W2 D2 L1 GS6 GA3 GD+3 Pts=8
Cape Verde P5 W2 D1 L2 GS5 GA6 GD-1 Pts=7
Liberia P5 W1 D1 L3 GS5 GA10 GD-5 Pts=4

8 Oct 2011 : Liberia vs Mali / Cape Verde vs Zimbabwe


Group B
Guinea P5 W4 D1 L0 GS11 GA3 GD+8 Pts=13
Nigeria P5 W3 D1 L1 GS10 GA3 GD+7 Pts=10
Ethiopia P5 W1 D1 L3 GS4 GA11 GD-7 Pts=4
Madagascar P5 W0 D1 L4 GS2 GA10 GD-8 Pts=1

8 Oct 2011 : Ethiopia vs Madagascar / Nigeria vs Guinea


Group C
Zambia P5 W4 D0 L1 GS11 GA2 GD+9 Pts=12
Libya P5 W4 D1 L0 GS6 GA1 GD+5 Pts=11
Mozambique P5 W1 D1 L3 GS1 GA6 GD-5 Pts=4
Comoros P5 W0 D1 L4 GS2 GA11 GD-9 Pts=1

8 Oct 2011 : Zambia vs Libya / Mozambique vs Comoros


Group D
Morocco P5 W2 D2 L1 GS5 GA1 GD+4 Pts=8
Central African Republic P5 W2 D2 L1 GS5 GA3 GD+2 Pts=8
Tanzania P5 W1 D2 L2 GS5 GA6 GS-1 Pts=5
Algeria P5 W1 D2 L2 GS3 GA8 GS-5 Pts=5

8 Oct 2011 : Morocco vs Tanzania / Algeria vs Central African Republic


Group E
Senegal P5 W4 D1 L0 GS14 GA2 GD+12 Pts=13
Cameroon P6 W3 D2 L1 GS12 GA5 GD+7 Pts=11
Congo DR P6 W2 D1 L3 GS10 GA11 GD-1 Pts=7
Mauritius P5 W0 D0 L5 GS2 GA20 GD–18 Pts=0

7 Oct 2011 : Congo DR 2-3 Cameroon
8 Oct 2011 : Mauritius vs Senegal


Group F
Burkina Faso P3 W3 D0 L0 GS11 GA2 GD+9 Pts=9
Gambia P3 W1 D0 L2 GS4 GA5 GD-1 Pts=3
Namibia P4 W1 D0 L3 GS3 GA11 GD–8 Pts=3

8 Oct 2011 : Gambia vs Burkina Faso


Group G
Niger P5 W3 D0 L2 GS6 GA5 GD+1 Pts=9
South Africa P5 W2 D2 L1 GS4 GA2 GD+2 Pts=8
Sierra Leone P5 W2 D2 L1 GS5 GA5 GD0 Pts=8
Egypt P5 W0 D2 L3 GS2 GA5 GD-3 Pts=2

8 Oct 2011 : Egypt vs Niger / South Africa vs Sierra Leone


Group H
Côte d'Ivoire P5 W5 D0 L0 GS17 GA3 GD+14 Pts=15
Burundi P5 W1 D2 L2 GS6 GA7 GD-1 Pts=5
Benin P5 W1 D2 L2 GS8 GA10 GD-2 Pts=5
Rwanda P5 W1 D0 L4 GS4 GA15 GD–11 Pts=3

9 Oct 2011 : Benin vs Rwanda / Côte d'Ivoire vs Burundi


Group I
Ghana P5 W4 D1 L0 GS11 GA1 GD+10 Pts=13
Sudan P5 W4 D1 L0 GS8 GA1 GD+7 Pts=13
Congo P5 W1 D0 L4 GS4 GA10 GD-6 Pts=3
Swaziland P5 W0 D0 L5 GS2 GA13 GD-11 Pts=0

8 Oct 2011 : Swaziland vs Congo / Sudan vs Ghana


Group J
Uganda P5 W3 D1 L1 GS6 GA2 GD+4 Pts=10
Angola P5 W3 D0 L2 GS5 GA5 GD0 Pts=9
Kenya P5 W2 D1 L2 GS4 GA4 GD0 Pts=7
Guinea-Bissau P5 W1 D0 L4 GS2 GA6 GD-4 Pts=3

8 Oct 2011 : Uganda vs Kenya / Guinea-Bissau vs Angola


Group K
Botswana P8 W5 D2 L1 GS7 GA3 GD+4 Pts=17
Tunisia P7 W3 D2 L2 GS12 GA6 GD+6 Pts=11
Malawi P7 W2 D5 L0 GS11 GA6 GD+5 Pts=11
Togo P7 W1 D3 L3 GS6 GA8 GD−2 Pts=5
Chad P7 W0 D2 L5 GS5 GA18 GD−12 Pts=2

8 Oct 2011 : Chad vs Malawi / Tunisia vs Togo


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Af..._qualification


Team that have qualified for the Finals:
1) Co-host - Equatorial Guinea
2) Co-host - Gabon
3) Group A Winner -
4) Group B Winner -
5) Group C Winner -
6) Group D Winner -
7) Group E Winner - Senegal
8) Group F Winner - Burkina Faso
9) Group G Winner -
10) Group H Winner - Côte d'Ivoire
11) Group I Winner -
12) Group J Winner -
13) Group K Winner - Botswana
14) Group K Runner -
15) Group A~Group J Best RunnerUp 1 -
16) Group A~Group J Best RunnerUp 2 -

[joew2005]

Qualification

Group A
Mali P6 W3 D1 L2 GS9 GA6 GD+3 Pts=10
Cape Verde P6 W3 D1 L2 GS7 GA7 GD0 Pts=10
Zimbabwe P6 W2 D2 L2 GS7 GA5 GD+2 Pts=8
Liberia P6 W1 D2 L3 GS7 GA12 GD-5 Pts=5

