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This is my official page. My travels around the World? Get the stories here. Latest news? All here...

Off the court with Queen John… Azuoma Dike

27/1/2017

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Written By Queen John

​Thank you for being a part of the previous episodes where I had a chat with Kwara Falcons power forward Femi Adekanye and then Rivers Hoopers vice-captain, Belema Alamina.
 
They both shared their lives outside the court and what they involve themselves with during the season long break.
 
My next episode is on Abidjan Ramblers Guard, Azuoma Dike revealing past experiences in his previous clubs, salaries owed, family and guess what?? He is married and has a son. Laughs! Please stay with me.
 
Please Introduce Yourself?
 
My name is Azuoma Dike born on 7th December, 1989. I am from Amuzari town of Isiala Mbano Local Government Area in Imo State. I am the fourth child out of 7 kids of my parents, five girls and two boys though we lost one of the girls.
I attended Anglican Primary school, Ajegunle Lagos. From there I went to like three or four secondary schools because they were based on scholarship, first it was Obe college on Ojo road, Agege later Gaskia College located at Batia, Ijora also in Lagos before I got another scholarship to move to United Christian school, Apapa Lagos where I rounded up my secondary education.
 
Why Were You Moving Like That?
 
Actually I was moving like that because I started making money early and I was among the first participants of the Nestle Milo Secondary Schools Basketball in 1998. So I had to keep moving from one school to another because of my other team mates in order to maintain the chemistry in the team and beef up the team. I was also very good in other sports. I played table tennis and volleyball.
 
Didn’t These Frequent Moves Affect You Academically?
 
No it didn’t in any way. Alright.
 
So After Secondary School What Was Next For You?
 
I went to one of the Universities in Port Harcourt.
 
Which one? Uniport, UST ?  
 
Please I can’t mention it if you don’t mind. Alright. Well, it’s a long story I don’t like talking about it .
 
Please share it
 
Hmmm……..  Its personal ……….I had to stop schooling for some reasons.
 
What reasons? 
 
Hmmm……. I lost my dad.
 
I am so sorry about that
 
Thanks. I was in 200 level at that time when my dad died in 2005. I had to stop for a while for my brother to continue his education. I had to go hustle for more money to assist the family. You know the Igbos have a tradition which benefits the older ones like in marriages, jobs, inheritance etc. In some parts, when there is no one to sponsor, either the younger or older brother drops out to help out with the family responsibilities.  For me, I had to start making money to sponsor my immediate elder brother.
 
Did Your Dad’s Death Contribute To You Playing Basketball?
 
No. My mum wanted me to play basketball. She bought me my first basketball shoes. Her support for me created a lot of arguments between her and my dad because my dad wanted me to go to school. I lost my dad a year later.
 
Okay. Talk To Me On Your Journey Through Basketball
 
My career started in 2001 in Bayelsa state. I qualified for the National Sports Festival for the Gateway Games in 2006 where we won a silver medal and afterwards I got my appointment letter as a civil servant. That same year, I started playing in the DSTV basketball league, signed for Union Bank basketball Club. I played with players like Ejike Ugboaja, Pastor Solomon etc and so many of them are retired now. In 2009, I played for Lagos Islanders and came second in the league, returned to Union bank in 2010 we came third in the league. Then moved back to the south to play for Royal Hoopers winning the league with them in 2011 and 2012. I also emerged as the most valuable player that year with Hoopers. That same year I was in the gold medal team at the All African Games. I left Port Harcourt, moved back to Dodan Warriors and won the highest scorer for that season in 2013. From there, I moved on to Abuja to play for Mark Mentors were I won the league in 2015 and then returned to Lagos to play in the first African Basketball League (ABL). I played for Abidjan Ramblers of Coted’Ivoire and won the league too.
 
Why Did You Leave The DSTV League To Play For ABL?
 
I had a better offer that’s why I moved on to play in the ABL. I love Dodan Warriors, have friends there, the chemistry is good, they have a plan for upcoming players and I was happy to be part of them but I just had to move on.
 
Any Difference Playing In The ABL And Playing In The DSTV Basketball League?
 
