caf news 95

CAFoot Magazine1

After an exceptional

year, which witnessed

the unforgettable

first FIFA World Cup hosted in

Africa, 2011 has certainly found

its own identity. From the first

days of February 2011, the 2nd

edition of the African national

championship, which was

reserved for local players, proved

that our audacity has paid off.

We were heavily criticized when we increased the number of teams participating in the final phase of the competition from eight to sixteen. We were told “it will never work”. The result surpassed our expectations and, above all, it enabled those who took part in the competition in Sudan to shine. We were compensated for trying to create a competition for our players who are often deprived of a place in their national teams because they do not play abroad. What is more, most of the teams of the second edition would have had their place in what we usually call the “big Orange AFCON”. Moreover, 15 out of the 16 teams were all African teams - another great satisfaction to all of us.

The qualifying matches for the Orange 2012 AFCON were the second major event of the year, which animated our calendar. As usual, there were winners and losers; surprisingly, the winners were not those we expected. Undoubtedly, African football has witnessed a great shake up as had never been seen, starting with the fall of Egypt, which was unable to qualify after being the champion for the past three editions. She was, not the only one that suffered this demise. Indeed, the wind that blew through the Orange AFCON 2012 qualifiers carried away four of our six representatives at the FIFA World Cup. These were

South Africa, Algeria, Cameroon and Nigeria because they found tougher teams in their way. At the end, the stronger side prevailed. They stumbled against opponents who quietly worked and progressed at their own pace, making up for their deficiencies against those commonly referred to as the tough of the continent. No other time than in 2001 has the affirmation that anyone can beat anyone been verified; there are no small teams any longer”.

May be, we will one day render this justice in CAF through its

numerous training sessions in order to lend support to less

equipped teams in this battle which has long been presented as very unbalanced.

No title on a global scale has come to reward African football, especially in the FIFA Junior World championship, as Ghana could not defend the title it won in Mexico in 2009 in that she failed to make it through the African qualifiers stage. But a crown lost is not a drama and, on the whole, the performance of our teams was not bad.

The year ended in Morocco with the organization of the first CAF U-23 championship, which served as the last round qualifier of the London Olympic Games. It was the wish of CAF to offer more publicity to this competition which will now be held every four years.,

I would like to stress that without the commitment and the money of governments, African football would be unable to accomplish its very congested schedule. Football and politics can and should work together. This has been proved in 2011.

EditorialFootball & Politics can Work Together

CAFoot Magazine 2

Contents

ORANGE CAN 2012

Pg. 11

Pg. 144

Pg. 90

Pg. 99

GLO CAF Awards 2011

London Olympics Qualification

Interclub Competitions

Gabon & Equatorial Guinea

Team Profiles and Key players

CAFoot Magazine3

Editorial 1History of tournament (Fact Guide) 4Mascot for the tournament 6New Adidas ball for CAN 2012 7Venues and Stadia (plus country profiles) 9Team Profiles 11Competition Format 75Orange CAN 2012 qualifiers 77Features• New era dawns on Niger football 81

• Interview with Botswana FA President 83

Fixtures of CAN 2013 qualifiers 85 Fixtures of FIFA World Cup, Brazil 2014 86Fixtures of CAF Interclubs competitions 2012 87CAF Competitions in 2011 • Orange Africa Nations Championship 2011 88

• Africa U-17 Championship 2011 91

• Orange African Youth Championship 2011 93

• CAF Interclubs competitions 2011 95

• Orange CAF Super Cup 2011 99

• CAF U-23 Championship 2011 100

• All Africa Games 2011 (Men and Women) 102

• London 2012 Olympic Games qualifiers (Women) 104

• Africa Beach Soccer Championship 2011 105

Africa at FIFA competitions in 2011• FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup 2011 105

• FIFA U-17 World Cup 2011 106

• FIFA U-20 World Cup 2011 108

• FIFA Women’s World Cup 2011 110

• FIFA Club World Cup 2011 112

Hearts of Oak at 100 years 113Zamalek at 100 years 116Orlando Pirates at 75 years 121News in Brief 124CAF Development News 139CAF Executive Committee News 142Glo-CAF Awards 2011 14933rd CAF General Assembly 2011 153CAF Executive Committee 158Obituary 163CAF Calendar of Events 2012 166

Contents

CAF OFFICIAL MAGAZINEAnnual edition

ADMINISTRATION3 Abdel KhalekTharwat St. 6th October City, EgyptTel. 20 2 38371000 Fax. 20 2 [email protected]

PRESIDENT OF CAFIssa Hayatou

CAF GENERAL SECRETARYHicham El-Amrani

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFSuleiman Habuba

CONTENT & PRODUCTION COORDINATORGerard Dreyfus, Kofi S. Addae

INTERNAL CONTRIBUTORSEric Asomugha, WebmasterMahmoud Garga, Media OfficerMohamed Thabet, Arabic EditorKennedy Makambira, English Editor

EXTERNAL CONTRIBUTORSKofi S. Addae, Elizabeth Goli, Junior Binyam, Antonio Battiono,Gustave Samnick, Mamadou Salif Diallo

CONCEPT AND LAYOUTMeshan-ad [email protected]

PHOTO CREDITSGarvin Barker, Senyiedzorm A. Adadevoh

CONTACT3 Abdel Khalek Tharwat St. 6th October City, [email protected]

PRINTING

Opinions expressed in signed articles do not necessarily reflect the official point of view of CAF

Beach Soccer Action Best of Youth Soccer Club Anniversaries

Pg. 100 Pg. 86 Pg. 86

Botswana Ghana

MaliGuinea

Gro

up D

Gabon Niger

Tunisia Morocco

Gro

up C

Cote D’ ivoire Burkina Faso

SudanAngola

Gro

up B

Zambia Libya

Senegal Eq. Guinea

Gro

up A Zambia Libya

Cote d’Ivoire Burkina Faso

Angola Sudan

Gabon Niger

Tunisia Morocco

Botwana Ghana

Guinea Mali

Senegal EquatorialGuinea

Orange CAN 2012 Fixtures

Fixtures of the Final Tournament Group Matches

No. Match Group Date Time Venue02. Senegal Vs. Zambia A 21/01/2012 22h:00 Bata

03. Cote D’ivoire Vs. Sudan B 22/01/2012 17h:00 Malabo

04. Burkina Faso Vs. Angola B 22/01/2012 20h:00 Malabo

05. Gabon Vs. Niger C 23/01/2012 17h:00 Libreville

06. Morocco Vs. Tunisia C 23/01/2012 20h:00 Libreville

07. Ghana Vs. Botswana D 24/01/2012 17h:00 Franceville

08. Mali Vs. Guinea D 24/01/2012 20h:00 Franceville

09. Libya Vs. Zambia A 25/01/2012 17h:00 Bata

10. Guinea Eq. Vs. Senegal A 25/01/2012 20h:00 Bata

11. Sudan Vs. Angola B 26/01/2012 17h:00 Malabo

12. Cote D’ivoire Vs. Burkina Faso B 26/01/2012 20h:00 Malabo

13. Niger Vs. Tunisia C 27/01/2012 17h:00 Libreville

14. Gabon Vs. Morocco C 27/01/2012 20h:00 Libreville

15. Botswana Vs. Guinea D 28/01/2012 17h:00 Franceville

16. Ghana Vs. Mali D 28/01/2012 20h:00 Franceville

17. Guinea Eq. Vs. Zambia A 29/01/2012 19h:00 Malabo

18. Libya Vs. Senegal A 29/01/2012 19h:00 Bata

19. Sudan Vs. Burkina Faso B 30/01/2012 19h:00 Bata

20. Cote D’ivoire Vs. Angola B 30/01/2012 19h:00 Malabo

21. Gabon Vs. Tunisia C 31/01/2012 19h:00 Franceville

22. Niger Vs. Morocco C 31/01/2012 19h:00 Libreville

23. Botswana Vs. Mali D 01/02/2012 19h:00 Libreville

24. Ghana Vs. Guinea D 01/02/2012 19h:00 Franceville

Quarter Finals Date Time Venue25. 1st A vs. 2nd B 04/02/2012 17H:00 Bata26. 1st B vs. 2nd A 04/02/2012 20H:00 Malabo27. 1st C vs. 2nd D 05/02/2012 17H:00 Libreville28. 1st D vs. 2nd C 05/02/2012 20H:00 Franceville

Semi-Finals Date Time Venue29. Win. 25 vs. Win. 28 08/02/2012 17H:00 Bata30. Win. 27 vs. Win. 26 08/02/2012 20H:00 Libreville

3rd Place Match Date Time Venue31. Loser 29 vs. loser 30 11/02/2012 20H:00 Malabo

Final Match Date Time Venue32. Win. 29 v Win. 30 12/02/2012 20H:00 Libreville

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History of Tournament (Fact Guide)

Most Titles Won: 7Egypt: 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010

Most Appearances at the Finals: Egypt (22)1957, 1959, 1962, 1963, 1970, 1974, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010

Most Appearances in a Final: Ghana and Egypt (both 8)Ghana: 1963, 1965, 1968, 1970, 1978, 1982, 1992, 2010Egypt: 1957, 1959, 1962, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010

Most Matches Played in the Finals: Egypt (90)

Most Wins in the Finals: Egypt (51)

Most Goals in the Finals: Egypt (153)

Most Nations Cup Appearances by a player:Rigobert Song - Cameroon (8)1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010Alain Gouamene - Ivory Coast (7)1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000 Most Matches Played:Rigobert Song - Cameroon - 36 games played over 8 finals

Most Appearances in the Final: 4 - Ahmed Hassan - Egypt: 1998, 2006, 2008, 20103 - Ali El Fanageeli - Egypt: 1957, 1959, 1962Cecil Jones Attoquayefio - Ghana: 1965, 1968, 1970Charles Addo Odametey - Ghana: 1963, 1965, 1968Roger Milla - Cameroon: 1984, 1986, 1988Rigobert Song, Samuel Eto’o, Geremi - Cameroon: 2000, 2002, 2008

Most Goals in the Finals:Samuel Eto’o 17 goals: In 5 tournaments between 2000-2010Laurent Pokou of the Ivory Coast 14: in two tournaments - 1968 & 1970

Most Goals Scored in a Single Tournament:Mulumba Ndaye of Zaire scored 9 goals in 1974

Most Goals Scored by an Individual in One Match:Laurent Pokou 5 goals: Ivory Coast vs. Ethiopia 6-1 1970

Fastest Ever Goal: Ayman Mansour, Egypt (23 seconds)

Most Goals Scored in One Match: 9Egypt 6-3 Nigeria, 1963

Most Goals in a Single Tournament:54 in Egypt 1974, under the old eight-team system99 in Ghana 2008, under the 16-team system

Highest Winning Margin: 5Ivory Coast 6-1 Ethiopia 1970

Youngest Ever Player: Chiva Star Nzighou (Gabon)16 years, two months, 30 days at the 2000 finals

Most Performances by a Referee in the Finals: 6Tesfaye Gebreyesus (Ethiopia/Eritrea)1970, 1974, 1978, 1980, 1984, 1986

Nations Cup Winner as Player and Coach:Mahmoud El-Gohary of Egypt in 1959 and 1998

Most Nations Cup Wins by a Coach: 3Hassan Shehata of Egypt: 2006, 2008 & 2010Charles Gyamfi of Ghana: 1963, 1965 & 1982

7 time winners-Egypt

Samuel Eto’o 17 goals: Most goals in the finals

Rigobert Song: 8 Nations Cup appearances

Hassan Shehata: 3 Nations Cup wins

CAFoot Magazine5

In a few days, the Africa Cup of Nations will be in its 28th edition and the event will be hosted by two countries that are

yet to host the most prestigious African competition. This is the road AFCON has travelled following its maiden edition in Khartoum in 1957. Only three countries competed that year; these were Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia. They played just two matches. The fourth team would have been South Africa but they refused to present team that conprised both black and white people. Consequently, the three teams, Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia kept apart South Africa. This served as the first attack on apartheid from a pan-African body.

In 1960, newly independent countries in addition to the three countries mentioned earlier participated in the event. The three countries, Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia, climbed to four and then, to six in 1963. In 1968, the number of participating teams increased to eight. There were two pools, and each consisted of four teams, a semi-final and a final. The competition became

a real biannual jamboree for soccer lovers. Its popularity motivated officials of CAF to increase the number of participating teams to twelve in the 1992 edition which was held in Senegal and subsequently in Tunisia 94. Finally, in 1996, the number of teams featuring in the CAF rose to sixteen in 1996 - the year South Africa participated in the tournament for the first time. They did not only host the tournament, but also won the trophy.

AFCON is Fifty-five years old, and it has showcased numerous players who have in different regards, built African football by making it the third most attractive soccer competition worldwide. The only soccer competitions that come before AFCON are the World Cup and the Euro. The competition attracts some five billion television-viewers ; thus, it has given Africa a dynamic image – an image which led to the continent hosting the 2010 World Cup for the first time.

This recognition is the result of the progressive rise of the continent’s elite soccer representatives who are in the best clubs. Its record has witnessed the triumph of countries that have contributed to the fame of African football. We have the unbeatable Egypt, which has all the record in the first rank of teams with 22 participations, 90 matches and winning seven trophies. Ghana and Cameroon follow with four trophies each. On the whole, there are thirteen countries that have shared the trophy with the countries cited above. They are Nigeria, and DR Congo (2 crowns each), South Africa, Algeria, Congo, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, Morocco, Tunisia and Sudan.

The 28th AFCON edition will be the second time it is being held in Central Africa, fifty years after Cameroon. It will also be the last held in even years, since CAF has decided to organize it in odd-numbered years as from 2013, so that it does not coincide with the year of the World Cup, which is organized after every four years.

Year Host country Winner Best Player Coach1957 Sudan Egypt Mohamed Ad-Diba (EGY) Mourad Fahmy (EGY)1959 Egypt Egypt Mahmoud El-Gohary (EGY) Pal Titkos (HUN)1962 Ethiopia Ethiopia Mengistu Worku (ETH) Slavko Milosevic (YUG)1963 Ghana Ghana Hassan El-Shazly (EGY) Charles Gyamfi (GHA)1965 Tunisia Ghana Osei Kofi (GHA) Charles Gyamfi (GHA)1968 Ethiopia DR Congo Kazadi Mwamba (Iv.C) Ferenc Csanad (HUN)1970 Sudan Sudan Laurent Pokou (CIV) Jiri Starost (CZE)1972 Cameroon Congo François M’Pelé (COG) Amoyen Bibanzulu (COG)1974 Egypt DR Congo Ndaye Mulamba (COD) Blagoje Vidinic (YUG)1976 Ethiopia Morocco Ahmed Faras (MOR) Gheorge Mardarescu (ROU)1978 Ghana Ghana Karim Abdul Razak (GHA) Fred Osam-Duodu (GHA)1980 Nigeria Nigeria Christian Chukwu (NGA) Otto Glória (BRA)1982 Libya Ghana Fawzi Al-Esawi (LBY) Charles Gyamfi (GHA)1984 Ivory Coast Cameroon Théophile Abega (CMR) Radivoje Ognjanović (YUG)1986 Egypt Egypt Roger Milla (CMR) Mike Smith (ENG)1988 Morocco Cameroon Aziz Bouderbala (MAR) Claude Le Roy (FRA)1990 Algeria Algeria Rabah Madjer (ALG) Abdelhamid Kermali (ALG)1992 Senegal Ivory Coast Abedi Pele (GHA) Yeo Martial (CIV)1994 Tunisia Nigeria Rashidi Yekini (NGR) Clemens Westerhof (NED1996 South Africa South Africa Kalusha Bwalya (ZAM) Clive Barker (RSA)1998 Burkina Faso Egypt Benedict McCarthy (RSA) Mahmoud El-Gohary (EGY)2000 Ghana/Nigeria Cameroon Lauren Etame (CMR) Pierre Lechantre (FRA)2002 Mali Cameroon Rigobert Song (CMR) Wilfried Schäfer (GER)2004 Tunisia Tunisia Jay-Jay Okocha (NGR) Roger Lemerre (FRA)2006 Egypt Egypt Ahmed Hassan (EGY) Hassan Shehata (EGY)

2008 Ghana Egypt Hosny Abd Rabo (EGY) Hassan Shehata (EGY)2010 Angola Egypt Ahmed Hassan (EGY) Hassan Shehata (EGY)

History of Tournament (Fact Guide)

Triumphant Egypt team: 2010 Rashidi Yekini: 1994 Kalusha Bwalya: 1996 Ahmed Hassan: 2006 & 2010

CAFoot Magazine 6

The Official Orange CAN 2012 Mascot: GAGUIE

The official mascot of the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations was unveiled on Friday, September 16, 2011, at a colourful

ceremony in Libreville, Gabon.

The mascot, a gorilla, christened “GAGUIE” spots a jersey in the colours, green, white and blue which represent the national colours of the co-hosts, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Presidents Ali Bongo and Teodoro Obiang Nguema of Gabon and Equatorial Guinea attended the ceremony. Other personalities who graced the occasion were Gabonese football icons Daniel Cousin, Roger Guy Nzamba, Pierre Aubameyang and Alban Bougandze.

CAF Honorary Vice President, General Seyi Memene expressed his satisfaction with the launching of the mascot, by describing it as the beginning of hostilities for the tournament. Memene went on to say that “We can say the 2012 Orange Africa cup of Nations is no longer a dream but a reality. We are proud and we congratulate the two Heads of State for their participation in the event.”

The final tournament will be held from 21 January to 12 February, 2012. Equatorial Guinea faces Libya in the tournament opener on January 21 in Bata.

GAGUIE

CAFoot Magazine7

Adidas Comoequa: The Official Orange CAN 2012 Match Ball

Each Africa Cup of Nations, adidas and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) presented a newly designed official match ball – this time it is the adidas ‘Comoequa’, the Official Match Ball for the 2012 Orange African Cup of Nations. The name takes its inspiration from the Como River which runs through both host nations - Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, and the Equator which runs throughout Africa and units both host nations.

The Adidas Comoequa features a bright yellow base colour inspired by the vibrancy of African culture, and links to the flags of both tournament hosts – Gabon and Equatorial Guinea through colour markings on the central triangular panels.

The adidas Comoequa, shares the same construction as the Tango 12, the Official Match Ball for the UEFA Euro 2012™, and is the third ball adidas has produced for the tournament, having started as the Official Supplier of the African Cup of Nations in 2008.

Complementing the design, the adidas Comoequa features a series of triangular panels that are thermally bonded together to ensure a true, stable flight path. Covering each panel of the ball is a grip texture which supports boot to ball contact and enhances ball control. Beneath the outer surface of the ball lies a woven carcass and a new bladder for increased air retention and reduced water uptake.

CAF and Adidas Present Official Match Ball for Orange CAN 2012

CAFoot Magazine 8

Adidas Comoequa: The Official Orange CAN 2012 Match Ball

Every time we bring out a new ball there is also some controversy – is the ball flying straight, is it too light, too small? – just to mention some of the questions we are always getting.

And we can tell you one thing for sure: No, it is neither too light, nor too small because it always passes a rigorous testing and it exceeds all FIFA Approved Standards.

However, we also set our own standards which are even stricter than FIFA’s are. We test all different aspects such as the roundness of the ball, its weight and whether it absorbs water and therewith

changes its playing characteristics throughout a game (by the way: no, it doesn’t). Another test we do is about accuracy.

There is a robotic leg in our test centre in Herzogenaurach which hits the ball again and again on a goal distance of 22 meters. With this robotic leg you can reproduce any shot as often as you want. Its execution will always be exactly the same – leg and foot angles will not vary by any degree. With the robotic leg and high-speed cameras we are able to analyse the ball’s exact flight characteristics.

Testing is key for enhancement

CAFoot Magazine9

Venues & StadiaGabon

Full name: The Gabonese Republic

Population: 1.5 million (UN, 2009)

Capital: Libreville

Area: 267,667 sq km (103,347 sq miles)

Major languages: French, Bantu-group languages

Major religion: Christianity

Life expectancy: 59 years (men), 62 years (women) (UN)

Monetary unit: 1 CFA Franc = 100 centimes

Main exports: Crude oil, timber, manganese, uranium

GNI per capita: US $7,240 (World Bank, 2008)

Internet domain: .ga

Int dialling code: +241

Libreville, Gabon

Libreville, the capital and largest city of Gabon, is a port on the Komo River. It is near the Gulf of Guinea, and also a trade centre for a timber region. As of 2005, it had a population of 578,156. The Libreville International Airport, the largest airport in Gabon is located north of the city.

Stade de l’Amitié

Capacity: 40,000

Stade de l’Amitié is located in Angondjé, a suburb of Libreville in Gabon. It took a Chinese company twenty months to complete the stadium. The inaugural match at the stadium which was between Gabon and Brazil was played in November 2011. It will host the final match of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

Franceville, Gabon

Franceville grew from a village named Masuku. When Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza chose it to resettle former slaves, he renamed it “Francheville” on June 13th, 1880. He named it “Franceville” because in French, franceville means “city of the freed”. Franceville, one of the four largest cities in Gabon, lies on River Mpassa and Trans-Gabon Railway, and has a population of around 22,000.

Stade de Franceville

Capacity: 35,000

Stade de Franceville was renovated for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. The structural framework to support the canvas cover was designed by a Serbian manufacturer, Amiga. It will host matches at the group phase and one quarter final game.

CAFoot Magazine 10

Venues & Stadia

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea

Full name: The Republic of Equatorial Guinea

Population: 507,000 (UN, 2007)

Capital: Malabo

Area: 28,051 sq km (10,830 sq miles)

Major languages: Spanish, French

Major religion: Christianity

Life expectancy: 50 years (men), 53 years (women) (UN)

Monetary unit: 1 CFA Franc = 100 Centimes

Main exports: Petroleum, timber, cocoa

GNI per capita: US $930 (World Bank, 2001)

Internet domain: .gq

Int dialling code: +240

Bata, Equatorial Guinea

Bata, formerly the capital of Equatorial Guinea, is a port city in the Litoral Province of Equatorial Guinea, and the largest city in the country. It lies on the Atlantic coast of Rio Muni. It is not only a transport hub and port from which ferries sail to Malabo and Douala, but also Bata is famous for its nightlife and market.

Estadio de Bata

Capacity: 40,000

Estadio de Bata a multi-use stadium in Bata was completed in 2007. It was one of the venues for the CAF Women’s Championship hosted in Equatorial Guinea in 2008. During the 2012 Orange Cup of Nations, Estadio de Bata will host the opening ceremony and one of the semi final matches.

Malabo, Equatorial Guinea

Malabo, formerly called Fernando Po, is the capital of Equatorial Guinea and is located on the northern coast of Bioko Island. Also, it is the second largest city in the country. The city was first founded by the British in 1827, when they leased the island from Spain during the colonial period.

Nuevo Estadio de Malabo

Capacity:

Nuevo Estadio de Malabo is a multi-purpose stadium although it is currently used mostly for football matches. The stadium was completed in 2007 and hosted the final of the CAF Women’s Championship a year later.

CAFoot Magazine11

Team ProfileEquatorial Guinea

Nzalang Nacional

Appearance:Debut

Qualification: Co-Host to Gabon

Team ProfileTeam Profile

The Nzalang Nacional will be making their debut appearance at the

continental flagship event at the 2012 edition. Since their first attempt in the qualifying series in 1990, the Equatoguineans have had to content themselves with watching the competition on television.

By virtue of being co-hosts with Gabon, the Nzalang Nacional will have a feel of the most prestigious tournament in African football. At the tournament, they are the lowest ranked team amongst the 16 finalists, but are hoping to impress on their

maiden appearance.

Unlike their female counterparts, who won the African women’s championship in 2008 and qualified for the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the male national team have yet to let their presence felt at the African stage, not to even talk of global.

The preparation of the team for the final tournament was blighted by the shock resignation of coach Henri Michel, barely a month to the opening match. Exit Michel; enter Brazilian Gilson Paulo who has been tasked with reviving the fortunes of the team. Paulo had barely three weeks to prepare the team for the

tournament, a task he is hoping to achieve with distinction.

Their squad is dominated by players playing in the lower divisions of Spanish football, who have been playing actively in series of friendly matches for the past year. The only big names are captain Bodipo, who plays for Spanish side Deportivo La Coruna, Balboa of Portuguese side Beira Mar and TP Mazembe midfielder Narcisse Ekanga.

There is little information about the Equatoguinean team, but are expected to go further backed by their loyal home fans. Before that, they will have to contend with Libya, Senegal and Zambia at the group phase.

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Team Profile: Equatorial Guinea

Key Players

Rodolfo BodipoBodipo was born in the Spanish city of Dos Hermanas, Seville. His father hails from Equatorial Guinea and his mother is Spanish. He is one of the most popular players in the team despite the fact that he is at the twilight of his career.

On the books of former Spanish champions, Deportivo La Coruna since 2006, he has had loan stints with Vaslui in Romania and Elche, in the Spanish lower division.

He made his Nzalang Nacional debut against Togo in a qualifier for the 2006 FIFA World Cup and has since remained an integral part of the team.

Juvenal Edjogo-OwonoJuvenal as he is simply known is the Vice captain of the Nzalang Nacional. The Sabadell FC player is one of the most experienced player in the team after making his debut in 2003.

The Spanish-born midfielder is very talented but has played most of career in the lower divisions of Spanish football since graduating from the Espanyol academy in the late 90’s.

With a knack for scoring goals, he has had modest stints with Levante, Racing Santander, Castellon, Alaves, Recreativo, Tenerife and Cartagena within a spate of seven years.

Narcisse EkangaEkanga is one of newest faces in the Nzalang Nacional set-up. Though born in Cameroon, the TP Mazembe midfield anchor opted to play for neighbouring Equatorial Guinea.

The 24-year old has been an integral part of the TP Mazembe squad since leaving Cameroon side Astres Douala in 2007.

He is a two-time CAF Champions League winner with TP Mazembe and also played in the 2009 and 2010 FIFA Club World Cups.

Ekanga debuted with Equatorial Guinea on September 7, 2011 in a friendly match against Central African Republic in Malabo.

Gílson Paulo-CoachThe 62-year old Brazilian took up the reigns of the team on January 3. He replaced Frenchman Henri Michel, who quit his position last December.

The Brazilian has an arduous task of putting together a team that can make the nation proud at the tournament.

Paulo was previously Sports Director at the academy of Brazilian club, Vasco da Gama.

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Team ProfileSenegal

Teranga Lions

Contrary to its players who are shining on the world stage, the Senegalese

football has been irregular and is yet to win the Africa Cup of Nations. The highest level was the 2002 final where the Lions lost in penalty shoot out against Cameroon in Bamako, Mali.

Since then, the team is yet to regain such level and while it had been regular in the qualifications from 2000 to 2008, its absence in Angola 2010 permitted the team to go back to the drawing board.

The proof is its superb qualification for the 2012 AFCON

at the expense of Cameroon, and DR Congo without conceding any defeat. It would be recalled that after its participation at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1965 in Tunisia, and 1968 in Ethiopia, they only participated at the final phase again in 1986 in Egypt.

Eliminated from the final phase in 1988, the team made a comeback in 1990 when it played its first semi-final hosted it in 1992, and qualified in 1994 before reaching the pinnacle of the competition. They appeared in the final phase till 2008 but were eliminated in the eliminatory stage of the 2010

AFCON. The team has rekindled hope in supporters after it beat the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon and the Simbas of DR Congo to qualify for 2012.

The Lions Offensive Line,its First AssetThe Lions of Senegal, which have proven effective offensive by scoring 16 goals in six games and conceding only two goals in six eliminatory games of the 2012 AFCON, present a balanced team with experienced and quality players in every compartment.


The Lions and their romance with the AFCON

Appearances: 1965, 1968,1986, 1990, 1992, 1994, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2010

Qualification: Winner of Qualifying Group E

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Team Profile: Senegal

Key Players

Souleymane DiawaraThe Senegalese defender played his first African Cup in Tunisia in 2004 and since then he has participated in all editions with the Lions as a regular. At 33, his experience will serve as motivation for his younger teammates, majority of who are at their first participation in the AFCON. His pairing with Kader Mangane has also enabled Senegal to stop several attackers in the eliminatories. In conceding only two goals against DR Congo, the Lions have shown they know to maintain a solid defence.

Mohamed DiaméA midfielder born in France and playing in Premiership side Wigan, Diame is unknown on the continental scene but he will be one of the pillars of the Lions midfield. While he will be making his debut in the competition, he demonstrated during the double confrontation against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon (1-0 and 0-0), that he can raise his game when the competition requires. Playing in a small club where he is at the end of his contract, the player can use the AFCON as springboard to change his career.

Mamadou Niang Captain of the Lions of Senegal, and adored by his coach, Niang is the one who will lead the Senegalese team during the great biennial event. The Al-Sadd attacker, who had long remained in the shadow of El Hadj Diouf and Henri Camara, has come to the fore and taken the armband. The former Marseille player made a great impact in the team during the eliminatories through a blend of humility and commitment. At 32, he is aware he hasn’t much time to write his name in the history of African football and the year 2012 where he will head a huge potential could be one of his last chances.

Papiss Demba CisséThe Freiburg striker, who is being hunted by several teams, became the offensive weapon of the Lions of Senegal in the eliminatories where he scored three goals. Demba Cisse who was a scorer, and gave a lot of assistance to Moussa Sow, will be a pillar of the Senegalese attack. The fact that he is a novice in African Cup of Nations despite being 26 years is not a problem for the attacker who made this competition the goal of the season. Cisse who is very involved in the reconstruction of Senegalese football has indicated to clubs and agents who are interested in him that he cannot miss the 2012Africa Cup of Nations. Unlike his teammates and coaches, he does not hide his ambitions to return with the trophy in Senegal.

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Papiss Demba Cisse Papiss Demba Cissé, author of three goals during the eliminatory, will be one of the strengths of the Senegalese team in the 2012 AFCON. The second top scorer in the German 2010-2011 championship will take part in a competition that he has dreamed of and he hopes to make his mark.

Cafonline.com: The draw put you in the same group as Zambia, Libya and Equatorial Guinea, any comment?

Papiss Demba Cisse : “I always say that there is never an easy draw. It is up to players to make it easy by giving their all to their team. All teams and players that will take part in this competition will defend themselves bravely to lift the football in their country. So do not expect easy games. “

CAF: What idea do you have of the three other teams?

PDC: “We respect everyone, but we aren’t afraid of anyone in this competition. I understand that Zambia is a team that has long created problems to Senegal, although in recent

times, we managed to reverse the trend. But it’s good to meet a tough team from the start and that would mean that we enter fully into the competition without much calculation. The other teams are unknown but if they are in this tournament that brings together the cream of the continent’s football, it means they are good. We will take all our opponents seriously. “

CAF: What are Senegal’s objectives in the 2012 AFCON?

PDC: “We will work to get to the end of the competition and win the trophy. But that does not mean having a superiority complex. In any case, we have gained nothing to display such a claim and we have to go game by game. We have a good crop of players who have demonstrated their desire to win something for our country. We must be humble and play with commitment.

CAF: What are the strengths of the team?

PDC: “In addition to the quality of players we have is the solidarity and humility that best characterize this group of players who are hungry for victories at the

international level. If you followed the eliminatory, we were not favorites but we were able to take over and defeat our opponents. “

CAF: Many players like you will be playing the AFCON for the first time; do you have any particular fears?

PDC: “It’s a dream for any footballer to play this competition and when it happens, we want to give our best. Most of us discovered football through the African Cup of Nations that made us dream. I’ve always had this dream and I hope to be one of those who will inspire the youth. “

CAF: Do you have a specific goal in this competition?

PDC: To have a specific goal I would have to be selected first. You know that Senegal has huge potential and it is pretentious to say that I would be one of the 23 players. But if I am selected, the coach and the Senegalese people know that I will spare no effort to raise our flag high.

CAF: You were announced for Bayern Munich on the eve of the AFCON, could this competition not be an obstacle to signing in one of the biggest clubs in the world?

PDC: I cannot answer this question.

CAF: Who are your favorites of the 2012 AFCON?