8 Oct 2011 : Liberia 2-2 Mali / Cape Verde 2-1 Zimbabwe


Group B
Guinea P6 W4 D2 L0 GS13 GA5 GD+8 Pts=14
Nigeria P6 W3 D2 L1 GS12 GA5 GD+7 Pts=11
Ethiopia P6 W2 D1 L3 GS8 GA13 GD-5 Pts=7
Madagascar P6 W0 D1 L5 GS4 GA14 GD-10 Pts=1

8 Oct 2011 : Ethiopia 4-2 Madagascar / Nigeria 2-2 Guinea


Group C
Zambia P6 W4 D1 L1 GS11 GA2 GD+9 Pts=13
Libya P6 W4 D2 L0 GS6 GA1 GD+5 Pts=12
Mozambique P6 W2 D1 L3 GS4 GA6 GD-2 Pts=7
Comoros P6 W0 D1 L5 GS2 GA14 GD-12 Pts=1

8 Oct 2011 : Zambia 0-0 Libya / Mozambique 3-0 Comoros


Group D
Morocco P5 W2 D2 L1 GS5 GA1 GD+4 Pts=8
Central African Republic P5 W2 D2 L1 GS5 GA3 GD+2 Pts=8
Tanzania P5 W1 D2 L2 GS5 GA6 GS-1 Pts=5
Algeria P5 W1 D2 L2 GS3 GA8 GS-5 Pts=5

9 Oct 2011 : Morocco vs Tanzania / Algeria vs Central African Republic


Group E
Senegal P5 W4 D1 L0 GS14 GA2 GD+12 Pts=13
Cameroon P6 W3 D2 L1 GS12 GA5 GD+7 Pts=11
Congo DR P6 W2 D1 L3 GS10 GA11 GD-1 Pts=7
Mauritius P5 W0 D0 L5 GS2 GA20 GD–18 Pts=0

9 Oct 2011 : Mauritius vs Senegal


Group F
Burkina Faso P3 W3 D0 L0 GS11 GA2 GD+9 Pts=9
Gambia P3 W1 D0 L2 GS4 GA5 GD-1 Pts=3
Namibia P4 W1 D0 L3 GS3 GA11 GD–8 Pts=3

8 Oct 2011 : Gambia vs Burkina Faso


Group G
Niger P6 W3 D0 L3 GS6 GA8 GD-2 Pts=9
South Africa P6 W2 D3 L1 GS4 GA2 GD+2 Pts=9
Sierra Leone P6 W2 D3 L1 GS5 GA5 GD0 Pts=9
Egypt P6 W1 D2 L3 GS5 GA5 GD0 Pts=5

8 Oct 2011 : Egypt 3-0 Niger / South Africa 0-0 Sierra Leone


Group H
Côte d'Ivoire P5 W5 D0 L0 GS17 GA3 GD+14 Pts=15
Burundi P5 W1 D2 L2 GS6 GA7 GD-1 Pts=5
Benin P5 W1 D2 L2 GS8 GA10 GD-2 Pts=5
Rwanda P5 W1 D0 L4 GS4 GA15 GD–11 Pts=3

9 Oct 2011 : Benin vs Rwanda / Côte d'Ivoire vs Burundi


Group I
Ghana P6 W5 D1 L0 GS13 GA1 GD+12 Pts=15
Sudan P6 W4 D1 L1 GS8 GA3 GD+5 Pts=13
Congo P6 W2 D0 L4 GS5 GA10 GD-5 Pts=6
Swaziland P6 W0 D0 L6 GS2 GA14 GD-12 Pts=0

8 Oct 2011 : Swaziland 0-1 Congo / Sudan 0-2 Ghana


Group J
Angola P6 W4 D0 L2 GS7 GA5 GD+2 Pts=12
Uganda P6 W3 D2 L1 GS6 GA2 GD+4 Pts=11
Kenya P6 W2 D2 L2 GS4 GA4 GD0 Pts=8
Guinea-Bissau P6 W1 D0 L5 GS2 GA8 GD-6 Pts=3

8 Oct 2011 : Uganda 0-0 Kenya / Guinea-Bissau 0-2 Angola


Group K
Botswana P8 W5 D2 L1 GS7 GA3 GD+4 Pts=17
Tunisia P8 W4 D2 L2 GS14 GA6 GD+8 Pts=14
Malawi P8 W2 D6 L0 GS13 GA8 GD+5 Pts=12
Togo P8 W1 D3 L4 GS6 GA10 GD−4 Pts=6
Chad P8 W0 D3 L5 GS7 GA20 GD−13 Pts=3

8 Oct 2011 : Chad 2-2 Malawi / Tunisia 2-0 Togo


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Af..._qualification


Team that have qualified for the Finals:
1) Co-host - Equatorial Guinea
2) Co-host - Gabon
3) Group A Winner - Mali
4) Group B Winner - Guinea
5) Group C Winner - Zambia
6) Group D Winner -
7) Group E Winner - Senegal
8) Group F Winner - Burkina Faso
9) Group G Winner - Niger
10) Group H Winner - Côte d'Ivoire
11) Group I Winner - Ghana
12) Group J Winner - Angola
13) Group K Winner - Botswana
14) Group A~Group J Best RunnerUp 1 - Tunisia
15) Group A~Group J Best RunnerUp 2 - Libya

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...ualify?cc=4716

Nigeria fail to qualify for ANC
October 8, 2011

Nigeria hv failed 2 qualify 4 the African Cup of Nations 4 the 1st time since 1986 aft a last-minute goal fr Guinea saw them draw their final qualifier 2-2.