Yes there is. Players need better packaging and welfare. The package we get in the ABL can’t be compared to what we get in the Nigeria Basketball league. A handful of Nigerian League players are not paid more than 30,000 or 40,000 naira in a month. Some of these players are married and have kids. How do you expect such players to cater for their family with this small amount of money? Others are even owed for months and some a year. I have been owed before in my previous club when I used to play for Royal Hoopers. If they would pay me now, it will be close to 2 million naira. That’s huge!
Truly that’s why I left (the then Royal Hoopers not Rivers Hoopers) and I left there angrily without my pay. I was told the money was later released and they refused to pay us. In such situations, how do you want players to feel?   
 
Hmm! quite touching
 
No one could fight for us we even took the matter to the Federation, and nothing was said about it. We went to the club championship and nothing was done. So leaving the Nigerian League to go play in the ABL was the best decision for me. Even when I played for Mark Mentors, they didn’t pay my salaries in full. So how do you want me to fare? I have a family to take care of, pay their bills and funny enough they are not in Nigeria.
 
Where are they?
 
In the United States. What should I tell them? Honey they didn’t pay me for two months, three, I can’t send you money and all that. How do I expect my wife to feel? Some players don’t want to talk to avoid been thrown out of the team which is wrong.
 
Any Plan To Play In The US, Europe Especially Now That Your Family Are Not Here?
 
Why not. I have been denied so many times to play for the national team. After playing at the All Africa Games, I qualified Nigeria for the Afro basket Championship and I was denied from going to the Nations Cup not once, twice or thrice. But I have never given up. I know my worth and I know what it takes to be there. I have played against the American born or US based players they are not better than the local players. They (NBFF) believe if you are from America or grew up there, you must make the team and that’s discouraging to the local players. I can mention notable names in the Nigerian League like Abubakar Usman I respect so much, Stanley Gumut, Matthew Omnonya, Musa Yahaya etc they don’t give us the opportunity.
 
Is That Why You Want To Find Your Way To Europe?
 
No. It’s going to come not that I will find my way there. Because we don’t beg to play basketball it is something we enjoy doing, only a few people benefit from basketball in Nigeria.
 
What Do You Do Outside Basketball?
 
Outside basketball I do fashion and other personal stuff.  I am into Basketball Meets Fashion (BMF) which allows basketball players express their knowledge of fashion outside the court. I also did pant stand model at some point.
 
When Did You Start All That?
 
I started when I was still playing for Royal Hoopers but I had to put a stop to it because my fiancée at that time disliked the way I was exposing my body and showing off to the public or cameras. But right now, I still do the BMF we show off clothing line and how well we look good outside the court on the runway. Sometimes people feel basketball players don’t look good but when we step out of the jerseys, you see the real beauty in us.
 
Are there challenges?
 
No. Not at all
 
Let’s Leave Basketball ,You And Let’s Talk About Marriage And Family
 
Laughs. Okay .
 
Are you married?
 
Yes
 
Any child?
 
Yes a boy. 
 
What’s his name?
 
His name is Griffin.
 
And how old?
 
He will be two years old on May 22.
 
Talking About Your Wife Is She A Nigerian?
 
Yes. She is a Nigerian
 
You Guys Met Here Or Over There In The US?
 
Here in Nigeria
 
So How Was It Like Meeting Her?
 
It is a long story, my wife played basketball in Delta, and she knew me for at least 10yrs and I didn’t know her.
 
Then Finally You Got Together?
 
Yeah!
Can You Tell Me A Little About Her?
 
Ever since I met her, she has been a blessing to me. I never thought I was going to get married so soon until I met her. She is a wonderful woman, my backbone, a lovely woman, a motivation to me and she also loves fashion like me and does fashion too.
 
What State IS She From?
 
She is from Agbor in Delta state
 
How Was It Like Marrying A Fellow Basketball Player? Was It Ever In Your Plans To Marry A Basketball Player?
 
Yes I thought about it. Because my EX was a basketball player, she played for the national team too and we dated for 9yrs. Majority of my previous girlfriends were and are basketball players.
 
So What Happened After Dating Someone For 9yrs And Ended Up Not Marrying Her?
 
We were engaged actually but things were not working the way we expected it and the way I wanted it, so we had to go our separate ways.
 
