Sports

AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: Indomitable Lions, Super Eagles win after chaotic build-ups

8, September 2024

AFCON 2025 Qualifiers: Indomitable Lions, Super Eagles win after chaotic build-ups 0

Former champion Nigeria and Cameroon put chaotic build-ups behind them on Saturday to make winning starts in 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying.

Ademola Lookman, the lone African nominee for the 2024 Ballon d’Or men’s award, scored twice and reigning African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen once as Nigeria beat Benin 3-0 in Uyo.

Veteran Vincent Aboubakar, leading scorer at the 2022 AFCON with eight goals, netted in the second half to earn Cameroon a 1-0 victory over Namibia in Garoua.

In the other qualifier on the final day of matchday one action, Mauritania edged Botswana 1-0 in Group C thanks to a late Sidi Amar goal in Nouakchott.

After agreeing to coach Nigeria, German Bruno Labbadia did a last-minute u-turn when the national football federation declined to pay the tax on his undisclosed monthly salary.

Augustine Eguavoen was named caretaker coach of a team still smarting from a stunning mid-year 2026 World Cup qualifying loss to Benin, which lies 52 places lower on the world rankings.

The interim boss watched anxiously as the Super Eagles did not translate territorial supremacy into goals until first-half added time, when Lookman struck.

Osimhen, who join Galatasaray on loan this week after a hoped-for move to either Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain or Saudi side Al Ahly did not materialise, came off the bench to net on 78 minutes.

As huge gaps appeared in the defence of demoralised Benin, Lookman struck again with seven minutes of regular time remaining to take Nigeria top of Group D, two points above Rwanda.

Rows over the match venue and which players would represent Cameroon overshadowed preparations for the Group J fixture against Namibia.

Initially set for Douala, the fixture was moved to Yaounde by the sports ministry, then Garoua by the national football federation, which former Barcelona star Samuel Eto’o heads.

Cameroon Prime Minister Joseph Ngute intervened and ordered the game to be played in the northwestern city of Garoua, but the drama did not end there.

Four-time African Footballer of the Year Eto’o threatened to field the national under-20 team against Namibia instead of the senior side as a power struggle with the ministry continued.

The federation then had to wait until the morning of the match before receiving the passports of the senior players in order to create an official team sheet.

Victory lifted Cameroon to the top of the table, two points above Zimbabwe and Kenya, who drew 0-0 on Friday.

Source: Sportsstar

Cameroon Football: Why is Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi very desperate?

7, September 2024

Cameroon Football: Why is Minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi very desperate? 0

For a long time now, Cameroonians have been watching a very unsettling movie wherein the key actors are the country’s sports minister Narcisse Mouelle Kombi; the Indomitable Lions coach Marc Brys and the President of the football federation (FECAFOOT), Samuel Eto’o.

The movie has gone round the globe and many people are very unhappy with what is happening to Cameroon’s football. Many people around the world see Cameroon as a great footballing nation but this image seems to belong to the past.

The fighting has reduced Cameroon’s image abroad and many think that the country’s days as a football giant in Africa now belong to the past. But that past was characterized by corruption at the football federation.

Since taking charge of football affairs, the global icon, Samuel Eto’o has been shutting down all the loopholes which have helped many involved in Cameroon’s football management to become illicitly rich.

This decision has hurt many, especially the sports and physical education minister, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, who holds that this is the time for him to feather his nest.

He has woven a team comprising journalists, influencers, former players who were enjoying benefits they did not deserve and other enemies of the FECAFOOT president for them to fight and send Samuel Eto’o out of the federation. Samuel Eto’o is bad news to Mouelle Kombi and his cronies.

Initially, Mouelle Kombi thought it was going to be an easy battle. He did not know that he had a tough cookie in front of him. As the fighting continues so do Mouelle Kombi and his friends in crime get deeper into desperation and poverty.