Against the run of play, Ismael Bangoura gave Guinea the lead in the 2nd half but Victor Obinna levelled. Nigeria then went ahead as substitute Ike Uche scored, but Ibrahim Diallo struck with seconds remaining 2 knock out the Super Eagles who join African giants Cameroon & Egypt in failing 2 make it 2 the tournament hosted by Gabon & Equatorial Guinea.

Meanwhile Ghana maintained their unbeaten record in qualifying 2 finish 3 points ahead of opponents Sudan & claim top spot in Group I. Al Ain striker Asamoah Gyan opened the scoring early on, b4 skipper John Mensah doubled the lead in the 21st min 2 finish the game off.

Midfielder Isaac Vorsah was sent off 4 an off the ball incident aft the break, but 10-man the Black Stars held on 2 record a 2-0 victory & seal their progress.

Zambia also sealed their place @ the finals despite being held 2 a 0-0 draw by Libya in Chingola.

Libya needed 2 rely on their defensive efforts 2 keep the tie goalless, with 39-year-old goalkeeper Samir Aboud in excellent form, while Zambia also hit the woodwork twice. A point was enough 4 Zambia though, while their North African rivals will be forced 2 wait 4 a best runner-up spot.

[joew2005]

Qualification

Group A
Mali P6 W3 D1 L2 GS9 GA6 GD+3 Pts=10
Cape Verde P6 W3 D1 L2 GS7 GA7 GD0 Pts=10
Zimbabwe P6 W2 D2 L2 GS7 GA5 GD+2 Pts=8
Liberia P6 W1 D2 L3 GS7 GA12 GD-5 Pts=5


Group B
Guinea P6 W4 D2 L0 GS13 GA5 GD+8 Pts=14
Nigeria P6 W3 D2 L1 GS12 GA5 GD+7 Pts=11
Ethiopia P6 W2 D1 L3 GS8 GA13 GD-5 Pts=7
Madagascar P6 W0 D1 L5 GS4 GA14 GD-10 Pts=1


Group C
Zambia P6 W4 D1 L1 GS11 GA2 GD+9 Pts=13
Libya P6 W4 D2 L0 GS6 GA1 GD+5 Pts=12
Mozambique P6 W2 D1 L3 GS4 GA6 GD-2 Pts=7
Comoros P6 W0 D1 L5 GS2 GA14 GD-12 Pts=1


Group D
Morocco P5 W2 D2 L1 GS5 GA1 GD+4 Pts=8
Central African Republic P5 W2 D2 L1 GS5 GA3 GD+2 Pts=8
Tanzania P5 W1 D2 L2 GS5 GA6 GS-1 Pts=5
Algeria P5 W1 D2 L2 GS3 GA8 GS-5 Pts=5

9 Oct 2011 : Morocco vs Tanzania / Algeria vs Central African Republic


Group E
Senegal P5 W4 D1 L0 GS14 GA2 GD+12 Pts=13
Cameroon P6 W3 D2 L1 GS12 GA5 GD+7 Pts=11
Congo DR P6 W2 D1 L3 GS10 GA11 GD-1 Pts=7
Mauritius P5 W0 D0 L5 GS2 GA20 GD–18 Pts=0

9 Oct 2011 : Mauritius vs Senegal


Group F
Burkina Faso P4 W3 D1 L0 GS12 GA3 GD+9 Pts=10
Gambia P4 W1 D1 L2 GS5 GA6 GD-1 Pts=4
Namibia P4 W1 D0 L3 GS3 GA11 GD–8 Pts=3

8 Oct 2011 : Gambia 1-1 Burkina Faso


Group G
Niger P6 W3 D0 L3 GS6 GA8 GD-2 Pts=9
South Africa P6 W2 D3 L1 GS4 GA2 GD+2 Pts=9
Sierra Leone P6 W2 D3 L1 GS5 GA5 GD0 Pts=9
Egypt P6 W1 D2 L3 GS5 GA5 GD0 Pts=5


Group H
Côte d'Ivoire P5 W5 D0 L0 GS17 GA3 GD+14 Pts=15
Burundi P5 W1 D2 L2 GS6 GA7 GD-1 Pts=5
Benin P5 W1 D2 L2 GS8 GA10 GD-2 Pts=5
Rwanda P5 W1 D0 L4 GS4 GA15 GD–11 Pts=3

9 Oct 2011 : Benin vs Rwanda / Côte d'Ivoire vs Burundi


Group I
Ghana P6 W5 D1 L0 GS13 GA1 GD+12 Pts=15
Sudan P6 W4 D1 L1 GS8 GA3 GD+5 Pts=13
Congo P6 W2 D0 L4 GS5 GA10 GD-5 Pts=6
Swaziland P6 W0 D0 L6 GS2 GA14 GD-12 Pts=0


Group J
Angola P6 W4 D0 L2 GS7 GA5 GD+2 Pts=12
Uganda P6 W3 D2 L1 GS6 GA2 GD+4 Pts=11
Kenya P6 W2 D2 L2 GS4 GA4 GD0 Pts=8
Guinea-Bissau P6 W1 D0 L5 GS2 GA8 GD-6 Pts=3


Group K
Botswana P8 W5 D2 L1 GS7 GA3 GD+4 Pts=17
Tunisia P8 W4 D2 L2 GS14 GA6 GD+8 Pts=14
Malawi P8 W2 D6 L0 GS13 GA8 GD+5 Pts=12
Togo P8 W1 D3 L4 GS6 GA10 GD−4 Pts=6
Chad P8 W0 D3 L5 GS7 GA20 GD−13 Pts=3