PDC: “I personally do not believe in the concept of a favorite because it’s on the field that the action is. And recent events in African and world football have shown that all teams and players deserve respect. All the qualified teams deserve to be present at the tournament. We will confront the best African teams and best players. I am unperturbed when people talk of Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Morocco. These are just speculations as it is on the pitch that one will make a difference. “

Papiss Demba Cisse Hopes to Make Impact at the 2012 AFCON


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Amara Traore Coach of Senegal

Senegal’s coach, Amara Traore, contends that football has entered a period of surprises where one cannot overlook any team. He says the 2012 African Cup of Nations will not be an exception.

Cafonline.com: What were your feelings at the end of the draw that put you in the same group as Zambia, Libya and Equatorial Guinea?

Amara Traore: “I was neither happy nor frustrated to have fallen in this group because I know all teams will be difficult to play at this stage of the competition. I am not one of those who think that there is an easy or difficult group because all the teams at this level have shown their worth. This means one shouldn’t undermine any of our future opponents. Thanks to our qualifying matches where we had played against Cameroon, DR Congo and Mauritius, we

think we can beat any team if we are serious, strict and refuse to be complacent. Ultimately, everything is decided on the pitch because recently, we have witnessed many surprises. “

CAF: Is it an advantage starting against Zambia which you beat in the 2002 CAN as a player and member of the technical staff of the Lions of the 2006 eliminatories?

AT: “Some believe that Zambia will be our toughest opponent. While this team has created problems in the past, in recent years we have taken over be it in the 2002 CAN in Mali or in the eliminatories of the 2006 CAN and World Cup where we got double victory. However, this does not mean anything since we have to show on the pitch that we are superior to this team. We know the importance of the first game and we shall do all in terms of seriousness and rigor to win this encounter and those that will follow.”

CAF: Supporters and observers speak of an easy group for the Lions?

AT: “I will answer this question at the end of the first round. After the draw in which we were put in the same group with Cameroon, DR Congo and Mauritius, many pummeled us after our elimination in the 2010 AFCON. But we played the eliminatories without conceding any defeat. These games will also be difficult. Zambia is a veteran of African competitions and it plays well, Libya has shown during the eliminatories that it had high level qualities and managed to qualify out of home. Equatorial Guinea is one of the host countries of the competition and it will be difficult to play in front of its home crowd. “

CAF: How do you rate your three opponents?

AT: It will not be easy as everything will be won on the pitch. As I said, Zambia is no stranger to high competitions; Libya has shown during the eliminatories that it has hidden qualities. Moreover, I respect the team for having qualified in the socio-political context that characterized their country. Even though Equatorial Guinea did not play the qualifying matches, we know beforehand that it will be difficult to beat them at home. There will be the motivation to

play for the home supporters and the need to compete with others. Equatorial Guinea remains the great unknown of the group, as Senegal played recently against Zambia and Libya. “

CAF: What are Senegal’s ambitions?

AT: “Like all other teams in this competition, we hope to go to the end. The 16 teams are saying the same thing because modern football has shown that there are. The teams that are being presented at the 2012 AFCON are the best on the continent at the moment and we must go there with humility and commitment. I believe that with good organization, seriousness and rigor, we can make the Lions fans happy.”

CAF: To be more precise, is Senegal a favorite in this AFCON?

AT: The issue of favorite does not mean anything to me in such a high level competition and observers are too often mistaken when they pay too much attention to that. However, compared to Ivory Coast and Ghana, we cannot say that Senegal is a favorite. In the recent past, the Elephants have played a final (2006), a semi-final (2008) and quarter-finals of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and they performed fairly well in the World Cup. Ghana on its part played the semi-final in 2008 and the final in 2010, not to mention their quarter-final at the World Cup. So both teams have shown recently that they deserve a lot of respect. However, the difference will be on the pitch, but not on paper.

CAF: Preparation is important in a competition such as the AFCON, how will Senegal handle it?

AT: Everything will be done locally and we will have to go fast; unlike other years, Senegal will compete from day one. It means we will quickly go into camping and place ourselves in the right state for success. We have planned a regeneration session in the first week and two friendly matches in the second.

One has to watch out for surprises at the AFCON


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Team ProfileTeam ProfileZambia

Chipolopolo

Chipolopolo makes a Southern Africa regional record 15 appearances

at the Africa Cup of Nations finals with greater belief that time might have come for the Zambians –twice losing finalists in 1974 and 1994 to lay their hands on the coveted but elusive continental top prize. After failing to make the elimination stages for 14 years, the Chipolopolo dazzled with their free-flowing flair of football at Angola 2010 but could not soar above the Super Eagles at the quarter-finals. But as the soccer show piece for Gabon and Equatorial Guinea draws even nearer, Chipolopolo will be looking forward to

going one step further. The Zambians have for decades been gifted with huge talents but have failed to translate that into results that would also see them shrug off the undesired tag of perennial pretenders and under-achieving sleeping giants.

Since making a maiden finals tournament and reaching the final at Egypt 1974, the Zambia National team has over the years flirted with names including KK11, and Mighty Zambia before finally settling with Chipolopolo. It is that name they hope by its unsophisticated translation of copper bullets will fire them to glory. Over the same period,

the team has paraded many star players and a living legend in 1988 African Footballer of the Year Kalusha Bwalya, who led a reconstructed squad to Tunisia 1994 and only lost out to Nigeria in the final. The feat of 1994 was widely hailed as a landmark as it came on the heels of a fatal plane crash which killed an entire team which was enroute to Senegal for a 1994 FIFA World Cup qualifier. Despite that, the team’s stars have continued to flatter home fans, the continent and world with their football flamboyance but silverware has remained elusive.

As the team begins preparations

Appearances: 1974 (Runners-UP), 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996 (Third-Place), 1998, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2010

Qualification: Winner of Qualifying Group C

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Team Profile: Zambia

for the 2012 finals, the nation is pregnant with high expectations of glory. Chipolopolo may not be the bookmakers’ favourites but the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) believes the time for glory could be now.

For FAZ, there are a number of factors to motivate the Chipolopolo into glory next year.

Says spokesperson Erick Mwanza; “The Association recognizes the challenge of the Nations Cup and the nation’s desire to win it. We’ve attempted fourteen times and going into the fifteenth finals tournament. The key for us will be to prepare the team very well and adequately so that the work and experience of ended years can see us conquer Africa.”

“There is also a lot of emotion attached to this championship because first of all, we lost our team there on April 28 in 1993 when the De Havilland Buffalo aircraft crashed off the coast of Libreville in Gabon. And Libreville is the venue for the final. Before we talk of the final, we open the championship against Senegal, a team we were enroute to playing when our plane crashed.

We will be taking every game as it comes and do the best but for us, we are going there to challenge for the title because we feel it will be wonderful to win our first nations cup on the shores of the land where we lost a generation of fine footballers. This new generation is equal to the task and we have belief in their ability, our coach Herve Renard and with support of Government, our sponsors, partners, stakeholders and the nation rallying with the administration and team, we shall not underrate or fear anyone because the might of the Chipolopolo can face any opposition and prevail,” Mwanza said adding “The message and mandate from Kalusha – FAZ President – is clear. We are capable of anything and he wants the team to go and fight for every ball and every result.”

A run-down through the Zambian squad shows there cannot be skepticism about the quality in depth. On their way to the quarter-finals nearly two years ago, the Chipolopolo dazzled with

The key for us will be to prepare the team very well and adequately so that the work and experience of ended years can see us conquer Africa.

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their pace, skill and flair. Months before the big kick-off in Bata, the entire legion of stars that went to Angola is still in the team.

Worrying for the fans and other pundits that would be rooting for Zambia is the level of competitiveness of the squad. Present running national and international commentary on the side is that the squad needs to raise its level of competition for the Chipolopolo’s firing range to surpass its limit of Angola. For French born coach Herve Renard, who has returned for a second spell as head trainer, the time for an intensive camp and time enough to get the best out of every player is now.

“The key thing for us is the preparation and that is why I am happy to be back and understand that the federation is committed to giving us excellent training facilities and conditions. This is very important because without it, we cannot achieve anything. We need this time together to get every player back to their top levels of fitness and then we can compete with anybody,” said Renard, who on his return found that every member of the squad he left at the end of finals in Angola 2010 was still available for selection. Italian trainer Dario Bonetti left the Chipolopolo top job early October by mutual consent after Zambia sealed her place at Gabon-Equatorial Guinea2012 with a home goalless draw against Libya.

In dissecting each of the Group A opponents, Renard said “Senegal will be strong because at the moment, they maybe one of the best in Africa. For Equatorial Guinea, all hosts are dangerous because they’re playing at home so we need to be careful. And like you said for Libya, we didn’t beat them in two games in the qualifiers but we have to do it for the Africa Cup finals. I think we can qualify out of it. If anyone of us says we cannot beat these teams and can’t qualify from our group, then we’re better off staying at home and not going to the championship.“Talking is very easy but for us we will do our talking on the field. We will be ready and any answers as to whether the draw for the group and the whole tournament was good or not will be known at the end of the group matches and the final of the championship,” Renard said and refused to say that the absence of record African winners and

defending champion Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Algeria would make the tournament and Zambia’s run easy.

He reckons that every team had gained it right by qualifying and should therefore not be written off or underestimated. With a nation strongly believing that Chipolopolo can work their way to glory and fire Zambia to the top of the continent’s game, the challenge could not have come at a better time than now when another fine generation of players believes in its potential, gets prepared for the tough challenges and draws inspiration from the leadership of a chief who in his playing days and his crowning as African player of the year 1988 saw gaps and not tight defenses as he tore backlines in the quest for that elusive title.

When Chipolopolo takes on the Lions of Teranga on 21st January, then the Libyans and the co-hosts, the road-map will become clearer. It might just yet be the time that no opposition would stand the heat of the blazing copper bullets.

Senegal will be strong because at the moment, they maybe one of the best in Africa.


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The PlayersChristopher Katongo (Midfielder and Skipper) The Chipolopolo have attempted to scale the ladder of African football for many years but without much success. Perennial qualifiers, they have been nearly there. Twice finalists of the Africa Cup in 1974 and in 1994 when the current FAZ President, Kalusha Bwalya led a new generation of players following reconstruction that came in the wake of a fatal air crash in Gabon in 1993 that claimed lives of an entire team, they get into the 2012 finals with the record of their final appearance at 15. But since Kalusha top-scored at CAN 1996 in South Africa and then his number 11 shirt and captaincy inherited by Chris Katongo, the Chipolopolo have floundered in endeavours to amass massive fire-power to get back into the final match for the third time.

Now led by an officer in the Zambian Army and a Major by rank, Katongo will for the third straight Nations Cup finals lead the Chipolopolo into battle. For this edition, their blazing guns should roar from the city of Bata and first up is to aim at the Lions of Teranga before taking on Libya and the hosts Equatorial Guinea. Nearly two years ago in Angola, in his second championship as captain, Katongo became the first skipper since Kalusha to lead Zambia into the last eight in over 14 years.

As the 2012 soccer fest beckons, his goal is to go one step further and challenge for the title.

“We know that we may not be the front runners and favourites going into the finals in 2012. But we have been together for a long time now and we are ready to play anybody. We have good talent all round ability and with the return of our coach Herve Renard, not even the sky will be our limit. Of course we have to work hard because it will be down to us preparing well and translating the good preparations into action. At the Africa Cup, every game is tough but we shall also be tough and not underrate anybody. We shall also not fear anybody because our aim is to go all the way,” said the twenty-nine year old Zambian skipper who at the onset of the European economic crisis switched his Greek club Skoda Xanthi for the Chinese top team Henan Jienye.

If he can go one step better than how he commanded his troops at Angola, he could be the first captain to go one better and hoist the gold.

Jacob Mulenga (Striker)At Angola 2010, he was the epitome of the might of the Zambian forward line as he combined to land deadly effect with James Chamanga. Soon after the Angola fiesta, he moved from second division Chateauroux in France and signed for Dutch top side FC Utrecht. His exploits in the Eredivise and UEFA Europa League have brought a lot of enthusiasm and huge expectations among fans who see the twenty-seven year old as key to Zambia’s ambitions.

His international experience will be a key for a squad that now boasts of a galaxy of foreign based stars than at any other time in its entire history. That international experience, his knack for goals, power and pace complimented with the midfield artistry of Rainford Kalaba, William Njobvu, Felix Katongo, and massive work-rate of Thomas Nyirenda, could just see Zambia go all the way.

Rainford Kalaba (Midfielder)

The lifeblood of the team, the heartbeat of the squad, the command post of the mighty Zambians, the spark that should ignite the fire-power of the mighty gun and copper bullets that is known as the Chipolopolo lies with the mastery of this gifted TP Mazembe midfield maestro.

Many adjectives, phrases and praises have been sung in attempts to describe how Rainford Kalaba’s presence at the heart of the Zambian engine room is fundamental for any hopes and dreams of glory to be attained. Easily recognizable with his trademark dribbling, timed exquisite passing, propensity for goals from range and well established link up with the forward line as he rules the mid-field with aplomb, he is the one man the whole nation will be hoping remains in the team and avoids injury or suspension. At Angola 2010, Zambia’s quarter-final post match penalty defeat at the hands of the Super eagles was blamed down to his absence because of suspension.


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Coach Herve Renard

When he first took over and qualified Zambia to the 2010 finals in Angola, his target was the quarter-finals. And he attained it by topping a group that also had favourites Cameroun, Tunisia and Gabon – that was against a 14-year record, spanning seven Nations Cup championships of Zambia failing to go past the group stages. For personal and family reasons, he left the Zambia job – amidst uproar among fans and stakeholders to stay on.“I had no option at that time. I had to go because the reasons for my departure required me to. It was not about the money because if it was for the money, I would have gone even to the Middle East where I was offered money that you can just dream about,” said Herve Renard.

Now he is back. While he got back his players that shone brightly in 2010, he found a team that pundits and experts reckon has lost its touch of fitness, competitiveness and a squad that is in dire need of complete surgery for it to compete and succeed at the highest levels.

The Fox, as Zambia’s French born coach is fondly called believes that the time between now and the kick-off against Senegal on January 21, he can get the best out of his players and mould them into a squad that can blaze its amunitions past any opposition. He supposes that Senegal will be one strong team because they are among the favourites and one of Africa’s best sides at the moment while the hosts, Equatorial Guinea, will be dangerous as any other host.

Targeting going one better than Angola and challenging for the title, the Fox says Zambia’s response to the full draw – from the group games to the finals – will be on the field when he lines-up his charges against Senegal, Equatorial Guinea, Libya and any other opposition after that.

He found a team that pundits and experts reckon has lost its touch of fitness, competitiveness and a squad that is in dire need of complete surgery for it to compete and succeed at the highest levels.


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Team ProfileLibya

Mediterranean Knights

Libya have featured at the Africa Cup of Nations twice in 1982 as hosts and 2006

in Egypt. In 1982, backed by the home crowd, they went all the way till the final before losing out to Ghana on penalties.

Libya’s second African Cup of Nations in 2006 saw a return to the higher levels of the international footballing scene, but they bid farewell after the group stage after finishing at the bottom of Group A which included hosts Egypt, Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire.

Six years later, they will be making their third appearance after snatching one of the two best runners-up tickets in the

qualifying campaign. Their journey was no smooth after the political instability in their country saw the team honour home games away from home in Mali and Egypt against Comoros and Mozambique respectively.

At a time when the national league was postponed indefinitely, coach Marcos Paqueta and his charges fought on and success smiled at them in the end. The Mediterranean Knights finished 12 points behind Group C winners Zambia, who managed 13 points. However, it was enough to see them as one of the best runners-up alongside Sudan to the final tournament.

The Libyans have been on the quiet preparing for the

tournament and fine-tune with their participation in the Arab Games in Qatar last December. Captain Samir Aboud is the leader of the team and his superb goalkeeping skills cannot be overruled.

In defence, the likes of Muhammed Al-Mughrabi, Younes Al-Shibani, Omar Dawood Ali Salama are around to link up with Abdulnaser Slil, Ali Rahuma, Djamal Mahamat amongst others in the middle. In attack, trust Ahmed Zuway and Ahmed Osman to terrorize the defence of their opponents.

The Libyans are housed in Group A alongside co-hosts Equatorial Guinea, Senegal and Zambia.

Appearances: 1982, 2006

Qualification: One of the bestrunners-up of Group (C)


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Key Players

Ahmed ZuwayThe 29-year old is the key man upfront for the Mediterranean Knights. Having established himself with local giants Al-Ittihad, Zuway moved to Tunisian side CA Bizertin last year, where he has been on song.

The ‘big’ striker is known for his excellent heading ability and goal scoring. He also has the ability to score from long range and is blessed with amazing speed and pace.

The striker is a fan of pop star Michael Jackson and he usually imitates the former’s ‘Moonwalk move’ after scoring as a sign of homage to the late singer.

Samir AboudThe 39-year old is the captain of the team. Not only is Aboud the most experienced player in the team, he is also the oldest. The veteran goalkeeper will be making his second appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations at the Gabon and Equatorial bound championship after making his debut in 2006 in Egypt.

The goalkeeper has been the safest pair of hands for the Mediterranean Knights for more than a decade, as he gets better by his age.

His clean sheet in the ultimate qualifier against Zambia in Lusaka served the catalyst for the team’s qualification. The shot-stopper has featured for Al-Ittihad since 1991 and reached the highest point of his career after being nominated for the 2011 CAF Player of the Year (Based in Africa).

Ahmed SaadSaad is one of the oldest players in the Libyan squad having celebrated his 32nd birthday last August. The lanky striker has established himself as a regular member of the national team since making his debut nine-years ago.

He was a member of the Libyan squad that qualified for the maiden African Nations Championship in 2009 in Cote d’Ivoire.

During the qualifiers, he scored the winner in the lone goal victory against Zambia in October 2010, in the last match the national team played on Libyan soil.

Marcos Paqueta

CoachMarcos César Dias de Castro, better known as “Marcos Paquetá”, was born on August 27, 1958 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He is nicknamed ‘Marcos Paquetá’ because he was born in Paquetá Island.

He took charge of the Libyan team in July 2010 and has been credited with the team’s qualification for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations under unfamiliar conditions.

As a coach, he managed Flamengo from 1990-1998 and 2001-2003. He also had stints with , Fluminense, América (RJ), Al Shabab (Saudi Arabia) and Qatari side Al-Gharafa, which he guided to the Sheikh Jassem Cup in 2007.

In 2003, as the Brazilian coach, he won both the U-17 World Championship and the U-20 World Championship.


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Team ProfileCote d’Ivoire

Elephants

Appearances: 1965, 1968, 1970, 1974, 1980, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000 – 2002, 2006, 2008, 2010.

Champions:

1992

Qualification: WinnerQualifying Group H


The Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire t are making their 19th appearance at the

final phase of the Africa Cup of Nations,.), after their first participation in 1965. In Tunisia in, the team got bronze medal and the highest goal scorer was Eustache Mangue. In 1968, they again won the bronze medal in Ethiopia. They got to the semi final stage in 1970 in Ethiopia but ended fourth. Laurent Poku created a yet to be beaten record by scoring five goals in a game the Ivorians defeated Ethiopia 6-1 on February 10,

1970 in Khartoum. His record of highest number of goals at the history of the Africa Cup of Nations was maintained for four decades till it was broken by the Cameroonian Samuel Eto’o. The Elephants missed the 1972 competition but came back in 1974 and has participated in the competition since then but only succeeded in winning the Cup in 1992 by beating Ghana in a suspense filled penalties. The Elephants came close to repeating the exploit in 2006 but lost out against Egypt on penalties.

Having emerged fourth in Ghana, they were beaten by Algeria at the last edition in Angola.

Often considered as favourite in recent years with the likes of Didier Drogba, Didier Zokora, Salomon Kalou, Gervinho and the Tourebrothers; Yaya and Kolo, the Elephants have been unable to win the trophy. The team could have the last opportunity this year. For a generation that has played the final in 2006, the semi final in 2008 and two World Cups in six years, it is an opportunity not to miss.

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Team Profile: Cote d’Ivoire

Key players

Didier Drogba (Striker)

The arrival of Didier Drogba in the national team raised hopes among Elephants supporters. With his strike force and power, all had believed Drogba and his friends could offer Cote d’Ivoire a second trophy. Having been captain of the Elephants since 2006, he has the heavy burden of delivering the Holy Grail of African football. Top scorer in the qualifiers, Drogba is the soul of the Ivorian team.

Didier Zokora (midfielder)

Didier Zokora fondly called Maestro is the most capped player of the Ivorian national team. The Vice-captain, who is one of the talented players of the generation of the MimoSifcom Academy, only dreams of a trophy with the Elephants. The team relies on his wide experience to win the Africa Cup of Nations which has remained elusive for two decades.

Yaya Toure (midfielder)

Like Didier Drogba, the Manchester City player has great capacity for recuperation and can instil dynamism in the team. The versatile player seems able to be the true master of the Elephants more than his captain.

François Zahoui: (Coach)

François Zahoui who took over the team a year ago wants to be the second

after compatriot Yeo Martial to offer Elephants the Cup. His dream is to succeed where he failed when he himself wore the jersey of the team.

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Team ProfileBurkina Faso

The Stallions

From its previous participations in the competition, Burkina

Faso’s best result remains the fourth place in 1998 when it hosted the competition. Besides this, the Stallions have not crossed the first round of the competition. Meanwhile, they have often performed well in the qualifiers giving them reason to be hopeful. For the 2012 edition, , captain Mahamoudou Kere and his teammates believe strongly this is their opportunity. Is it because the continents’ heavy weights

like Egypt, Cameroo and Nigeria are absent? Certainly not; since the team has matured with the blend of old players led by the goal poacher, Moumouni Dagano and the young generation of Sibiri Alain Traoré (Auxerre), Jonathan Pitroipa (Rennes) and Bakary Koné (Lyon) who had a beautiful start of the season with their respective clubs.

The Stallions is composed of players who have played together for at least five years and must be capable of handling a competition of

this magnitude. They have a rare opportunity to be in two competitions with the same coach, the Portugese technician, Paulo Duarte. He has been managing the team since 2008 and was at the 2010 edition in Angola. Coupled with the kind of experience to enable him master not only his team, but also African football. But for Paulo Duarte and his players to succeed and cross the first round, they have to confront the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, , the Palancas Negras of Angola and the Desert Hawks of Sudan.

Appearances: 1978; 1996; 1998 (fourth); 2000; 2002; 2004; 2010

Qualification: WinnerQualifying Group F


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Key PlayersMoumouni Dagano (striker)

He is one of the most capped players in the national team alongside Mahamoudou Kere, and much will be expected of him. The striker emerged the highest scorer in the 2010 qualifiers but failed to perform at the final tournament.. Things seem favourable for him this time around as he will have players like Sibiri Alain Traoré and Jonathan Pitroipa who are in good form in Europe around him. This striker, who is performing well at his Qatari club, Al Khor, is full of opportunism, good timing and adores penetrating games. He has recently improved on spot kicks, most of which he scores.

Sibiri Alain Traoré (milieu de terrain)

Alain Sibiri Traoré was born on December 31, 1988 in Bobo Dioulasso. The Auxerre midfielder began his career with local side Planete Champion before moving to the French side in 2005.

In January 2009, he was loaned out to Stade Brest for six months before returning Auxerre five months later.

He has a good vision for the ball, skillful and very effective at set pieces.

Jonathan Pitroipa (striker)

Even though a product of the Planete Champion, Jonathan Pitroipa could not play with the Stallions cadet due to his fragile form. When he however joined the senior team, Pitroipa has become one of the pillars of the attacking line. He is technical, powerful, and swift and privides assists.

Coach Paulo Jorge Rebelo Duarte As a mdfielder, Paulo Duarte pursued his football career only in Portugal at Boavista and Uniao Leiria, having moved from SC Salgueiros and CS Maritimo. As a coach, he managed Uniao Leiria and had Jose Mourinho as mentor, before signing a two-year contract with the Stallions of Burkina Faso in 2008. He qualified the team for the 2010 Orange Africa Cup of Nations after the team missed out on the 2006 and 2008 editions. Having renewed his contract with Burkina Faso, he again qualified the Stallions for the 2012 tournament. Duarte hopes to cross the first round considering that besides their fourth position in 1998 when they hosted, the team has always returned home early. The coach knows his players, African football and what it takes to meet this new challenge.

Team Profile: Burkina Faso

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“Our objective is to prolong our stay” Paulo Duarte (Burkina Faso Coach)

The coach of the Stallions of Burkina Faso, Paulo Duarte is beaming with confidence ahead of the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations.. He hopes to do better than two years ago, where they exited at the first round.

Cafonline.com: What accounted for the outstanding performance of the Stallions in the qualifying series?

Paulo Duarte: This is the fruit of work that started some four years back among the players, technical staff and football officials. We are building a team that is gradually progressing and the proof is its fourth place in the African rankings and 40th at the FIFA level. It should be stated that, in the qualifiers we were in a group that was not too tough but t risky since we had just three teams following the withdrawal of Mauritania. In spite of the seeming trap, we qualified without conceding any defeat. It was a deserved qualification considering the work we have been doing over the years.

CAF: Besides the hard work, what made the difference against your rivals?

PD: Besides the daily work to improve, we have upcoming players in different European championships and new talents that are injecting new blood in our team. Today we have players such as Sibiri Alain Traore of Auxerre in France who was irregular but is now indispensable in the team. We are rebuilding the team with young players such as Bertrand Traore (16 years) who won the last under 17 CAN in Rwanda. He is doing terrific things and for me it is not a matter of age, but being competitive. We have other youngsters in the likes of the midfielder Mohamed Koffi and the goalkeeper Germain Sanou. Two years ago I told my players that the big teams of the continent will crash because they were not renewing their squads and today I am being vindicated with the elimination of Egypt, Cameroon, Nigeria, Algeria and South Africa.

Cafonline.com: Between the 2010 AFCON and that of 2012, which squad was tougher?

PD: I wouldn’t want to make a comparison but let me say we lost a great striker, Yssouf Kone. He experienced one of the most difficult periods in his career as he suffered two knee injuries and had to stay a season without playing. He is however recovering but we cannot rely on him because he is not at his full capacity. We are also losing Habib Bamogo, who has almost spent a year without playing in Nice and four months without a club. He just got a club in Greece and is beginning to play again but we cannot count on him either. However, we have the young Bertrand Traore, who will become one of the great African players in a few years from now just as Abdoul Razak Traoré. Thus we have a similar team like that of 2010 but with a slight difference. This team is younger and can achieve much at the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations. We are worried that we could face similar problems as in the 2010 edition in Angola where we arrived with regulars such as Habib Bamogo, Charles Kaboré, Paul Koulibaly and Mamadou Tall who had left their clubs, and Jonathan Pitroipa who was recovering from injury. These diminish the physical capacity of the team.

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Cafonline.com: You must be a happy man with your players such as Sibiri Alain Traoré (Auxerre), Jonathan Pitroipa (Rennes) and Bakary Koné (Lyon) in top shape with their clubs in France ahead of the tournament?

PD: IIt shows that we are stronger today even though we have lost Yssouf Kone and Habib Bamogo. We have players who are doing well. When I arrived in Burkina Faso four years ago, Jonathan Pitroipa was in Friburg in Germany and now he is in Rennes in the French Ligue 1. He is one of the revelations of the season. Bakary Kone was in Ligue 2 but is rapidly a regular in Lyon, and Alain Traore, who wasn’t a regular in Auxerre, is doing well with his team. The major revelations of the French league are Burkinabes and the French media is saying it. It is the fruit of great work and I feel happy but I am at the same time worried about players who don’t feature

in their clubs. We have to work with what we have and we have a chance of performing well because we are the best as the greats of the continent are absent. We also consider those in the group. Besides all, we remain positive with a team that is motivated to make exploits at the AFCON.

Cafonline.com: Is the absence of big football nations like Egypt, Cameroon and Nigeria a beautiful opportunity for Burkina Faso to go beyond the first round since 1998?

PD: It is actually a big opportunity for us because this edition has promoted young teams and first timers. However, we have to be careful as there are still big names like Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Tunisia, Mali, Morocco and Senegal who are serious contenders for the trophy. We can also count on Burkina Faso, Zambia and Guinea and watch out for Botswana and Niger, who performed well in the qualifiers.. We cannot say it will be easy because of the absence of the big names.

Cafonline.com: Is your future with the Stallions hinged on the results at the the tournament?

PD: Time will tell; but like I had said I will not stay in Burkina Faso forever. I have rejected proposals and decided to stay because I have adapted well to a team which is progressing well and I adore the country that has adopted me. My ambition however, is to qualify the team for the World Cup and we are getting closer to that. For me to stay in Burkina Faso, we must have an ambitious programme because football actually has a lot of pressure.

Cafonline.com: What is your objective at the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations?

PD: My objective is to do better than in the previous edition by prolonging our stay in the 2012 edition by crossing the first round, reach the quarter final and go further. The players are aware of what is at stake and we will able to meet the challenge because we have the means.


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Moumouni Dagano(Burkina Faso’s striker)

“This is our opportunity”Stallions striker, Moumouni Dagano believes that the 2012 AFCON is an opportunity for him and his teammates to shine and go as far as possible. He spoke to Cafonline.com on the chances of the national team which he says has a generation of talented players.

Cafonline.com: Was the qualifiers for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations easier?

Moumouni Dagano: I believe that there is no easy pool in football but certainly found easier matches. That was because we were more motivated, worked hard and did all to make the matches easier. Things went on well and we are grateful to God, while hoping to achieve good result in the final phase.

CAF: Which team do you dread the most at the start?

MD: Before the qualifiers, , we feared The Gambia more because we didn’t know much about them. We said the most important step was to win all our home games and then manage the rest. With our present team we are not afraid of any team.

CAF: What made the difference in your group; was it the strength of your team or the weakness of your opponents?

MD: The Gambia were not very strong but we must admit that our experience made the difference. We have been playing together for years and at the qualifiers and final tournament. Added to that was our motivation to qualify for the finals and do a little more.

CAF: Can we say the present Burkinabe team has the best generation of Stallions players?

MD: I would like to congratulate my teammates because during each outing of the team, each one said we will win and qualify. This year everyone was still convinced of our qualification and the onus was on us to confirm that and we succeeded in style. We can say it is one of the best generations because we have been together for many years and that has enabled us to gain experience. But one has to admit that there have

always been good players in the national team. The fact that we are said to make a good team helps us to prove our strength and confirm that we are among the best in Africa. been together for many years and that has enabled us to gain experience. But one has to admit that there have always been good players in the national team. The fact that we are said to make a good team helps us to prove our strength and confirm that we are among the best in Africa.

CAF: What is the state of the team considering talks in certain quarters about conflict of generation between the older players which you lead and the younger ones in the likes of Sibiri Alain Traoré, Jonathan Pitroipa and Charles Kaboré?

MD: All is going on well in the team and the proof is on the pitch during matches. If there was actually a conflict we would not have had the results we had in the qualifiers. When the younger players joined the squad they easily and rapidly adapted because of their talents and because of the encouragements of their elders in the team. I have always said the experience of older players and the enthusiasm of the younger ones make a good blend. It is true that people are talking of minor problems but I insist that the team is strong and there is a healthy relationship amongst players. I hope that will continue.


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CAF: What makes the Stallions’ strength today?

MD: Simplicity and solidarity.

CAF: How do you appreciate the fact that the team was paired alongside Cote d’Ivoire for the second time and with Angola and Sudan?

MD: We are lucky to have been paired alongside Cote d’Ivoire because the more we play against big teams the more we gain experience. I have always said it is good to qualify; but the most difficult is yet to come and for us the task is to cross the first round. We have tough rivals and we are going to take all the matches seriously. It could be the last tournament for some old players and we have to give our best to perform well.

CAF: What is your objective in this AFCON and do you have the means to achieve them?

MD: Our objective is to cross the first round. Though that would not be easy, we would fight hard to achieve that. We have our opportunity in this AFCON and we will seize it. We don’t just have to play group matches and come back home but we have to do better than in previous editions. We are aware of the stakes and we are going to qualify for the second round and I am confident because we have the means to go far in this competition.

CAF: Considering your long stay in the Stallions, will this be your last Africa Cup of Nations?