Mouelle Kombi has children abroad and many are studying in expensive universities and this bruising conflict with Samuel Eto’o, a man with a huge war chest, is destroying the Biya acolyte both financially and psychologically, especially as the calls for school fees are incessant and threatening.

It is not just the business of school fees that is keeping the 62-year-old Mouelle Kombi awake. A massive multi-apartment structure he has been erecting in Yaoundé has come to a screeching halt. Money from FECAFOOT has vanished with the arrival of Samuel Eto’o who does not admire corruption in any way, shape or form.

Professor Mouelle Kombi’s phone is permanently off the hook as his numerous girlfriends, many of whom are living in Europe and Canada, keep on calling to report that their rents are due. Mouelle Kombi is in trouble right up to his eyeballs.

Minister Kombi knows that without money, those girlfriends of his will be gone. Money is to women what honey is to bees. Mouelle Kombi does not want to lose them, but with Eto’o at the helm in FECAFOOT, it is clear that Mouelle Kombi will be financially emasculated.  The fighting is costing him his reputation, health and peace of mind.

A source close to the learned professor who is also a practicing lawyer but who has also morphed into a practicing liar says that Mouelle Kombi is losing his mind.

Before boarding the flight to Garoua where the match against the Brave Warriors of Namibia has to be played, the learned professor could be heard screaming over the phone after a call came through. It was a lady in Paris who was mounting pressure on Mouelle Kombi for him to send money.

Her rents were due and from every indication, Mouelle Kombi is cash-strapped. Despite his attempts to explain to the lady that things would be fine, the lady kept on pressurizing him, cautioning that she could be homeless in the coming weeks if Mouelle Kombi did not send money. Mouelle Kombi is in trouble and he knows with an enemy like Eto’o, the future will only continue to be bleak.

The source added that the professor who was considered to be taciturn is today talking but unfortunately to himself. Eto’o’s poison has hit the minister where it hurts the most. To douse his pain, the professor now drinks and it was surprising that last week he lost control of himself and started asking Marc Brys for a cigarette.

The source furthered that some people are advising the minister to negotiate with Eto’o. The minister does not want to swallow his pride but if he does not change his mind, he will be pushed to the edge of a financial precipice.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

Indomitable Lions: Eto’o 1, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi 0

5, September 2024

Indomitable Lions: Eto’o 1, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi 0 0

An impasse in Cameroon’s national men’s football team has been overcome following mediation efforts by the country’s Prime Minister, Joseph Dion Ngute, state media Crtv said on Wednesday.

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon will host Namibia on Saturday in its opener of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier but their training camp has been marred by a wrangle between Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) and the country’s Ministry of Sports and Physical Education over the venue of the training camp and stadium where the match will take place.

“FECAFOOT wants the match to be played in the town of Garoua while the ministry wants the match to be played in the capital Yaounde. The players were divided and confused. Instead of training, they are attending crisis meetings,” said football analyst, Jean Claude Wakam.

Ngute met with the players and government officials on Wednesday and stated that the match “will be played wherever CAF (Confederation of African Football) decides and where the stadium is and in good shape”, Crtv reported.

The CPDM team has now agreed to play the game in Garoua after the mediation efforts.

Crisis erupted in Cameroon football since April after the country’s Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi announced the appointment of 61-year-old Marc Brys as head coach. FECAFOOT said it did not agree with the appointment because it “was not involved in the procedure leading to the appointment”.

Both bodies have since tussled over who is in charge of the Indomitable Lions.

Cameroon will play Namibia on Saturday and face Zimbabwe three days later in Kampala.

The country is placed in Group J of the qualifiers, along with Namibia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe.

The 35th edition of AFCON will take place in Morocco next year.

Source: Xinhuanet

CPDM Minister of Football lands in Garoua

5, September 2024

CPDM Minister of Football lands in Garoua 0

Cameroon’s Minister of Football, Professor Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, has landed in Garoua in Cameroon’s northern region where the country’s national team, the Indomitable Lions is expected to clash with the Brave Warriors of Namibia.