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Af..._qualification


Team that have qualified for the Finals:
1) Co-host - Equatorial Guinea
2) Co-host - Gabon
3) Group A Winner - Mali
4) Group B Winner - Guinea
5) Group C Winner - Zambia
6) Group D Winner -
7) Group E Winner - Senegal
8) Group F Winner - Burkina Faso
9) Group G Winner - Niger
10) Group H Winner - Côte d'Ivoire
11) Group I Winner - Ghana
12) Group J Winner - Angola
13) Group K Winner - Botswana
14) Group K RunnerUp - Tunisia
14) Group A~Group J Best RunnerUp 1 - Tunisia
15) Group A~Group J Best RunnerUp 2 - Libya

The draw 4 the finals will take place on 29 October 2011 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
The draw will see the 16 qualified teams being pitted into 4 groups of 4 teams each. The 2 top teams fr each group will qualify 4 the quarter finals with the winners progressing 2 the semi finals & final eventually.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Africa_Cup_of_Nations

[joew2005]

Qualification

Group A
Mali P6 W3 D1 L2 GS9 GA6 GD+3 Pts=10
Cape Verde P6 W3 D1 L2 GS7 GA7 GD0 Pts=10
Zimbabwe P6 W2 D2 L2 GS7 GA5 GD+2 Pts=8
Liberia P6 W1 D2 L3 GS7 GA12 GD-5 Pts=5


Group B
Guinea P6 W4 D2 L0 GS13 GA5 GD+8 Pts=14
Nigeria P6 W3 D2 L1 GS12 GA5 GD+7 Pts=11
Ethiopia P6 W2 D1 L3 GS8 GA13 GD-5 Pts=7
Madagascar P6 W0 D1 L5 GS4 GA14 GD-10 Pts=1


Group C
Zambia P6 W4 D1 L1 GS11 GA2 GD+9 Pts=13
Libya P6 W4 D2 L0 GS6 GA1 GD+5 Pts=12
Mozambique P6 W2 D1 L3 GS4 GA6 GD-2 Pts=7
Comoros P6 W0 D1 L5 GS2 GA14 GD-12 Pts=1


Group D
Morocco P6 W3 D2 L1 GS8 GA2 GD+6 Pts=11
Central African Republic P6 W2 D2 L2 GS5 GA5 GD0 Pts=8
Algeria P6 W2 D2 L2 GS5 GA8 GS-3 Pts=8
Tanzania P6 W1 D2 L3 GS6 GA9 GS-3 Pts=5

9 Oct 2011 : Morocco 3-1 Tanzania / Algeria 2-0 Central African Republic


Group E
Senegal P6 W5 D1 L0 GS16 GA2 GD+14 Pts=16
Cameroon P6 W3 D2 L1 GS12 GA5 GD+7 Pts=11
Congo DR P6 W2 D1 L3 GS10 GA11 GD-1 Pts=7
Mauritius P6 W0 D0 L6 GS2 GA22 GD–20 Pts=0

9 Oct 2011 : Mauritius 0-2 Senegal


Group F
Burkina Faso P4 W3 D1 L0 GS12 GA3 GD+9 Pts=10
Gambia P4 W1 D1 L2 GS5 GA6 GD-1 Pts=4
Namibia P4 W1 D0 L3 GS3 GA11 GD–8 Pts=3


Group G
Niger P6 W3 D0 L3 GS6 GA8 GD-2 Pts=9
South Africa P6 W2 D3 L1 GS4 GA2 GD+2 Pts=9
Sierra Leone P6 W2 D3 L1 GS5 GA5 GD0 Pts=9
Egypt P6 W1 D2 L3 GS5 GA5 GD0 Pts=5


Group H
Côte d'Ivoire P6 W6 D0 L0 GS19 GA4 GD+15 Pts=18
Rwanda P6 W2 D0 L4 GS5 GA15 GD–10 Pts=6
Burundi P6 W1 D2 L3 GS7 GA9 GD-2 Pts=5
Benin P6 W1 D2 L3 GS8 GA11 GD-3 Pts=5

9 Oct 2011 : Benin 0-1 Rwanda / Côte d'Ivoire 2-1 Burundi


Group I
Ghana P6 W5 D1 L0 GS13 GA1 GD+12 Pts=15
Sudan P6 W4 D1 L1 GS8 GA3 GD+5 Pts=13
Congo P6 W2 D0 L4 GS5 GA10 GD-5 Pts=6
Swaziland P6 W0 D0 L6 GS2 GA14 GD-12 Pts=0


Group J
Angola P6 W4 D0 L2 GS7 GA5 GD+2 Pts=12
Uganda P6 W3 D2 L1 GS6 GA2 GD+4 Pts=11
Kenya P6 W2 D2 L2 GS4 GA4 GD0 Pts=8
Guinea-Bissau P6 W1 D0 L5 GS2 GA8 GD-6 Pts=3


Group K
Botswana P8 W5 D2 L1 GS7 GA3 GD+4 Pts=17
Tunisia P8 W4 D2 L2 GS14 GA6 GD+8 Pts=14
Malawi P8 W2 D6 L0 GS13 GA8 GD+5 Pts=12
Togo P8 W1 D3 L4 GS6 GA10 GD−4 Pts=6
Chad P8 W0 D3 L5 GS7 GA20 GD−13 Pts=3


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Af..._qualification


Team that have qualified for the Finals:
1) Co-host - Equatorial Guinea
2) Co-host - Gabon
3) Group A Winner - Mali
4) Group B Winner - Guinea
5) Group C Winner - Zambia
6) Group D Winner - Morocco
7) Group E Winner - Senegal
8) Group F Winner - Burkina Faso
9) Group G Winner - Niger
10) Group H Winner - Côte d'Ivoire
11) Group I Winner - Ghana
12) Group J Winner - Angola
13) Group K Winner - Botswana
14) Group K RunnerUp - Tunisia
15) Group A~Group J Best RunnerUp 1 - Sudan
16) Group A~Group J Best RunnerUp 2 - Libya

The draw 4 the finals will take place on 29 October 2011 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
The draw will see the 16 qualified teams being pitted into 4 groups of 4 teams each. The 2 top teams fr each group will qualify 4 the quarter finals with the winners progressing 2 the semi finals & final eventually.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Africa_Cup_of_Nations

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...ailure?cc=4716

South Africa to appeal over ANC
October 9, 2011

The South African Football Association (SAFA) has registered an appeal with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over its side's failure 2 qualify 4 the 2012 African Nations Cup tournament.