Is It That She Never Wanted You Anymore?
 
No. Things changed.
 
How Did You Propose To Your Wife? Tell me.
 
The first day I met her, I told her she will be my wife and she never believed it.  I also told her she will be the mother of my kids and she said, “God forbid! You Azuoma, you that I know and girls are always around you”. Till date it still amazes her that we are married and all I said to her happened. It is not all about you having billions before getting married. Sometimes I even encourage my friends to settle down too.
 
She Came Back Here To Do The Marriage And Went Back?
 
Yes
How Do U Cope Staying In Nigeria, Playing Your Basketball And She Is Over There With Your Son?
 
I never planned on staying away from my family like this but there is nothing we can do distance is not a barrier to me because we talk for hours and commitment is there. People don’t believe we can make it work they feel distance is a barrier .It’s not easy not talking with my son, playing with him, and  sometimes I feel like getting close to him and then I realize  the distance is too far and there is nothing I can do.
 
How Often Do You See Them? Is It Monthly Or Yearly?
 
I have not seen them for like two years now?
 
Wow!!!
 
That is the truth, it is not easy but if she wants to come today I can make her do so but it has to be planned.
 
How Are You Coping?
 
I said it is not easy but at the same time it is easy but it depends on the two parties.
 
But Are You Making Plans For The Family To Be Together In Years To Come?
 
No not years to come we are supposed to be together by now but I want them to come when the season is on so that they can watch me play.
 
Any Difference Between When You Were Single And Now You Are Married.
 
Big time! Because then you think like a boy and if you are married there are things you don’t do if you love your family, party like you wish rather you dedicate 90 percent to your family than yourself.
 
Why Do You Think Basketball Players Enjoy Being Single Than Married?
 
Majority of Nigerian guys playing basketball are not doing or earning well, how much are they paying them? 30,000 or 40,000 that is why majority of the guys refuse to get married. Do you know how much a diaper cost now? I can tell you things are expensive in the market now. I used to be a crazy type but getting married calmed me down so much.
 
*Do You Have Any Regrets For Last Year And Plans For 2017?
 
No, 2016 was a great year for me I really appreciate GOD and I know this year will even be better than Last year and I pray for that too for my friends
 
QUEEN JOHN CHALLENGE
 
ABL or DSTV League? ABL
 
Would you have preferred to be a Nigerian or an American? American
 
Partying or Hanging out at home? Home
 
Messi or Ronaldo? Messi
 
Sunny day or Rainy day? Sunny day
 
Cigarette or Alcohol?  Haba!! We must take it once in a while, Alcohol
 
Road Safety or Police? Pleaseoooo, Road Safety
 
Kelvin Durant or Rusell Westbrook? Kelvin Durant
 
Mercedes or BMW? Mercedes
 
House Wife or Career woman? Career woman
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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Ononokono memorial Draughts tournament holds in Rivers State

27/1/2017

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PictureFelix Obuah
Lovers of the game of Draughts are in for a thrill as the Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, Bro. Felix Obuah says arrangements have been concluded to stage a Draft Competition.



The competition would be in honour of his late father, Pa Bethel Obuah who died on Tuesday, August 2, 2016, and would be buried soon.


Bro. Obuah who stated this through a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Jerry Needam said the competition is open to all (males, females), irrespective of their age and state of
origin.


Obuah, who is also the Sole Administrator of the Rivers State Waste Management Agency (RIWAMA), said the preliminary edition of the competition would hold on the 1st of March, 2017, while the grand
finale would hold on the 2nd of March, 2017.


The sports loving PDP boss, who is the Sole Sponsor of Nigerian National Football League (NNFL) Side, Go-Round Football Club of Omoku, revealed that the competition would be tagged ‘Ononokono’ Memorial Draft Competition’, adding that the tag represents his late father’s title as an undisputed champion among the draughts playing community in his native Ogbaland.


Consequently, the Rivers PDP Chairman who also sponsored the first Rivers State Athletics Competition among Secondary Schools in Rivers State is calling on interested participants to indicate their interest and register for the competition which he said carries a ‘mouth watering’ cash prize.


Bro. Obuah further disclosed that the Competition would be an annual event.