Mr. Mouelle Kombi, who is supposed to be the country’s Sports and Physical Education Minister, but has opted to focus on football, was on the same flight with the players and their coach. He has to be by the team to keep on manipulating the players. But his intrigues are known and the players are sick and tired of his stupidity.

Prof. Mouelle Kombi and Coach Marc Brys had vowed that they would not go to Garoua for the match, but they have been obliged by circumstances to eat their own words. It is FECAFOOT that manages football in Cameroon and not the ministry of sports.

The minister who has sown chaos in all other federations wants to take control of FECAFOOT because of the money in football. His plan will not work as he has met someone who knows his rights and wants to clean up FECAFOOT. Cameroonians are smart enough to see through Mouelle Kombi’s charade.

Kombi, whose presence in Garoua is not necessary, is there because he wants to ensure that the technical team he appointed gets access to the stadium. But his team will not sit at the coaching stand because the names of the members of that team are not on the match forms.

Kombi is already staring down the barrel of defeat. He will soon be kicked out of government and he will be remembered for the chaos he has sown in the ministry of sports.

Supposedly a practicing lawyer, Mouelle Kombi has, over the years morphed into a practicing liar just because he wants to feather his nest.

By Soter Tarh Agbaw-Ebai

Ballon d’Or: Messi and Ronaldo left out, Spain dominates as nominee list revealed

5, September 2024

Ballon d’Or: Messi and Ronaldo left out, Spain dominates as nominee list revealed 0

For the first time since 2003, neither Argentina’s Lionel Messi nor Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo feature as nominees for the Ballon d’Or, while Olympic champions Spain and Champions League winners Real Madrid headline the list of players vying for football’s most prestigious individual award.

Lionel Messi will not win another Ballon d’Or this year after being left out of the nominees revealed by organisers on Wednesday, as stars of Spain’s Euro 2024-winning team and Real Madrid’s Champions League victors feature heavily.

Messi claimed the eighth Ballon d’Or of his glittering career last year. Now aged 37, he is not among the 30 contenders this time despite winning another title with Argentina at the Copa America in July.

The former Barcelona superstar, now playing club football in MLS for Inter Miami, was also missing from the nominees in 2022 when Karim Benzema took the honours.

However, he returned to win last year after leading Argentina to glory at the World Cup in Qatar.

The most prestigious individual award in football is voted for by a jury of journalists from each of the top 100 countries in FIFA’s world ranking.

Brazil forward Vinicius Junior is among the favourites and is one of six members of the Madrid team that won La Liga and the Champions League last season to be nominated.

Jude Bellingham, Dani Carvajal, Toni Kroos, Antonio Ruediger and Fede Valverde are the others, while Kylian Mbappe — who left Paris Saint-Germain for Real over the close season — features too.

Carvajal is among the contenders from the victorious Spain team alongside Alejandro Grimaldo, Dani Olmo, Rodri, Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal.

Manchester City’s Norwegian star Erling Haaland and England and Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane are on the list as well, but there is no place for five-time winner Cristiano Ronaldo, now 39.

Xabi Alonso, who won the Bundesliga in an unbeaten season with Bayer Leverkusen, is among the favourites for best coach.

His rivals include Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti and Spain’s Luis de la Fuente.

Meanwhile, Aitana Bonmati of Barcelona and Spain will hope to retain the women’s Ballon d’Or.

Former winners Ada Hegerberg and Alexia Putellas are also nominated, along with five members of the United States’ Olympic gold medal-winning team in Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, Trinity Rodman, Lindsey Horan and goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher.

The Ballon d’Or ceremony is due to take place in Paris on October 28.

Source: AFP

Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei dies days after being set alight by ex-boyfriend

5, September 2024

Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei dies days after being set alight by ex-boyfriend 0

Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died days after being doused in petrol and set on fire by a former boyfriend.