South Africa were held 2 a goalless draw against Sierra Leone &, despite finishing top of Group G on goal difference, were denied a place @ the finals. The reason was tat they were tied on 9 points with Sierra Leone & Niger (with Egypt in 4th place) & rule 14.1 of the CAF regulations maintains tat a mini-league betw the concerned teams is the 1st method of separating them. Niger's 6 points fr the games therefore saw them thru.

However, in a letter addressed 2 CAF, the SAFA states: "We hv noted tat CAF has announced tat Niger has qualified in our group, despite South Africa finishing on top of the group in terms of goal difference, which is the universally recognised means of separating teams who r equal on points.

''We understand tat u r using rule 14.1 to make your determination. However, we believe tat the team finishing top of the log @ the end of the competition is automatically determined @ the end of 90 mins play, & tat the 2nd place is determined by the other rules. We will lay out our objection more fully shortly, but in the meantime wish 2 signal tat we intend 2 challenge tis interpretation & application of the rules."

SAFA president Kirsten Nematandani said aft the game: "Do not despair, all is not lost. We believe we hv a case & we will carry tis fight all the way. If CAF's rules r ambiguous then we need 2 challenge tat & we r well within our rights 2 do so. In the meantime be positive, & leave everything in our hands."

South Africa openly celebrated wat they thought was a successful result aft the game b4 being told otherwise, & coach Pitso Mosimane has admitted tat he was in the wrong.

"It's very sad 4 South Africa becos the country deserves 2 be in next year's Nations Cup. I feel like I hv failed," he said. "Do u think I would hv left [striker Lehlohonolo] Majoro on the bench & put on a midfielder if I knew tat we needed a goal? It doesn't make sense.

"Africa is a jungle, my friend. The European & South American formats r so much better becos everything is running smoothly, but it's very difficult 2 play in Africa."

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/columns...add-up?cc=4716

South Africa's sums don't add up
October 10, 2011

The South African football team should not be allowed 2 sing. Last year, when they belted out a tune while walking in2 Pretoria's Loftus Versfeld Stadium 2 play Uruguay in a WC group match, they lost 3-0. On Saturday, when they entertained the crowd with a song 2 celebrate their goalless draw against Sierra Leone in Nelspruit, thinking tat would be enough 2 qualify 4 the African Nations' Cup (ANC), they were wrong. Embarrassingly wrong.

Going in2 the final round of qualifiers, South Africa needed 2 beat Sierra Leone & hope Egypt's youngsters would overcome Niger in order 4 Bafana Bafana 2 qualify 4 next year's ANC. Nothing less than victory, & a favour, would hv seen South Africa thru 2 the continental showpiece but when Egypt were comfortably leading Niger, Bafana Bafana thought a draw would be enough.

South Africa coach Pitso Mosimane decided 2 beef up defensively & introduced midfielders Reneilwe Letsholonyane & Oupa Manyisa & instructed his men 2 guard goal, not go 4 it. The draw would earn South Africa a point, which would give them a total of 9, the same number as Niger & Sierra Leone. With a goal difference of +2, South Africa were under the impression tat they would qualify.

But, CAF hv their own regulations which govern how 2 decide betw teams who finish on equal points in a group. Rule 14.1 states: The team with the "greater number of points obtained in the matches betw the concerned teams" will go thru. Simply put, tat means tat the 1st determinate is the head-2-head record betw teams tat r level on points.

So results against Egypt would not be taken in2 account in a mini-league & since Niger registered wins over both South Africa & Sierra Leone, they had more points (6) & went through. Complicated, but not impossible, 2 understand.

South Africa has a literacy rate of 88%, well above Niger's 28.7%, Sierra Leone's 38% or Egypt's 66.4% but still, they failed 2 read the rules & were baffled when they were told they had missed out on the tournament. South Africa started off confused, then irate, then despairing & then just plain spoilt brat loser-ish when they decided 2 appeal 2 CAF.

"We believe tat the team finishing top of the log @ the end of the competition is automatically determined @ the end of 90 mins play, & tat the 2nd place is determined by the other rules." CAF would do well 2 tell the South African Football Association (SAFA) tat they can believe Johannesburg is in North Africa & the Springboks will win the Rugby World Cup if they choose 2, but it will not matter becos there r rules, not beliefs, in place 2 determine who qualifies 4 the ANC.

"Those rules r wrong," Kirsten Nematandani, SAFA President defiantly told South African television channel eNews. Over the course of the next few days, SAFA will hopefully come up with more coherent arguments. Already, they hv said their superior goal difference should count 4 something, an argument tat could win them friends in some quarters, & tat CAF should design more straightforward rules, a line of attack tat will see them gain even more supporters. It may cause a change somewhere down the line, but it's unlikely 2 make a difference now. Or @ the CAF Under-23 Championship later tis year, the competition which determines who will participate in the Olympics, or 4 the 2014 WC qualifiers. It's of small consolation 4 South Africa tat they automatically qualify 4 the 2013 ANC, as hosts.