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Nigeria Basketball Federation holds AGM, Awards Dinner

27/1/2017

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The Nigeria Basketball Federation, NBBF, will on January 30, 2017 in Abuja hosts its Annual General Meeting to give stakeholders an account of its stewardship in the year 2016.



On January 31, 2017, the federation will also hold an Awards Dinner to recognize, appreciate and honour deserving athletes, administrators, technical officials, sponsors, partners, contributors as well as the Media for their meritorious service and outstanding contribution to the development and growth of the game in Nigeria.


Prominent among those to be honoured are two former presidents of the NBBF, His Royal Majesty, the Gbom Gwom Jos, J.D. Buba and Senator U.K. Umar.


There are also going to be post humous awards to a late Vice President of the Federation, Dr Segun Erinle, late FIBA referee, Chris Obojememe and late National coaches, Danjuma Lemmy Harry and Danjuma Danazumi.


Expected to attend the events are the Youth and Sports Minister, his Information, Culture and National Orientation counterpart as well as members of the National Assembly.


In addition, the annual Refresher Course for all technical officials expected to participate in the federation’s activities for the 2017 season will hold at the National Institute for Sports, NIS Conference Room at the Package B of the Abuja National Stadium from January 31 to February 3, 2017.


At the end of the Course, the officials are expected to undergo an examination with which to grade them in readiness for their effective contribution to the development of the various activities of the federation this year and beyond

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Forget Jammeh, Meet Ecclestone Formula 1 Supremo for 40 years

26/1/2017

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A sport dynasty came tumbling down on Monday as Formula One boss Bernie Ecclestone announced that he was stepping down after 40 years at the helm.

Ecclestone has been involved in the racing sport in some form since the 1950s, starting with a brief driving career then managing drivers but it was in cornering the TV rights sector that he really began his march to absolute power.

A ruthlessly astute business man, he eventually acquired the rights to the sport and went on to sell it, which accounts for most of his personal wealth estimated to be in the region of $2.9 billion.

Those rights -after a number of re-sales that saw Ecclestone charged for corruption in 2014-have now been acquired by Liberty media for $8 billion and with the new owners looking to go in a new direction, he has been forced to step down.

What new direction?


There is a belief that as is the sport is skewed towards a few big teams especially in terms of prize money making it difficult for smaller teams to stay afloat and competitive.

With television audience figures dropping and some of the longest-standing races struggling to fund themselves, also an acceptance that perhaps the sport has lost some of its edge and appeal.


Although Ecclestone has brought the sport a long way as evidenced by its sale value, the new owners believe that they could take it to the next level.

How does this affect you, Nigeria or in fact Africa?

Not very much. Wait, maybe if the tracks became a bit more competitive with drivers pushing each other you could learn more skills to help you keep chancing 'danfo' drivers and 'okada' riders.

More seriously, perhaps the Liberty Media will see their way to reinstating the South African GP, currently Africa is the only inhabited continent without a race.

What's Liberty Media's big plan?

Well the new owners have not revealed anything concrete but initial soundbites from the new CEO Chase Carey indicate an intent to mind into the digital space an area Ecclestone had ignored.

They will also try to secure the future of some venues, but the big one is attempting to create an atmosphere of "20 Super Bowls" around the Formula season.

Very ambitious to say the least, we wish them luck.

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BET ROUNDTABLE: IT'S RAINING CASH

21/1/2017

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By Ikechukwu Chukwu, Samuel Omaenikun and Toritseju Williams

The Big leagues in Europe resume hostilities this weekend once more and this definitely presents an opportunity to make some cool cash while also cheering that favorite team of yours to victory.

Now to serious business here are our best picks for this weekend games. Best of luck but remember no pick is 100 percent......