MD: I don’t think my sojourn with the Stallions will end with the Africa Cup of Nations, and it is too early to talk about it because it is about being physically fit. I will offer my services each time the country needs me. For now, the most important is for me to perform well in the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations and the rest will come later. I hope this competition will be a good one for me as far as scoring is concerned. In fact the situation is a little different as many of our players play regularly with their teams and register outstanding performances. Players like Jonathan Pitroipa (Rennes), Bakary Koné (Lyon) and Sibiri Alain Traoré (Auxerre) ended their season well. I believe the tournament will be our opportunity but we are in football and in order to meet the challenge we have to be cautious.

CAF: What is your future with your club, Al Khorr in Qatar and do you feel like coming back to Europe?

MD: Honestly, I am fine at Al Khor and I have renewed my contract with my club for one year. The team is doing well in the local championship where it features amongst the best. For now, I am focused on what I am doing with my club.


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Appearences: 1957 (Host), 1959(Runner), 1963(Runner), 1970 (Champions), 1972, 1976, 2008, 2012

Qualification: One of the bestrunners-up of Group (I)

Team ProfileTeam ProfileSudan

Desert Hawks

Many people in Sudan consider that the matter is different this

time for the first national team, , as they came back to Africa Cup of Nation finals for the second time in six years. They made their first return during the 2008 edition in Ghana after being absent for 32years since Ethiopia finals in 1976. s.

Sudan’s results in matches of the qualifiers had been appreciated, since it triumphed over Congo, Swaziland home and away, drew 0-0 with Ghana in Kumasi,before losing 0-2 to the Black Stars in the final match in Omuderman, but they qualified as one of the best runners-up.

The Sudan team found a great attention and patronage from fans, and received support from internal and external camps, which contributed largely in its qualifying to finals.,. Sudan was drawn in Group B alongside strong forces such as Cote d’Ivoire, t, Angola and Burkina Faso.

Sudan has two main objectives in Equatorial Guinea- Gabon. Firstly, to avoid a repeat of their appaling performance in 2008, where they failed to score a goal in three matches.

Secondly, to qualify out of the group, because they have been absent from that stage since 1972 in Cameroon.

The expectations are big this time, but the team faces a problem in its defense and attacking lines, since first choice striker, Mudathir Eltaieb “Careca”, has been injured with muscle strain since October 2010. He has not only been absent from Al Hilal matches, but also he has been absent both locally and continentally. The defender Ahmed ‘Safari’ Ali, one of the most experienced in the Sudanese backline also picked an injury at the middle of the season and is expected to recover to partner Seif Masawi in centeral defence.

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Team Profile: Sudan

Sudan is facing pressure for being an ideal representative from the CECAFA region.

The skeleton of Sudan Squad has still remained fixed for two decades, Al Hilal and Al Merrikh had gained the largest share, with their players constituting about 98 percent of the squad. . The two teams remain the only Sudanese clubs that perform creditably in the continental club championships. However, there appears to be a new generation of players of the current U-23 team, having shown their abilities in the African qualifiers for London 2012 Olympic Games.. They are eager now to get their opportunity to represent Sudan. This is will create a strong competition inside the first national team in the near future.

Key PlayersElmuez Mahjoub - Goal keeper and Captain

Elmuez Mahjoub is the most experienced goal-keeper in the Sudanese team. He is rated as the first goal keeper in Sudan and for local giants, Al Hilal. He was one of the four players of the current team who featured in the 2008 edition in Ghana. He has played in the first national team since 2007 and so has accumulated great experience as a result of his continuous play with his club and the national team.

Ahmed Elbasha - Midfielder and Defender

Ahmed Elbasha is a defensive midfielder who plays for local club Al Merrikh. . He is not just a player, but a “utility player” in the national team and at his club. He plays in the central defence and as midfield.. He has gained great experience from playing of the African football due to his continuous play with his club and the national team. He has played in the national team since 2007. His technical value is great because he provides his colleagues with more choices on the pitch.

Seif Masawi - Central Defender

Sudanese side Al Hilal faced a great problem with the departure of Richard Justin till Seif

Mesawi surfaced. Masawi was forced to change his position from the midfield to the central defense and the national team also benefited from this change. Coach Mazda is depending on him for this year’s tournament because Seif Masawi has succeeded in introducing a persuaded ability that has made him one of the pillars of the national teams. He also played at the 2008 finals in Ghana.

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“We are bracing up to play against the big guns” Balla Jabir - Sudan National Team

Cafonline.com: How did Sudanese players assess the qualification to CAN 2012 finals?

Balla Jabir: Sudan qualifying to CAN 2012 is considered as an extension to the participations in the former editions. We hope to be present at subsequent editions. This time, we have the chance to introduce Sudanese players to Europe. Therefore we hope that, at least five players will get this chance at the end of the competition and play in European Premier Leagues. This is one of our aims in going to the tournament.

CAF: What are the reasons that led to Sudan’s qualification?

BJ: The Sudan Football Association, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sport, and Sudanese fans have directed their attention towards the national teams. All of these institutions played various roles to help us qualify to CAN 2012 finals. We will be innovators when we feel that they have us at heart and that they are taking care of us.

As players, we planned well and told each other we must qualify to the finals. Sudan must always be present at CAN finals. This thought started strongly since our match against Ghana’s team in Kumasi, we compelled them to draw 0-0.

CAF: What will be different from the participation in Ghana 2008, where Sudan was eliminated at the first round?

BJ: Things will be different this time. Firstly, the ages of our current players are between nineteen and twenty-eight and with support from experienced old players, backed by the coach will benefit from we shall go far. These ages give us great motivation and help us in playing the matches from the beginning till the end in that African football is particularly

Team Profile: Sudan

known by the physical strength of players. We are a new generation who hold the Sudan-team flag and we have benefited from the trials of the former team in CAN 2008. Although that team was a homogenous team, getting back to the finals after thirty-two years seemed to be a bit strange for them. We will do our best in order not to repeat the loss in Ghana 2008.

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CAF: What is your objective at the tournament?

BJ: There is a strategy we have all adopted. The technical and the managerial bodies will help to make our participation better this time. Firstly, at least five players must find their way to the Europe Premier Leagues. Secondly, we will not repeat the Ghana 2008 scenario, in which Sudan lost to all the teams and so was eliminated from the first round. We want to qualify to the second round, then we will see what we can do.

CAF: What is your assessment of the group opponents, Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Angola?

BJ: Cote d’Ivoire is the biggest and famous team. They are a heavyweight in African football. In addition, they have professional

players in the best and big European leagues. As for Angola, we played against them at the CHAN semifinal in Khartoum last February. For Burkina Faso, they are from West Africa the most-developed region in football in Africa. All the three teams have good professionals, so we will play every match and put in our minds that we are competing against a big team, who must gain our respect and consideration. We will do our best to abduct at least one point in one match and win in the rest.

CAF: How do you see your match against Angola, particulaly as they are the team who eliminated Sudan from ChAN final in Khratoum last Februrary?

BJ: How do you see your match against Angola, particulaly as they are the team who eliminated Sudan from ChAN final in Khratoum last Februrary?

Team Profile: Sudan

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CAF: What aresome of the abilities you will show in the coming CAN 2012 to challenge the African professionals in Europe?

BJ: We know well that we will play against big African teams and against players such as Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou amongst others. We want to prove to all that Sudanese players can comete at the highest level. It is for this reason that we will do our best to prove that we have the ability to play in Europe. They are big stars and play in the best European premier leagues but we have the ambition to play in Europe like them to raise the value of Sudanese players. During the last four years, we have played against big African teams and we forced them them to draws. The nearest example of that is our match against Ghana on October 2010, which we drew 0-0 although they brought thier big players like Asamoah Djan and two of Abede Pele’s sons and other big names based in Europe.

CAF: What is your promise to Sudanese football fans?

BJ: Sudan players and Sudanese people will be delighted to witness Sudan’s presence at the CAN 2012 finals. We want this delight to continue, so, we will work to represent Sudan appropriately and to prove that the Sudanese player cannot be intimidated. We promise Sudanese that we will do our best. This is the biggest football championship in Africa and most of Sudan’s players playing for the first time in it and they are aware that they honoring their nation.

Team Profile: Sudan

Balla Jabir stressed that they will not allow repetition of the losses which Sudan incurred at CAN 2008 in Ghana to be repeated

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Appearances: 1996, 1998, 2006, 2008 (quarterfinals) and 2010(quarterfinals)

Team ProfileTeam ProfileAngola

Palancas Negras

The Angolan national football team, Palancas Negras, after a dismal

campaign in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying series, are housed in Group B with Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Sudan. The Angolans went through on the final day of the qualifying series. Clearance was achieved only in the last round on 8th October 2011, in Bissau, after victory over Guinea-Bissau, which ended in 2-0.

The players are the most popular and advanced Manucho Gonçalves (Valladolid of Spain) and Flavio Amado (SK Lierse oof Belgium), as well as defensive midfielder and Captain Andre

Macanga (Al Jahra, Kuwait). Manucho was top scorer of the national team during the qualifiers, with four goals, but with the return of striker Flavio, coach Lito Vidigal can breathe a sigh of relief in the center forward.

Angola started the campaign with a defeat against Uganda in Kampala (0-3) on 4th October 2010. They rectified the bad start in the second round, at home by hitting on 9th October 2010 Guinea-Bissau (1-0) in Luanda, Nevertheless, the national team again fell (1-2) when they moved to Nairobi against Kenya on 26thMarch, 2011.

This defeat alerted the sports authorities of the country and so they demanded changes in the behaviour of players and coaching staff. Because of pressure from the society, the Angolan team changed its strategy. They won on 5thJune, 2011, in Luanda, when they played against the Harambee Stars and it ened in 1-0. Again, in the fourth round, they beat Uganda 2-0 on 4th October, 2011.

This result has rekindled the hopes of Angola’s participation in the African Nations Cup, whose final phase will take place in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, between January

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21 and February 12, 2012. After the triumph, Uganda continued to lead the Group J with 10 points, and nine for the Angolans. The last round selections were: Uganda (10 points), Angola (9) and Kenya (7).

On the final day, when the national team was triumphing over Guinea Bissau, 2-0, with goals from Manucho Gonçalves and Mateus Galiano, in Kampala, Uganda tied (0-0) against Kenya, confirming their qualification with 12 points. Ugandans relegated to the background Kenya with 11points and eight points.

They showed an exquisite football on the pitch, but at least offsetted this lack of technique with a will and a force of an impressive fighting spirit. The image is that this campaign was a selection of withdrawn and no reaction at first. In the middle of the walk, they gave up and managed to get the people to their feet, and finally uttered the cry of joy, sweat and persistence.

Finally, a squad is used to overcome difficulties and has extra power when least expected.

The history of the national team included some titles. At the Lusophone Games, the national team won a silver medal in 2006 and a bronze medal in 2009; they won three times the Cup COSAFA (1999, 2001, 2004); were 23rd in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and five appearances in African Cup of Nations (1996, 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010).

For 2012, in Group B, based in Malabo (Equatorial Guinea), Angola, will face well-known opponents, Burkina Faso who competed in editions 1978, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004 and 2010; the Sudan was in 1957, 1959, 1963, 19701, 1972, 1976, 2008, and the Ivory Cost (1966, 1968, 1970 , 1974, 1980, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 19921, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2008 and 2010).

Team Profile: Angola

They showed an exquisite football on the pitch, but at least offsetted this lack of technique with a will and a force of an impressive fighting spirit.

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The PlayersManucho Gonçalves (Striker)

Top scorer of the Angolan national football during Ghana 2008, the striker Manucho Goncalves, of Valladolid of Spain, is one of the main references of the attack.

He is regularly partnered by Flavio Amado of SK Lierse.

He moved after the 2010 edition to Turkish side Bucaspor. He had a brief spell at Manchester United.

The footballer tied with Spanish club Valladolid until 2014, began his career in Flaminguinhos FC, before moving to Benfica and Petro de Luanda.

André Macanga (defensive midfielder and captain)

Andre Valentim Macanga Venceslau is the captain of national team football. Defensive midfielder of Al Jahra Kuwait, Macanga missed out on the final phase of the African Cup of Nations finals in Angola in 2010 through an injury. He was replaced by Kaly at the tournament.

He is one of the survivors of the generation of players in the 2006 World Cup in Germany, and has international experience. Respected by peers, he is a true coach on the field and ensures reliability.

He is a professional footballer whose enviable career began more than ten years ago and has great talent that has led him to reach the rank of captain of the team. It is natural to Luanda (May 14, 1978) and plays in Al Jahra, after having been passed by Kuwait SC.

Flavio Amado (Forward)

Author of Angola’s only goal in the final stages of World Cup 2006 Flavio Amado da Silva (Luanda, December 30, 1979) is one of the most experienced in Africa. The one-time icon of Petro Luanda was side by side with former captain Akwa. He now plays for SK Lierse in Belgium.

He has recuperated from a long injury nad winner against Kenya in Luanda. He is the main finisher of the national team since Akwa abandoned the high competition.

In addition to label par excellence, Flavio is also creator of moves and a provider of assists.


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Coach Lito Vidigal: Example of Courage and PatriotismHis first experience at international level, José Carlos Fernandes Vidigal, better known as Lito Vidigal, won second place at the CHAN tournament in Sudan in 2011, one month after replacing compatriot Zeca Amaral at the helm.

Born on July 11, 1969, in Luanda; Lito Vidigal took over the coaching of the national team at a critical moment in the history of Angolan football, because of poor results in the qualifying campaign for the African Cup of Nations. With a squad of no big names, the coach has built team around local-based players in the Girabola.

With these, , Vidigal built a strong and a united team through humility and courage. While few believed him to qualify the team, by virtue of having entered the final round to rely on third parties, the national team was winning Bissau (2-0), while in Kampala, Uganda, Kenya leveled against the (0-0). This result gave the first African Cup of Nations to the technician, who had never qualified any selection in this race.

Lito Vidigal - “We Are in the Group of Death”Eventhough we are far away, we have drawn attention to the finals of the African Cup of Nations that will be held in Malabo (Equatorial Guinea). On 29th October 2011, the coach of Angola, Lito Vidigal, told cafonline.com “the national team is in a group that is very difficult and considered series of deaths.”

The national team debut to 22nd January in front of Burkina Faso, in Malabo, followed by the challenge against Sudan, on 26th, and closes the preliminary stage against Ivory Cost on 30th. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the next step.

With these resorts, Vidigal created a strong and a united team through humility and courage.


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cafonline.com: How do you assess your group?Lito Vidigal: Angola is in the toughest group of the event, against teams with great technical ability and highly competitive enviable. But, we are accustomed to overcoming obstacles.

CAF: What are the chances of Angola in this group?Lito Vidigal: The most important thing is to work to improve the previous levels. The opponents are the same, although the presence of Cote d’Ivoire t awakens attention. The group is really difficult. It is the group of death. That is what happened in 2010. We cannot regret it. We think we are all capable of being the winners at the finals in 2012. We must be prepared to face the difficulties ahead.

CAF: Does the presence of Cote d’Ivoire ring some fear?Lito Vidigal: Cote d’Ivoire is a very strong and highly rated team, but no team is unbeatable. On the other hand, Burkina Faso is a team that has evolved greatly in Africa and has a strong squad. Sudan is also strong and has a core of players from the African Nations Championship they hosted last year. During that tournament, we knocked them out at the semi final. Therefore, all the necessary care will be taken to face Sudan.

CAF: What is your target?Lito Vidigal: It’s a tough group. Any team can advance to the next round, for Angola we have our objectives. We will do what we can to beat our opponents, irrespective of position in the rankings. I know that everyone is better than Angola in the rankings, but that’s not enough to give up the fight. We are going till the end.


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Team ProfileGabon

Panthers

But for the 1996 edition in South Africa, where they reached the quarter-finals,

Gabon have yet to make a major impact in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations. Apart from that, they exited at the first round on all previous appearances in 1994 (Tunisia), 2000 (Ghana & Nigeria) and 2010 (Angola).

In Angola, they gave a good account of themselves in a tough group which included Cameroon, Zambia and Tunisia, but missed out on the ticket to the next spot on goal difference. Playing at home, the Panthers will be a force to reckon after engaging in series of high profile friendly matches after being excused from the qualifying series by virtue of being co-hosts with Equatorial Guinea.

Their preparations for the tournament have been centred at home with matches against Equatorial Guinea and Brazil in October and November respectively. It was the match against the five-time World champions that made clear the intent of the Panthers as far as the 28th edition of the continental showpiece event is concerned. To bring the almighty Brazil to Africa is a clear sign of a team with huge ambitions. Later, they suffered a 1-2 loss to Ghana in an international friendly in Paris but it served a learning process for Gernor Rohr and his charges.

The team’s preparation received a major boost with the performance of their Olympic team at the CAF U-23 Championship in Morocco,

where they stunned the host in the final. It marks the first ever title for Gabon in a major championship.

The performance of the team has given Rohr further options in his quest to build a winsome team for the tournament. Already, the likes of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Saint-Etienne), Eric Mouloungi (Lille) and goalkeeper Didier Ovono are making headways in the French League.

For the Gabonese, the tournament means a lot to them, a feeling which has compelled star man Daniel Cousin to join local side, Sapins last year to be in shape for the tournament.

The co-hosts are housed in Group C alongside Morocco, Niger and Tunisia.

Appearances: 1994, 1996, 2000, 2010

Qualification: Co-Host to Equatorial Guinea


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Team Profile: Gabon

Key Players

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang He is the most in-form Gabonese player having scored six goals in the French Ligue 1 this season. His performance in the friendly against Brazil earned him the nickname ‘Dangerous boy’ and has remained one of the reliable forces for coach Gernot Rohr.

He made his move to French side, Saint-Etienne a permanent deal after series of sterling performances during his loan spell from Italian side, AC Milan.

Pierre-Emerick is the youngest of the Aubameyang brothers, with the other two as Willy and Catilina.

Didier OvonoOvono has been first choice goalkeeper for the Panthers for the last half decade. At 28, he is one of the most experienced players in the squad and much will be expected of him as the team will be playing in front of their fans. His charisma, professionalism and skills has served his driving force.

The tournament will be his second successive appearance at the biggest stage of African football after a disappointing campaign in 2010 in Angola.

Bruno Ecuele MangaThe 23-year old defender is one of the key players of the Gabon. He represents a generation of Gabonese footballers making headway in Europe, where he plays for French side, Lorient.

Manga has been in superb form for club and country in the build up to the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. At Lorient, he has fitted in the vacuum created since the departure of Laurent Koscielny to English side, Arsenal.

He won the heart of the local fans for his performance during the international friendly with Brazil last November in Libreville.

Gernot Rohr - Coach

Gabon is the first national team job for German-born Gernot Rohr, who idolised at French club Girondis Bordeaux after more than 10-years of service. He took over the reigns of the Panthers in February 2010. The 58-year old is credited with the current state of the Panthers team, highly tipped to advance the first round of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. He has remained committed to the fortunes of the team.

Rohr has an idea of the African game after a short stint with Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel from 2008-2009.

“We want to go as far as possible” – CousinGabon captain Daniel Cousin has declared that the team is hoping to do well and go as far as possible in the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations.

“The team is hoping to do well and our ambition is to go as far as possible. Though most people believe that we cannot not go beyond the quarter finals; we hope to play at least the final. We are hosting the competition and we have to do all to reach the final.

On his fitness level, he said “I am working hard to be in my best form. It is a good thing that the young ones are competing for places, but the onus lies on the older players to work hard and prove that they deserve a place and their experience is needed.

“The fact that I have been given the captain band gives me more responsibilities vis-a-vis my teammates and the fans. The moral of the team is high.”

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“The Panthers have to make their country proud” – RohrGabon coach, Franco-German, Gernot Rohr has called on his players to make the nation proud in spite of the pressure on them. The Panthers coach says the country merits honour considering the commitment towards hosting a successful tournament. Rohr, who took over in February 2010, has been fine-tuning his side’s preparations for the tournament.

Cafoot: The 2012 Orange Africa Cup of nations is fast approaching, what is the state of your team?

Gernot Rohr: We are preparing with a lot of determination and training. We have a motivated and harmonious team with great ambition.

CAF: Do you think you have a team that can achieve your ambitions?

GR: Yes, I have chosen worthy players. We have players with a collective spirit and are willing to play as a team. We are not blessed with big names, but we have a solid team.

The focus of our preparations was on the style of play and moral of the team, especially on solidarity and strength. Besides youthfulness and team spirit, what we have done so far will be proven on the pitch.

CAF: What are your objectives for the tournament?

GR: We hope to go till the end of the competition and put up a good showing in spite of pressure at home. We have to honour this country which has put in a lot of resources to host this competition. My most important wish is that, after the competition, all these people who have put so much will look back and say it was worth it.

CAF: What pressure are you talking about?

GR: The pressure of winning, of playing at home and from the public. This is also a source of motivation. The players should not be constrained by this pressure.

CAF: What is your assessment of the other three teams in Group A?

GR: Everyone knows that, Niger beat Egypt and South Africa to qualify. Morocco eased past Algeria whilst Tunisia also won the CHAN. These are three tough teams and are difficult to beat. Morocco and Tunisia have several players playing abroad in tougher leagues. Niger, on its part, are not very tough but are collective and aggressive.

CAF: Are you hoping to replicate the historic performance of the Gabon U-23 team that won the CAF U-23 Championship held last December in Morocco?

GR: Everything is possible even without Rohr. We have been training and have been trying to help the players gain experience, a certain level of moral, organisation and a game plan. For two years now, we have followed one direction with a blue print. We have rebuilt the team, renewed the technical staff and now we have a competitive capable of winning at every level.

Team Profile: Gabon

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Team ProfileNiger

Mena (Antilope)

Mena of Niger has been the revelation of the continent in

recent years. Having gradually emerged as a strong football nation in the UEMOA zone since the inception of the tournament in West Africa, Niger has not stopped progressing on the continent. A year ago, Mena was one of the surprised qualified teams of the African Nations Championship in Sudan 2011. They eliminated the Super Eagles of Nigeria to qualify. Mena was eliminated in

the competition at the quarter final stage on penalties to the host country, Sudan.

It is a determined and experienced Mena which will be going to Gabon in January. Having qualified from a difficult group comprised South Africa, Egypt and Sierra Leone, the team has acquired a high level. The team has also been beefed up with foreign based players. The team’s starting line up have the likes of Williams Tongi Ngounou and Olivier Harouna. The technical staff

was also strengthened with the recruitment of the Frenchman Roland Courbis.

Meanwhile, officials of the Niger Football Federation are aware of the task ahead of them considering that they are in the same group with Morocco, Tunisia and co-hosts Gabon. That is why they have put in place an intensive preparation programme including several friendly matches and training camp outside to acclimatize.

Appearance: Debut

Qualification: Winner of Qualifying Group G


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Key playersWilliam Tonji Ngounou

Born on July 31, 1982, Ngounou is a real asset for Mena. He made his first appearance for the team on February 9, 2011 during the friendly against Morocco. Since then, he has been an integral part of the team and master of the midfield. He plays for the Sweddish club Limhamn Bunkeflo.

Idrissa Laouali

Born on September 11, 1983, the ASFA Yennenga player is the emblematic captain of Mena. He has participated in all of the team’s matches in recent years and also had a fantastic season with ASFA Yenneng in 2010. The team’s leader uses both his technique and power to make his presence. He is part of the recent suppression of local Mena players.

Chicoto Mohamed

He is the heart beat of the Nigerian public. Having deputised for Koffi Dankwa while at Sahel Sporting Club, Mohamed took advantage of his departure to Esperance of Zarzis to shine. He is the unbeatable right back of the Mena. He recently signed for Platinium Stars in South Africa.

Harouna Doulla, Coach of Mena

Is it fulfilling for a coach to qualify Mena for the first time for the Africa Cup of Nations?

Apart from me, this qualification has brought satisfaction to the entire Nigerien people, coming 51 years after the country’s independence. . It has come as compensation to the people, first to the authorities of our country and then officials of the federation of our football and the players that believed in our qualification chances. This qualification is the collective efforts of all Nigeriens towards this team.

Personally, it is an honour for me, but it does not mean all is perfect. We have to continue improving things in order to raise the performance of the team. It is not just to qualify once but to sustain it. In future, Niger has to participate in all continental competitions. That will be the proof of the evolution of our football.

For the moment, we have to go and prove that our qualification was not a mistake.

Can you reveal your programme of preparation for the competition?

Our first phase of preparation was from 11-15 November last year.. We were to to play two matches but unfortunately we played just one, against Botswana. We played a 1-1 draw at home. It enabled us to have an idea of our team and discover new players. We made few changes for fear of not losing the match. Following our programme, we have two more preparatory periods in order to perfect a team that is ready to get into the competition.

Do you think the surprise aspect that played in Niger’s favour during the qualifiers will continue during the final phase?

It will not be an issue of surprise since, till now everyone has been asking questions about Niger. We will have to confirm that we eliminated Egypt and South Africa because we have the potential. We are going to the Africa Cup of Nations to conserve our victories and that means we have to be psychologically prepared for the D-day.

What are your objectives for the tournament?

Being our first participation, we have to carve our niche and not just to participate. My objective is to qualify from our group; we are in the same group with two Maghrebian countries (Tunisia and Morocco) and the co-host, Gabon. We have to prepare the team physically and mentally within the remaining time. All factors have to be at the mental level as there will be enormous pressure from the fans especially when it comes to the match against Gabon.

Team Profile: Niger

“We have to prove that our qualification was no mistake”

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“We are going to represent our country honourably” Laouali

How do you feel following the qualification for a final phase of the Africa Cup of Nations?

It is a feeling of satisfaction considering the fact that it’s the first time. . We are proud that it came during our generation. The qualification was possible thanks to the support of the Nigerien people. To understand the importance of this qualification, you needed to be with us during our tour of the country. It was emotional.

What objectives have you set as players for this AFCON?

Considering the fact that, it is our first participation, we are going to represent our country honourably. Our objective will be to cross the first round and progress from there.

How do you assess your chances in your group?

It is a manageable group even though it is one of the toughest. We will do all to have our say. With the support of the Nigerien people, officials of FENIFOOT and the authorities, everything will be done so that we can perform well.

What does it mean being nominated among the best African based players?

I must say it surprised me as I wasn’t expecting such a distinction. It is certainly the fruits of all our efforts during the qualifiers and other competitions. It is the result of my team mates and myself as well as Nigerien football. I am really proud.

What’s the opinion about the massive recruitment of Nigerien players by European clubs?

It is the result of our performance during the qualifiers.. It is proof that Nigerian football is developing. If this continues,

within a short time, we will have nothing to envy of big football nations.

Is Mena ready for the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations?

Currently, we have a good team even though there are some modifications to be made. We have to play more friendly matches before the D-day. Personally, I have to assure our supporters that after suffering some injury, I am working hard to be at my best during the tournament.

Team Profile: Niger

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Team ProfileMorocco

Atlas Lions

The Atlas Lions will be making a return to the Africa Cup of Nations

after missing out on the last edition in Angola two years. The Gabon and Equatorial Guinea tournament will be the 14 th time the Moroccans will be appearing at the biennial championship. Having missed out on the Angola 2010 edition, the team managed by Belgian Eric Gerets reorganized themselves to qualify for the 28th edition of the competition by emerging as the top placed team in Group d which included Maghrebian fellows, Algeria, Central Africa Republic and Tanzania.

However, they had to wait till the last day of the qualifiers to know their fate courtesy a 3-1 win over Tanzania in Marrakech

whilst contenders Central Africa Republic slipped to a 0-2 loss to Algeria away. Their only loss in the campaign was a lone goal defeat against Algeria in Annaba. The Atlas Lions finished on 11 points, three more than surprise packets Central African Republic and Algeria, whilst Tanzania rests at the depth of the standings with five points.

After losing in the final of the 2004 edition to the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia, the Moroccans have failed to go past the first round in their two ensuing appearances in 2006 (Egypt) and 2008 (Ghana). This time round, much will be expected of them after new lease of life brought into the team by Gerets.

The current Atlas Lions squad is a mixture of youth and experience with upcoming stars like Mehdi

Benatia of Italian side Udinese, captain Houssine Kharja, who also plays in the Italian Serie A for Fiorentina, Adel Taraabt of English side, Queens Park Rangers combining with old limbs such as Youssef Hadji (Rennes), Marouane Chamakh (Arsenal) and Badr El Kaddouri (Celtic).

The current crop of players are carrying the hopes of the country and aspirations of high of them to end the long drought which has rocked the team since 1976, which is the only time they won the title.

Morocco will face yet another tough test in North African rivals Tunisia at the tournament in Group C which also include co-hosts Gabon and debutants Niger.

Team ProfileTeam ProfileAppearances: 1972, 1976, 1980, 1986, 1988, 1992, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008

Champions:

1976

Qualification: WinnerQualifying Group D

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Team Profile: Morocco

Key PlayersNadir Lamyaghri (Goalkeeper)At 35, he is the oldest player in the team. Coach Eric Gerets had to wait for a late report from his club, Wydad Athletic Club and national team doctors to learn of his fate after a shoulder dislocation whilst featuring for his club.

News of his recovery came as a relief to most Moroccans, considering the fact that he is the safest pair of hands for the national team.

Houssine Kharja (Captian)Kharja is a manager on pitch. Every football team needs a player like him, a natural born leader, charismatic and disciplined. His presence gives more calmness to the team, no wonder he is the captain of the team. Besides Youssef Hadji and Marouane Chamakh, he also featured in the 2004 squad that lost in the final to hosts Tunisia. He has over 60 caps for the Atlas Lions and has been in good form for his club, Fiorentina.

Mehdi Benatia (Defender)The defender, who plays for Italian side, Udinese, was named Moroccan Player of the Year 2011 after his exploits for both club and country.

Despite being born in France, he opted to play for the Atlas Lions and has since known no turning back.

He was one of the pillars during the qualifying series and scored during the 4-0 routing of Algeria in Marrakech.

His performance for Udinese last season has made him a target for some top clubs in Europe.

The 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations, will be his maiden appearance at the continental flagship event.

Eric Gerets (Coach)Gerets started his coaching career with Belgian side, Standard de Liege in 1992. After two years, he moved to Lierse where he transformed them from a weak side to a competitive one, achieving a historical Belgian league trophy in 1997. He then moved to Club Brugge, winning the league with them as well before going to Netherlands to coach PSV Eindhoven where he achieved many titles.

He next destination was Germany, handling Kaiserslautern and Wolfsburg before leading Turkish giants Galatasaray in 2005. In 2007 he moved to French Olympique Marseille before a stint with Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia. Morocco is his first job with a national team and the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations will be the first major continental championship of his career.

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Team Profile: Morocco

“We are going there to win the title”Gerets

What is your assessment of your team for the tournament?

It’s always difficult to select a team but I believe judgment should be at the end of the project not the beginning. My squad is not a new one but made up of players who participated in the qualifying series. I preferred fitness besides experience, and also have good substitutions in all positions.

The performance of your team has not been satisfactory in some recent friendly matches. What accounted for that?

If you are referring to the LG Cup tournament, the purpose was not to win; rather discover and work on our mistakes. We created lots of scoring chances but strangely failed to score. The important thing was to have harmony among the players and also raise their self confidence. Missing chances besides fitness level of my players are my concerns. Sometimes, training sessions are better than friendly matches, and the important point is to be ready when the day comes.

Does the absence of some notable giants serve an advantage for your team?

I do not care a lot about my opponents; I just do with my team. My concern is not that Egypt, Cameroon, South Africa, Algeria and Nigeria are not participating; rather is to avoid facing Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana who are the favorites, at least in the first round. Cote d’Ivoire will be our opponents in 2014 World Cup qualifications. The good point is that we are staying in Libreville, which I hear has a sizeable Moroccan community.

How do you rate your team’s chances?

We are going there to win the title, else we had better stayed at home. It will not be easy, and not impossible. Since we have some good players, we have the right to dream of winning the title.

Are you disadvantaged since it is your first major African experience?