Nigeria were the other big name 2 fail to make it 2 the tournament. They drew 2-2 with Guinea in Abuja, causing home fans 2 vent their anger @ the team. The action in the match only started in the 2nd half when Guinea took the lead but, with 6 mins left on the clock, Nigeria were leading 2-1. Guinea equalised just b4 the final whistle with an Ibrahima Traore goal. Nigerian fans went on 2 pelt the team bus with any object they could find. The Super Eagles will not appear @ the continental competition 4 the 1st time since 1996, prompting calls 4 coach Samson Siasa's head.

Chaos ensued all round when striker Peter Odemwingie, who made his return 2 the national side, was quoted in local paper's as blaming a prophet, TB Joshua, 4 making a negative prediction 4 the side. Odemwingie denied making the statements & used his Twitter account 2 quote verses fr The Bible abt no man being an island. Siasa said sorry 2 the Nigerian public, saying his team did their best. "We 1 2 apologise 2 all Nigerians. We hv not qualified 4 the Nations Cup & we take responsibility as a team," Siasia said. "We did our best, we dominated the game, we created chances, but we failed 2 take our chances & we gave up a last minute goal."

Here's a look @ the other groups who made it thru 2 the tournament next year:


GROUP A:
Mali drew 2-2 with Liberia 2 qualify top of the group. Cape Verde's 2-1 in over Zimbabwe put them on equal points with Mali, but Mali go thru with a better head-2-head record. Zimbabwe hv lodged a complaint with FIFA, saying they believe the Mali match was fixed. A newspaper in Liberia reported tat a delegation had been 2 the country 2 fix the match, although no details were given. Zimbabwe said they would play their fixture against Cape Verde "under protest," & await FIFA & CAF's response 2 their grievance.

GROUP B:
Guinea qualified aft their 2-2 draw with Nigeria.

GROUP C:
Zambia & Libya played out a goalless draw & both teams will advance 2 the tournament, Zambia as group winners & Libya as 2nd best runners-up with 12 points fr their 6 matches.
Libya's qualification is particularly noteworthy becos they only played 1 match @ home, due 2 the ongoing revolution in their country. The uprising has had a direct impact on their football team, with 1 player expelled 4 expressing negative thoughts abt the rebels & others refusing 2 play in the new white kit until the country has been liberated. Their coach, Brazil's Manuel Paqueta, has reportedly not been paid in 6 months, but continues 2 lead the team. They declared their draw, & subsequent qualification, a direct result of their 39-year-old goalkeeper Samir Aboud's athletic keeping. Aboud, in turn, dedicated the achievement 2 his country. "My team-mates & I dedicate our qualification 2 all Libyans - 2 our revolution," he said.

Zambia topped the group with 4 wins & see tis tournament as their best chance @ victory on the big stage, as the finals will be missing many continental heavyweights. However, in the aftermath of their win, players hv called 4 coach Dario Bonetti 2 be dismissed, telling the Lusaka Times tat he failed 2 inspire them. The players, who asked 2 remain anonymous, said they only reached the tournament becos of their collective efforts. "After realising tat the coach was not taking us anywhere, we took it upon ourselves 2 ensure we qualify 4 the Africa Cup. It is also important 2 appreciate the input of assistant coach Honour Janza," 1 of them said.

GROUP D:
Morocco beat Tanzania 3-1 to seal their place @ the ANC while the Central African Republic went down 2-0 to Algeria 2 end their dream of qualifying 4 the tournament.

GROUP E:
Senegal had already qualified & beat bottom placed Mauritius 2-0 in a dead rubber. Cameroon, who were not in contention 4 the tournament, managed a 3-2 win over DRC, which counted 4 nothing.

GROUP F:
Burkina Faso drew with Gambia 1-1 in a match tat had no impact on qualification, with Burkina Faso awaiting FIFA's response on an ineligible player b4 rubber stamping their tickets 2 Equatorial Guinea & Gabon.

GROUP G:
South Africa's sour grapes will mean nothing becos Niger r on their way 2 ANC 4 the 1st time.

GROUP H:
Ivory Coast had already qualified & the Toure brothers both found the back of the net in their 2-1 win over Burundi, denying the small nation any chance of sneaking thru. Rwanda beat Benin 1-0 in a match that had no impact on the group.

GROUP I:
Asamoah Gyan & John Mensah gave Ghana a 2-0 win over Sudan, but both teams advance 2 the ANC. Ghana top the group & Sudan r best runners-up with 13 points. Ghana, like Zambia, see tis as an ideal opportunity 2 push 4 continental glory & their FA president, Kwesi Nyantekyie, has demanded a Black Stars triumph. "Fr 2008 when we won bronze we improved in 2010 by winning silver so it is just a matter of course tat we r favs 4 gold n 2012," he said.
Coach Goran Stevanovic was pleased with the way his team performed, esp in the uncomfortable heat, which soared 2 over 40 degrees Celsius. "They were not intimidated by the weather, by the capacity crowd cheering 4 Sudan & by the fact tat they were playing away fr home," he said. "If the boys continue on tis note, I think we will go places in the future."

GROUP J:
Uganda & Kenya played 2 a goalless draw, allowing Angola, who beat Guinea-Bissau 2-0, 2 qualify. Uganda needed a victory 2 go thru & their failure 2 do so places pressure on their Scottish coach Bobby Williamson, who said the match would be a defining 1 4 his career. Williamson is contracted 2 the Ugandan team until the 2014 WC & said he would like 2 see out his tenure.

GROUP K:
Botswana were already thru & Tunisia joined them aft a 2-0 win over Togo. Malawi could hv gone thru, had they beaten Chad away, but they only managed a 2-2 draw. Tunisia's qualification allows coach Sami Trabelsi 2 keep his job, in accordance with his goals-based contract.