AFCON

Egypt vs Uganda
(Egypt Win and Under 4.5 goals)

ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY

Liverpool Vs Swansea City
(Liverpool Win and Over 2.5 goals)

Crystal Palace ? - ? Everton
(Everton Win)

Manchester City ? - ? Tottenham Hotspur
( Both Teams To Score/ Yes)

SUNDAY

Arsenal ? - ? Burnley
(Arsenal Win and Under 3.5 goals)

Chelsea ? - ? Hull City
(Chelsea Win, Handicap 0-1)

BUNDESLIGA
Saturday

Augsburg ? - ? Hoffenheim
(Double Chance on Hoffenheim and Over 1.5 goals)

Schalke 04 ? - ? Ingolstadt
(Schalke 04 win)

Sunday

Bayer Leverkusen ? - ? Hertha Berlin
(Under 3.5 goals)

LA LIGA SANTANDER
Saturday

Espanyol ? - ? Granada
(Espanyol Win)

Real Madrid ? - ? Malaga
(Real Madrid Win and Over 2.5 goals)

Sunday

Osasuna ? - ? Sevilla
(Sevilla Win)

Eibar ? - ? Barcelona
(Barcelona Win, Handicap 1-0)

SERIE A
Saturday

AC Milan ? - ? SSC Napoli
(Over 2.5 goals)

Sunday

Juventus ? - ? Lazio

(Juventus Win)

Roma ? - ? Cagliari
(Roma Win and Under 3.5 goals)

FRANCE - LIGUE 1
Saturday

Nantes ? - ? Paris Saint Germain
( PSG Win)

Sunday

Monaco ? - ? Lorient
(Monaco win and Over 1.5 goals)
Lyon ? - ? Marseille

(Both Teams To Score/ Yes)

GOODLUCK!!! And don't forget to send in those testimonies....









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AFCON 2017: Teranga Lions reach next round

20/1/2017

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Senegal became the first team qualify for the knockout stage of the tournament, their first since 2006, after a 2-0 win over Zimbabwe in their Group B Day Two clash on Thursday in Franceville.


Sadio Mane and Henri Saivet each scored in the first half to ensure the Teranga Lions made it two wins out of two, and maintain their status as the only side with a 100 per cent record at the tournament so far.


It is the first time since 2006 that Senegal has gone past the group stage after disastrous outings is in 2008, 2012 and 2015.


The West Africans were by far the better side, clearly outplaying a Zimbabwean side that showed so much promise in their opening match against Algeria last Sunday. It was a disappointing performance from the Southern Africans whose efforts were neutralized by the Senegalese in every department.


Right from the start, it was the Lions all the way firing from all cylinders and it was only a matter of time that the opener would come. Barely four minutes into the game, pacy forward Keita Balde tested the Zimbabwean defence with a shot that missed narrowly.


The Senegal attack consisting of Balde, Mane and Mame Biram Diouf were too tall a mountain for the Zimbabwean backline to handle, largely aided by the midfield dominance of captain Cheikhou Kouyate and Idrisa Gueye.


On nine minutes, Mane tapped in a Keita shot at the far corner for the opener before Saivet doubled the lead four minutes later with a spectacular free-kick just outside the penalty area that left Zimbabwe goalie Tatenda Mkuruva with little to do.


The Lions continued to dominate possession with Balde and Diouf failing to increase the tally until half time.


It was no different in the second half as Senegal remained in control but erratic shooting by Balde and Mane coupled with some superb saves from Mkuruva ensured the scoreline ended with the two goals from the opening half.


Diouf missed a sitter just back from recess and minutes later, Mane saw his shot at goal cleared off the line by Zimbabwe defender Costa Nhamoinesu.


The Warriors best chance at goal was on 71 minutes when Nyasha Mushekwi unleashed a shot that Senegal goalie Abdoulaye Diallo fisted to safety.


The final minutes belonged to the Lions, severally threatening the Zimbabwean rear but Balde and substitute Moussa Sow were denied by Mkuruva.


Senegal next play Algeria in the ultimate Group B match on Monday, 23 January 2017 in Franceville whilst Tunisia battles Zimbabwe in Libreville.


Total Man of the Match
Cheikhou Kouyate (Senegal)


Reactions
Aliou Cisse (Head Coach, Senegal)
The most important thing is that we won. It was the expectation of the whole country (Senegal) and I congratulate the players meeting that expectation. Today we have a generation with so much quality, and as a coach I have to work on changing the mentality which is an important element. The objective is to uplift the level of football on the continent. The result we see now did not start today. It started long ago. I have never doubted the quality of my team. They (players) have to stop putting themselves under pressure and this one aspect I have been working on.
The third match [against Algeria] is as important as all other matches, and we hope to continue on the same path.