The 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner, who competed in the recent Paris Olympics, had suffered extensive burns after Sunday’s attack.

The authorities in north-west Kenya, where Cheptegei lived and trained, said she was targeted after returning home from church with her two daughters.

Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, said that he had lost a “very supportive” daughter. Fellow Ugandan athlete James Kirwa told the BBC about her generosity and how she had helped out other runners financially.

A report filed by a local administrator alleged the athlete and her ex-partner had been wrangling over a piece of land. Police say an investigation is under way.

Cheptegei, from a region just across the border in Uganda, is said to have bought a plot in Trans Nzoia county and built a house to be near Kenya’s elite athletics training centres.

Attacks on women have become a major concern in Kenya. In 2022 at least 34% of women said they had experienced physical violence, according to a national survey.

“This tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need to combat gender-based violence, which has increasingly affected even elite sports,” Kenya’s Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said.

Source: BBC

FECAFOOT rallies support for Indomitable Lions ahead of AFCON Qualifier

3, September 2024

FECAFOOT rallies support for Indomitable Lions ahead of AFCON Qualifier 0

The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) is intensifying efforts to mobilize public support for the Indomitable Lions ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifier against Namibia on September 7. The match, which will take place at the Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua, marks the beginning of the 2025 AFCON qualifying campaign. FECAFOOT has launched a social media campaign, urging Cameroonians to unite behind the national team.

On August 30, the federation posted a visual on its Facebook page highlighting the significance of the event with the slogan: “One date, one place, one stake.” This post is part of a broader strategy aimed at mobilizing the Cameroonian public and creating an electrifying atmosphere for the Indomitable Lions during the match.

The federation also released a 53-second video calling for a “sacred union” among the Cameroonian people to support the national team in Garoua. The video aims to spark enthusiasm and encourage widespread mobilization to back the players in their encounter with Namibia. Additionally, Fecafoot shared a visual in Fufulde, a language widely spoken in the northern part of the country, to directly engage local communities and strengthen the sense of unity and support around the team.

This media blitz comes amid confusion and disagreement over the choice of venue for the match. Fecafoot, under the leadership of Samuel Eto’o, chose the Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua, citing more favorable weather conditions and support from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Namibian Football Association. However, the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi, suggested the match should be held in Yaoundé, the capital. “It has been decided that, in accordance with the high directives of the Presidency of the Republic regarding the proper organization of the match, the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé-Mfandena, which is in good functional condition, is, in the current context, the best suited to host this important event,” the minister stated in a communiqué issued on August 23, following a preparatory meeting for the match held at his ministry.

On August 30, Fecafoot revealed the list of 24 players called up by head coach Marc Brys for the matches against Namibia and Zimbabwe (on September 10). The press conference scheduled for this announcement was canceled due to the “unavailability” of the Belgian coach, according to the federation. The Indomitable Lions’ training camp was set to begin yesterday, September 2, 2024. Cameroon is in Group J, alongside Namibia, Kenya, and Zimbabwe.

Source: Sbbc

Eto shines as Cameroon fights back in U-20 Women’s World Cup opener

1, September 2024

Eto shines as Cameroon fights back in U-20 Women’s World Cup opener 0

Cameroon marked their FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup debut with a spirited 2-2 draw against Mexico in their Group A opener in Colombia on Saturday thanks to a brace by Naomi Eto.

The Indomitable Lionesses, representing the hopes of a continent, found themselves on the back foot early when Paola Garcia headed Mexico into the lead after just three minutes at the Estadio Nemesio Camacho in Bogota.

Despite hitting the woodwork twice through Atcha Toko Njoya and Naomi Eto, Cameroon’s first-half woes deepened as Montserrat Saldivar doubled Mexico’s advantage before the break.