It is true that it’s my first participation at the Africa Cup of Nations. I have studied the African terrain very well. I believe the situation in Gabon will be different. The concern is that Morocco missed out in Angola 2010 and have not won the trophy since 1976. We have another battle in the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifications but the focus now is on the Orange Africa Cup of Nations.

What teams do you fear most at the Africa Cup of Nations?

I respect all the teams who have made it to the finals. I always say to win the title, you must win all matches. If we do not face the big names in the first round, we will meet them at the latter stages. I am happy that we will play in Libreville because they have good facilities. Apart from our game against Gabon, it is a neutral ground for all teams.

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Team ProfileTunisia

Carthage Eagles

The Carthage Eagles will be making their 15th appearance at biennial

championship in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The Tunisians also boast of an impressive record of having participated at every edition of the tournament since 1994.

But it was not easy this time as they had to wait till the final day of the qualifying series to learn their status. After a poor start to the campaign, it took former national star, Sami Trabelsi to revive the fortunes of the team and secured them a place amongst the 14 teams aside co-hosts Gabon and Equatorial.

Housed in Group K which had five team and two tickets on display, the Carthage Eagles were one point out of contention after

lone goal loss to Botswana and 2-2 draw with Malawi in Tunis and Rades respectively. After five matches, the Tunisians had seven points out of a possible 15 points.

Then came the shy-looking Trabelsi, who signed off on grand style after guiding the local component of the Carthage Eagles to the title at the African Nations Championship in Sudan last February. After that his contract was extended to cover the remainder of the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and victories over Chad and Togo coupled with a barren draw against Malawi was enough to see them qualify automatically in Group K alongside Botswana, who were through with three games to spare. The 2004 winners finished on 14 points, three points adrift of leaders Botswana.

The Tunisians are not ranked among the favourites but are looking forward to improve on their performance at the last edition in Angola where they failed to go past the first round. Much will be expected of midfield dynamo, Oussama Darragi, who was crowned the CAF Player of the Year 2011 (based in Africa) during the CAF Awards Gala in Accra, Ghana last December. Together with Esperance teammates Khaled Korbi, Youssef Msakni, Zouheir Dhaouadi of Club Africain, Amine Chermiti, Issam Jemaa, they have a squad capable of causing a stir at the tournament.

The Carthage Eagles will face North African rivals Morocco, Niger and co-hosts Gabon at the group phase.

Team ProfileTeam ProfileAppearances: 1962, 1963, 1965, 1978, 1982, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010

Champions:

2004

Qualification: Runner-upQualifying Group K

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Team Profile: Tunisia

Key Players

Aymen MathloutiThe Etoile du Sahel shot-stopper is one of the most influential players in the Tunisian. His experience has been a contributing factor in the journey of the team till this far.

Mathlouti, 27, is regarded as the safest pair of hand in Tunisia and amongst the best on the continent.

He has been a member of the Tunisian national team since 2007.

Oussama DarragiDarragi is the key man in midfield for the Carthage Eagles. The 24-year old had a wonderful spell in 2011 season where he won for major trophies including the African Nations Championship title in Sudan. The Esperance captain was pivotal as the ‘Blood and Gold’ conquered Africa and Tunisia by winning the Tunisian League and Cup as well as the Orange CAF Champions League.

He was also named the best player in the Tunisian league in 2010.

Issam JemaaThe Auxerre forward is star man of the Tunisian attack. His six-goals during the qualifiers proved vital as the team went through.

Jemaa, who made his debut in 2005 has risen to become an integral member of the Carthage Eagles during the years.

He was in the squad for the 2008 and 2010 Africa Cup of Nations and his experience is expected to play a vital role in the team’s quest for the silverware which has eluded them since 2004.

Sami Trabelsi - CoachThe success story of Tunisia’s qualification for the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations will be considered incomplete without Sami Trabelsi.

Since taking over from Frenchman Bertrand Marchand, he has made a case for local coaches after overturning the team’s poor run into success.

Appointed in March 2011, he guided the team to two crucial victories against Chad and Togo which saw them go through. Prior to that, the 43-year old masterminded the triumph of the local component of the Carthage Eagles at the second edition of the African Nation Championship in Sudan last year.

Trabelsi, who made 52 appearances for the national team during his playing career played at the 1998 FIFA World Cup held in France.

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Team ProfileTeam ProfileGhana

Black Stars

Ghana’s Black Stars will be aiming for a fifth triumph at the biggest football

stage on the continent. After failing to follow in the shadows of Tunisia and Egypt, ultimate winners as hosts in 2004 and 2006 respectively, the four-time winners have been offered yet a golden opportunity to up their successes.

After narrowly missing out on the title after losing to Egypt in the final of the last edition in 2010 in Angola, captain John Mensah and his colleagues appear poised to the three-year myth. In Angola, the young Ghanaian team that was dominated by members of the

U-20 team that had won the FIFA U-20 World title in Egypt months earlier shocked the entire continent by reaching the final after easing past hosts Angola and Nigeria along the road.

Under Serbian coach Goran Stevanovic, who replaced compatriot Milovan Rajevac in December 2010, the Black Stars have maintained their form and qualified as winners of Group I which included the likes Sudan, Congo and Swaziland.

The Stars left it late to qualify on the final day of the qualifiers thanks to a 2-0 win over Sudan in Khartoum and thanks to

goals by leading marksman Asamoah Gyan and centre back, Mensah. They finished on 16 points, three points adrift of leaders Sudan, Congo in that order with six points and Swaziland with no point at the bottom.

The performance of the Stars’ qualification campaign include midfield duo Andre Ayew and Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu with Gyan being at his usual best. New faces like goalkeeper Adam Larsen Kwarasey, who plays for Norwegian side, Stromsgodset and his club-mate Mohammed Abu gave a good account of themselves.

Appearances:1963, 1965, 1968, 1970, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1992,1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2010

Champions:

1963, 1965, 1978, 1982

Qualification: Winner of Qualifying Group I

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Team Profile: Ghana

Kwarasey, has fitted perfectly between the sticks since making his debut in the pen-ultimate qualifier against Swaziland with veteran goalie Richard Kingson falling down the pecking order due to his club-less status.

The strength of the Black Stars continues to be in the midfield where Ayew, Agyemang-Badu, and Sulley Muntari have made the absence of retired captain Stephen Appiah and the injured Michael Essien a thing of the past. The middle remains one of the most impregnable on the continent with their ability to link up with the attack as well as join the defence making them extraordinary.

Plavi has from the onset professed his love for attacking play contrary to his predecessor, Rajevac, whose playing style earned Ghana the moniker ‘one-goal project.’ There has been a major improvement in the team’s attacking play since we have seen the team score at least once since he took over the reigns.

For the Serb, nothing short of the title will be considered a failure and rates his side on the same level as Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal in the absence of giants such as Egypt, Cameroon and Algeria.

Kwarasey, has fitted perfectly between the sticks since making his debut in the pen-ultimate qualifier against Swaziland.

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Andre Ayew

Date of birth: December 17, 1989Club: Olympique Marseille (France)

Ayew has been one of the most improved players in the national team. In recent times he has metamorphosed into one of the key players of the team. The second of the Ayew family, he has known no turning back since guiding the Black Satellites (Ghana U-20 team) to win the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Egypt, the first by an African country in the history of the global youth championship.

The 22-year old made his Africa Cup of Nations debut in 2008 on home soil but it was in Angola two years later that he endeared himself to the football world. During the qualifiers, he scored once in the opener against Swaziland in Mbabane.

His performance with his French club, Olympique Marseille has been exceptional together with his kid-brother Jordan.

Asamoah Gyan

Date of birth: 22 November 1985 Club: Al Ain (United Arab Emirates)

Gyan is by far the most popular Ghanaian footballer. Famed for his dancing skills anytime he scores, he has established himself as the top marksman of the Black Stars after the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.

Gabon and Equatorial Guinea will be his third Africa Cup of Nations on the trot and Gyan believes the time is ripe for the Black Stars to break the thirty-year jinx. The scoring boots of the twenty-six-year old has not deserted him despite moving from English side Sunderland to Al-Ain of the United Arab Emirates in a mega-loan deal.

His experience over the years will be expected to come to bear on the team’s performance as they seek land the title which has eluded them since 1982.

Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu

Date of birth: December 2, 1990Club: Udinese (Italy)

Agyemang-Badu played an influential role in the Black Stars qualification for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations. He is a regular in midfield and has added to the options in the stronghold of the Ghana team.

He was the toast of fans in the last three matches of the qualifiers and his goals against Congo and Swaziland proved crucial to the Black Stars reaching the final. His assets include physique and ability to score from set-pieces. The 21-year old midfielder is also experiencing a regular spell with Italian side Udinese.

Team Profile: Ghana

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Agyemang-Badu – “We are in a difficult and tricky group”

Cafoot: What is your assessment of Ghana’s chances in Group D?

Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu: We are in a difficult and tricky group. Botswana cannot be counted among the gurus of African football but you cannot rule them out at all. For Guinea and Mali, everybody knows what they are capable of doing. Every team in the group has an equal chance of advancing to the next round. We will do our best as a team to qualify to the next round.

CAf: Most Ghanaians have expressed that the time is ripe to break the 30-year jinx at the Africa Cup of Nations. How do you respond to that?

EAB: That opinion is not misplaced. Everyone is seeking an end to the 30-year jinx especially in the absence of teams such as Egypt, Nigeria and Cameroon. It is too early to comment on that. Teams like Senegal, Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire are also in contention. We are just hoping for an injury-free tournament and we will take it from there.

CAF: What will be the impact of the experience at the Angola 2010 on your chances?

EAB: It will definitely have a positive impact on us. Our team is a mixture of old and new players compared to two years ago in Angola, where we were the youngest team. We are on course and are prepared to give off 120 percent to win the title. Our quest for the title heavily rests on our performance after each game.

CAF: Do you think the absence of teams like Egypt, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Algeria amongst

others will take some shine off the tournament?

EAB: Not at all. Their absence will in no way affect the tournament. All the qualified teams are strong and are there on merit. For a team like Senegal, they have nine strikers playing regularly in major leagues abroad. The best of African talents will be assembled in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

CAF: Which teams are the favourites?

EAB: In my opinion, four teams namely Ghana, Senegal, Morocco and Cote d’Ivoire are the favourites. I tip them to go farthest in the competition. You can never rule out surprises either.

CAF: You have risen to become an integral part of the Black Stars. What has been the driving force?

EAB: It is due to hard work and dedication. I take my training sessions seriously and this has led to my breaking into the first team at my club, Udinese. However, I won’t rest there, as I am determined to redouble my efforts and take the team to greater heights.

CAF: Ghana will be without influential players like Michael Essien, Richard Kingson among others. What effect will their absence have on the team?

EAB: Players like Michael Essien and Kevin Prince Boateng are great players. For two years, we have not seen much of Essien due to injuries. The team has adjusted in his absence. Boateng was not really involved in the qualifiers and we

are used to that. They are good players but we have to contend with the situation that they won’t be available.

CAF: A great source of worry for the Black Stars is the attack. Do you believe you can overcome it at the Africa Cup of Nations?

EAB: In football, goal scoring is not only reserved for the front line but each member of the team. If the defence links very well with the midfield and so with the aattack, then you can expect the goals. I don’t think we have a problem with our attack having scored in at least every game.

CAF: Which players do you expect to make the headlines at the tournament?

EAB: Some of the players to watch out for are Moroccan defender Mehdi Benatia, who is my playing mate at Udinese, Ghana’s Andre Ayew, Senegalese duo, Papiss Demba Cisse and Demba Ba. Also, Gabon has some talentedplayers in their set up.

Team Profile: Ghana

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Cafoot: What do you make of Ghana’s opponents at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations?

Goran Stevanovic: Our opponents in the group are strong teams. No team will be easy and we can only underrate any of the teams at our own peril. We are determined and are bent on going farthest in the tournament.

CAF: How far do you think your team can go?

GS: As far as we can. I am very optimistic in the abilities of my team. We have managed to build a compact team over time and now we have to show all that we are made up of. We are ready to be champions.

CAF: Do you think you have a tournament-winning team?

GS: I am highly optimistic about the prospect of this team. The quality is there and with the support of all, they should be able to bring the trophy home. When I took over the team, I stated

clearly that the Africa Cup of Nations remains my objective. The team is made up of young players who can play for the next 12-years. This is a good prospect and a good future for Ghana.

CAF: Your team has been described as goal-shy. How do you hope to overcome that situation at the tournament?

GS: I promised an attacking playing style when I took over and I stand by that. We have scored at least once in matches during the qualifying series and in friendly matches. This is enough to tell everyone that we can score.

CAF: How are you preparing for the tournament?

GS: We will hold a training camp in South Africa early January to be fine-tuned for the tournament. While in South Africa, we will play against the South Africa national team and also face club side Kaizer Chiefs before leaving for our base in Gabon. We will travel to South Africa with twenty-five players; two players will be dropped based on the performance at training.

Coach Goran Stevanovic

Date of birth: November 27, 1966

Stevanonic took over reigns of the Black Stars in December 2011by replacing compatriot Milovan Rajevac, who quit after guiding the team to a quarter final berths at the previous World Cup in South Africa. The Stars have maintained their form under ‘Plavi’ who is a fan of tacking play.

From day one, Plavi declared that he is ready to be champions with the Black Stars and the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations will serve his first test. The Serbian has eye for talent and is credited with unearthing players such as Mohamed Abu and Charles Takyi who play for Stromsgodset and St Pauli in Norway and Germany respectively.

With the current crop of players, Stevanovic believes the time is ripe for Ghana to be crowned champions of Africa again for the fifth time after 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982. The Black Stars is the Serbian’s first job outside his native stints with ČukariČki Stankom, Železnik and Partizan Belgrade. The 45-year old also spent three years with the Serbian and Montenegro national teams as assistant coach between 2003 and 2006.

“We are ready to be champions”-Stevanovic

Team Profile: Ghana

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Team ProfileTeam ProfileBotswana

Zebras

After a long and tiring road, the Zebras can now pride themselves on the

merits of their qualification for the 2012 AFCON tournament, now and for many years to come. The current team will go into the history books as the first team or batch of players from the country to qualify for the African football spectacle. For many years gone by, the country was looked down upon in football with the country being mainly synonymous with beef and diamond exports.

The country can now rise and claim what many before them have only dreamt of, a place at the Africa Cup of Nations

finals. Win it and be ranked among the best teams that the continent can offer and add their names to the illustrious list of power houses that are synonymous with football in Africa.

Since the inception of the Zebras, to its affiliation to CAF in 1976 and then FIFA in 1978, the country has come up short in the football community from the 70’s to the 80’s to the early 90’s. Its first recorded international was against Malawi away and the result was a heavy 8-1 defeat and their biggest win came in 2002 when they walloped Swaziland 6-2 in the Gaborone.

Through the years the country’s qualification has been fluctuant, but a 0-0 draw in 2006 with the then African champions, Egypt, set tongues wagging about the country’s potential and ability.

They would go on to contain Cote d’Ivoire 1-1 in Gaborone in a 2010 World Cup qualifier only to lose 4-0 away to the Ivorians. Once again, the Zebras were slowly cutting the gap between themselves and the African powerhouses.

Appearance: Debut

Qualification: Winner of Qualifying Group K

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Team Profile: Botwana

Coach Stanley Tshosane was tasked with building a squad that can compete against the continent’s best when he was appointed as head coach in 2009 and he did so. Plaayers like one of the country’s top exports Diphetogo “Dipsy” Selolwane, hard tackling Mogogi Gabonamong, Captain Mompati Thuma, pacey wingers Phenyo Mongala and Joel Mogorosi with a blend of young players like Ofentse Nato, George “Musa” Ohilwe have given team a ray of hope.

The current squad made it through qualification with slight difficulty and if their bid was anything to go by, they may not be done yet as they will attempt to cause major upsets at the tournament.

The PlayersModiri Marumo (Keeper)

The well travelled shot-stopper is familiar to many as his tenor between the posts has seen him deny some of the continent’s finest predators and coming out unscathed. The keeper has played for the country’s army side BDF XI Sporting Club before a spell in Egypt and is currently plying his trade at South African side, Bay United.

The country’s hopes will be pinned on their former captain with his goal-keeping abilities and experience to keep the slate clean. On a good day, he is hard to slip the goal by and the coach will be hoping he will be on at his best at the tournament.

Diphetogo Selolwane (Attacking Midfielder)

A 2011 “Presidential Order of Meritorious Service” award has been the Zebras’ star player on countless occasions and when the chips are down he is one of the players that as a supporter you can look to, to produce a moment of inspiration that will inspire the team to victory

Known to wear his heart on his sleeve when wearing a football jersey even during his striking days, he would run at defenders all day in search of a goal, now deployed to a more central role behind the striker, he shifts play to attach with ease and vigour. It will be those dynamic passes that will come in handy at the African showpiece.

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Mompati Thuma (Defender and Captain)

The Captain of the revamped Zebras is an unrivalled leader, with his position at the heart of the defence. His no nonsense robust tackles are a common site when the Zebras are on the field because his command of the defence area is unlike any other, his ability to predict and sense goal threats have seen the Zebras keep a clean sheet in four of their eight qualification games

The lanky defender nicknamed “Legs of Steel” will be hoping to lead the country to new heights at the tournament and to do so he has to keep the continent’s best players and attackers at bay.

The lanky defender nicknamed “Legs of Steel” will be hoping to lead the country to new heights at the tournament.


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The CoachStanley Tsosane

He has been the assistant coach of the Zebras since 2002 and it was only a matter of time before he would take the reins at the helm of the Zebras tactical unit. The former army marshal has done what many coaches before him have failed and that has been to lead the country to the Africa Cup of Nations finals in his first attempt as head coach.

He has changed the strategy and game-approach of the Zebras in fine fashion as it has yielded positive results. His style allows for fine distribution of the ball and when they break on the counter they are deadly as they move at a lighting pace thanks to their fast and pacey wingers who fear nothing about running at the defence and leaving the defence in tatters.

He will forever be engraved in the minds of many Batswana and the continent at large for the

achievement and his contribution to Botswana football. His efforts have not gone unnoticed as he received the “Presidential Order of Meritorious Service” award.

The stage is now set for “Big Stan” to once again set the bench mark in Botswana football by surpassing expectations. All eyes will be watching, and many on the edge of their seats, with rife expectations as the Zebras take to the field, the time to rise and rise for the Zebras is now.

The Mighty Zebras blazed through the qualification round at a noticeable pace, accumulating 17 points from eight games while scoring seven goals and conceding just three, and one of the players that were instrumental in that display was the pacey winger Joel Mogorosi. The speedy winger runs down the flanks, provided added width and depth to the Zebras offense. CAF caught up the winger to get his view on the pending Africa Cup of Nations engagement.


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CAF: Congratulations on your qualification for the tournament, and being the first team to qualify?

Joel Mogorosi: Thanks. It was very nice for us to qualify and we are still celebrating, even though we hope more things will come.

CAF: As one of the key players, how long have you been in the squad and how has the experience been so far?

JM: I started playing for the national team from January 2005, and things were very tough from the beginning until now.. It is only that at least now we are getting there, we are still learning how to do things at international level.

CAF: What would you say was or is the difference between the previous teams and the current one?

JM: Actually, I would not say there is much difference, what I can tell you is that before they were building a foundation for us and now most of the young players that are coming in are learning some things from us that we got from the likes of Seabo (Gabanakgosi), Shoes (Khumo Motlhabane) among others.

CAF: Talking of young players, how has their gradual introduction worked out to benefit the team?

JM: What I can tell you is that there is no way you can do without the senior players because they know it all.. When I arrived, I was at the age of 20. During that time, I think I was the youngest player and there were experienced players that were guiding me to be what I am today, so we really need the mixture of both, young and senior players.

CAF: The team started qualification on a quiet note due to the 2010 World Cup, would you say that helped ease the pressure off the players?

JM: Umh...no one was talking about us. Even here in Botswana no one gave us a chance of qualifying and when we arrived in Tunisia for the first game. , I remember the Thursday, before the game, we were just sitting down as players and said that at least if we lose then they must not score anything more than 2 goals. Our target was a draw and fortunately we managed to get all the three points. I believe that’s when everyone started to gain confidence that we can go through.


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CAF: How did the team manage to stay focused during the campaign especially after the first round of the qualification matches?

JM: Before we started, before we went to Tunisia, we sat down with the technical team and the coach told us that we cannot afford to lose any game and if we play every game as it comes, then there is nothing that can stop us from winning all the games.

CAF: Who would you single out as the main motivator in the team?

JM: For now there is no one that I can single out as the main motivator in the team because we are working as a team, but the courage that we got from the likes of Mogogi (Gabonamong), Dipsy (Diphetogo Selolwane) and Marumo (Modiri Marumo) and other senior players, always give us the courage. They told us to believe in ourselves and I will say thanks to the coach for putting us together as one team.

CAF: How would you assess the team’s chances at the finals given the level of competition that will be on display?

JM: In football you may never know but what I can tell you is that we are not going there to participate. We are going to fight; we will see what happens when we get there.

CAF: What is the mindset of players and aspirations for the tournament?

JM: Everyone is excited about going to the Africa Cup of Nations and I can tell you that we are all focused on working hard to be in the team that will go and play.We want to make an impact if we go out at the group stage. We want to beat one team at least if we can get a win out of the games that we will play.

CAF: What are your ambitions for the tournament?

JM: When we get there I just want to see what it will be like seeing Botswana go through the group stages to the knock-out stages. I just want to see what will happen. I think it can happen through hard work that we will be putting up, if we can just prepare well just as we started the campaign (qualification) because then we prepare vdery well, so I think if we can get that kind of preparation we will go through.


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Botswana coach Stanley Tshosane discusses his team’s qualification for the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations and their chances at

the tournament.

CAF: Briefly tell us about your coaching career.

ST: It started in 1988, when I coached BDF XI FC reserve team. From 1989-1990, I was head coach at BDF XI FC under 12/15. Later, I moved to Gabane United in 1990 to 1992. From 1993 to 1998, I was an assistant coach at Mogoditshane Fighters. It was while I was still an assistant coach at Fighters that I was appointed an assistant coach of the under 20 National team in 1998. I then went to care-take coach at Gabane Santos and the served as an assistant coach. Back at Fighters, I moved onto BDF XI as an assistant coach in 1999 and the following year I was made head coach until 2009 when I became head coach of the National Team.

CAF: Looking at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, what was the main motivation when you started the campaign?

ST: I would say it was the urge to succeed. To take you back, I was like any other Motswana who used to think of why we did not do well. When I joined the BFA as care taker in 2001 with the then Zebras coach Jelusic Veselin and again assisting Olwyn Rowe, I would wonder why we

were not succeeding; but following that 4-0 defeat to Cote d’Ivoire in 2008, I saw that we had to change a few things like the our system of play and game approach. We also had to rebuild the team by bringing in new players and to beef up with then current players, because I remember there was a time when I called in 58 players into camp. They came in three groups so as to assess them and know that as I sit now even though they may not be called up, I would know that there is a player of this calibre out there.

CAF: Still on the Qualifiers, how did you manage to motivate players when playing powerhouses like Tunisia and Togo?

ST: During the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations Finals in Angola, I had the opportunity to watch Tunisia play and I remember wishing to be drawn against them and it came to pass. I assessed that Tunisian team that played in Angola since there was a likelihood of the same players featuring in the qualifiers.. During preparation, I showed the players tapes of the Tunisian and Togolese team matches and I told them they are beatable. I would say that our strategy also motivated the players as such as they built their confidence in the technical team.


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CAF: Due to the World Cup in South Africa when you started the qualifications, most of the attention was diverted to the global football spectacle, would you say that helped the team with pressure?

ST: I do not think that most people knew we had left because every one’s attention was at the World Cup, but when we got to Tunisia, together with the technical team, We sat down and spoke at length with the players,and I told them that on the field it is 11 against 11 with 1 referee and 1 ball. I rallied them that they are capable of beating Tunisia and when we beat them 1-0, it boosted the morale of the players and when we beat Togo 2-1, we were on course. Also when we went to Tunisia we were at our peak coming with good results from friendly matches. We had played New Zealand and other teams prior to the Tunisia game.

CAF: After three games, the team was top of the group following two wins and a draw, how did you manage to motivate the players to keep going?

ST: In our group, most people did not give us a chance to progress. Most people saw Tunisia and Togo progress with Malawi and Chad fighting for third place and us at the bottom, but it did not work. At the start of the campaign, Togo drew with Chad while we beat Tunisia. Those made the players believe that they can achieve qualification.

CAF: Many milestones were reached throughout the qualifications. Jerome Ramatlhakwana was leading the scoring charts, and the team became the first to qualify and is making a maiden appearance at the finals, how did this affect in the team?

ST: It was a good achievement and it gained us respect from other teams; many teams congratulated us and many advised us that the very same teams that will be playing at


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the finals are the same teams that have played and been beaten by other so called minor teams. Also the players were motivated by others to do their best but I would say that immediate preparation will be key to getting better results at the finals.

CAF: Speaking of preparations, how is the team’s preparation coming along?ST: We have missed two FIFA dates for international friendlies so far. For now I am looking forward to the upcoming camp and we are supposed to go to three countries for training before heading to the finals.

CAF: Should we expect to see a different team from the one that played the qualifiers?

ST: It will depend on many factors because you can never know the form the player will be in by the date of departure, but it is a possibility because I am watching over the players.

CAF: What is the team’s main objective at the finals?

ST: People should know that our appearance there will not be for fun; we will be looking forward to achieving a lot even though we are making our first appearance. The tournament is made to uplift countries and our qualification is a big achievement. It is also an opportunity for our players to be exposed as there will be scouts from many countries including Europe.

CAF: How are you addressing Jerome Ramatlhakwana’s lack of regular club action despite being the second top goal scorer in the qualifiers?

ST: It is a pity; but I discussed the issue with his club Chairman (Engen Santos, South Africa) when we met last October. It is still a sensitive issue but to me he is one of the best strikers in Africa; he proved himself during the qualifiers by scoring goals without match practice.


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Team ProfileMali

Eagles

Appearances: 1972 (finalist), 1994, 2002 and 2004 (semi finalist), 2008 and 2010 (eliminated in first round)

Qualification: WinnerQualifying Group A


Mali, which was hitherto not regular in the final phase of the

Africa Cup of Nations, came to a limelight after its defeat by Congo in the final of the 1972 edition in Yaounde. The Eagles then came to the continental scene making an appearance at the 1994 edition after 22-year absence. It was an exceptional generation with players like Salif Keita, Cheick Fantamady Diallo, Bakoroba Toure, Cheick Fantamady Keita and Kidian Diallo. Mali has ended fourth in three editions of the competition; in 1994, in 2002 as host and in 2004. In recent years, Mali has imposed itself as a powerful football nation in Africa.

In spite of star players like Seydou Keita of FC Barcelona, Frederic Oumar Kanoute of FC Serville, Adama Coulibaly (AJ Auxerre) and Mahamadou Diarra (former Real Madrid player), Mali were eliminated in the first rounds of the 2008 and 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.

The team has since 2010 been going through tough times and the coach Alain Giresse has been seeking the right formula to set the team on the rails again. In spite of its uncertainty, Mali possesses a tough team for the Gabon and Equatorial Guinea soccer jamboree. Mali will play in Group D in Franceville alongside Ghana, Botswana and Guinea.

However the draws, all teams for the competition are tough. Even though the Eagles faced difficulties in the qualifiers, the competition is open and would be decided on the pitch. “It is a final phase and the very small teams are absent. All teams deserve being present and have equal strength. The first match is vital as it assures the progress of the team in the other two games. It is an important match”, declared Alian Giresse after the draws.

Mali will be participating in the final phase of the Africa Cup of Nations for the seventh and third consecutive time

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Team Profile: Mali

Alain Giresse Mali Coach

“We will go to the end”Mali coach, Alain Giresse counts on his players to go to the end of the 2012 AFCON. He believes he has the means to achieve his objective.

Cafonline.com: Who are really your rivals in the first round?

Alain Giresse: We have Ghana, which is not only a favorite in this group but also for the trophy. Then we have Botswana, an unknown

team to us, and then Guinea which we know. These make a balanced group because Botswana qualified in an outstanding manner, while Guinea eliminated Nigeria. But we know that at this stage of the competition, there are no small teams.

CAF: Is the group conscious of the rivalry between Mali, Ghana and Guinea?

AG: It is a West African rivalry . There is Guinea, our neighbour which we know well. It is not very complicated when it comes to Guinea and Ghana. We will, nonetheless, have to obtain some information about Botswana.

CAF: What are your ambitions?

AG: To prove that we can perform well with our team. We can play a great role in this AFCON and go to the end. To achieve that we need the necessary means in all compartments.

CAF: What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Mali team?

AG: We have a young team and there is hope in most of the players as they are becoming mature. However, we don’t have to underestimate our rivals.

CAF: Is there anything special in confronting Guinea in the opening game?

AG: TThe particularity is that they are our neighbours, but it is also good to start the competition well. A good start is good for the psychology and morale of the team.

CAF: What about the preparatory schedule?

AG: The preparatory programme doesn’t have to change in relation to the opponent. We have to put in place a strategy. We will only make additions with regards to information on our opponents in order to better prepare against each encounter. All teams in the final phase are tough and if we have to go to the end, we have to battle hard against every team. Our preparation is not fashioned with regards to our rivals but that which was put in place for the tournament. That consists of a proper camping, adapted training and training based on the information of our rivals.

CAF: Burkina Faso is mentioned as a sparring partner. Do you have other countries on your preparation schedule?

AG: We will play against Burkina Faso in the first match on November 11 because we had to choose a team we will not meet in the competition. It was the same thing for Burkina Faso, which was in the same situation like us. It will be the first time we will be playing against Burkina Faso. But the real preparation will be during the camping. This will precede the competition and that is when we will get into precise and detailed training.

CAF: Will you parade the same team as during the qualification series?

AG: New players have sprung up within three months and everything seems complicated. Some of them are talented players who are unknown. Thus players that will be called up in the squad will be regulars or players whose performances in their clubs are known.

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CAF: What is the place of home based players?

AG: Talking of local players, the goalkeepers are from the national championship. Apart from those, it is a little complicated now given the time and considering the level of local players compared to professionals.

CAF: What impact will Gabon, where you once had a stint, have at the tournament?

AG: I spent four professional and extraordinary years in Gabon. That is however in the past now and personally, it has nothing to do with the fact that the Malian team will be playing matches in Gabon. It’s a new place and all that counts is preparation. I don’t have to place my personal feelings in relation to a country.

CAF: Do you have the means to achieve your objectives?

AG: I hope so. I would like if everything is orgainsed and well planned for the team when we start preparations. Things should be in order up to the start of next month so that we have the best working conditions. There are possibilities for this in the federation and I hope all will be put in place for us to realize our dreams.

Coach Alain GiresseThe former coach of Toulouse and Paris-Saint Germain, Alain Giresse qualified Mali for the final phase round of the 2012 AFCON, after picking a 2-2 draw against Liberia. This time around he would want a better performance with the Eagles in Gabon, after qualifying to the finals of the 2010 AFCON in Angola and even came close to qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. He hopes to succeed with the Eagles of Mali what he could not do with the Panthers. Forgetting the eliminatories and thinking about the continental title in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea would be the best gift he can offer Mali.

“We did the essential. When you see the disqualified teams, having qualified for the Nations Cup is a very good thing,” he said.

The former midfielder of the France team believes that he can manage Group D where Mali is paired alongside Ghana, Botswana and Guinea.

Adama Coulibaly

(Eagles’ Captain)

“With our team spirit, we can envisage the trophy”Undeniably, Adama Coulibaly is one of the assets of Malian football besides Seydou Keita, Frederic Oumar Kanouté, and Drissa Diakite. After the draws of the 2012 AFCON, an optimistic Coulibaly expressed his conviction that Mali will reach the quarter final and then go for the trophy.

Cafonline.com: What are your first impressions after the draws?

Adama Coulibaly: It is a balanced group with a great team and nation like Ghana. There is also Guinea which eliminated Nigeria. Our group is one of the toughest.

Team Profile: Mali

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CAF: What is Mali’s objective in this competition?

