TheCable

HOST THROUGH TO KNOCKOUT STAGE     

Javier Balboa’s second-half penalty sent hosts Equatorial Guinea on course to a 2-0 win at the expense of Gabon and qualify for the quarter-finals of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Only a win in this game was enough for the host to book a place in the knockout stage and a Balboa’s spot-kick and a late second goal from Ivan Salvador ensured they advanced to the last eight of the tournament for only the second time.

The opening exchanges were rather slow and cagey with both sides struggling to find their rhythm.

Gabon should have gone ahead in the 20th minute but Africa’s second best player Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s header was saved by Felipe Ovono.

They came close again in the 27th minute after Frederic Bulut’s exchange of passes with Evouna saw him in shooting range but his effort was palmed away by Onovo.

Gabon conceded a rather harsh penalty after referee Noumandiez Doue adjudged Lloyd Palun to have upended Balboa in the box. The player dusted himself and fired his side ahead.

The hosts eventually sealed the win in the 86th minute when Bilbao played in Emilio Nsue, who had his effort saved by Ovono, but substitute Ivan Edu Salvador was on hand to fire into an empty net.

Gabon only needed a point from this game to go through but bowed out after two successive defeats following their opening win over Burkina Faso.

Line-up

Gabon: Ovono, Randy, Da Gracia, Evuy, Sipo, Kike, Zarandona, Ellong, Ivan, Nsue, Balboa.

Equatorial Guinea: Ovono, Palun, Ondele, Ecuele Manga, Obiang, Madinda, Biyogho Poko, Kanga, Bulot, Aubameyang, Evouna

CONGO BOOK FIRST QUARTER FINAL PLACE IN 23 YEARS

Fabrice Ondama’s goal two minutes from time secured a 2-1 for Congo against Burkina Faso in the Orange Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Aristide Bance had cancelled out Thievy Bifouma’s early opener only for Ondama to book a quarter final place for his side – their first since 1992.

Congo’s win and Equatorial Guinea’s 2-0 victory over Gabon saw them top Group A with seven points followed by the host nation in second on five points.

A dull first half saw Burkina Faso dominate proceedings but they couldn’t translate it to goals and were punished in the second 45 minutes.

Bifouma put his side ahead from close range from a right-wing cross by Dore six minutes into the second half.

Burkina Faso brought in Bance and Bertrand Traore to add bite to their attack and the former gave them hope with an 86th-minute strike.

However, Congo substitute Ondama secured their win, after goalkeeper Sanou misjudged a cross.

Line-up

Congo: Mafoumbi, Moutou, Nganga, Baudry, Babele, Bissiki, Ndinga, Oniangue, Litsingi, Koulossa, Ferebory

Burkina Faso: Sanou, Yago, Goua, Koffi, B. Kone, Nakoulma, Kabore, R. Traore, D. Kone, Pitroipa, A. Traore

DAY 10 FIXTURES

JANUARY 26

Group B

Congo DR v Tunisia

Cape Verde Islands v Zambia

AFCON NEWS!

AFFUL EXPECTS TOUGH BAFANA BATTLE

Ghana defender, Harrison Afful, expects a tough duel in their final group game against South Africa at the Orange Africa Cup of Nations on Tuesday.

The Esperance of Tunisia player, who has featured in Black Stars’ two previous games, said the Bafana Bafana will not be walkovers.

“This game is going to be an interesting game and it is not going to be easy for us,” he said.

“They also play good football, just like us, so they will be a very tough side. They [South Africa] have a good league and so the experiences these guys will bring to our team will be shared by all.”

Ghana are second in Group C with four points while South Africa are bottom with a point. Ghana can afford to draw the match but South Africa have to win for any chance of going through.