Kalisto Pasuwa (Head Coach, Zimbabwe)
We were unsettled in the first 20 minutes. It was two quick goals that unsettled the team and our boys were jittery too. But for the two early goals, we would have seen some good football from my boys. The Senegalese were very physical and due to that one of my key players, Khama (Billiat) was running away from receiving balls. This is the kind of football you should expect at this level. We lost but it is not over.

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AFCON 2017: Tunisia down Algeria to keep hopes alive

20/1/2017

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An own goal by Amir Bensebaini and Naim Sliti in the second half was enough for Tunisia to beat Algeria 2-1 in their Group B Day 2 clash on Thursday in Franceville.



Substitute Sofiane Hanni pulled one back for Algeria in the dying minutes but it was little late as ‘Les Fennecs’ remain without a win at the tournament.


The victory serves a huge boost for the Tunisians, who succumbed to a 0-2 loss to Senegal in the Group B opener last Sunday at the same venue. The Carthage Eagles have three points from two games whilst Algeria has just a point from same number of matches.


It was a closely contested first half with few chances for either side though Algeria was slightly on top in terms of possession.


In the opening minutes, Ayman Mathlouthi was to his side’s rescue with a timely save from a goalmouth action as both sides began to find their feet.


The Etoile du Sahel shot-stopper was on hand again to deny ‘Les Fennecs’ the opener, with a cool save of a Riyad Mahrez shot after his Leicester City teammate Islam Slimani put him through.


Two minutes later, it was at the other end as Hamdi Naguez let go a cross which flew across the face of the Algerian ball, but Wahab Khazri failed to tap in.


Both sides had equal share of dominance until the Carthage Eagles shot into the lead four minutes after recess courtesy a Youssef Msakni cross that deflected off the foot of Algerian defender Bensebaini into the net, leaving goalkeeper Malek Asselah with no option.


It was a perfect start to the second half for the Tunisians, who needed the maximum points to keep their chances of surviving in the competition intact.


Being a goal down, the Algerians were forced to throw more men forward in search of the equalizer. That option will later turn costly leading to the second goal of the Tunisians. A feeble header back pass by Faouzi Ghoulam was intercepted by Khazri, and with only Asselah to beat, the latter was tripped by Ghoulam for a penalty.


Midfielder Sliti, whose wife is Algerian, made no mistake by sending Asselah the wrong way for the second goal on 65 minutes.


Few minutes later, Algeria coach George Leekens brought on forward Baghdad Bounedjah for Rachid Ghezzal to strengthen his attack.


Seven minutes from time, an Algerian attack involving Slimani, Bounedjah and substitute Sofiane Hanni saw Tunisian defender Ayman Abdennour intercepting Slimani’s goalbound shot.


With four minutes remaining, Tunisian goalie Mathlouti was pulled out after sustaining an injury, with Rami Jeridi his replacement.


Tried as the Algerians did, they could get a consolation through Hanni, who slammed home from a Adlene Guediora cross in added-on time.


Total Man of the Match
Youssef Msakni (Tunisia)


Reactions
George Leekens (Head Coach, Algeria)
It is a fact that we lost today. We started well and were very motivated, but along the line, we were undone by two individual mistakes. Both goals were avoidable and we were also not efficient in front of goal. We know how to play, but there were a lot of costly individual errors. Collectively, we played well but the problem was the transition from defence to attack, and the problem of balance as well. Sometimes, you also need a bit of luck in matches, and today we were unlucky.


Henri Kasperczak (Head Coach, Tunisia)
Today was a different game compared to the one against Senegal (which we lost 0-2). The team recovered physically after the defeat to Senegal and there were a lot of positives from that match. We made the maximum out of the situation. We were efficient today and managed to score, which is the only way you can win matches. Algeria played well, unfortunately things did not work out for them. We can always go far as long as we take our chances in every game. 

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AFCON 2017: Egypt goalkeeper, El Hadary makes history

18/1/2017

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​Egypt and Mali served up a goaless game in the final first round game of the AFCON 2017, but 44 year old Essam El Haday made history anyway.