AC: After two disappointing outings in the last two editions, our objective is to go to the end and win the trophy. That will not be easy but through hard work, we can achieve our aim. I believe we have the means to realize this dream. We have a homogenous team.

CAF: Do you have the means to attain your dreams?

AC: I think our team is capable. More to that, coupled with our team spirit, we can envisage the trophy. We will be playing in this tournament in a favourable condition, without under estimating our rivals.

CAF: Where will the preparation be focused?

AC: That would depend on the preparation of the coach. Regrouping should be done early.

CAF: What are the strengths and weaknesses of the Malian team?

AC: We have a united team where everyone plays for the interest of the team. It is a young team with qualities and weaknesses.

CAF: Do you have an idea of the other groups?

AC: On the whole, Group A appears lovely, especially for a team like Senegal. After that there is equilibrium in Group B with Cote d’Ivoire and its rivals like Burkina Faso, Angola and Sudan. Group C is also balanced with Gabon, Morocco, Niger and Tunisia.

Key Players

Cheick Tidiane Diabaté (striker)

Diabate started his career at the Salif Keita Centre before moving to Bordeaux in France. With his unrivalled heading and shots, he joined the different Malian teams from the Cadets during the final phase of the qualifiers. Prospective successor of the FC Seville striker, Frederic Oumar Kanoute, the former attacker of Salif Keita Centre (CSK), will fill a void in the Eagles.

His 5 goals scored in six matches in the qualifiers puts him at another level. He will seek to feature among the highest scorers in the final tournament.

Seydou Kéita (midfielder)

Seydou Keita is an exception in the national team. The midfielder from FC Barcelona remains in effect the leader of the team, which gave him his first cap in 1999. Renowned for its quality of passing and eye for goal, he has become a darling of the NouCamp fans. . His progress and his talent took him to become one of the most popular African players on the international stage. He joined Marseille in 1997, first with the youth team, but it was not until September 1999 that he made his debut with the 1993European champions. His stay in Marseille was short lived as he moved to Lorient, Lens and finally to Sevilla, where his talent was revealed. He arrived in Barcelona on May 26, 2008. He shone in Barcelona and won the historic triplet (King’s Cup, Premier League and Champions League) and another league title and Champions League. Keita won his best individual trophy in 1999 in Nigeria as he was named the best player in the Junior World Cup of which

the Eaglets won bronze medal.

At 32, he is already considered one of the best midfielders in La Liga and a model for Malian youth.

Team Profile: Mali

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Kalilou M Traoré (midfielder):

After joining the junior squad, he made his debut After joining the junior squad, he made his debut in the team A alongside Mahamadou Diarra and El Hadji Mahamane Traoré. They helped to establish a smooth game with the Eagles. Kalilou Mohamed Traore was given the challenge in Liberia in October 2010 and he imposed his style and his technique.

Aged 23, Mohamed Kalilou passed through Bamako Athletic Association (SBA), Wydad Casablanca, Hassania Agadir (Morocco), NK Istra 1961 (Croatia where he will emerge L2 champion) before signing for OB Odense (Denmark) for 1 million euro. With his power and passion, he will be the play maker of Malian team in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Team Profile: Mali

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Team ProfileGuinea

Syli National

Qualification: WinnerQualifying Group B


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Team Profile: Guinea

Michel Dussuyer Syli National Coach

Guinea will play in Group D alongside Ghana, Mali and Botswana at the next Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in January 2012 in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Cherif Souleymane’s country which qualified at the expense of Nigeria, participated in the 2004, 2006 and 2008 editions of the AFCON that took place in Tunisia, Egypt and Ghana respectively. In each of the editions, they ended at the quarterfinals. In this interview granted which was granted us last week, Michel Dussuyer, the French born coach of Guinea, speaks of his opponents, the chances of his team, and the possible favorites of the soccer jamboree. Read on!

CAF: Your team will be playing in Group D alongside Ghana, Mali and Botswana. What is your appreciation of the group?

Michel Dussuyer: It’s of course a tough group, with Ghana, which had an excellent performance at the World Cup. Botswana was the first to qualify. We know the high level individual talents and potentials of Mali.

Anyway, there is no weak group; all the groups are difficult. We will do our best to qualify for the quarterfinals. There is a favorite but the other three can battle for the second spot. Nonetheless, forecasts can be proven wrong.

CAF: What is your objective for the AFCON?

MD: We eliminated Nigeria and qualified and we were the first in our group. It is a source of motivation for us to go far in this competition. My last AFCON with the Syli National was in 2004 in Tunisia. We only reached the quarter final, but my objective this time is to do better.

CAF: Do you really think you can defeat favorites like Ghana and Mali to attain your objective?

MD: One shouldn’t play down Botswana, a team of young and upcoming players. The Syli National has potentials and so it should not be made light of. We have youngsters who will be participating in the competition for their first time.

Also, there are older players who will be at their fifth participation. I have brought in Karamoko Cisse a striker, Oumar Kalaban, a defender and Naby Soumah, a midfielder. In the first week of November, the team will play two friendly games against Senegal and Burkina Faso in the outskirts of Paris. This match will permit me make some last adjustments and perfect the team before the competition. The team is open to all players but it is based on merit.

CAF: The favorites should not also be undermined?

MD: Mali is tough but it must be recalled that Guinea qualified in a group which had Nigeria. I hope that we will be top of our group. Ivory Coast is another favorite of the tournament. However we must not forget Senegal and Zambia. Senegal seems to be the favorite with the elimination of Cameroon, a power house in African football. Zambia also plays good football. We should not also undermine the host teams with their home advantage. The home crowd can always be an advantage to Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, especially in difficult moments. Anything can happen in this competition.

CAF: Any last words?

MD: I would advise my players to remain focused and calm. They shouldn’t believe that after the competition, most of the work has been done. On the contrary, we have to start the real work now. An AFCON is an important competition in the career of a player. Guinean sports officials have to make available the necessary means for the team to prepare well for the competition. I urge supporters to continue supporting the national team as the players constantly need this support to confront any opponent. Thus we need the support of all Guineans in this competition.

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Pascal Feindouno

(Syli National striker)

Syli National striker, Pascal Feindouno says “AFCONs succeed others but are not alike”. The former Syli National captain, whose team will play alongside Ghana, Mali and Botswana in Group D of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is used to the competition as he has participated in the 2004, 2006 and 2008 editions. In this interview, the former St. Etienne player cautiously explains the intricacies of African football.

CAF: None expected the Syli National to be paired against big names like Ghana and Mali. What do you say?

Pascal Feindouno: It is a difficult group as we are paired alongside Ghana and Mali, which are reputed teams, not forgetting Botswana. We lost against the Black Stars in 2008 CAN in Ghana. The memory of our defeat against Mali in 2004 in Tunisia is still alive. It was with the same Michel Dussuyer as coach. We must say one AFCON succeeds another but they are not alike. The proof is that many big football nations will watch the competition from their homes. It will not be easy but we will try to debunk forecasts.

CAF: Many undermine Botswana which is obviously the underdog of the group, do you also undermine them?

PF: We have to be cautious of Botswana considering she was the first to qualify. It is a much disciplined team with in-formed players. We have to take them seriously.

CAF: In your opinion, which are some of the favorites in this AFCON?

PF: It is difficult to talk about favorites this year. Tunisia and Morocco have changed within two years. Many Tunisian and Moroccan players are in big championships that can make them favorites. There is also Ghana, Ivory Coast and Senegal. It will be a derby between and Morocco and Tunisia. Some teams have been minimized but there will be surprises. Even in the qualification, the levels of the teams were almost the same. It will all depend on preparations.

CAF: With the coming of some youngsters in the national team, don’t you feel threatened of losing your place?

PF: Not at all. Each player merits his place in a team. It is true that I am older, compared to some youngsters who just joined the national team. They are still fresh and filled with enthusiasm to showcase their talents. Besides this youthful exuberance, they need experience. They will gain confidence when they have older players by them on the pitch. It will be a source of encouragement that can enable the team win.

CAF: Any last words?

PF: I would like to tell my teammates that they should focus in the entire games and they should know that the AFCON is played in 5 or 6 matches or more. It requires a lot of concentration and seriousness. Sports officials have to motivate players to ensure a good preparation because we really need to be at full capacity. Supporters also have to know that in each match three results are expected, a win, a draw or a loss. Thus they need to continue supporting till the end. Good luck to all the qualified teams.

Team Profile: Guinea

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Orange CAN 2012 Competition Format

Article 7171.1.1. Four groups A, B, C and D each of four teams shall be formed. Four heads of groups shall be designated by the Organising Committee of CAF. The organising country shall be the head of group A.

71.1.2. The heads of groups B, C and D shall be determined by the Organising Committee of CAF on the basis of the results achieved by the finalist teams in the three previous editions of the Africa Cup of Nations. The twelve (12) other teams shall be distributed in the groups by a public drawing of lots at which the representatives of the participating teams shall be invited. However, the absence of these representatives shall not hamper the organisation of the drawing of lots on the scheduled day. If the holder of the trophy is qualified, it will be the head of group C.

71.2. This drawing of lots must take place at least three months before the start of the final phase.

71.3. The group matches shall be played in accordance with the calendar established by the Organising Committee.

71.4. The classification of the groups shall be established as follows:

- 3 points for the winner

- 1 point for a draw

- 0 point for the loser.

Article 72In case of equality of points between two or more teams, at the conclusion of the group matches, the ranking of the teams shall be established according to the following criteria:

72.1. Greater number of points obtained in the matches between the teams in question;

72.2. The best goal difference in the matches between the teams. (see article 31).

72.3. Greater number of goals scored in the group matches between the teams concerned;

72.4. Goal difference in all group matches;

72.5. Greatest number of goals scored in all the group matches;

72.6. Fair Play points system taking into account the number of yellow and red cards;

72.7. Drawing of lots by CAF Organising

Committee.

First Phase of the Final Tournament

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Second Phase of the Final Tournament

Orange CAN 2012 Competition Format

Article 7373.1. At the conclusion of the four groups matches, the first and the second of each group shall be qualified for the quarter finals.

The quarter final matches shall be played in the following order:

i. Winner Group A/Second Group B

ii. Winner Group B/Second Group A

iii. Winner Group C/Second Group D

iv. Winner Group D/Second Group C

73.2. The quarter final matches shall be played in accordance with the direct elimination system of the loser. An extra time of 2 x 15 minutes shall be eventually played in case of a draw after the regular time. If after extra time, the result is still not decisive, the winner shall be determined by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark.

73.3. The winners of the quarter finals shall qualify for the semi-finals. They shall be played in the following order:

- Winner of match(i) Winner of match(iii) / (iv)

- Winner of match(ii) Winner of match(iii) / (iv)

73.4. The semi-finals shall be played in accordance with the same direct elimination system as applied in the quarter finals.

73.5. The losers of the semi-finals shall play a match for the third place. In case of a draw after the end of the regular time, the winner shall be determined by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark.

73.6. The final shall be played between the winners of the semi-finals. In case of a draw after the end of the regular time, an extra time of 2 x 15 minutes shall be played. If, after the extra time, the result is still not decisive, the winner shall be determined by the taking of kicks from the penalty mark.

The matches shall be played in daylight or under flood-light.

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Orange CAN 2012 QualifiersGROUP A

Team P W D L GF GA GD PtsMali 6 3 1 2 9 6 3 10

Cape Verde 6 3 1 2 7 7 0 10

Zimbabwe 6 2 2 2 7 5 2 8

Liberia 6 1 2 3 7 12 -5 5

GROUP ADate - Time Team Results Team

4/09/10 Cape Verde 1-0 Mali

5/09/10 Liberia 1-1 Zimbabwe

8,9,10/10/10 Mali 2-1 Liberia

10/10/10 Zimbabwe 0-0 Cape Verde

26/03/11 Cape Verde 4-2 Liberia

26/03/11 Mali 1-0 Zimbabwe

5/06/11 Liberia 1-0 Cape Verde

5/06/11 Zimbabwe 2-1 Mali

3/09/11 Mali 3-0 Cape Verde

4/09/11 Zimbabwe 3-0 Liberia

8/10/11- Liberia 2-2 Mali

8/10/11- Cape Verde 2-1 Zimbabwe

ROUP B

Team MP W D L GF GA GD PtsGuinea 6 4 2 0 13 5 8 14

Nigeria 6 3 2 1 12 5 7 11

Ethiopia 6 2 1 3 8 13 -5 7

Madagascar 6 0 1 5 4 14 -10 1

GROUP BDate - Time Team Results Team

5/09/10 Nigeria 2-0 Madagascar

5/09/10 Ethiopia 1-4 Guinea

10/10/10 Madagascar 0-1 Ethiopia

10/10/10 Guinea 1-0 Nigeria

27/03/11 Nigeria 4-0 Ethiopia

27/03/11 Madagascar 1-1 Guinea

5/06/11 Ethiopia 2-2 Nigeria

5/06/11 Guinea 4-1 Madagascar

4/09/11 Madagascar 0-2 Nigeria

4/09/11 Guinea 1-0 Ethiopia

8/10/11 Ethiopia 4-2 Madagascar

8/10/11 Nigeria 2-2 Guinea

GROUP C

Team MP W D L GF GA GD PtsZambia 6 4 1 1 11 2 9 13

Libya 6 3 3 0 6 1 5 12

Mozambique 6 2 1 3 4 6 -2 7

Comoros 6 0 1 5 2 14 -12 1

GROUP CDate - Time Team Results Team5/09/10 Mozambique 0-0 Libya5/09/10 Zambia 4-0 Comoros10/10/10 Libya 1-0 Zambia9,/10/10 Comoros 0-1 Mozambique27/03/11 Mozambique 0-2 Zambia 28/03/11 Libya 3-0 Comoros4/06/11 Zambia 3-0 Mozambique5/06/11 Comoros 1-1 Libya3/09/11 Libya 1-0 Mozambique4/09/11 Comoros 1-2 Zambia8/10/11 Zambia 0-0 Libya8/10/11 Mozambique 3-0 Comoros

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GROUP DTeam P W D L GF GA GD PtsMorocco 6 3 2 1 8 2 6 11

Central Africa 6 2 2 2 5 5 0 8

Algeria 6 2 2 2 5 8 -3 8

Tanzania 6 1 2 3 6 9 -3 5

GROUP DDate - Time Team Results Team

3/09/10 Algeria 1-1 Tanzania

4/09/10 Morocco 0-0 Central Africa

9/10/10 Tanzania 0-1 Morocco

10/10/10 Central Africa 2-0 Algeria

27/03/11 Algeria 1-0 Morocco

26/03/11 Tanzania 2-1 Central Africa

4/06/11 Morocco 4-0 Algeria

5/06/11 Central Africa 2-1 Tanzania

3/09/11 Tanzania 1-1 Algeria

4/09/11 Central Africa 0-0 Morocco

9/10/11 - 19h30 GMT Morocco 3-1 Tanzania

9/10/11 - 19h30 GMT Algeria 2-0 Central Africa

GROUP E

Team MP W D L GF GA GD PtsSenegal 6 5 1 0 16 2 14 16

Cameroon 6 3 2 1 12 5 7 11

RD Congo 6 2 1 3 10 11 -1 7

Mauritius 6 0 0 6 2 22 -20 0

GROUP EDate – Time Team Results Team

5/09/10 RD Congo 2-4 Senegal

4/09/10 Mauritius 1-3 Cameroon

9/10/10 Senegal 7-0 Mauritius

9/10/10 Cameroon 1-1 RD Congo

27/03/11 RD Congo 3-0 Mauritius

26/03/11 Senegal 1-0 Cameroon

5/06/11 Mauritius 1-2 RD Congo

4/06/11 Cameroon 0-0 Senegal

3/09/11 Senegal 2-0 RD Congo

3/09/11 Cameroon 5-0 Mauritius

9/10/11- 13h00 GMT Mauritius 0-2 Senegal

7/10/11 RD Congo 2-3 Cameroon

GROUP F

Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts-Burkina Faso 4 3 1 0 12 3 9 10

Gambia 4 1 1 2 5 6 -1 4

Namibia 4 1 0 3 3 11 -8 3

Group FDate - Time Team Results Team3,4,5/09/10 Mauritania (withdrew) Burkina Faso4/09/10 Gambia 3-1 Namibia9/10/10 Burkina Faso 3-1 Gambia8,9,10/10/10 Namibia Mauritania(withdrew)

25,26,27/03/11 Mauritania(withdrew) Gambia26/03/11 Burkina Faso 4-0 Namibia- Gambia Mauritania(withdrew)

4/06/11 Namibia 1-4 Burkina Faso3,4,5/09/11 Burkina Faso Mauritania(withdrew)

3/09/11 Namibia 1-0 Gambia8/10/11 Gambia 1-1 Burkina Faso

7,8,9/10/11 Mauritania(withdrew) Namibia

Orange CAN 2012 Qualifiers

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GROUP G

Team P W D L GF GA GD PtsNiger 6 3 0 3 6 8 2 9South Africa 6 2 3 1 4 2 2 9Sierra Leone 6 2 3 1 5 5 0 9

Egypt 6 1 2 3 5 5 0 5

GROUP G

Date - Time Team Results Team

4/09/10 South Africa 2-0 Niger5/09/10 Egypt 1-1 Sierra Leone10/10/10 Niger 1-0 Egypt10/10/10 Sierra Leone 0-0 South Africa26/03/11 South Africa 1-0 Egypt27/03/11 Niger 3-1 Sierra Leone5/06/11 Egypt 0-0 South Africa3/06/11 Sierra Leone 1-0 Niger4/09/11 Niger 2-1 South Africa4/09/11 Sierra Leone 2-1 Egypt8/10/11 Egypt 3-0 Niger8/10/11 South Africa 0-0 Sierra Leone

How Group G was determined

Regarding Group G, Niger, South Africa and Sierra Leone all finished tied on 9 points each, with Egypt at the bottom of the group with 5 points. In such a case, when two or more

teams are equal on points, article 14 of the competition regulations applies as follows:

In case of equality of points between two or more teams, after all the group matches, the ranking of the teams shall be established according to the following criteria:

14.1 Greater number of points obtained in the matches between the concerned teams;

14.2. Best goal difference in the matches between the concerned teams;

14.3. Greater number of goals scored in the group matches between the concerned teams;

14.4. Greater number of away goals scored in the direct matches between the concerned teams;

14.5. Goal difference in all the group matches;

14.6. Greatest number of goals scored in all the group matches;

14.7. A drawing of lots by the Organising Committee of CAF.

Therefore, in application of rule 14.1 CAF has considered only results of matches between the concerned teams, i.e. Niger, South Africa and Sierra Leone (discounting Egypt as the bottom team with 5 points - hence not concerned anymore), resulting in the following ranking based on 4 matches played by each team concerned:

- Niger: 6 points

- South Africa: 5 points

- Sierra Leone: 5 points.

Niger is therefore qualified to the final phase.

GROUP H

Team MP W D L GF GA GD PtsCote d’Ivoire 6 6 0 0 19 4 15 18Rwanda 6 2 0 4 5 15 -10 6Burundi 6 1 2 3 7 9 -2 5

Benin 6 1 2 3 8 11 -3 5

GROUP H

Date – Time Team Results Team

4/09/10 Cote d’Ivoire 3-0 Rwanda5/09/10 Benin 1-1 Burundi9/10/10 Rwanda 0-3 Benin8,9,10/10/10 Burundi 0-1 Cote d’Ivoire27/03/11 Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 Benin26/03/11 Rwanda 3-1 Burundi5/06/11 Benin 2-6 Cote d’Ivoire5/06/11 Burundi 3-1 Rwanda3/09/11 Rwanda 0-5 Cote d’Ivoire4/09/11 Burundi 1-1 Benin9/10/11- 14h00 GMT Benin 0-1 Rwanda

9/10/11- 14h00 GMT Cote d’Ivoire 2-1 Burundi

GROUP I

Team MP W D L GF GA GD Pts-Ghana 6 5 1 0 13 1 12 16Sudan 6 4 1 1 8 3 5 13Congo 6 2 0 4 5 10 -5 6

Swaziland 6 0 0 6 2 14 -12 0

GROUP I

Date - Time Team Results Team4/09/10 Sudan 2-0 Congo5/09/10 Swaziland 0-3 Ghana10/10/10 Congo 3-1 Swaziland8,9,10/10/10 Ghana 0-0 Sudan27/03/11 Sudan 3-0 Swaziland27/03/11 Congo 0-3 Ghana5/06/11 Swaziland 1-2 Sudan3/06/11 Ghana 3-1 Congo4/09/11 Congo 0-1 Sudan2,/09/11 Ghana 2-0 Swaziland8/10/11 Swaziland 0-1 Congo8/10/11 Sudan 0-2 Ghana


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GROUP J

Team P W D L GF GA GD PtsAngola 6 4 0 2 7 5 2 12

Uganda 6 3 2 1 6 2 4 11

Kenya 6 2 2 2 4 4 0 8

Guinea Bissau 6 1 0 5 2 8 -6 3

GROUP JDate - Time Team Results Team

4/09/10 Guinea Bissau 1-0 Kenya

4/09/10 Uganda 3-0 Angola

9/10/10 Kenya 0-0 Uganda

9/10/10 Angola 1-0 Guinea Bissau

26/03/11 Guinea Bissau 0-1 Uganda

26/03/11 Kenya 2-1 Angola

4/06/11 Uganda 2-0 Guinea Bissau

3,4,5/06/11 Angola 1-0 Kenya

3/09/11 Kenya 2-1 Guinea Bissau

4/09/11 Angola 2-0 Uganda

8/10/11 Uganda 0-0 Kenya

8/10/11 Guinea Bissau 0-2 Angola

GROUP K

Team MP W D L GF GA GD PtsBotswana 8 5 2 1 7 3 4 17

Tunisia 8 4 2 2 14 6 8 14

Malawi 8 2 6 0 13 8 5 12

Togo 8 1 3 4 6 10 -4 6

Chad 8 0 3 5 7 20 -13 3

GROUP KDate – Time Team Results Team

01/07/10 Chad 2-2 Togo

01/07/10 Tunisie 0-1 Botswana

09/07/10 Togo 1-1 Malawi

09/07/10 Botswana 1-0 Chad

11/08/10 Chad 1-3 Tunisia

11/08/10 Malawi 1-1 Botswana

4/09/10 Tunisia 2-2 Malawi

4/09/10 Botswana 2-1 Togo

9/10/10 Malawi 6-2 Chad

10/10/10 Togo 1-2 Tunisia

17/11/10 Togo 0-0 Chad

17/11/10 Bostwana 1-0 Tunisia

26/03/11 Malawi 1-0 Togo

27/03/11 Chad 0-1 Botswana

5/06/11 Tunisie 5-0 Chad

5/06/11 Botswana 0-0 Malawi

3/09/11 Malawi 0-0 Tunisie

4/09/11 Togo 1-0 Botswana

8/10/11 Chad 2-2 Malawi

8/10/11 Tunisie 2-0 Togo


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Feature: New Ear Dawns on Niger Footbal

Niger opened a new chapter in their football history with a qualification to the Orange 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

It is the first time the Menas will be playing at the flagship continental football tournament scheduled for Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Over the last few years, Niger football has been on a crescendo; notable is the performance of local side AS FAN in the 2010 Orange CAF Confederation Cup where they reached the mini-league stage. The next is the qualification of the locally composed national team for the 2011 African Nations Championship (CHAN), at the expense of no other country than Nigeria. It was the first time Niger had reached the finals of a major continental championship at the senior level.

At the tourney held in Sudan last February, the Menas performed creditably and advanced to the last eight alongside South Africa from a group which included Ghana and Zimbabwe. Under the technical guidance of indigene Harouna Doula, the Nigeriens won the hearts of the local fans with their steady rise. However, their journey was soon to end after a gallant display against hosts Sudan at the quarter final stage at the Al-Hilal Stadium in Omdurman where they lost out on penalties. Captain Idrissa Laouali, striker Mohammed Abdoulaye, now with T.P. Mazembe and Jimmy Bulus, also with NA Hussein Dey (Morocco) were amongst the star performers of the team.

New Era Dawns on Niger Football

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Feature: New Ear Dawns on Niger Footbal

With that performance, the signs remained positive, but in a group with reigning African champions, Egypt; 1996 winners, South Africa, and Sierra Leone, chances of qualification could only remain a dream.

The Menas began the campaign in Group C with a false start, 0-2 loss to South Africa in Nelspruit before a shocking lone goal victory over seven-time champions, Egypt in Niamey revived their chances. Striker Moussa Maazou, on loan at Belgian side S.V. Zulte Waregem from CSKA Moscow of Russia scored the only goal of the match.

In early March, strikes from Alhassane Issoufou, Modibe Sidibe and Daouda Kamilou catapulted them to a 3-1 win over Sierra Leone. Three months later, they were on the losing side of the reverse fixture in Freetown, 0-1. At that time, Egypt had crashed out with two games remaining, meaning the three other teams were in contention for the group’s automatic spot.

In the penultimate match against South Africa, Maazou was at his best once again scoring the winner as the Menas cruised to a 2-1 win. In other Group C match, Sierra Leone beat Egypt and also boosted their chances of qualification.

On the final day, Niger lost 0-3 to Egypt in Cairo whilst South Africa and Sierra Leone drew goalless in Nelspruit. All three teams; Niger,

South Africa and Sierra Leone finished on nine points apiece but the Menas had the upperhand with respect to Article 14.1 of the tournament regulation which states that “Greater number of points obtained in the matches between the concerned teams” will serve the order of ranking in case of equality of points between two or more teams after all the group stage matches. How lucky to go through even in defeat!

After several years, what remained a dream has become a reality for Niger football and fans partied all night in Agadez and Niamey in response to the historic feat. It took the generation led by Laouali nicknamed “Pele,” Kassali, Maazou, Bulus, Issoufou, Kofi Dankwa, Mohamed Chikoto, Boubacar Talatou under the technical leadership of Doula to reach the promise land of African football.

For Doula, his charges are ready for the biggest stage of African football and are looking forward to an impressive outing on their debut appearance at the Africa Cup of Nations.

“We are looking forward to the tournament. We are more than ready and am optimistic about chances,” Doula said.

The Mena are housed in Group C alongside co-hosts Gabon, Morocco and Tunisia.

“We are more than ready and am optimistic about chances”

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Interview

Cafoot: Botswana has been named National team of the Year by CAF. What does that mean to you?

David Fani: We are very delighted with the honour. Certainly, all the people home are happy with the award and are celebrating. It is a welcome development and it will spur us on to greater heights.

CAF: What has been the secret behind the steady rise of the Botswana national team?

DF: The main secret has been the real sense of commitment and the burning desire to do well in the team. The players, coach and Botswana Football Association (BFA) worked hard to reach where we are now. We were fully prepared for each match. Reaching this far was achieved over a long period of time and we are reaping the benefits of the structures put in place. Our domestic league is showing a great level of improvement.

CAF: What exactly are the structures that you put in place?

DF: It started over 20-years ago (around 1990) with the appointment of Ben Kwofie from Ghana as Technical Director of the BFA. He was the one who set up the structures for development of the game in the areas of training, refereeing, and administration amongst others. The structures have produced a lot of coaches to even the school level. It has equipped our coaches with the requisite knowledge and qualities that has reflected in the level of players coming out. Coaches and Technical Directors that came after Kwofie carried on with his structures. He left a legacy and the people of Botswana are proud him.

Cafoot: What do you make of Botswana’s chances at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations?

David Fani: If we maintain the form from the qualifying rounds coupled with good preparation, we will have a chance of going far at the tournament. Being our first time at the tournament, we have no specific target. Our overall

“We Want to Go as far as Possible”Botwana FA President, David Fani optimistic about Nations cup success

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Interview

objective is to do well. It is a learning process and we have a lot to learn from other teams as well in terms of experience. Also, we want to go as far as possible and make a statement that we are ready for the big stage of African football.

CAF: You squad is dominated by locally-based players. Do you think that your players will be disadvantaged considering the fact that most teams have foreign-based players?

DF: It will rather be an advantage as our players play together regularly. The level of our local league is also rising. We also have a few players in South Africa and they also bring on board their experience to bear on the team because of the professional nature of the Premier Soccer League. It is a very big advantage for us.

CAF: How are you bracing up for your opening match against Ghana, one of the favourites?

DF: The performance of every team at a major tournament depends on the outcome of the opening match. We are bracing up for the challenge. We are ready for the opening match. Each country is aiming to do well in their opening matches and we are no exception.

CAF: Which teams do you consider as favourites to win the ultimate?

DF: My favourites are Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire. They have a strong team and I tip them to win the title.

“The performance of every team at a major tournament depends on the outcome of the opening match.”