[joew2005]

The draw 4 the finals will take place on October 29, 2011 in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.
The draw will see the 16 qualified teams being pitted into 4 groups of 4 teams each. The 2 top teams fr each group will qualify 4 the QFs with the winners progressing 2 the SFs & Final eventually.

The 2 hosts were automatically seeded in2 pot 1. The other 14 qualified teams were ranked based on their performances during the last 3 Africa Cup of Nations.
For each of the last 3 African Cup of Nations final tournaments, the following system of points is adopted for the qualified countries:
Winner 7 pts, Runner-up 5 pts, Losing Semi-finalists 3 pts, Losing Quarter-finalists 2 pts & eliminated in 1st round 1pts.


The teams were then divided into 4 pots based on the ranking.
Each group will contain 1 team fr each pot.

Pot 1
Equatorial Guinea (assigned to A1)
Gabon (assigned to C1)
Ghana (22 pts)
Côte d'Ivoire (17 pts)

Pot 2
Angola (11 pts)
Tunisia (9 pts)
Zambia (9 pts)
Guinea (6 pts)

Pot 3
Mali (5 pts)
Senegal (5 pts)
Morocco (3 pts)
Burkina Faso (3 pts)

Pot 4
Sudan (2 pts)
Libya (1 pt)
Botswana (0 pts)
Niger (0 pts)


Groups A & B will take place in Equatorial Guinea, while Groups C & D will take place in Gabon. All times r West Africa Time (UTC+1).

Group A - Equatorial Guinea, A2, A3 & A4.

Group B - Côte d'Ivoire, B2, B3 & B4.

Group C - Gabon, C2, C3 & C4.

Group D - D1, D2, D3 & D4.


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Africa_Cup_of_Nations

[joew2005]

Current CAF/Fifa ranking: Updated on 19 Oct 2011.

1. Côte d'Ivoire (Fifa 19)
2. Egypt (Fifa 29)
3. Ghana (Fifa 33)
4. Algeria (Fifa 35)
5. Senegal (Fifa 42)
6. Nigeria (Fifa 44)
7. Cameroon (Fifa 47)
8. South Africa (Fifa 49)
9. Burkina Faso(Fifa 54)
10. Morocco (Fifa 56)
11. Tunisia (Fifa 60)
12. Sierra Leone (Fifa 63)
13. Libya (Fifa 65)
14. Cape Verde (Fifa 66)
15. Gabon (Fifa 68)
16. Mali (Fifa 68)
17. Zimbabwe (Fifa 74)
18. Guinea (Fifa 75)
19. Zambia (Fifa 80)
20. Angola (Fifa 86)
21. Malawi (Fifa 87)
22. Uganda (Fifa 88)
23. Botswana (Fifa 89)
24. Togo (Fifa 94)
25. Niger (Fifa 95)
26. Sudan (Fifa 102)
27. Mozambique (Fifa 110)
28. Gambia (Fifa 111)
29. Rwanda (Fifa 112)
30. Benin (Fifa 119)
31. Liberia (Fifa 121)
32. Central African Republic (Fifa 125)
33. Namibia (Fifa 127)
34. Tanzania (Fifa 131)
35. Congo DR (Fifa 133)
36. Kenya (Fifa 135)
37. Ethiopia (Fifa 136)
38. Congo (Fifa 138)
39. Burundi (Fifa 141)
40. Chad (Fifa 152)
41. Equatorial Guinea (Fifa 155)
42. Lesotho (Fifa 162) - Not in CAF 2012 Qualification
43. Madagascar (Fifa 165)
44. Guinea-Bissau (Fifa 167)
45. Swaziland (Fifa 175)
46. Seychelles (Fifa 178) - Not in CAF 2012 Qualification
47. Comoros (Fifa 183)
48. Mauritius (Fifa 189)
49. Eritrea (Fifa 190) - Not in CAF 2012 Qualification
50. Somalia (Fifa 192) - Not in CAF 2012 Qualification
51. Djibouti (Fifa 195) - Not in CAF 2012 Qualification
52. Mauritania (Fifa 200) - Not in CAF 2012 Qualification


http://www.fifa.com/worldfootball/ra...23913&rank=208

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...h-test?cc=4716

Ghana's tough test
October 29, 2011

Ghana hv been handed a fairly difficult draw 4 the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations with West African rivals Mali & Guinea in Group D alongside Botswana.

With champions Egypt & some of Africa's other major powers failing 2 qualify, the tournament also sees former World Cup qualifiers Angola paired with Ivory Coast, Sudan & Burkina Faso in Group B.

Morocco & Tunisia clash in Group C, with debutants Niger who qualified @ the expense of South Africa, & Gabon; while hosts Equatorial Guinea will play the newly liberated Libya, along with Senegal & Zambia.

Meanwhile, Burkina Faso can play in next year's finals aft a protest abt the use of an ineligible player was thrown out, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) said on Saturday.

Groups A & B will take place in Equatorial Guinea, while Groups C & D will take place in Gabon. All times r West Africa Time (UTC+1).

Group A - Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Senegal & Zambia.

Group B - Côte d'Ivoire, Sudan, Burkina Faso & Angola.

Group C - Gabon, Niger, Morocco & Tunisia.

Group D - Ghana, Botswana, Mali & Guinea.