However, the second half saw a transformed Cameroonian side emerge. The catalyst for their comeback was the irrepressible Eto, who took the game by the scruff of the neck.

Her first goal, a display of composure and skill as she rounded the Mexican goalkeeper, ignited Cameroon’s resurgence.

With the clock ticking down and Cameroon hopes hanging in the balance, Eto rose highest in the 85th minute to power home a header.

The goal not only secured a precious point for the Indomitable Lionesses but also announced Eto as a new star of African football as she was named the Player of the Match.

This result marks a historic moment for Cameroon but also sends a strong message about the quality of the side in the competition.

The draw breaks Mexico’s streak of wins in opening matches, underlining the competitive nature of this Cameroonian side.

Looking ahead, Indomitable Lionesses will face hosts Colombia in their next group match.

Source: CAF.online

Ivorian defender, Sol Bamba, dies aged 39

1, September 2024

Ivorian defender, Sol Bamba, dies aged 39 0

Tributes have been pouring in for former Ivory Coast defender, Sol Bamba, who has died at the age of 39.

Turkish club Adanaspor, where he was technical director, made the announcement on Saturday saying he had fallen ill before a match the day before.

Bamba made 46 appearances for his country, representing it at the 2008 Olympics and in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

He also played for the likes of Cardiff City, Leeds United, and Leicester City and had spells at Italian side Palermo, Scottish clubs Dunfermline Athletic and Hibernian, and Turkish side Trabzonspor.

In a post on X, Cardiff City which Bamba helped to clinch promotion to the Premier League in his first full season, described him as “a true gentleman” and called his impact on it “immeasurable”.

Bamba was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in 2021 while at Cardiff, but was declared cancer-free after a course of chemotherapy.

He returned to play for two English clubs before retiring in January 2023.

Bamba then went on to coach, first as assistant manager at Cardiff before taking up the post of technical director at Adanaspor.

His wife, Chloe, also paid tribute to him on Instagram saying while he fought the cancer head on with stoicism, it was never a fair fight.

“These years have been indescribably difficult but we still managed to find joy and laughter in it,” she said, adding that it had been an “honour to have loved and been loved by Sol”.

Source: Africa News

“Take care of yourself and your life and live it. Bye.” Manager Eriksson dies aged 76

26, August 2024

“Take care of yourself and your life and live it. Bye.” Manager Eriksson dies aged 76 0

Former England manager Sven-Goran Eriksson has died at the age of 76.

Eriksson, the first non-British manager of the England team, led the Three Lions to the quarter-finals at three major tournaments during his five-year spell in charge between 2001 and 2006.

In January, Eriksson said he had “at best” a year to live after being diagnosed with cancer.

His children, Lina and Johan, said on Monday: “Our father Sven-Goran Eriksson fell asleep peacefully in his home at Bjorkefors outside Sunne this morning. He has for a long time fought bravely with his illness, but now it came to an end.

“Dad told us at the beginning of this year about his serious illness and received an amazing response from friends and football fans around Europe.

“He was invited to several football teams in England, Italy, Portugal and Sweden. They shared their love for football and for dad.

“It was unforgettable for both him and us. He expressed his appreciation and joy and stated that such beautiful words are usually only uttered when someone has died.

“We hope that you will remember Svennis as the good and positive person he always was both in public and at home with us.”

Eriksson managed 12 clubs, including Manchester City, Leicester, Roma and Lazio, winning 18 trophies.

The Swede also had spells in charge of Mexico, Ivory Coast and the Philippines.

After retiring as a player at the age of 27, he began his managerial career with Degerfors in 1977 before joining fellow Swedish side Gothenburg, where he won the league title, two domestic cups and the 1982 Uefa Cup.

He then went on to enjoy two spells with Portuguese giants Benfica as well as managing Italian sides Roma, Fiorentina, Sampdoria and Lazio – where he won seven trophies including the Serie A title, two Italian Cups and the European Cup Winners’ Cup.