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Preliminary Round 1 of the 29th Edition of CAN,

SOUTH AFRICA 2013 1. Seychelles v Swaziland2. Swaziland v Seychelles 3. Sao Tome v Lesotho4. Lesotho v Sao Tome

Preliminary round 1:Date 1: First leg match on January 06-08, 2012Date 2: Second leg match on January 20-22, 2012

Preliminary Round 2

Ethiopia v BeninBenin v EthiopiaRwanda v Nigeria Nigeria v Rwanda

Congo v UgandaUganda v Congo Burundi v ZimbabweZimbabwe v Burundi Gambia v Algeria Algeria v GambiaKenya v TogoTogo v Kenya

Win 3/ 4 v Sierra Leone Sierra Leone v Win 3/ 4 Guinea Bissau v Cameroon Cameroon v Guinea Bissau Chad v Malawi Malawi v Tchad Win 1/ 2 v RD Congo RD Congo v Win 1/ 2 Tanzania v Mozambique Mozambique v Tanzania Central African Republic v Egypt Egypt v Central African Republic

Madagascar v Cape Verde Cape Verde v Madagascar Liberia v Namibia Namibia v Liberia

Preliminary round 2: Date 3: February 29, 2012 Date 4: June 15-17, 2012

3 Final preliminary round above 14 qualified joins the 16 qualified for CAN2012 to play home and away at agreed dates of September and October 2012

Fixtures of Orange CAN 2013

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Fixtures of FIFA World Cup, Brazil 2014

GROUP A Ethiopia Central African Republic Botswana South Africa GROUP B Equatorial Guinea Sierra Leone Cape Verde Tunisia GROUP C Tanzania Gambia Morocco Cote d’Ivoire GROUP D Lesotho Sudan Zambia Ghana GROUP E Congo Niger Gabon Burkina Faso

GROUP FNamibiaKenyaMalawiNigeria GROUP GMozambiqueZimbabweGuineaEgypt GROUP HRwandaBeninMaliAlgeria GROUP IDR CongoTogo LibyaCameroon GROUP JLiberiaAngolaUgandaSenegal

2nd Round (Matches from June 1, 2012 to September 10, 2013)

Third round (Oct 11-15, Nov 15-19 2013)A draw will split 10 group winners into five two-leg ties and aggregate winners qualify for 2014 World Cup in Brazil

Date Venue Matches 11/11/11 17:00 Sao Tome Sao Tome e Principe 0:5 (0:3) Congo11/11/11 14:00 Djibouti Djibouti 0:4 (0:1) Namibia11/11/11 14:00 Mitsamiouli Comoros 0:1 (0:0) Mozambique11/11/11 14:30 Asmara Eritrea 1:1 (1:0) Rwanda11/11/11 16:00 Lobamba Swaziland 1:3 (0:2) Congo DR11/11/11 17:00 Malabo Equatorial Guinea 2:0 (1:0) Madagascar11/11/11 17:00 N’Djamena Chad 1:2 (1:1) Tanzania11/11/11 18:00 Bissau Guinea-Bissau 1:1 (1:1) Togo11/11/11 15:00 Roche Caiman Seychelles 0:3 (0:1) Kenya11/11/11 20:00 Maseru Lesotho 1:0 (0:0) Burundi12/11/11 14:45 Djibouti Somalia 0:0 Ethiopia15/11/11 14:30 Bujumbura Burundi 2:1 (1:1) Lesotho15/11/11 15:30 Kigali Rwanda 3:1 (1:0) Eritrea15/11/11 16:30 Pointe Noire Congo 1:1 (0:0) Sao Tome e Principe 15/11/11 16:30 Kinshasa Congo DR 5:1 (1:0) Swaziland15/11/11 17:30 Lome Togo 1:0 (1:0) Guinea-Bissau15/11/11 14:45 Antananarivo Madagascar 2:1 (0:1) Equatorial Guinea15/11/11 14:50 Dar Es Salaam Tanzania 0:1 (0:0) Chad15/11/11 15:00 Nairobi Kenya 4:0 (3:0) Seychelles15/11/11 19:00 Maputo Mozambique 4:1 (2:0) Comoros15/11/11 20:00 Windhoek Namibia 4:0 (2:0) Djibouti16/11/11 15:00 Addis Ababa Ethiopia 5:0 (1:0) Somalia

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N.B.: The club mentioned first, plays at home -

Bye: Coton Sport (Cameroon), El Ahly

(Egypt),

Djoliba (Mali), Stade Malien (Mali),

MAS (Morocco), Raja (Morocco), Sunshine Stars (Nige-ria), TP Mazembe (RD Congo), El Hilal (Sudan), El Merrikh (Sudan), ESS (Tunisia), EST (Tunisia), Dynamos (Zimbabwe)

Dates:1st leg : 17, 18,19 February 2012 2nd leg: 02, 03, 04 March 2012

N.B.: The club mentioned first, plays at home -

Bye: ES Setif (Algeria), Interclube (An-gola), Asec Mimosas (Côte d’Ivoire), Enppi (Egypt), AS Real Bamako (Mali), CO de Bamako (Mali), CO Meknès (Morocco), WAC (Morocco), Warri Wolves (Nigeria), Heartland (Nige-ria), St. Eloi Lupopo (RD Congo), Us Tshinkunku (RD Congo), El Amal Ot-bara (Sudan), Al Ahly Shandy (Sudan), CSS (Tunisia), CA (Tunisia)

Dates:1st leg: 17, 18, 19 February 2012 2nd leg: 02, 03, 04 March 2012

CAF Interclubs Competitions 2012

Fixtures of the preliminary round - 16th CL 2012 No Match

01 ASFA (Burkina Faso) v AS Chlef (Algeria) 02 AS Chlef (Algeria) v ASFA 03 ASV Club (RD Congo) v Atletico Olympique 04 Atletico Olympique (Burundi) v ASV Club 05 DFC 9ème Arrondissement (Central Africa) v Astres Douala 06 Astres Douala (Cameroon) v 9ème Arrondissement 07 Young Africans (Tanzania) v Zamalek 08 Zamalek (Egypt) v Young Africans 09 Missile (Gabon) v Africa Sport 10 Africa Sport (Côte d’Ivoire) v Missile 11 Ports Authority (Sierra Leone) v Horoya 12 Horoya (Guinea) v Ports Authority 13 Foullah FC (Chad) v JSM Bejaia 14 JSM Bejaia (Algeria) v Foullah FC 15 AF Amadou Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire) v Diables Noirs 16 Diables Noirs (Congo) v AF Amadou Diallo 17 Tusker (Kenya) v APR FC 18 APR FC (Rwanda) v Tusker 19 Coin Noir Mitsamiouli (Comores) v Ethiopian Coffee 20 Ethiopian Coffee (Ethiopia) v Mitsamiouli 21 AS Garde Nationale (Niger) v Tonnerre 22 Tonnerre (Benin) v AS Garde Nationale 23 Orlando Pirates (South Africa) v Recreativo de Libolo 24 Recreativo de Libolo (Angola) v Orlando Pirates 25 Uganda Revenue (Uganda) v LCS 26 Lesotho Correctional Services (Lesotho) v URA 27 Mafunzo (Zanzibar) v Muçulmano Maputo 28 Muçulmano de Maputo (Mozambique) v Mafunzo 29 Brikama (Gambia) v US Ouakam 30 US Ouakam (Senegal) v Brikama 31 Sony de Ela Nguema (Eq. Guinea) v Dolphin 32 Dolphin (Nigeria) v Sony de Ela Nguema 33 LISCR (Liberia) v Chelsea 34 Berekum Chelsea (Ghana) v LISCR 35 Green Mamba (Swaziland) v Platiniums 36 FC Platiniums (Zimbabwe) v Green Mamba 37 Japan Actual (Madagascar) v Power Dynamos 38 Power Dynamos (Zambia) v Japan Actaul

Fixtures of the preliminary round - 9th CC 2012No Match 01 Dragons (Benin) v EFO 02 EFO (Burkina Faso) v Dragons 03 Nania FC (Ghana) v Séquence 04 FC Séquence (Guinea) v Nania 05 US Douala (Cameroon) v Kallon 06 Kallon FC (Sierra Leone) v US Douala 07 Black Leopards (South Africa) v Motor Action 08 Motor Action (Zimbabwe) v Black Leopards 09 Red Arrows FC (Zambia) v Royal Leopards 10 Royal Leopards (Swaziland) v Red Arrows 11 Mangasport (Gabon) v St. George 12 St George (Ethiopia) v Mangasport 13 Kiyovu (Rwanda) v Simba 14 Simba (Tanzania) v Kiyovu 15 Ferroviario de Maputo (Mozambique) v Gor Mahia 16 Gor Mahia (Kenya) v Ferroviario Maputo 17 Sewe Sports (Côte d’Ivoire) v US Haut Nkam 18 US Haut Nkam (Cameroon) v Sewe Sport 19 AC Leopards (Congo) v AS Tempete Mocaf 20 AS Tempête Mocaf (Central Africa) v AC Leopards 21 Lydia LB Académic (Burundi) v Semu 22 Atletico Semu (Eq. Guinea) v Lydia Academic 23 Renaissance (Chad) v Sahel 24 Sahel SC (Niger) v Renaissance 25 Mansaba (Guinea Bissau) v Invincible 11 26 Invincible Eleven (Liberia) v Mansaba 27 Gamtel (Gambia) v Casamance 28 Casamance (Senegal) v Gamtel 29 Gunners (Botswana) v TANA 30 TANA (Madagascar) v Gunners 31 Jamhuri (Zanzibar) v Hwange 32 Hwange (Zimbabwe) v Jamhuri

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The triumph of TunisiaIn a brilliant way, the second edition of Af-rican Nations Championship met the chal-

lenge of those who had the audacity to increase from eight to sixteen the number of countries at the final phase of the competition. However, all was not easy. Sudan had not hosted an event of this magnitude since 1970 and many doubted its ability to do so. Others argued that the level of national competitions did not permit the gath-ering of many teams and that the competition would be inconsistent and the winner would not emerge big. They were wrong; each participating country proved that till the evening of the final whistle. In two editions, CHAN has become a real competition pulling a growing crowd.If DR Congo, whose team was largely made up of players from TP Mazembe of Lubumbashi, was unable to repeat its success of 2009 in Cote d’Ivoire , Tunisia, its successor, which was not among the favorite from the start, recorded an indisputable triumph. Tunisia was the best and most complete team of the tournament. In fact, it was not very surprising; considering the strength of its clubs in the last twenty years, regularly featuring among the elite teams of the continent. Some of its players were either already regulars of the national team or have earned their place. And its coach, Sami Trabelsi, was recently ap-pointed to head the Car-thage Eagles. Angola that lost in the final of the CHAN had

been less impressive in the 2010 AFCON, which they hosted. Sudan that came third, has demon-strated its steady rise based on two major clubs, El Hilal and El Mer-reikh. Algeria, fourth, rekindled hope after a disappointing World Cup. Another big winner was Niger which participated in a continental tourna-ment of this magnitude for the first time. The CHAN served as a spring-board to the team’s qualification for the 2012 AFCON.

There were however some disappointments; Gha-na was beaten thrice and was last of its group. Cote d’Ivoire and Senegal were also eliminated in the first round, showing the gap between local players and expatriate professionals who dis-played their talent during the 2012 AFCON elimi-natory and now top the list of favorites in the “Gabon - Equatorial Guinea 2012” rendezvous.

Finally, South Africa and Cameroon, after an impressive first round with three wins from three games, were probably overtaken by an excessive confidence and fell in the quarterfinal.

Group A (Khartoum) Sudan - Gabon 1-0Algeria - Uganda 2-0Algeria - Gabon 2-2Sudan - Uganda 1-0Sudan - Algeria 0-0Gabon - Uganda 2-1

Pts P W D L p c difSudan 7 3 2 1 0 2 0 +2Algeria 5 3 1 2 0 4 2 +2Gabon 4 3 1 1 1 4 4 0Uganda 0 3 0 0 3 1 5 -4

Group B (Wad Madani)

South Africa - Ghana 2-1Niger - Zimbabwe 1-0South Africa - Niger 2-0Zimbabwe - Ghana 1-0Niger - Ghana 1-0 South Africa - Zimbabwe 2-1

Orange African Nations Championship 2011

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Orange African Nations Championship 2011Group B (Wad Madani)

South Africa - Ghana 2-1Niger - Zimbabwe 1-0South Africa - Niger 2-0Zimbabwe - Ghana 1-0Niger - Ghana 1-0 South Africa - Zimbabwe 2-1 Pts P W D L p c difSouth Africa 9 3 3 0 0 6 2 +4Niger 6 3 2 0 1 2 2 0Zimbabwe 3 3 1 0 2 2 3 -1Ghana 0 3 0 0 3 1 4 -3

Group C (Omdurman)Cameroon - RD Congo 2-0 Cote d’Ivoire - Mali 1-0 Cameroon - Mali 1-0DR Congo - Cote d’Ivoire 2-1Cameroon - Cote d’Ivoire 2-0DR Congo - Mali 1-1

Pts P W D L p c difCameroon 9 3 3 0 0 5 0 +5DR Congo 4 3 1 1 1 3 4 -1Cote d’Ivoire 3 3 1 0 2 2 4 -2Mali 1 3 0 1 2 1 3 -2

Group D (Port-Sudan)Senegal - Rwanda 2-0Angola - Tunisia 1-1Tunisia - Rwanda 3-1Senegal - Angola 0-0Tunisia - Senegal 2-0Angola - Rwanda 2-1

Pts P W D L p c difTunisia 7 3 2 1 0 6 2 +4Angola 5 3 1 2 0 3 2 +1Senegal 4 3 1 1 1 2 2 0Rwanda 0 3 0 0 3 2 7 -5

Quarter FinalSudan - Niger 1-1 (4-3p)Algeria - South Africa 2-0Angola - Cameroon 0-0 (8-7p) Tunisia - DR Congo 1-0

Semi-FinalsSudan - Angola 1-1 (2-4p)Tunisia - Algeria 1-1 (5-3p)

Classification MatchSudan - Algeria 1-0

FinalTunisia - Angola 3-0

CAFoot Magazine 90South Africa Gabon

Niger

Cote d’Ivoire

ZimbabweMali

Uganda

DR Congo

Tunisia Sudan Ghana

Algeria

Cameroon Senegal

Angola

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CAF U-17 Championship 2011

Burkina Faso Deprives Rwanda of U-17 Championship

The reward of host countries is always seen in big tournaments. The preparation, the com-

mitment and the public are three ingredients. This was confirmed in Rwanda where the young Amavubis were only inches from claiming the crown. The first final ever played by a Rwandan team in all continental competitions met popular expecta-tions except for those who thought the local side deserved to win. Their hearts were broken by Aziz Kabore, who scored the lone goal that gave Burkina Faso victory. Rwanda’s coach, Richard Tardy gives reasons for the defeat: “There are two reasons: one, we were tired; the second is that we had played our final before descending to the pitch. There was enormous pressure and my players lacked the necessary concentration to reproduce the quality of game it had produced in previous encounters”.

Meanwhile, Tardy was not unfortunate; he was disappointed: “The disappointment of the team and the public is justified, but getting to the podium for the first time is an enormous achieve-ment for the players. Rwanda has today commit-ted its future in superior competitions”.

The defending champion, The Gambia ended at the first round having been eliminated by Congo and Cote d’Ivoire . Ghana and Nigeria were absent in the competition having been elimi-nated in the eliminatory phase. This is proof that the big teams on the continent have had their strength in youth competitions. This has been understood by Nigeria and Ghana which togeth-er have five cadets World Cup trophies.

Results

Group ARwanda - Burkina Faso 2-1 Egypt - Senegal 2-1 Burkina Faso - Senegal 3-2Rwanda - Egypt 1-0 Rwanda - Senegal 0-1Burkina Faso - Egypt 4-0

Pts J G N P p c difBurkina Faso 6 3 2 0 1 7 3 +4Rwanda 6 3 2 0 1 3 2 +1Senegal 3 3 1 0 2 4 5 -1Egypt 3 3 1 0 2 2 6 -4

Group BCongo - The Gambia 3-0 Cote d’Ivoire - Mali 2-1 Congo - Cote d’Ivoire 2-2The Gambia - Mali 1-0 Cote d’Ivoire - The Gambia 4-1 Congo - Mali 2-1

Pts J G N P p c difCote d’Ivoire 7 3 2 1 0 8 4 +4Congo 7 3 2 1 0 7 3 +4The Gambia 3 3 1 0 2 2 7 -5Mali 0 3 0 0 3 2 5 -3

Semi-FinalsBurkina Faso - Congo 1-1 (4-2p) Rwanda - Cote d’Ivoire 1-0

Classification MatchCongo - Cote d’Ivoire 2-1

FinalRwanda - Burkina Faso 1-2

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CAF U-17 Championship 2011

Age machine determining player’s age

Rwanda

The Gambia

Burkina Faso

Cote d’IvoireEgypt

Senegal

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The Gambia

Burkina Faso

Cote d’Ivoire

Orange African Youth Championship 2011

Orange Africa Youth U-20 African Championships

Nigeria Emerges Victor for the 6th Time

Initailly, The Orange Africa Youth U20 Champion-ship was expected to take place in Libya. How-ever, it was held in the Rainbow nation, South Africa. The draws provided a tough group that involved Ghana, the outgoing champions, Ni-geria, and Cameroun. Surprisingly, these nations were the losing finalists during the competition which was hosted by Rwanda and Gambia respec-tively.

The first round saw some mouth watering clashes with Nigeria defeating Ghana and drawing with Gambia and Cameroon. The Cameroonian side beat Nigeria in their group game of the competi-tion only to meet them again in the finals.

And just like in 2009, Cameroon had to settle for second place as Nigeria overcame them in the finals.The competition produced good results and the organisation and level of play said to be very high. That was confimed some weeks later during the Word Junior Championships.

Results

Group ASouth Africa - Mali 2-4Egypt - Lesotho 2-0

South Africa - Lesotho 2-1Mali - Egypt 1-0South Africa - Egypt 0-1Mali - Lesotho 1-1

Team P W D L GF GA GD Pts Mali 3 2 1 0 6 3 3 7Egypt 3 2 0 1 3 1 2 6 South Africa 3 1 0 2 4 6 -2 3Lesotho 3 0 1 2 2 5 -3 -1 Group BNigeria - Ghana 2-1Cameroon - Gambia 1-0Cameroon - Nigeria 1-0Gambia - Ghana 1-1Cameroon - Ghana 1-1Nigeria - Gambia 2-0 Team P W D L GF GA GD PtsCameroon 3 2 1 0 3 1 2 7Nigeria 3 2 0 1 4 2 2 6 Ghana 3 0 1 1 3 4 -1 2Gambie 3 0 1 2 1 4 -3 1

Semi-FinalsCameroon - Egypt 0-0 (4-2p)Nigeria - Mali 2-0

Classification MatchEgypt - Mali 1-0

FinalsNigeria - Cameroon 3-2

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Orange African Youth Championship 2011

Nigeria

South AfricaThe Gambia

Lesotho

Ghana

Cameroon

Mali

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The Gambia

Lesotho

Cameroon


The dominance of North African clubs in Af-rican Cups was once again confirmed in 2011. The finals of the Orange Champions League and Orange Confederation Cup were two encoun-ters between Moroccans and Tunisians; Wydad Athletic Club of Casablanca and Esperance of Tunisia for the first, and Club Africain of Tunis and Maghreb Associa-tion Sportive de Fès for the second.Is it any surprise? The first thing to note is that these four clubs have a long history, already distant. Both Tunisian teams have over ninety years of exis-tence; the two Moroccan clubs were created more recently - WAC in 1937 and MAS in 1946. In spite of all the changes in both countries, these clubs have witnessed ups and downs with their foundations in-tact. All four are well estab-lished in their countries and can count on real supporters. In Tunisia, one is either born a supporter of Esperance or of Club Africain and remains loyal to the end. The Moroc-can clubs have the same story. This is the assurance of stabil-ity and continuity. This adds to the financial prowess of the teams because the two countries represent real markets for advertisers who position them among the affluent African foot-ball nations like Egypt and Al-geria. Apart from South African clubs, other African teams can hardly rival them in financial resources.

The national team of Tunisia depends on its clubs for players because the country has few play-ers playing in European top leagues. The case is however different for Morocco. Since 1991, Northern clubs have won the Champion Clubs’ Cup (which became the Champions League in 1997) 13 times. The record is even more impres-sive for the Confederation Cup. With the excep-tion of Hearts of Oak of Ghana, since the year of the creation of the tournament, Tunisian and Moroccan clubs have shared five of the seven trophies.If one considers all club competitions since the creation of the Champion Clubs’ Cup in 1966, Egyptian, Tunisian, Algerian and Moroccan clubs have recorded 53 victories in 96 competitions.

They have won 37 of 53 titles since 1991. And they do not seem to stop on the way.

Orange CAFChampions LeaguePreliminary Round

ASFAN (Nig) - JC Abidjan (Civ) 0-0 0-3St Michel Ouenze(Cgo) - Enyimba (Ngr) 0-1 0-2US Bitam (Gab) - Astres Douala (Cmr) 0-0 0-0 (5-3p)Real Bangui (CAR) - Mouloudia Alger (Alg) 1-1 0-2InterClube (Ang) - Township Rollers (Bot) T.Rollers *East End Lions (Sle) - Djoliba (Mli) 0-2 0-2Diaraf (Sen) - Port Authority (Gam) 1-1 2-0ASPAC (Ben) - Deportivo Mongomo (Geq) 1-0 1-1 ASEC Mimosas (Civ) - SNIM Cansando (Mtn) 7-0 2-0Motor Action (Zim) - Cnaps Sports (Mad) 0-1 1-0 (4-3p)Raja Casablanca (Mor) - Tourbillon (Cha) 10-1Tourbillon*Ulinzi Stars (Ken) - Zamalek (Egy) 0-4 0-1APR FC (Rwa) - Club Africain (Tun) 2-2 0-4Recreativo Caala (Ang) - St George (Eth) 2-0 0-1Elan Club Mitsoudje (Com) - Simba (Tan) 0-0 2-4Mighty Barrolle (Lbr) - Kano Pillars (Nga) 1-2 0-1Wydad Casablanca(Mor) - Aduana Stars (Gha) 3-0 0-1Fello Star (Gui) - ASFA Yennenga (Bur) 0-2 0-3Vital’O (Bdi) - Cotonsport Garoua (Cmr) 2-2 1-1Ocean View (Zan) - Vita Club (DRC) 1-1 0-3SuperSport Utd (SA) - Matlama (Les) 2-0 1-2Young Buffaloes (Swz) - St Michel Utd (Sey) 3-0 1-2Zesco Utd (Zam) - Liga Muculmana (Moz) 3-0 1-2

* Withdrew

1/16th Round Al Ittihad (Lby) - JC Abidjan (Civ) Ff JCATUS Bitam (Gab) - Enyimba (Nga) 0-0 1-2Dynamos (Zim) - Mouloudia Alger (Alg) 4-1 0-3El Merreikh (Sou) - InterClube (Ang) 2-0 0-2 (2-3p)Diaraf (Sen) - Djoliba (Mli) 3-0 1-1Espérance (Tun) - ASPAC (Ben) 5-0 0-2Motor Action (Zim) - ASEC (Civ) 0-0 (2-4p)Stade Malien (Mli) - Raja (Mor) 2-1 0-1Club Africain (Tun) - Zamalek (Egy) 4-2 1-2El Hilal (Sud) - Recreatico Caala (Ang) 3-0 1-1TP Mazembe (DRC) - Simba (Tan) 3-1 3-2Wydad Casablanca (Mor) - Kano Pillars (Nga) 2-0 0-0Entente Sétif (Alg) - ASFA Yennenga (Bfa) 2-0 4-3Vita Club (DRC) - Cotonsport (Cmr) 0-1 0-1Al Ahly (Egy) - SuperSport (Afs) 2-0 0-1Zesco Utd (Zam) - Young Buffaloes (Swz) 5-0 2-0

1/8th Round Enyimba (Nga) - Ittihad (Lby) 1-0 (one Leg)

InterClube (Ang) - Mouloudia Alger (Alg) 1-1 2-3Esperance (Tun) - Diaraf (Sen) 5-0 1-0 Raja Casablanca (Mar) - ASEC Mimosas (Civ) 1-1 (5-4p)El Hilal (Sud) - Club Africain (Tun) 1-0 1-1*Wydad Casablanca (Mor) - TP Mazembe (DRC) 1-0 0-2Cotonsport (Cmr) - Entente Sétif (Alg) 4-1 0-2Zesco United (Zam) - Al Ahly (Egy) 0-0 0-1

* Match stopped at the 83rd minute after Tunisian supporters invaded pitch

North African Clubs Maintain Dominance of Continental Competitions

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Playoff Match, May 28 in CairoWAC Casablanca (Mar) - Simba (Tan) 3-0

Group AEnyimba – El Hilal 2-2 Raja – Coton Sport 0-0 El Hilal - Raja 1-0 Coton Sport - Enyimba 2-3Enyimba - Raja 2-0El Hilal – Coton Sport 2-1Raja - Enyimba 0-0Coton Sport - El Hilal 2-0El Hilal - Enyimba 1-2Coton Sport - Raja 2-1Raja - El Hilal 0-0Enyimba - Coton Sport 2-0

Pts P W D L p c difEnyimba 14 6 4 2 0 11 5 +6El Hilal 8 6 2 2 2 6 7 -1Coton Sport 7 6 2 1 3 7 8 -1Raja 3 6 0 3 3 1 5 -4

Group BAl Ahly - WAC 3-3MC Alger - Esperance 1-1 Esperance - Al Ahly 1-0 Wydad - MC Alger 4-0Al Ahly - MC Alger 2-0Wydad - Esperance 2-2MC Alger - Al Ahly 0-0 Esperance - Wydad 0-0Wydad - Al Ahly 1-1Esperance - MC Alger 4-0MC Alger - Wydad 3-1 Al Ahly - Esperance 1-1

Pts P W D L p c dif Esperance 10 6 2 4 0 9 4 +5WAC 7 6 1 4 1 11 9 +2Al Ahly 7 6 1 4 1 7 6 +1MC Alger 5 6 1 2 3 4 12 -8

Semi-FinalsEl Hilal - Esperance 0-1 0-2Wydad - Enyimba 1-0 0-0

FinalWydad (Morocco) - Esperance (Tunisia) 0-0 0-1

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Orange CAFConfederation Cup 2011 Preliminary RoundTevragh Zeina (Mtn) - AS Real (Mli) 0-0 1-0Missile Forces (Gab) - Inter Stars (Bdi) 4-0 0-1Leopards Dolisie (Cgo) - Etincelles (Rwa) 1-1 2-0Toure Kounda Mbour Sen) - Ports Authority (Sle) 2-1 2-2CA Batna (Alg) - Al-Nasr (Lby) 2-2 2-2 (5-6p)Dynamic (Tog) - Sahel (Nig) 0-0 0-0 (2-4p)USS Krake (Ben) - MAS (Mor) 1-1 1-4Sewe San Pedro (Civ) - AshantiGold (Gha) 0-1 0-1Foullah Edifice (Cha) - Sony Ela Nguema (Geq) 2-0 0-1AS Aviacao (Ang) - Sofapaka (Ken) 0-0 0-0 (4-5p)Highlanders (Zim) - Nchanga Rangers (Zam) 1-1 *Highlanders

Adema (Mad) - Maxaquene (Moz) 0-0 1-1St Marienne (Réu) - Bidvest Wits (SA) 1-0 0-4CS Keita (Mli) - Difaa al-Jadida (Mar) 2-2 1-1Fovu Baham (Cmr) - USFA (Bur) 2-1 1-3FC Séquence (Gui) - Africa Sports (Civ) 0-1 1-1DFC Arrondissement (CAR) - Tiko Utd (Cmr) 0-0 1-3KMKM (Zan) - DC Motema Pembe (DRC) 0-4 0-2Mbabane Highlanders (Swz) - Victors (Ug) 1-1 1-1 (1-4p)Young Africans (Tan) - Dedebit (Eth) 4-4 0-2

1/16th Round JS Kabylie (Alg) - Tevragh Zeina (Mtn) 1-0 2-1El Nil (Sud) - Missile Forces (Gab) 1-1 1-2Primeiro Agosto (Ang) - Léopards Dolisie (Cgo) 2-0 0-1FUS Rabat (Mar) - Touré Kunda (Sen) 2-0 1-2Al Khartoum (Sud) - Al Nasr (Lby) *Al NasrMAS Fès (Mar) - Sahel (Nig) 0-0 2-1Etoile Sahel (Tun) - AshantiGold (Gha) 3-0 1-2Kaduna Utd (Ngr) - Foullah Edifice (Cha) 2-0 0-1Ismaïly (Egy) - Sofapaka (Ken) 2-0 0-4St Eloi Lupopo (DRC) - Nchanga Rangers (Zam) 1-0 2-0Bidvest Wits (SA) - Adema (Mad) 1-1 0-2Olympique Béja (Tun) - Difaa El Jadida (Mar) 2-0 0-3Africa Sports (Civ) - USFA (Bfa) *Africa Sports Sunshine Stars (Ngr) - Tiko United (Cam) 2-0 1-0Victors (Ug) - DC Motema Pemb (DRC) 1-1 0-1Haras el Hodoud (Egy) - Dedebit (Eth) 4-0 1-1

1/8th Round Missile Forces (Gab) - JS Kabylie (Alg) 3-0 0-3 (0-3p) FUS Rabat (Mar) - Primeiro Agosto (Ang) 1-1 0-1 MAS Fès (Mar) - El Khartoum (Sud) 5-1 0-2Kaduna Utd (Ngr) - Etoile Sahel (Tun ) * Etoile SahelSt Eloi Lupopo (DRC) - Sofapaka (Ken) 2-1 0-1Difaa El Jadida (Mar) - Adema (Mad) 3-0 0-1Sunshine Stars (Ngr) - USFA (Bfa) 2-0 0-1Haras El Hodoud (Egy) - DC Motema Pembe (DRC) 2-1 1-2

1/8th Round Playoff Entente Setif (Alg) - Kaduna Utd (Ngr) 1-0 0-3Diaraf (Sen) - JS Kabylie (Alg) 1-1 0-2Club Africain (Tun) - Sofapaka (Ken) 3-0 1-3Al-Ittihad (Lby) - Sunshine Stars (Ngr) 0-1 (a single match in Nigeria)ZESCO Utd (Zam) - MAS Fès (Mar) 1-0 0-2Simba (Tan) - DC Motema Pembe (DRC) 1-0 0-2ASEC Mimosas (Civ) - Primeiro Agosto (Ang) 4-0 1-1Interclube (Ang) - Difaâ al-Jadida (Mar) 3-0 2-2*withdrew

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Group A ASEC Mimosas - Club Africain 1-1 Kaduna United - Interclube 1-1Club Africain - Kaduna United 0-0Interclube - ASEC Mimosas 1-0ASEC Mimosas - Kaduna United 2-1Club Africain - Interclube 2-0Kaduna United - ASEC Mimosas 2-1 Interclube - Club Africain 2-1Club Africain - ASEC Mimosas 1-0Interclube - Kaduna United 4-1Kaduna United - Club Africain 0-1 ASEC Mimosas - Interclube 1-0

Pts P W D L p c difClub Africain 11 6 3 1 1 6 3 +3Interclube 10 6 3 1 2 8 6 +2ASEC Mimosas 7 6 2 1 3 5 6 -1Kaduna United 5 6 1 2 3 5 9 -4

Group BMAS Fès - JS Kabylie 1-0 Sunshine Stars - DC Motema Pembe 2-0JS Kabylie - Sunshine Stars 1-2 DC Motema Pembe - MAS Fès 1-1MAS Fès - Sunshine Stars 1-0JS Kabylie - DC Motema Pembe 0-2Sunshine Stars - MAS Fès 1-1 DC Motema Pembe - JS Kabylie 2-0JS Kabylie - MAS Fès 0-1DC Motema Pembe - Sunshine Stars 0-0Sunshine Stars - JS Kabylie 1-0 MAS Fès - DC Motema Pembe 3-0

Pts P W D L p c difMoghreb Fès 14 6 4 2 0 8 2 +6Sunshine Stars 11 6 3 2 1 6 3 +3DC Motema Pembe 8 6 2 2 1 5 6 -1JS Kabylie 0 6 0 0 6 1 9 -8

Semi-finalsSunshine Stars - Club Africain 0-1 0-0Interclube - Moghreb Fès 2-1 0-1

FinalClub Africain - Moghreb Fès -1-0 0-1 (5-6p)

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Kidiaba powers Mazembe to retain titleGoalkeeper Muteba Kidiaba was the hero for TP Mazembe as they beat FUS Rabat of Mo-rocco 9-8 on penalties on Satur-day (January 29) in Lubumbashi to retain the Orange CAF Super Cup.

The closely contested encounter ended fruitless during normal time but the Mazembe goalie was the architect of his side’s victory during the marathon penalty shoot-out. He saved the ultimate kick of the Orange CAF Confederation Cup holders and converting the decisive kick.

The 34-year old goalie, famed for his funky hair style and elaborate celebration ensured Les Corbeaux a place in the his-tory book as they joined Nige-ria’s Enyimba (2004, 2006) and Al-Ahly of Egypt (2006, 2007) to lift the title in succession.

The encounter which also her-alds the new season as far as the continental club champion-ship is concerned was watched by the top brass of the conti-nent’s soccer controlling body,

The first half saw few chances with Mazembe’s Bedi Mbenza’s miss on 24 minutes which served the brightest moment. Mazembe were mostly on the

Issa Hayatou, president of the Confederation of African Foot-ball (CAF) as the winners of the CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup battled for the giant trophy.

offensive whilst FUS Rabat deployed a seemingly defensive approach in a move to crack down the Mazembe forwards.

The second half was no differ-ent as attempts by both teams to break the deadlock yielded no positive returns despite hav-ing equal share of possession. It was the sixth time the annual competition was to be decided by means of penalties after 1993, 1997, 1998, 2007 and 2007.

The game moved to penalties and with no one emerging after regular kicks, Kidiaba saved the ultimate kick of the Moroccans before displacing his opposite number as Mazembe cruised to 9-8 victory.

CAF President Hayatou pre-sented the trophy to Mazembe captain, Kazembe Mihayo amidst chants from the rest of his colleagues and the teaming crowd.

Orange CAF Super Cup 2011

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CAF U-23 Championship

Gabon emerges U-23 Champions in MarrakechMost predictions were that Gabon’s U-23 squad would not cross the first round of the competi-tion; interestingly, they beat Morocco 2-1 to emerge champion. This is the Panthers’ first ever continental trophy.it is worth noting that the Gabonese was the first to concede a goal at the 20th minute of the final through a combina-tion between Adnane Thigadouini and Youness Mokhtar. The Gabonese equalized 10 minutes later through Landry Obiang Obiang following a superb pass from Allen Nono. Just before the break, Nono’s header following a cross from Al-exander Ndoumbou beat Moroccan keeper Yas-sine El Kharroubi for the second goal. The score line remained unchanged while both sides ended with 10 men after two expulsions.

Gabon started on a poor note losing 0-1 against Egypt and then recorded a draw against South Africa. The team went on to beat Cote d’Ivoire by 3-1, Senegal 1-0 and the Moroccans by 2-1. They ended with the best attack with 7 goals in

a tight competition in which 9 of the 18 matches ended with just a goal difference, with 7 of the games ending in 1-0.