The veteran goalkeeper wrote a new chapter in history when he replaced injured first keeper, El Shenawy to become the oldest ever player to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations finals.


Starting from the bench, it appeared El-Hadary would have to wait for another day to etch his name in the Africa Cup of Nations folklore, but after 23 minutes, he replaced injured Ahmed El Shenawy to become the oldest ever player to take part in AFCON at the age of 44 years and 2 days.


The game started on a quick note, and Egypt's Marwan Mohsen had the first chance after four minutes. The Al Ahly forward reacted faster to a Mohamed Salah pass, but couldn't find the back of the net.


Mali almost responded when Lassana Coulibaly soared above the Egyptian defenders, but his header was saved El Shenawy. But the save turned out to be costly as the latter injured himself in the process and was forced to leave the field, making way for history maker El Hadary.


Mali was the better side for the rest of the first half, with Coulibaly and Moussa Marega being their most dangerous men. Egypt's best chance fell to Mohamed El Neny, who saw his shot going just over the bar.


Egypt resumed stronger, and once again it was Mohsen who had the first chance eight minutes after the break. Winger Mahmoud 'Trezeguet' Hassan paced through his markers, and his cross found Mohsen's header, but for Mali's goalkeeper Oumar Sissoko who fully stretched to save the ball.


The game saw no more real chances for both sides, as Mali tried to clinch a late winner but without much success.


Ghana leads the pack of Group D with three points having defeated Uganda with a lone goal earlier. Egypt and Mali follow with one point each with Uganda at the bottom pointless.


Total Man of the Match
Moussa Marega (Mali)


Reactions:
Hector Cuper (Head Coach, Egypt)
It was a very difficult game. We tried to control the ball in the first half but we suffered because of the Malians physical players. We were better in the second half but at the end my players were very tired because the weather was very humid. It was my wish to win the game. We always try to win all our games. The next two matches will be more difficult, but we will do our best to win both.
I still don't know how serious Ahmed El Shenawy’s injury is. I believe it's getting complicated because our third goalkeeper Sherif Ekramy is also injured. But we will see tomorrow and assess the situation.


Alain Giresse (Head Coach, Mali)
We hoped to do better and win the match, but we couldn't. I believe we will be better in the next match. Egypt is a big team and not an easy team to play against, but we did our best and I'm satisfied. We know it is a difficult group and we will do our best against our next opponents. This is our first match and we played to win. When you don’t win you must not lose either.



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AYEW'S STRIKE ENOUGH FOR BLACK STARS

18/1/2017

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Andre Ayew's first half goal from the spot was all Ghana needed to start their campaign on a positive note, beating Uganda 1-0 in their Group D opener on Tuesday in Port Gentil.


The West Ham United winger Ayew kept his nerves to score what proved to be the game's only goal from the spot after 32 minutes.


The Black Stars took an early lead in the group, waiting the secong game between Mali and Egypt later at the same venue.


Uganda who are returning to the continent's flagship tournament after a 39-year absence started the game on a high note, and Tony Maweje saw his long range effort causing no problems to Ghana's goalkeeper Razak Brimah.


But Ghana took the upper hand from now on, with winger Christian Atsu being the master of his side's speedy attacks. Atsu provided Andre Ayew, his brother Jordan and captain Asamoah Gyan with numerous crosses that missed the target every time. The West Africans best chance fell to the Ayew brothers, when Jordan beat his marker to find Andre, but the latter's shot was stopped by Denis Onyango in thee Uganda post.


After 31 minutes, Atsu passed to Gyan who was fouled inside the vital area by Isaac Insinde, and from the spot Andre Ayew made no mistake.


The second half was a different story as Uganda waved off their first half shaky performance to threat Ghana's defense more than once. Maweje, Farouk Miya and captain Geofrey Masa all tried their luck but missed the clinical touch.


And the last word was to be Atsu's once again, as the winger weaved past his marker to strike, but for Onyango to make the save five minutes from time.


Total Man of the Match.
Christian Atsu (Ghana)


Reactions:


Milutin 'Micho' Sredojevic (Head Coach, Uganda)


We haven't been here for 39 years. In the first half, we had what I call stage fright. We comitted a mistake that I cannot explain and Ayew scored. At halftime, we needed to awaken the players so that they believe we can play in tournaments like this. We made a risk at the latter stages playing 3-2-5 but it didn't work. I am very proud of my team and will not look for individual mistakes. My team has shown that we have the technical and physical ability but we still have to work more. We will play against giants Egypt and Mali and we will make sure to give 200% of our efforts.