21 January 2012
Group A - Equatorial Guinea vs Libya / Senegal vs Zambia

22 January 2012
Group B - Côte d'Ivoire vs Sudan / Burkina Faso vs Angola

23 January 2012
Group C - Gabon vs Niger / Morocco vs Tunisia

24 January 2012
Group D - Ghana vs Botswana / Mali vs Guinea

25 January 2012
Group A - Libya vs Zambia / Equatorial Guinea vs Senegal

26 January 2012
Group B - Sudan vs Angola / Côte d'Ivoire vs Burkina Faso

27 January 2012
Group C - Niger vs Tunisia / Gabon vs Morocco

28 January 2012
Group D - Botswana vs Guinea / Ghana vs Mali

29 January 2012
Group A - Equatorial Guinea vs Zambia / Libya vs Senegal

30 January 2012
Group B - Sudan vs Burkina Faso / Côte d'Ivoire vs Angola

30 January 2012
Group C - Gabon vs Tunisia / Niger vs Morocco

1 February 2012
Group D - Botswana vs Mali / Ghana vs Guinea


Quarter-finals
4 February - Group A Winner vs Group B Runner-up / Group B Winner vs Group A Runner-up
5 February - Group C Winner vs Group D Runner-up / Group D Winner vs Group C Runner-up


Semi-finals on 8 February –
Group A Winner/Group B Runner-up vs Group C Winner/Group D Runner-up
Group B Winner/Group A Runner-up vs Group D Winner/Group C Runner-up


Finals on 12 February –


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Africa_Cup_of_Nations

[joew2005]

49 DAYS TO KICK OFF OF ACN 2012

Group A - Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Senegal & Zambia.
Group B - Côte d'Ivoire, Sudan, Burkina Faso & Angola.
Group C - Gabon, Niger, Morocco & Tunisia.
Group D - Ghana, Botswana, Mali & Guinea.

21 Jan 2012
Group A - Equatorial Guinea vs Libya / Senegal vs Zambia

22 Jan 2012
Group B - Côte d'Ivoire vs Sudan / Burkina Faso vs Angola

23 Jan 2012
Group C - Gabon vs Niger / Morocco vs Tunisia

24 Jan 2012
Group D - Ghana vs Botswana / Mali vs Guinea

25 Jan 2012
Group A - Libya vs Zambia / Equatorial Guinea vs Senegal

26 Jan 2012
Group B - Sudan vs Angola / Côte d'Ivoire vs Burkina Faso

27 Jan 2012
Group C - Niger vs Tunisia / Gabon vs Morocco

28 Jan 2012
Group D - Botswana vs Guinea / Ghana vs Mali

29 Jan 2012
Group A - Equatorial Guinea vs Zambia / Libya vs Senegal

30 Jan 2012
Group B - Sudan vs Burkina Faso / Côte d'Ivoire vs Angola

30 Jan 2012
Group C - Gabon vs Tunisia / Niger vs Morocco

1 Feb 2012
Group D - Botswana vs Mali / Ghana vs Guinea


Quarter-Finals
4 Feb 2012 - Group A Winner vs Group B Runner-up / Group B Winner vs Group A Runner-up
5 Feb 2012 - Group C Winner vs Group D Runner-up / Group D Winner vs Group C Runner-up


Semi-Finals on 8 Feb 2012 –
Group A Winner/Group B Runner-up vs Group C Winner/Group D Runner-up
Group B Winner/Group A Runner-up vs Group D Winner/Group C Runner-up


Finals on 12 Feb 2012 –


http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2012_Africa_Cup_of_Nations

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...rtlist?cc=4716

Eto'o, Toure lead African award shortlist
December 15, 2011

The final shortlist 4 the 2011 African Footballer of the Year award has been announced, with Samuel Eto'o, Yaya Toure, Andre Ayew, Moussa Sow & Seydou Keita all nominated.

Ivory Coast midfielder Toure is favourite 2 pick up the continental prize 4 the 1st time 4 his role in helping ManC end their 35-year trophy drought, qualify 4 the Champions League 4 the 1st time & rise 2 the top of the Premier League.

But the 28-year-old faces stiff competition, particularly fr Cameroon superstar Eto'o - who won the award last year 4 a record 4th time, ahead of Asamoah Gyan & Didier Drogba.

Senegal striker Moussa Sow is likely 2 be in serious contention, 2, aft topping the Ligue 1 scoring charts in the 2010-11 season with 25 goals, as his club Lille won a league & cup double.

Toure & Eto'o's former Barcelona team-mate Seydou Keita is also among the nominations, aft the Mali midfielder claimed a 2nd Champions League title & 3rd La Liga crown 4 the Catalans in 2011.

Marseille & Ghana star Andre Ayew is the other name on the shortlist & will be hoping 2 follow in the footsteps of his father, African legend Abedi Pele, who won the award 3 times during a glittering career.

The winner, voted 4 by the head coaches or technical directors of the national associations of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), will be revealed @ an awards gala in Ghanaian capital Accra on December 22.

[joew2005]

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...meroon?cc=4716

Eto'o handed 15-match ban
December 17, 2011

Samuel Eto'o has been handed a 15-match ban by Cameroon 4 leading a players strike.

Eto'o, the skipper of the Indomitable Lions, & vice-captain Eyong Enoh were found guilty of encouraging team-mates not 2 travel to Algeria 4 a friendly in November.

"Samuel Eto'o, in his role as captain, incited his team-mates 2 refuse 2 travel 2 Algeria," the Cameroon football federation stated on its official website.

Aft alrdy missing out on next year's African Nations Cup, the prolonged absence of the Anzhi Makhachkala striker will come as a huge blow 2 Cameroon's hopes of qualifying 4 the 2014 World Cup, with their 1st qualifier set 2 take place next June against the Democratic Republic of Congo.

It is understood the Cameroon players were angered aft the federation refused payment 4 their participation in a 4-nation tournament in Morocco earlier in the year. Tottenham's Benoit Assou-Ekotto has since been fined one million CFA francs 4 refusing 2 appear @ the tournament.

Eto'o, Enoh & Ekotto hv been given 10 days 2 lodge an appeal.