Coach Claude Roger Mbourounot and his mainly home based players achieved a feat in Marrakech with a near perfect sojourn. They sent home the disqualified teams of the first round which in-cluded Nigeria, Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire and SouthAfrica, ending their hopes of playing the 2012 London Olympic Games. Thus, 2011 remains a poor year for Algeria, Nigeria and South Africa which failed to qualify for the Olympic Games and the 2012 Orange AFCON.

On their part, the Gabonese will be in the Olym-pic Games alongside Morocco and Egypt, which ended third having beaten Senegal 2-0 in the classification match. Senegal nonetheless has a chance of qualifying when they meet the fourth of the Asiatic eliminatory.

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CAF U-23 Championship

Group AMorocco - Nigeria 1-0Algeria - Senegal 1-0Morocco - Algeria 1-0Senegal - Nigeria 2-1Nigeria - Algeria 4-1Morocco - Senegal 0-1

Pts P W D L p c difSenegal 6 3 2 0 1 3 2 +1Morocco 6 3 2 0 1 2 1 +1Nigeria 3 3 1 0 2 5 4 +1Algeria 3 3 1 0 2 2 5 -3

Group BEgypt - Gabon 1-0South Africa - Cote d’Ivoire 1-1South Africa - Gabon 1-1Cote d’Ivoire - Egypt 1-0Egypte - South Africa 2-0 Gabon - Cote d’Ivoire 3-1

Pts P W D L p c difEgypt 6 3 2 0 1 4 2 +2Gabon 4 3 1 1 1 4 3 +1Cote d’Ivoire 4 3 1 1 1 3 4 -1South Africa 2 3 0 2 1 2 4 -2

Semi-finalsGabon - Senegal 1-0 (ap.prol)

Morocco - Egypt 3-2

Classification matchEgypt - Senegal 2-0

Morocco - Gabon 1-2

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All Africa Games 2011

Men’s Tournament

Group AMozambique - South Africa 1-3South Africa - Ghana 1-0Mozambique - Ghana 3-4

Pts P W D L p c difSouth Africa 6 2 2 0 0 4 1 +3Ghana 3 2 1 0 1 4 4 0Mozambique 0 2 0 0 2 4 7 -3

Group BCameroon - Uganda 0-0Senegal - Uganda 2-1 Cameroon - Senegal 1-0

Pts P W D L p c difCameroon 4 2 1 1 0 1 0 +1Senegal 3 2 1 0 1 2 2 0Uganda 1 2 0 1 1 1 2 -1

Semi-FinalsSouth Africa - Senegal 0-0 (6-5p)Ghana - Cameroon 1-0

Classification matchCameroon - Senegal 1-1 (5-4p)

FinalGhana - South Africa 1-1 (4-2p)

Men for Ghana, Women for Cameroon

Ghana’s men team won its first trophy in the history of the competition by beating South Africa in the final. On its part, Cameroon which won the three previous editions was defeated in the semi-final by Ghana.

They however took revenge in the female category by beating their Ghana-ian counterpart and lifting the trophy in the final. At the semi-final, the In-domitable Lionesses stopped the Super Falcons of Nigeria, who won the first two editions but could not defend their trophy in the group stage as they stumbled against the Ghanaian side.

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All Africa Games 2011

Female Tournament

Group A Mozambique - Cameroon 0-1Cameroon - Algeria 3-0Mozambique - Algeria 1-7

Pts P W D L p c difCameroon 6 2 2 0 0 4 0 +4Algeria 3 2 1 0 1 7 4 +3Mozambique 0 2 0 0 2 1 8 -7

Group B South Africa - Zimbabwe 4-1Ghana - Tanzania 2-1 Ghana - Zimbabwe 2-1 South Africa - Tanzania 2-2South Africa - Ghana 2-2Zimbabwe - Tanzania 2-2

Pts P W D L p c difGhana 7 3 2 1 0 6 4 +2South Africa 5 3 1 2 0 7 5 +2Tanzania 2 3 0 2 1 5 6 -1Zimbabwe 1 3 0 1 2 4 7 -3

Semi-finalsCameroon - South Africa 2-0 Ghana - Algeria 3-0

ClassificationAlgeria - South Africa 3-0

FinalCameroon - Ghana 1-0

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London 2012 Olympic Games Qualifiers

London 2012 Olympic Games: Women’s Quali-fiersThe qualifiers witnessed the elimination of

Nigeria, which represented the African continent in three previous editions of the competition (Sydney 2000, Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008). The team lost in the last round in penalties against Cameroon. After beating Ethiopia, South Africa will accompany Cameroon to London where, for the first time, Africa will present two teams.

First RoundDR Congo - Ethiopia 0-0 0-3Morocco - Tunisia 0-3 1-0Zambia - South Africa 1-2 0-1Cameroon - Mali 5-0 1-0Angola - Namibia 2-2 0-0Guinea - Ghana 0-2 1-5Nigeria - Congo Congo withdrewEquatorial Guinea - Gabon Gabon withdrew

Second RoundCameroon - Equatorial Guinea 0-0 0-2Nigeria - Namibia 7-0 2-0South Africa - Tunisia 1-0 0-1(6-5p)

Ethiopia - Ghana 1-0 1-2

Third RoundSouth Africa - Ethiopia 3-0 1-1Nigeria - Cameroon 2-1 1-2 (3-4p)

Equatorial Guinea was disqualified for having used an unqualified player at the World Cup in July 2011.

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Beach Soccer

For the first time, the African Beach Soccer Championship left the shores of the Indian Ocean and the city of Durban in South Africa, for the Atlantic beach of Abu Diab in Casablanca, Morocco.

Nigeria won the title for the third time by beating Senegal 7-5 in the final.

During the World Cup held in Ravenna, Italy, Nigeria and Senegal were beaten by narrow margins in the quarterfinals by Brazil and Portugal. This shows that the sand like the African players were not far from the ultimate.

African Beach Soccer Championship

FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup

GROUP A

Morocco - Libya 7-5

Egypt - Libya 4-3

Morocco - Egypt 0-3

GROUP B

Nigeria - Madagascar 5-3

Madagascar - South Africa 3-0

Nigeria - South Africa 8-4

GROUP A

Senegal - Switzerland 8-8 (1-0p)

Italy - Senegal 4-4 (3-2p)

Senegal - Iran 5-3

GROUP C

Russia - Nigeria 8-4

Nigeria - Venezuela 5-3

Nigeria - Tahiti 4-1

GROUP C

Senegal - Algeria 9-4

Algeria - Côte d’Ivoire 5-3

Senegal - Côte d’Ivoire 3-2

SEMI FINAL

Nigeria - Madagascar 7-6

Senegal - Egypt 4-2

QUARTER FINAL

Brazil - Nigeria 10-8(after extra time)

Portugal - Senegal 4-4 (3-2p)

MATCH FOR FIFTH PLACE

Morocco - Algeria 7-5

SEMI FINAL

Egypt - Madagascar 3-3(1-0pen)

FINAL

Nigeria - Senegal 7-5

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FIFA U-17 World Cup

A Contrasting Balance Sheet

Expectations of the level of African representation at the Cadet World Cup

in Mexico were with some apprehension due to the absence of Nigeria and Ghana, five times champions of the competition. It was clear early in 2011 that Nigeria and Ghana will not have successors. Burkina Faso and Rwanda were eliminated in the first round. Congo and Ivory Coast did not go beyond the eighth final. The Souleymane Coulibaly phenomenon of the Ivorian striker who scored nine goals in four matches was not repeated. This remains a unique feat in the annals of the competition, even though the Frenchman, Sinama Pongolle also scored nine goals in 2001. He had however scored the nine goals in six matches. The U-17 World Cup would always be remembered as that of Coulibaly who is already being compared to Didier Drogba. He is being hunted by big clubs who hope to hire his services, including Real Madrid. But that is not the subject of the report of Africa at the World Cup in Mexico.

Disappointing Results

Africa’s participation at the competition can be summed up thus: 14 matches played in Kigali by Burkina Faso, the champion, Rwanda, the first runner up, with Congo and Ivory Coast placing third and fourth respectively in this CAN that acted as qualification for the World Cup.

Of the 14 games played, there were two victories:

That of Congo against Holland (1-0) and that of Ivory Coast against Denmark (4-2).

Three draws were also registered:

That of Congo and South Korea (1-1), Canada and Rwanda (0-0), and Ivory Coast and Brazil (3-3).

The nine other games ended in defeats:

Mexico-Congo (1-2); England-Rwanda (0-2); Uruguay-Rwanda (0-1); Panama-Burkina Faso (0-1); Germany-Burkina Faso (0-3); Equador-Burkina Faso (0-2), and Australia-Ivory Coast (1-2).

At the eighth final, Congo was eliminated by Uruguay by 1-2; while France beat Ivory Coast 3-2. The balance sheet for African teams was more negative if one considers goals scored and conceded. Of Africa’s 14 goals, 12 were scored by Ivory

Coast, with Coulibaly scoring nine. Congo scored the two others. The African defence conceded 24 goals: 9 conceded by Ivory Coast, 6 by Burkina Faso, 5 by Congo, and 3 by Rwanda.

Encouraging Showing

It would be too harsh to judge Africa’s participation at a tournament of such a magnitude by scores alone. Ivory Coast proved that they will be able to get to a high level in a few years, especially in World Cup 2018. There is assurance that Drogba, Kolo and Yaya Toure would have successors. Congo, which was in a difficult group, conceded a defeat against Mexico and another against Uruguay. Rwanda also defended well even though they fell against England and Uruguay. The big disappointment was Burkina Faso, the only team with a title as African champions to have conceded three defeats.

Africa’s Participation at U-17 World Cup

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FIFA U-17 World Cup

Alain Gouamene, the Ivorian coach summed up the general feeling in these words: “It’s unfortunate that so many African teams were eliminated prematurely in the competition. I am happy with the performance of my players in this World Cup in spite of the defeat. I think my team has great prospects and could achieve much in future.” His Congolese counterpart, Eddie Hudansky said something similar: “We have shown that we are capable of playing good football. We have learnt much in this competition from the tactical aspect and we will take these entire lessons home in order to improve in future”.

Coach of Amavubi cadets, Richard Tardy, on his part said: “Many players of my team will join the U-20 selection. I hope that they will eventually join the national team. We have learnt much in our sojourn in Mexico and we certainly don’t have to be disappointed with our performance”.

The only note of disappointment came from the Burkina Faso assistant coach, Serafin Dargany: “We didn’t expect to leave Mexico without recording a point or a goal. We came here with the ambition

of qualifying for the eighth final. However, from the first match we discovered that we were lacking something in order to meet the standard of the competition. Even before our departure, we had lost two important players. The first 45 minutes of our last game against Equador remains our best performance in this competition. We now have to learn our lessons from our errors and work harder”.

Having won its first world crown from the inception of the U-17 tournament, the African continent participates every two years with the hope that one of its representatives will win the trophy. Thus, it is considered a failure when it comes back empty handed from each competition. In football, there is the result and the performance. If the result in Mexico was short of expectations, the performances of African teams were encouraging against big football nations. We can say that the future is not bleak. Some of those who took part in the Mexico jamboree will in a few years be stars in upcoming Africa Cup of Nations and may be in future World Cups.

ResultsGROUP A

Congo – Holland 1-0

Mexico – Congo 2-1

Congo – North Korea 1-1

Congo 2nd behind Mexico

GROUP C

England – Rwanda 2-0

Uruguay – Rwanda 1-0

Rwanda – Canada 1-1

Rwanda occupies last spot

GROUP E

Panama – Burkina Faso 1-0

Germany – Burkina Faso 3-0

Equador – Burkina Faso 2-0

Burkina Faso occupies last spot

GROUP F

Australia – Ivory Coast 2-1

Ivory Coast – Denmark 4-2

Ivory Coast – Brazil 3-3

Ivory Coast 2nd behind Brazil

EIGHTH FINAL

Uruguay – Congo 2-1

France – Ivory Coast 3-2

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FIFA U-20 World Cup

Seeing one of the countries that played great football and scored many goals

during the group stage of the competition eliminated at the quarter finals was a great diappointment. When Nigerian players were leaving the Pascual Guerrero stadium on Sunday, August 13, one and a half hours after the blast of the final whistle, an enormous sense of frustration could be read on their faces. The Nigerian delegation that remained silent and flagged, left the stadium to the applause of thousands of spectators and Columbian football fans. They were a side that had played spectacular football and produced great goals during the competition.

“This support from the Columbian fans showed that we had left a positive impression” said Edafe Egbedi one of the few who spoke to FIFA.commentators after their exit. “ We played like a team throughout the competition and we tried to impress. We are happy with the support we have received. This made us feel at home. It is certain that the fans wanted to see us win.” he added, corroborating the words of coach John Obuh.

Putting disappointment aside, the sentiments of the 1m 66 player and his team mates could be justified. During the entire competition Nigeria did impress everyone with their technique, vivacity and rapidity by recording four straight victories at the Junior World Cup. The Flying Eagles had embarked on a series of victories by overcoming Croatia and Guatemala thanks to Ahmed Musa, Olarenwaju Kayode and Egbedi. Nigeria scored 15 goals during the Columbia expedition.

“It is a game that we could have won. Unfortunately it was not our day. We really did not put pressure on the French like we did during the previous games. We left them too much space to manipulate. That is why we are sad. But that is football”, Egbedi continued. “ We have proven that with hard work we can go far. We aimed for the title. That said, the competition in its entirety was a good lesson for us. We shall be better prepared during the next World Championships.”

The regrets and deception of Nigeria was added to that of Cameroon and Egypt whose title hopes ended in the eighth finals. Cameroon was eliminated by Mexico during post match penalties whilst Argentina stood in the way of Nigeria.

Three out of the four representatives from Africa making it to the 8 finals has been the most important result obtained by the continent during the final phase of the Under 20 World Cup against difficult opposition as Brasil, France, Portugal and Mexico who ended as the top four sides of the competition.

The performance highlighted the improved performance of Africa’s youth on the world stage. Unfortunately, they were unable to win the trophy for the continent, just like Ghana did two years ago. Ghana was not present in Columbia.

Many Regrets for Africa

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FIFA U-20 World Cup

Results

GROUP A

South Korea – Mali 2-0

Colombia – Mali 2-0

France – Mali 2-0

Mali ended the group in last position

GROUP B

Cameroun – New Zealand 1-1

Portugal – Cameroon 1-0

Cameroon – Uruguay 1-0

Cameroon finished 2nd

GROUP D

Nigeria – Guatemala 5-0

Nigeria – Croatia 5-2

Nigeria – Saudi Arabia 2-0

Nigeria finished top of the group

GROUP E

Egypt – Brasil 1-1

Egypt – Panama 1-0

Egypt – Austria 4-0

Egypt ended 2nd

QUARTER FINAL

France - Nigeria 3-2 (after extra time)

EIGHTH FINAL

Mexico - Cameroon 1-1 (3-0ap)

Argentina - Egypt 2-1

Nigeria - England 1-0

“It is a game that we could

have won. Unfortunately it was not our

day”

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FIFA Women’s World Cup, Germany 2011

Below is fifa.com’s analysis a day after the elimination of the two African representa-tives at the Women’s World Cup that took

place from June 26 to July 17, 2011 in Germany.The two African representatives at the FIFA 2011 Women’s World Cup were eliminated in the first round. Nonetheless, they recorded different per-formances in their outing in Germany. The Afri-can champion, Nigeria, went home disappointed that they failed to reach the quarter final this year. On their part, Equatorial Guinea went back proud and satisfied with their first participation in the competition.

The Equato-Guinean team that was taking part in the FIFA Women’s World Cup for the first time recorded some outstanding performances. Genoveva Anonman and her teammates even went almost shoulder to shoulder against their Brazilian counterparts in their third game. Mar-cello Frigerio’s team registered slim margin de-feats against Australia and Norway.

“We must not forget that Equatorial Guinea is a

small country,” the coach remarked at the end of the last match. “It is the first time they are quali-fying for the Women’s World Cup. It is “a dream come true” for them. The players had wished to represent their country honorably and I am sure that our compatriots will be satisfied with what they have accomplished. We performed well and we have learnt a lot. This final phase will remain a good experience for my players.”

Anonman, who will play next season with FFC Tribune Potsdam, particularly distinguished her-self in the group stage of this competition. The Equato-Guinean captain was not only noted for her hair style, but also for her goal scoring abil-ity. “Everybody saw her exceptional qualities” remarked Frigerio, who was proud of her cap-tain. “She is talented, ambitious and very strong. Anonman is a little bit of the Marta of Equatorial Guinea. She scored two goals in the tournament and largely played her part. I think that if the team learns from its adventure and continues to prepare well, she has chances of coming back for the next edition, added the Brazilian strategist.

Africa’s Representatives at Women’s World Cup

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Africa’s Representatives at Women’s World Cup

Huge Disappointment

On the part of the Nigerian team, there was immense disappointment when they were eliminated in the first round of the competi-

tion. Disappointment was visible in the in faces of Stella Mbachu and Perpetual Nkwocha after their last encounter, especially having ended by beating Canada. Mbachu emerged the player of the match while Nkwocha scored her team’s lone goal in the encounter. “It was my last game for Nigeria. I am happy to have participated in this tournament. However, I now need to reitre,” Mbachu announced after the victory against the Canucks. “We were hopeful we would qualify for the quarter final and I am disappointed that we were unable to achieve that. We didn’t envisage things this way. We came here with the intention of going to the second round. However, one doesn’t always get what one wants.”The scorer, Nkwocha will also be absent in the next FIFA Women’s World Cup. “I know I will not be part of the team in 2015. But I am not giving up yet even though Germany 2011 was my last World Cup. I think we will qualify for the Olympic Games and I hope I will be retained. I still desire to play for the national team. In the meantime, I am think-ing of the possibility of ending my career after the Olympic Games,” Nkwocha explains. “The next edition of the World Cup is far off. Four years is a long time. From now till then, I will think of my future. I wouldn’t wait for four years to do that,” Stella Mbachu told fifa.com. She does not however know what her life after football will look like. “I don’t yet have a project after leaving football. I don’t think I will become a coach, it’s not for me. I wouldn’t like it. In fact, I would like to do some-thing which is directly linked to football.

I might become an agent,” she explains with a smile.Whatever becomes of Mbachu and Nkwocha, they would have accomplished great things for their country. Now, it is for their successors to prove that in spite of the debacle in Germany, they can inspire hope for Nigerian female football.

ResultsGroup A26-06-2011 France - Nigeria 1-020-06-2011 Germany - Nigeria 1-005-07-2011 Nigeria - Canada 1-0 Pts P W D L p c dif

Germany 9 3 3 0 0 7 3 +4France 6 3 2 0 1 7 4 +3Nigeria 3 3 1 0 2 1 2 -1Canada 0 3 0 0 3 1 7 -6

Group D29-06-2011 Norway - Equatorial Guinea 1-003-07-2011 Australia - Equatorial Guinea 3-2 06-07-2011 Brazil - Equatorial Guinea 3-0

Pts P W D L p c dif

Brazil 9 3 3 0 0 7 0 +7Australia 6 3 2 0 1 5 4 +1Norway 3 3 1 0 2 2 5 -3Equatorial Guinea 0 3 0 0 3 2 7 -5

FIFA Women’s World Cup, Germany 2011

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FIFA Club World Cup

Esperance of Tunisia, who took part in the Clubs World Cup in Doha, Qatar, failed to replicate

the achievement of TP Mazembe of Lubumbashi, who played the final of the competition a year ago against Inter Milan.

The hopes of the Tunisian club were dashed by the Asian representative, Al Sadd of Qatar which lined up three African internationals; the Algerian defender Nadir Belhadj, the Ivorian offensive midfielder Kader Keita and the Senegalese striker, Mamadou Niang.

Esperance who dominated the start of the game went one goal down when goalkeeper Moez Ben Cherifia pushed back “a Kader Keita thunderbolt” giving Khalfan Al Khalfan the opportunity to open the score at the 33rd minute.

The Qatar team doubled the score after half time through a header from Abdulla Koni. The Tunisians could reduce the score line thanks to a spot kick by Ossama Darragi at the 60th minute. The equalizing goal of the Cameroonian, Yannick N’Djeng was disallowed for off side play. That is how the Tunisian team bungled the quarter final match they would have won.

The team, coached by Nabil Maaloul, lost again in the classification match against the Mexican side, Monterrey by 2-3 after having scored first through through N’Djeng and had a penalty transformed into goal by Khaled Mouelhi. Esperance ended in a disappointing 6th position.

Esperance Fails to Replicate TP Mazembe Exploit

QUARTER FINAL

Al Sadd (Qatar) – Esperance (Tunisia) 2-1

FIFTH PLACE MATCH

Monterrey (Mexico) - Esperance (Tunisia) 3-2

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Accra Hearts of Oak Celebrates 100 years

A period of 100-years is no mean achievement in the life of any individual, organisation or

institution. It is this fact the Ghana’s Accra Hearts of Oak are still revelling in the attainment of that historic milestone.

Hearts of Oak, the oldest existing football club in Ghana turned 100 on November 11, 2011. Also, it is the first club in the sub-region to reach that feat. Since its formation, the club with its “Never Say Die” motto and ‘Phobia’ slogan has metamorphosed into a household name in Ghana, Africa and the world at large although it has no linkage with the famous Scottish club, Heart of Midlothian.

Historical factsHistorical facts has it that the club, which commands a great sense of tradition was formed on ‘11-11-11’; that is on the 11th day of the 11th month in the 11th year of the 20th century by a group of young men led by Asafoatse Nettey (a.k.a Christopher Brandford Nettey) at Ussher Town to provide challenge to a club called Invincibles, then the only football club in James Town (now Accra). This made Hearts of Oak, the third football club in the then Gold Coast after Excelsior (1903 in Cape Coast) and Invincibles (1910 in Accra). Whilst Excelsoir and Invincibles have since folded up, Hearts of Oak have survived the test of time to become one of Ghana’s most successful clubs of all-time.

The colours of the club have are red, yellow and blue with the symbolical Oak tree whilst their “Never Say Die” motto reflects the ability of the Oak

Centenary Milestone Smiles at Ghana’s Hearts of Oak

Was formed on ‘11-11-11’ that is on the 11th day of the 11th month in the 11th year of the 20th centurytree to survive all kinds of the weather conditions. Hearts of Oak are based in Accra, the Ghanaian capital but have grown to attract followers across the length and breadth of the country. The club‘s achievement over the years has only been rivalled by Kumasi Asante Kotoko.

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Since winning the first ever football league in Ghana held in 1958, the Phobians have gone on to win 20 titles, one adrift of bitterest rivals Asante Kotoko. They have also annexed the FA Cup 10-times and the Champion of Champions (Super Cup) enviably nine-times.

Translating their seniority on the pitch, they remain Ghana’s only club to have won the CAF Champions League in 2000, whilst the CAF Super Cup followed months later. Also they beat archrivals Asante Kotoko in the final of the maiden CAF Confederation Cup, the first ever continental final involving teams from the same countries in 2004.

Other memorable historical facts were matches against English side, Stoke City that featured the legendary Sir Stanley Matthews in 1957 and against Brazilian side, Santos, which featured the legendary Pele in 1969, both at the Accra Sports Stadium.

Great PlayersThe achievement cannot be complete without legendary actors such as Charles Kumi Gyamfi (who later coached Ghana’s Black Stars to win the Africa Cup of Nations in 1963, 1965 and

1982), Emmanuel Christian Briandt (first captain of the Black Stars), Charles Addo Odametey, Offei Dodoo, Amusa Gbadamosi “Pele of Africa”, Mohammed Polo, Thomas Hammond, Adolf Armah, Ishmael Addo, Emmanuel Osei Kuffour, Charles Taylor and a host of others who have distinguished themselves above par. Aside series of administrators, three former captains of the Ghana national team, Black Stars, namely Briandt, Addo Odametey and lately Stephen Appiah have come from the “phobia” army.

In addition, three former Chairmen of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) were also from the Hearts family. They are Henry Plange Nyametei (1960 – 1966), Elias Teye (1984 – 1986) and Dr. Nyaho Nyaho-Tamakloe (2004 – 2005).

The greatest coach in the history of the club is ‘Sir’ Cecil Jones Attuquayefio, who guided the club to win all their titles in the continental club championship (CAF Champions League in 2000, CAF Super Cup 2001 and CAF Confederation Cup in 2004)

Celebrations for the centenary anniversary commenced in October with series of activities including a trip to their traditional home, tree planting exercise and awards night where footballers, administrators and fans were honoured for the contributions towards the club over the years.

Emmanuel Martey Commodore-Mensah, Board Chairman of the club mentioned the floatation of shares as one of the major achievement in the club’s 100-years of existence whilst their major challenges are fund related.

“Let us bury our differences, remain focused and resolve to push the club toward greater heights.


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We also pay glowing tribute to the founders of our great club whose sweat and toil sowed and nurtured the seeds of glory we enjoy today.

“The Phobia spirit is indomitable and has seen the club grow from strength to strength and there is therefore the need for the present generation to emulate that spirit to ensure the Club wins more laurels in future.

“The centenary celebration is an opportunity to work towards reaching the levels of some great teams in Africa. This is an opportunity to rejuvenate hearts and do something different to elevate the club,” Commodore-Mensah noted.

There were series of congratulatory messages from all stakeholders of Ghana football in remembrance of the feat. GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi was full of praise for the club for the tremendous contribution to Ghana football.

“It is a unique occasion to celebrate. Hearts of Oak has done a lot for Ghana football. Hundred years in the life of any institution is no mean achievement. Hearts of Oak was founded from very humble

beginnings on the sound values of Excellence, Perseverance, Fair-play, Equity and Good Governance.

“They have produced administrators, coaches and footballers who have contributed significantly to the game. We congratulate them on this important milestone worth celebrating. We hope you will build on the modest gains achieved over the past Century as a basis for greater achievements in the future,” Nyantakyi acknowledged.

The climax of the anniversary themed “The Hearts of Oak legacy, the spirit that never dies” was an international friendly against Enugu Rangers of Nigeria on November 13 at the Accra Sports Stadium; unfortunately the Nigerians spoiled the party by posting a 2-1 win over their hosts.

The “Phobians” join the like of Al-Ahly of Egypt and their archrivals Zamalek to reach the centenary mark in African football. In the Ghanaian parlance, they respond to the slogan

‘Phobia, Masters!

Phobia, Never Say Die!’

“The Phobia spirit is indomitable and has seen

the club grow from strength to strength”


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Zamalek was established in 1911 and celebrated their first century this year.

Zamalek Celebrates its 100 years

Cairo giants Zamalek became Egypt’s fourth club to celebrate their centenary. The

Whites joined El Sekka El Hadeed, Alexandria Olympic and their bitter rivals Ahly in continuing 100 years of existence. Zamalek was established in 1911 and celebrated their first century this year. It was in 1911 when Belgian lawyer George Merzbach founded Zamalek club under the name “Qasr El Neel” which was shortly after changed to “Al Mukhtalat”. That name lasted for 30 years before being changed to “Farouk” after Egypt’s King Farouk I. After the 1952 revolution, the name was again and finally changed to “Zamalek”.

The White club was ruled by Mr. Merzbach and his secretaries until being fully controlled by Egyptians from the year 1923. The First Egyptian president for the club was Dr. Mohamed Badr who led the club for a couple of years between 1917 and 1919 before the club was once again being managed by Belgians. In 1923, Haider Basha the Defence Minister at that time became the president of the club, and he was the longest serving in that position, since then till the July 1952 revolution. In 1922, Zamalek won the first ever Egypt Cup title by beating an English side in the final.

White Knights Zamalek-A Centenary story

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Zamalek was established in 1911 and celebrated their first century this year.

Zamalek has always contributed in presenting some of the big names to Egypt’s national team.

Initially the club was based in the Qasr El Neel area just facing their rivals, Al Ahly which was established four years before, in 1907. Later the headquarters was moved to Agouza, in the current location of “El Balloon Theatre”, before switching to their final destination at Meet Okba District.

After being named “Zamalek” the club was ruled by a number of presidents, but Mohamed Hassan Helmy (nicknamed Zamora after a Spanish infamous player at his time) is undoubtedly the most popular and successful figure in the club’s history. Helmy led the club in three different terms (1967 – 1971, 1974 – 1980 and 1980 – 1984). Zamalek training ground and their former matches’ venue is named after Helmy, better known as “Helmy Zamora”.

Zamalek is considered the second best club in Egyptian football, after Ahly in terms of numbers. They have won The Egyptian league title on 11 occasions: the first was in 1960, and the recent, in 2004. In addition, they have 21 Egypt Cup trophies, starting from the

first tournament held in 1921-22 and the last was in 2008. Two of these titles were shared between the rivals Ahly and Zamalek and that was in 1943 and 1958. Also, Zamalek won the Egyptian Super Cup twice in 2001 and 2002.

Continentally, Zamalek holds the second place in CAF Champions League winners’ records with 5 titles, one short of Al Ahly. The White Knights won the continent’s premier club competition title in 1984, with other trophies coming in 1986, 1993, 1996 and 2002. Apart from the above, Zamalek won the defunct Cups’ Winners Cup once in 2000 in addition to 3 CAF Super Cup titles in 1994, 1997 and 2003.

Further more, Zamalek has always contributed in presenting some of the big names to Egypt’s national team. Egypt’s squad which participated in the 1934 FIFA World Cup in Italy included eight players from their fold (Al Mukhtalat by then). Players such as defender Ali El Said, midfielders Mohamed Bakhati, Hassan El Far, Ahmed Halim Ibrahim, Ismail Raafat, Ali Shafi and forwards Mohamed Latif and Mustafa Taha were part of the Egyptian squad during the 1934 FIFA World Cup in Italy.


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Zamalek players also were nominated more than once for the CAF player of the year award.

After 56 years when the Pharaohs returned to World Cup participation in Italia 1990, there were six Zamalek players in the squad list; these were goalkeeper Ayman Taher, defenders Ashraf Qassem, Hisham Yakan, Ahmed Ramzy, midfielder Ismail Youssef and forward and team Captain Gamal Abdel Hamid.

Zamalek players also were nominated more than once for the CAF player of the year award and its predecessor France Football award. Starting 1974 with Hassan Shehata (former Egypt national team manager and current Zamalek manager) came 3rd to Congo’s Paul Mokila and Zaire’s Boba Lobilo, ten years after Ibrahim Youssef came also third after the Cameroonian duo Theophile Abega and Joseph-Antoine Bell. Youssef kept the 3rd place the year after joint with Algerian Djamel Mannad and following Moroccan Mohamed Timoumi and Algerian Rabeh Madjer.

In 1994, Nigerian Emanuel Amunikie who started the year with Zamalek before joining Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon was named second in the France Football award after Liberian George Weah. Current Zamalek player Ahmed Houssam (Mido) was 3rd in the player of the year award in 2001 while playing his career then with Dutch side Ajax of Amsterdam.

Zamalek’s legends also include the likes of Abdel Kerim Saqr, Farouk Gaafar, Hamada Emam and his son Hazem Emam who played a part of his career in Europe with Italian Udinese and Dutch De Graafchap. Other names include Ghanaian Emmanuel Quarshie, Malian Soumaila Coulibaly, Nader El Sayed and the infamous twins, Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan who played a part of their career with Zamalek. Currently the team includes besides the likes of Mido, striker Amr Zaki who played in England with Wigan Athletic and Hull City, Mahmoud Abdel Razek (Shikabala), and Egypt skipper Ahmed Hassan who joined them this season from arch rivals Al Ahly after spells included clubs in Turkey and the Belgian giants Anderlecht.

In the year of their centenary, Zamalek celebrated 100 years of existence and achievements in the Egyptian and African football by an exhibition match with Spanish outfit Atletico Madrid. The game was marked by the attendance of 50 thousand fans and their amazing intros and fireworks that captured the attention of all


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followers. The game ended with Atletico Madrid winning 4-1 but the score line was not important for Zamalek fans who celebrated their club’s first centenary.

“This celebration was for us the fans” said Ahmed Adel, a dyed-in the wool Zamalek fan and one of the founders of the Ultras White Knights supporters group. “For us Zamalek is not just a football team; it is the most important part of our lives. We celebrated because that day will always remain in our minds as one of the best in our history. Zamalek fans will always remain loyal to their club and that has nothing to do with the results or trophies. It is our life, and we will never give up supporting”, Adel told cafonline.com.