‘Don’t be sorry, smile’

Following his diagnosis, Eriksson spent the year visiting some of his former clubs, including Lazio and Sampdoria.

In March the Swede, a lifelong Liverpool fan, helped lead a Liverpool Legends team which beat an Ajax Legends side 4-2 at Anfield.

He shared a poignant message at the end of his new documentary ‘Sven’, which was released earlier this month.

In the closing scene of the Amazon film, Eriksson says: “I had a good life. I think we are all scared of the day when it is finished – when we die.

“But life is about death as well. You have to learn to accept it for what it is.

“Hopefully at the end, people will say: ‘Yeah, he was a good man.’ But everyone will not say that. I hope you will remember me as a positive guy trying to do everything he could do.

“Don’t be sorry, smile. Thank you for everything – coaches, players, the crowds. It has been fantastic. Take care of yourself and your life and live it. Bye.”

‘A true gentleman of the game’

Former England striker Michael Owen described Eriksson as “one of the very best” and “a man who will be sadly missed by everyone in the world of football”.

The Prince of Wales, who is president of the Football Association, said: “Sad to hear about the passing of Sven-Goran Eriksson.

“I met him several times as England manager and was always struck by his charisma and passion for the game. My thoughts are with his family and friends. A true gentleman of the game.”

FA chief executive Mark Bullingham said: “This is a very sad day. He gave all England fans such special memories.

“Sven will be rightly recognised and forever remembered for his significant work with the England team, and for his wider contribution to the game.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said: “Deeply saddened to hear that Sven-Goran Eriksson has passed away.

“He will be remembered for his tremendous contribution to English football which brought joy to so many over the years. Our thoughts are with his family.”

Fifa lowered Sweden’s flag to half mast at its headquarters, and president Gianni Infantino said: “As a coach, Sven-Goran was both a great innovator and a true ambassador of our beautiful game.

“As a football person, he always led with enthusiasm and with a smile. On behalf of Fifa and our global community, I send my condolences to Sven-Goran’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

One of Eriksson’s most famous results as England boss was a 5-1 win over Germany in Munich to help the Three Lions qualify for the 2002 World Cup

Eriksson resigned as Lazio manager in January 2001 to succeed Kevin Keegan as England boss.

He revived a flagging 2002 World Cup qualifying campaign to secure their place at the tournament in Japan and South Korea, including a stunning 5-1 victory over Germany in Munich.

The Three Lions defeated Argentina 1-0 in the group stage at that tournament but were beaten 2-1 by eventual winners Brazil in the quarter-finals. They would also reach the last eight two years later at Euro 2004, before losing to hosts Portugal on penalties.

In January 2006, after securing England’s place at that summer’s World Cup, it was announced Eriksson was to leave following the tournament in Germany despite having two years left on his contract.

No official reason was given for his departure at the time, although the Swede had come under pressure after being caught in a newspaper sting by a tabloid journalist.

England went on to reach the quarter-finals again but were beaten once more by Portugal on penalties.

Eriksson’s years as England manager were marked by stories about private life, including newspapers revealing relationships with television presenter Ulrika Jonsson in 2002 and former Football Association secretary Faria Alam in 2004.

A nomadic later career

Eriksson went on to have a nomadic career following his England departure, including leading Manchester City to ninth in the Premier League during the 2007-08 season.

He also had a short spell as director of football at League Two side Notts County in 2009-10 and 18 months in charge of Leicester, then in the Championship, between 2010 and 2011.

His final club jobs were with Chinese Super League sides Guangzhou R&F, Shanghai SIPG and Shenzhen between 2013 and 2017.

On the international front, Eriksson failed to lead Mexico to the 2010 World Cup, although he would go to the tournament in South Africa as coach of the Ivory Coast, though they failed make it out of their group.

His final managerial position was a 10-game spell as Philippines boss between October 2018 and January 2019.

Source: BBC

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