We came with a mission to prove that we didn't qualify by accident, and I beleive we showed that. We showed that we can play even for more than 90 minutes. But sometimes there are some naive mistakes maybe because of the pressure of being a goal down. I have learnt that at this level of competition we cannot make silly mistakes like what we've done and we will not do that against Egypt and Mali.


We have done everything to get a good result and this have been a great lesson for us. We showed we are capable to play against the best. I congratulate Ghana who are always a top team. We will have two key players back from suspension and I believe we can do better against Egypt.




Avram Grant (Head Coach, Ghana)


I'm happy with the three points. We could have played better but winning is the most important in tournaments like this. We had to take on the pressure in the second half but at the end of the day I am happy.


Uganda is a very tough team and playing against them is never easy. We got a few chances but we won. The second game will be different but there are no easy games in this tournament.


We shall wait and see Baba Rahman's injury. It is only the first game and the most important is to win. Andre and Jordan Ayew had a good team. In the second half we were a bit fatigued and the players wanted to keep the threee oints, and we played in a clever way to win the game.

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AFCON 2017: Mahrez brace saves the day for Algeria

16/1/2017

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Picture
Midfielder Riyad Mahrez scored in either half as Algeria came from behind to hold Zimbabwe to a 2-2 draw in their Group B clash on Sunday in Franceville.
 
The England-based star scored eight minutes from time to snatch a vital point for ‘Les Fennecs’ against a determined Zimbabwean side, who have themselves to blame for failing to make the most of the encounter.
 
Considered underdogs in the group, the Warriors proved that they are not here to add to the numbers, and almost broke the deadlock after only 10 minutes when dangerman Khama Billiat tested the Algerian defence with his surging runs upfront.
 
Billiat outwitted his marker but Rais Mbolhi denied him with his feet for the first corner of the match.
 
Two minutes later, ‘Les Fennecs’ broke the deadlock through African Player of the Year, Mahrez, with a curling shot that left Tatenda Mkuruva with little to do. Slimani profited from a blunder by the Zimbabwe midfield, and fetched Mahrez, who fired past Mkuruva.
 
The Warriors responded in style and levelled five minutes later through Kudakwashe Mahachi, who struck a low shot that beat Mbolhi for a deserving equalizer.
 
It took five minutes for the Zimbabweans to take the lead through Nyasha Mushekwi from the spot after Mokhtar Belkhither felled his marker in the vital area.
 
The Southern Africans resumed on the same momentum and Billiat almost made it a two-goal lead for his side in the opening minutes, only for Mbolhi to stretch his full limit to save the goal bound effort.
 
On the hourmark, Amr Bensebaini was unlucky to see his header hit the crossbar from a Faouzi Ghoulam corner, as Algeria gradually took control of the game.
 
All was not finished for Zimbabwe and nine minutes from time, substitute Cuthbert Malajila missed a golden opportunity to take the game beyond the North Africans. With only Mbolhi to beat and with Billiat unmarked, Malajila went for goal and was denied by Mbolhi with his feet.
 
On 82 minutes, Mahrez made amends for his earlier misses with a shot that beat Mkuruva to earn his side a point.
 
Reactions:
Georges Leekens (Head Coach, Algeria)
 
This is just the first match and first matches are always difficult in any major competition. We had a bad first half and it affected our game plan. We resumed stronger in the second half and managed to equalize. Zimbabwe was always going to be difficult. There are no small teams here. We made mistakes in the first half that allowed Zimbabwe to play. The penalty was also a huge mistake. We have one point and we will hope to have the three points in the next matches.
 
Kalisto Pasuwa (Head Coach, Zimbabwe)
 
Getting a point against Algeria will motivate the players to do better in the next match. We sat too deep though we were catching them on the break. At this level, you have to be clinical in front of goal to win matches. It was only nine minutes to the end and they equalized. Our objective is to reach the second round and we will work towards that.   


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