Mr. Galal Ibrahim, Zamalek’s acting club president, expressed his happiness that the club’s centenary celebrations came under his presidency. “I’m proud to be the president of Zamalek at this specific time. That’s an honour I thank God for”, Ibrahim said.

The President of Zamalek blamed the current situation in Egypt for not having a bigger celebration, yet he praised the efforts of the board and Zamalek fans for organising such a festival. “We would have liked to do more for our fans, like holding a huge music festival and playing other exhibition games with Europe’s biggest clubs, but Thank God for what we did”, Ibrahim concluded.

Marketing Director Khaled Refaat expressed his satisfaction with the club’s centenary celebrations, and considered the Atletico Madrid exhibition game as a good conciliation for the fans who asked for playing one of Europe’s giants in the centenary. “Atletico is a well known team in Spain – the nation that emerged the World Champions in South Africa 2010. Atletico has the likes of Jose Antonio Reyes and Diego. We tried to bring the likes of Italian Internazionale de Milan or English Liverpool but that did not work for various reasons. What matters is that we have had an appropriate celebration and the fans have made that a great day”.

“For us Zamalek is not just a football team; it is the most important part of our lives”


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From his side, the skipper and goalkeeper of Zamalek’s football team, Abdel Wahed El Sayed, considered facing Atletico Madrid in the centenary a good experience for his team. “Atletico Madrid has a very good reputation in Spain and Europe. I believe that was a very good move from our board”, El Sayed told cafonline.com.

Striker and super star Ahmed Houssam “Mido” expressed his joy to be a part of his club’s centenary celebrations. Mido started his career with Zamalek before playing for the likes of Dutch Ajax Amsterdam, French Olympique Marseille, Spanish Celta Vigo, Italian AS Roma, English sides Tottenham Hotspur, Middlesbrough, Wigan Athletic and West Ham,

before returning to Zamalek again. “I’m delighted to score my team’s only goal in the centenary match, despite the fact that I wished we had had a better result”, Mido said. “This team is lucky to represent Zamalek in this historical event. Atletico Madrid is a well known team in Spain and all over Europe. I wish my beloved club the very best”, Mido concluded.

A former Zamalek legend, Hamada Emam holds a special situation in Zamalek centenary celebrations. Hamada is the son of Yahia Emam, and the father of Hazem Emam, the three are among Zamalek’s all time super stars. Yahia played in the forties, Hamada in the sixties and Hazem in the late nineties and early 2000’s.

“That makes me very proud”, Hamada Emam told cafonline.com. “Three generations of my family served this club. That’s very special and I believe it’s a very rare situation in the whole world. All three of us played and held managerial positions in Zamalek at one time or another. That makes us an important part of Zamalek history, and being in these celebrations was very special for the whole family”, Emam concluded.

Zamalek started their first year in their second centenary with their fans making their wishes for another successful 100 years of football. The Cairo white knights are full of hopes and pride for their club.

“I’m delighted to score my team’s only goal in the centenary match”


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Orlando pirates is 75 years of Age in 2012

One of South Africa’s and Africa’s top football clubs, Orlando Pirates turns 75 in 2012. The Soweto based club has a rich history that it is

interwoven into the fabric of South African football and it is the birth place of a good number of the South Africa’s renowned footballers, clubs and administrators. Dr Irvin Khoza is the chairman of Orlando Pirates, the 1995 African Champions league winners. In a wide ranging chat with Cafonline.com, Dr Khoza who is a member of the CAF Inter-Club Committee spoke of some of the club’s highlights since their formation.

“There are obviously many memorable moments in Orlando Pirates’ long and colourful life ; one of the most remarkable achievements for our club was the 1995 African Champions League victory over ASEC Mimosas of Ivory Coast in the final over two legs”, begun Dr Khoza when asked for few of the Buccaneers’ great moments. “It was amazing that a team in the competition for the first time would go all the way and win the title and the chairman of ASEC Mimosas tells me they still have their game-plan and formation for that match we won 1-0 in Abidjan up on their tactics board and will only remove it when they beat us. It is now 16 years and that formation is still up there. We cherish that win indeed and l don’t think it had ever happened that a team would go on and win the Champions League on their first attempt.” Said Dr Khoza.

Pirates Turns 75 and Plots another African Raid

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A delve into the history of the club reveals that Orlando Pirates was formed in 1937 by a small band of teenagers who formed a soccer team at the Orlando Boys Club by the same name. From that humble beginning it gradually metamorphosed into Orlando Pirates Football Club and a successful football brand not only known in South Africa, but also on the continent and worldwide. A description on the website of the club sums it up best, “Orlando Pirates is ingrained in the culture of the country and for around eight to ten million fans, there’s no grey area. It’s black and white!” Black and white being the colours of the club whose logo bears a skull and crossed bones. It was Andries Mkhwanazi, a boxing instructor at the Boys Club who, in 1939 christened the new team “amapirate” and in true style the name grew into the fabric and constitutes all the club came to symbolize - a community team that fostered oneness and unity like Pirates at sea.

The team gave the deprived people of South Africa hope during the pre-democracy days, not only with their football success, but also with its growing power to encourage their wellbeing. The club became an “extended family” that offered protection to its members, and so Wednesday night football meetings became social up-lifting events. While never a political force, Orlando Pirates was seen then – as it is now – as a team that cares deeply about its supporters.

Dr Khoza says, “Pirates has always used its position to improve the game of football, from forming the Orlando African Football Association in 1945 to help grow the game in the township, to joining the South African Soccer League in KwaZulu Natal because that league was non-racial. It is an innovative club that believes in investing time in the development of their industry, and knows that the club will continue to grow football as a whole.” South Africa’s other big club and Pirates’ Soweto rivals, Kaizer Chiefs was formed by Kaizer Montaung who was a Pirates player and had cut his teeth at the club. Another World renowned South African name in football is Jomo Sono and he too started his football career at Pirates and rose to be a star with the club before he founded his own club Jomo Cosmos, which also plays in the South African Premier League. The history of South African football is intertwined with that of Orlando Pirates and the club’s indelible finger-prints are on so much of the country’s football fabric.

Back to that wonderful day on 16th December 1995 in Abidjan, Dr Khoza says “Part of the beauty of the game of football is that there is room for the element of surprise”. Orlando Pirates had been held to a 2-2 draw in Johannesburg by ASEC in the first leg of the final and not many expected the Sea Robbers to go and win in the return leg in Abidjan. Pirates

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defied the odds and kept out ASEC before Jerry Sikhosana scored the only goal of the match that made Orlando Pirates champions of Africa. “It was a superb team they had but we surprised them on that day” says Dr Khoza.

Dr Khoza revealed that, “From 2014 the South African premier league will be going back to the January/February to November playing calendar to enable South African clubs to compete on equal footing in CAF club competitions. CAF club competitions deserve the support of all of us in Africa and it is important that we make CAF Champions League like the top tournament that it deserves. Orlando Pirates is going to compete in the 2012 CAF African Champions League and we want to make an impression again. We have decided to change our mindset and approach to the continental club competitions and will aspire to throw in our challenge with the best of African clubs. Being on the Inter-club committee, l am looking forward to making a contribution

to the CAF club competitions based on some of the experiences gained from our South African football scene. I want to thank President Hayatou for acknowledging the role that South Africa has played in the development of football and he has shown foresight and leadership in bringing on board CAF committees, people with skills, expertise and ability to serve the continental body. ” Said Khoza who is popularly known as the Iron Duke in football circles.

In 2011, Orlando Pirates has been in awesome form winning all three major cup finals as well as the league championship. Their most recent win in the Telkom final makes them the only side to hold all four South African domestic trophies at one time and all augurs well ahead of the club’s 75th anniversary. Could the Pirates from Soweto be about to celebrate a milestone in 2012 with another successful raid on CAF Champions League “Treasure Trophy”? Only time will tell.

Club records• Most appearances – William Okpara 375

• Most goals – Benedict Vilakazi 52

• Most capped Player at National level – Teko Modise 37 (South Africa)

• Most appearances in a season –William Okpara 51 (1995)

• Most goals in a season – Dennis Lota 23 (1999/00)

• Record win – 9–1 v Olympics (Bob Save Super Bowl 7/3/99)

• Record loss – 1–6 v Sundowns (BP Top 8 Cup 3/2/90

Major Honours:1 CAF Champions League: 1995

1 African Super Cup: 1996

4 Castle Challenge: 1975, 1977, 1983, 1992

3 Life Challenge Cup: 1973, 1974, 1975

9 Top Eight: 1972, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1993, 1996, 2000, 2010, 2011

3 Nedbank: 1988, 1996, 2011

1 Telkom Knockout: 2011

4 Sales House Cup: 1972, 1975, 1977, 1983

4 Premier Soccer League: 1994, 2001, 2003, 2011

7 Charity Spectacular: 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2001, 2008, 2009

2 Vodacom Challenge: 1999, 2005

*The honours listed above are considered to be the club’s major titles and, as such, are not intended to be a full list of achievements.

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News in Brief

CAF President Welcomes South Sudan Delegation

CAF President, Mr. Issa Hayatou received a

delegation from the world’s newest country, South Sudan on Saturday 24th September, 2011 at his offices in Cairo.

South Sudan became an independent state on the 9th of July, 2011. Mr Duop Puoch Joak led the delegation that paid a courtesy call on the CAF president. The visiting team included Mr Rodolf Andrea Ojika, Mr Yohanis Musa Pouk, Mr Andrea Abdalla Dimiti and Mr Sestilio Juba. They discussed among other things the issue regarding South Sudan’s admission into the football family. Mr Rodolf Andrea Ojika said that the South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) has experienced administrators and various facilities in place, and are excited to be at CAF Headquarters to request support from CAF towards their admission into the International Football family.

CAF president, Mr Hayatou reiterated his pride and support to South Sudan, saying that CAF will assist South Sudan and the organisation will send a delegation to the country before the end of this year to assess the facilities on the ground and provide a report to the upcoming CAF General Assembly on 10th February, 2012 in Libreville to allow its inclusion as the 54th member association of CAF, in line with articles 4 and 5 of the CAF Statutes. Upon approval of the General Assembly, CAF would then be in a position to submit to FIFA a report to request inclusion of SSFA into the worldwide football family.

September 24, 2011

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Hicham El Amrani Confirmed as CAF Secretary General

The Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football CAF, meeting on September 27 in Cairo have

confirmed Hicham El Amrani as Secretary General of the organisation.

He joined CAF in March 2009 as Deputy Secretary General and since October 1, 2010 he has been the acting as Secretary General following the departure of Mr Mustapha Fahmy to FIFA as Director of Competitions.

The new Secretary General of CAF was born in Morocco on 29th of March, 1979. He attended primary and secondary school at the lycée Lyautey Casablanca before moving on to continue his studies at the Institut Franco-American in Paris. In addition to being Laureate of the 4th edition of the FIFA Master (2003-2004), he was also one of the managers in charge of Marketing at the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) before joining CAF two years ago.

September 28, 2011

News in Brief

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News in Brief

CAF signs Contract for Centralised TV and Marketing Rights for 2014 World Cup.

Following the resolution adopted unanimously by all CAF national associations held on May 31st 2011, CAF formally

concluded the contract signature for the centralized TV and Marketing Rights for the African preliminaries of the FIFA 2014 World Cup with B4 Company associated to the French entity Lagardère Unlimited and its subsidiary Sport five.

CAF president, Mr Issa Hayatou signed on behalf of the organization with Mr Bianchi and Mr Lemarchand signing for B4 and Lagardère Unlimited respectively during a ceremony held at CAF HQ in Cairo, Egypt. The African qualifiers will begin in November 2011 and end in November 2013 and will involve 52 countries.

The contract rights include the TV/media rights and the marketing rights for each of the qualifiers matches of the FIFA World Cup, Brazil 2014. A minimum of ten (10) advertising boards will be exclusively reserved for the member associations.

Moreover, and in consideration for the full respect of the TV Production requirements of CAF, the Host Federation and the Host Broadcaster will be entitled to broadcast each Home Match live, free to air by terrestrial means only. Hayatou said one of the objectives of this contract is to give less privileged countries an opportunity to expose their matches on

international platforms, considering the challenges facing some African countries in putting up an up to standard TV production. Mr Hayatou also added that this agreement will allow a substantial increase of revenues for a vast majority of Football Associations thanks to the solidarity approach taken.

The CAF Executive Committee meeting on September 28th 2011will also confirm the revenues system to be implemented for each member associations engaged on an approved mechanism considering sporting and economic criteria. The

minimum guaranteed for the above-mentioned contract is 23 million USD.

September 20, 2011

UNIFFAC Introduces Two New Tournaments

The Union of Football Federation of Central Africa (UNIFFAC) has launched two competitions; Women’s tournament and

Club Champions Cup as part of efforts towards the development of football in the region. The decision took place during the Executive meeting of the Union held last Sunday in Douala, to discuss issues relating to improving the level of the game in the Central zone, as well as the future of the union.

The meeting also decided that the third edition of the UNIFFAC Tournament, originally slated for December last year in Chad will now take place in December 2011.

Present at the meeting were delegates from Gabon, DR Congo, Cameroon, Chad, Central African Republic and Congo. Equatorial Guinea and Sao Tome and Principe were absent.

UNIFFAC consists of National Associations within Central Africa.

January 12, 2011

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ASEC Beat ASI to Win Ivorian Cup

Ivorian giants, ASEC Mimosas beat ASI 5-4 on penalties to win the 2011 National Cup on Saturday at the Robert Champroux Stadium in Abidjan.

The encounter ended one all during normal time but failed to produce a winner after 120 minutes forcing the tie to be decided on penalties. Striker Adama Bakayoko shot ASEC into the lead on the half-hour mark before Alain Lakou Kone drew parity in the second half. The ‘Mimosas’ sealed their victory during penalties to confirm their status as the most successful Ivorian club. It was the 17th triumph for ASEC in the annual championship.

October 25, 2011

Lavagne Starts Taming the Indomitable Lions

Cameroon national team started their preparations early for the FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014 qualifications with their new manager

Dennis Lavagne.

The Indomitable Lions will start their preparations with a friendly tournament in Moroccan city of Marrakech where they will face Sudan and Morocco on 11 and 13 November respectively, before facing Algeria away on the 15th.

Lavagne is expected to announce the squad list for the three friendly matches in which he will depend on players abroad in addition to some youngsters at home especially now that the Cameroonian league has been stopped.

In his interview with France Football Magazine, Lavagne said that he aims at building a new team with a mixture between experienced players and young ones in the upcoming period. “I try to make a squad including both experienced and young players because it will be difficult to count on local based players only especially when the league has been stopped for a long time. Samuel Eto’o will be our captain”, Lavagne said.

Cameroonian football association appointed Dennis Lavagne the ex Coton Sport manager as the national team coach to succeed Spanish Javier Clemente who was sacked after the Indomitable Lions failed to qualify for the 2012 Orange African Cup of Nations. Cameroon has won the continent’s masterpiece four times and not qualifying was a real failure for Clemente who was also blamed for his stay in Spain and not visiting Cameroon except once or twice per month.

October 27, 2011

Ntagungira Elected FERWAFA Boss

Former International referee Celestin Ntagungira has been elected President of the Rwandan Football Federation

(FERWAFA) for a two-year term.

The 46-year old beat contender Theonas Ndanguza by a landslide in the elections held on Saturday at the FERWAFA headquarters in Kigali. He replaces John Bosco Kazura who resigned from the post last September. He polled 83 against four by his opponent to win the mandate to steer the affairs of Rwandan football. Earlier, two other contestants, Gerald Nkusi Mukubu and Clement Emmanuel Byiringiro withdrew from the race. Ntagungira is unarguably Rwanda’s most decorated referee before retiring few years ago. He officiated at two, FIFA World Cups, three Africa Cup of Nations, two FIFA Club World Cups as well as the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.

October 25, 2011

News in Brief

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Abedi Inspires Nania to Super Cup Triumph

Ghana’s legend, Abedi Ayew Pele, guided his club FC Nania to yet another historic feat by beating league champions,

Berekum Chelsea 4-3 on penalties on Sunday to win the 2011 Super Cup.

The second-tier side won the encounter on penalties after a one all draw during regulation time with substitute Evans Omani scoring the decisive kick. It was the second successive time Nania, foundered and bankrolled by Ayew, had beaten the league champions after a similar outcome at the quarter finals of the FA Cup.

Nania scored first through Ebenezer Osei in the 43rd minute before Chelsea restored parity through Captain Abdul Basit in the 79th minute.

During the penalties, Lawrence Lartey, Kwasi Owusu, Eric Tuffour and Omani scored for Nania whilst Ahmed Adams, Jackson Owusu and Gladson Awako found target for Chelsea. The Division One side becomes the first club outside the elite division to win both the Super Cup and FA Cup.

The match, to set the tone for the commencement of the new season was played in honour of Alhaji Ibrahim Sly Tetteh, President of Liberty Professionals Football Club who passed away on September 3rd 2011.

According to the Ghana Football Association, the annual one-off match will be played in remembrance of the astute football administrator credited with the rise to fame of a host of Black Stars players including Michael Essien, Asamoah Gyan, Sulley Muntari, Kwadwo Asamoah and John Paintsil.

October 12, 2011

Heartland Beat Enyimba to Win Fed Cup

Heartland was crowned winner of the 2011 Nigeria Federation Cup after beating Enyimba by a lone goal last Sunday at

the Teslim Balogun Stadium in Lagos. Captain Chinedu Efugh scored the only goal of the match to hand the “Naze Millionaires” Nigeria’s version of the FA Cup. The central defender slammed home from a goal mouth scrambled in the middle of the first half.

It was the first time since 1988 that the Owerri-based club had won the annual competition.

The Naze Millionaires will also represent Nigeria in next year’s Orange CAF Confederation Cup.

For Enyimba, it was their second successive loss in the final of the competition after losing out to Kaduna United last season. Enyimba is still in the race for the Orange CAF Champions League title having reached the last four.

September 26, 2011

News in Brief

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CAF President Receives Delegation from Cote d’Ivoire

CAF President, Mr. Issa Hayatou, on

September 24th 2011, received a delegation led by Cote d’ Ivoire Football Federation’s newly elected president Mr Sidy Diallo, together with his 1st Vice president Mr Sory Diabate and two former Federation presidents Mr Ousseynou Dieng and Mr Jacques Anouma at the CAF Headquarters. Mr Jacques Anouma is a current member of the FIFA Executive Committee.

The delegation paid a courtesy visit to CAF president to introduce the new football association officials and highlight its development plan and priorities targeted at youth football to allow Ivorian football to reach new heights. Mr Hayatou congratulated Mr. Diallo on his appointment and welcomed him to the football family.

The CAF President said that Cote d’Ivoire has always played a major role in African and World football even if the last title won was in the AFCON 1992 which was played in Senegal. However, Mr. Hayatou is confident that football will serve as a key platform to reunite the country and allow Cote d’Ivoire to maintain its strong position within the CAF family.

September 24, 2011

News in Brief

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News in Brief

CAF and GCE-1GOAL Agree to Strengthen Partnership

CAF and GCE-1GOAL have signed a memorandum of understanding that will see the education advocacy campaign

organization GCE-1GOAL work as CAF’s Official Education Partner. CAF President, Mr Issa Hayatou signed on behalf of his organization with Mr Kailash Satyarthi signing on behalf of GCE 1GOAL .

CAF Secretary General Mr Hicham El Amrani met with GCE-1GOAL’s Head of Broadcast and African Football, Mr Martin Davies to exchange the documents at CAF headquarters in Cairo. The memorandum covers co-operation between CAF and GCE-1GOAL in order to help CAF meet its social education objectives and emphasize its dedication to education and GCE-1GOAL to further build awareness of Education for All in Africa. Among other things in this agreement is CAF’s support with access to GCE-1GOAL to players involved in its competitions for promotional and educational opportunities while GCE-1GOAL will promote CAF’s educational activities through its network.

1GOAL is a campaign seizing the power of football to get all children into school and to learn. It is calling on world leaders to make education a reality for 69 million children worldwide by 2015. The number of worldwide supporters who have signed up to GCE-1GOAL campaign currently stands at just over eighteen and a half million. CAF and GCE-1GOAL already joined hands in some mutual awareness exercises during the last CAN 2010 in Angola.

May 15, 2011

Black Africa wins

Namibian League title

The league title has been decided in Namibia as Black Africa is crowned champions.

title was decided with leaders as Black Africa was crowned champions 12 years since their last championship title. Black Africa came from behind to beat Orlando Pirates 2-1 and open an unassailable 7 point lead. Second placed African Stars won 1-0 against Rambles who are in third position but with two matches to go African Stars on 32 points cannot catch Black Africa who has 41 points but the battle for second rages on with Rambles on 31 points with three games to go. While Black Africa has got the title in the bag and Champions league football to look forward to next year, the relegation fight intensifies at the bottom of the table. Bottom side Oshakati threw themselves a bit of a lifeline after beating the side above them, Blue Waters 3-1 but the latter has a game in hand. The team that is third from the bottom, Mighty Gunners also won 4-2 at SKW so it will go down to the wire on which the axe falls on.

May 3, 2011

Morocco Honours

CAF President Hayatou

CAF president Issa Hayatou was on last Friday decorated with the Wissam Al Alaoui, the rank of grand officer by the Kingdom of

Morocco at a colorful ceremony in Marrakech, Morocco. The honour was in recognition of Hayatou’s contribution to the development of football on the continent.

Moroccan Minister of Youth and Sport, Moncef Belkhayat said the award demonstrates the feelings of friendship and respect that the Kingdom of Morocco has for the achievement of African football under the leadership of Mr. Hayatou. On his part, Hayatou said he was honored, overwhelmed and happy to receive the honour which emanates from His majesty King Mohammed VI.

“I am pleased that the kingdom of Morocco has always been a partner for the development of African football,” said Mr. Hayatou.

March 21, 2011

New President for USCA, Hayatou Re-Elected Vice President

Egyptian Fouly Mohamed Ahmed was elected President of UCSA. He replaces Algerian Mustapha Larfaoui. The newly elected President assured that

he will endeavour to promote further sport in Africa during his tenure. CAF President Issa Hayatou was also re-elected Vice President of the Union of African Sports Confederations. Hayatou was retained by acclamation at the 12th Ordinary Session of UCSA on Monday, September 12, 2011 in Maputo, Mozambique. Present at the session were members of the 26 African federations affiliated to the continental body.

September 13, 2011

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CAF President Receives Guinea Delegation at CAF House in Cairo

CAF President, Mr. Issa Hayatou, received a delegation from Guinea on 23rd September

2011, at his office in Cairo. Also present was CAF 2nd Vice-President Almamy Kabele. The delegation was led by Guinea‘s Minister of Sport, the former footballer, Elhadj Aboubacar Titi Camara. The Minister’s entourage included the newly elected Guinea Football Federation president Mr. Camara Salifou and his secretary general, Mr Ibrahima Barri. The delegation was

paying a courtesy call on CAF president and to introduce the new football association officials. Mr Hayatou congratulated Mr. Titi Camara on his appointment to the ministerial post and expressed his delight at a former footballer occupying such a high profile position in the country.

Also, Mr. Hayatou congratulated the new Football Federation president, Mr. Salifou and welcomed him to the football family. The Guinea delegation expressed their interest to host key CAF tournaments in future and said this has the backing and support of the government and people of Guinea.

September 24, 2011

News in Brief

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ENPPI Shock Zamalek to Win Egyptian Cup

ENPPI came from behind to beat giants Zamalek 2-1 on Tuesday at the

Cairo International Stadium to win the 2011 Egyptian Cup.

The result ensured a perfect revenge for the Egyptian Gas and Oil Company-sponsored club after losing to Zamalek by a similar margin in 2008. The outcome also ensured that Zamalek ended the season trophy-less for the third successive season since 2008.

Cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd, the highly favoured White Knights shot into the lead two minutes into the second half through burly striker Amr Zaki, who headed home from Hazem Emam’s cross.

In 53 minutes, ENPPI was awarded a penalty after Zamalek defender, Mahmoud Fathallah, hurdled in the penalty area. Midfielder Adel Mostafa saw his initial spot-kick palmed away by Zamalek goalie Abdel Wahed El-Sayed but made no mistake with the rebound.

Ten minutes from time, Ahmed Abdel-Zaher scored the winning goal by finishing off a counter attack initiated by Ahmed Raouf. It was the second triumph for ENPPI in the annual competition after beating Ittihad in 2005.

ENPPI will represent Egypt in next year’s Orange CAF Confederation Cup.

October 12, 2011

CAS Confirms Moucharafou

The Court of arbitration has confirmed Moucharafou as president of the Beninois Football Federation (FBF).

In a letter to FIFA, dated 16th September, 2011 and addressed to the Football Federation of Benin, a copy of which was sent to the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Leisure, CAF, CAS confirms Moucharafou Anjorin as the legitimate President of the country’s football federation.

“We have on September 14, 2011 transmitted by electronic mail the decision of the Court of Arbitration concerning the matter filed by M. Victorien Attolou in his appeal against FIFA.

“This confirms that FIFA was acting in legality and what took place between December 2010 and April 2011was in accordance with the texts governing the association. Accordingly, the resolutions of the General Assembly of April 15th, 2011 stand. We hope that the positive outcome will help the FBF to go about its normal activities. It is important for the development of the game so football activities in Benin should begin as soon as possible.”

News in Brief

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News in Brief

Renard Returns as Zambia Coach

Zambia has appointed Frenchman Herve Renard as coach of the national team for a second time.

The 42-year old has been offered a one-year contract to steer the affairs of the Chipolopolo, replacing Italian Dario Bonetti, who parted ways with the team two weeks ago. Renard will guide the Zambians for a second time at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations to be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

He was until recently in charge of Algerian club USM Algers but his contract was flexible for him to leave anytime a national team offer came knocking. It will be the second time the Frenchman will be at the helm of the Chipolopolo after an initial stint which lasted from May 2008 till April 2010.

After leaving Zambia, he moved to Angola but lasted for only six months.

October 22, 2011

TP Mazembe Wins DR Congo League Title

TP Mazembe wrapped up the 2011 DR Congo national league title on Sunday after a 2-0 win over DC Motema

Pembe.

The title aspirations of the 2009 and 2010 African club champions became a reality after contenders and holders AS Vita Club were held to a 0-0 draw by CS Don Bosco.

Zambian-import Rainford Kalaba and Malian Cheibane Traore were on target for Mazembe as they cruised to their 11th league title. ‘Les Corbeaux’ has 30 points, four more than AS Vita Club, who has a game in hand. The outcome of the final match will have no impact at the summit of the standings.

The league title will serve as a major consolation for Mazembe after being disqualified from the CAF Champions League for fielding an ineligible player. The Lubumbashi-based club are still behind rivals AS Vita Club and DC Motema Pembe, who have each won the DR Congo league title 12-times.

Mazembe and AS Vita Club will represent DR Congo in the 2012 Orange CAF Champions League.

October 17, 2011

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WAFU Zones A and B hold Extraordinary Congress on Aug. 13

The West Africa Football Union (WAFU) Zones A & B held its Extraordinary Congress on Saturday, August 13 in Accra, Ghana.

The one-day event was also used to elect Executives to steer the affairs of the two bodies. Issues relating to the development of football as far as the West African sub-region is concerned will also be discussed.

The session in collaboration with the Ghana Football Association (GFA) will be attended by delegates from the 16 National Associations that constitute the two zones. The CAF delegation is led by CAF Executive Committee member, Mohammed Raouaroua, who is also a FIFA Executive Committee member.

Also present for the extraordinary congress are, the second Vice President of CAF, Almamy Kabele Camara, and Honorary Vice President of CAF, General Seyi Memene. The CAF Executive Committee at its meeting last May in Cairo, Egypt, decided to opt for a status quo in conformity with article 14 of CAF statutes regarding the division of the Confederation into 6 Zones.

In accordance with the CAF Statutes, West Africa was divided into Western Zones A & B.

Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal and Sierra Leone constitute Western Zone A whilst Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria and Togo make up Western Zone B.

Kwesi Nyantakyi, the President of GFA, is the Interim President of WAFU.

13 August, 2011

Chlef is Champion; Annaba, Blida and BBA in League 2

USM Annaba will join USM Blida and CA Bordj Bou Arreridj in League 2 following its heavy 0-3 defeat against USM Alger on

Friday, during the 30th and last playing day of the Algerian professional league 1 championship. Meanwhile JSM Bejaia ended on the second position and would play the African Champions League.

WA Tlemcen, coached by Abdelkader Amrani, triumphed over ASO Chlef with a 1-0 score. Bousebaha’s 53rd minute goal permitted the team to end the championship at the 10th place with 37 points. AS Khroub, another relegation threatened team, saved itself by beating USM Blida, which was already relegated, thanks to an 86th minute goal by its scorer Belaili.

JSN Bejaia ended on the second spot and would represent Algeria in the Orange Champions League next season, thanks to a 3-0 victory against CABB, while ES Setif ceded the third position to USMH following its defeat against CR Belouizdad, the big loser at the end of the season.

Mouloudia of Algers, which is preparing to play the pool stage of the Orange Champions League ended on the 11th place with 37 points like JS Kabylie, which will also be playing the Orange Confederation Cup.

ASO Chlef striker El Arabi Hilal Soudani topped the scoring chart with 18 goals, four more than Cameroonian Yannick N’Djeng, of JSM Bejaia.

July 12, 2011

News in Brief

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Nyantakyi Re-Elected for Second Term as GFA President

CAF Executive Committee member, Kwesi Nyantakyi has been re-elected President of the

Ghana Football Association (GFA) for a second term. Nyantakyi, 43, was elected by popular acclamation at the GFA extraordinary congress held on Friday to steer the affairs of the Association till 2015.

Being the sole candidate and in accordance with the GFA regulations, the incumbent was retained unopposed. The incumbent president will remain at the head of Ghana football’s governing body for the next four years.

In his acceptance speech, Nyantakyi thanked the delegates for the confidence reposed in him and assured of reforms to push Ghana football onto the highest pedestal. “I am happy to be re-elected as President of our Association. With all humility, I extend my gratitude to all Members of the Congress for endorsing my re-election. “In spite of the modest achievements recorded, a lot still remains to be done. We still have challenges confronting us in all our core areas of work,” Nyantakyi said.

Meanwhile, the GFA will hold its Ordinary Congress on August 4 in Accra.

June 18, 2011

JCAT Beat ASEC Mimosas in Ivorian Super Cup

JCAT emerged winners in the 30th edition of the Ivorian Super Cup after beating ASEC Mimosas 4-3 on penalties over the weekend.

The one-off match dubbed Houphouet-Boigny Peace Prize was to officially herald the new Ivorian season expected to kick-off in the coming few weeks.

The match usually between the winners of the Ivorian Premier League and the FA Cup ended 1-1 in regulation time before the Treichville based-club emerged superior during penalties.

ASEC Mimosas scored first through Kouakou N’Doua in the first half before Tchimou M’pole restored parity four minutes into the second half. JCAT goalie Abdul Komenan was his side’s hero in that he saved the kicks of ASEC players Dogba and Bakary Kone.

Meanwhile, the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) has announced that 2011 Ivorian League will commence on 28 May, 2011 at the various approved centres.

Holders ASEC Mimosas, Sewe Sport San Pedro, Stade d’Abidjan, Adzope FC, USC Bassam, Issia Wazi and SOA are housed in Group A whilst Africa Sports, JCAT, Stella Club d’Adjame, ASID Abengourou, ASC Ouragahio, AFAD and AS Denguele are in Group B.

May 24, 2011

JS Kabylie wins Algeria Cup

Former African champions, JS Kabylie have won the 47th edition of the Algeria Cup after USM El Harrach by a lone goal in the

final played over the weekend in Algiers.

Striker Fares Hamiti scored the only goal of the match on 12 minutes to hand the Canaries their first title of the season.

It was the fifth time the Tizi Ouzou-based club have lifted the annual trophy and their first in 17 years after 1977, 1986, 1992 and 1994.

The latest feat by the Canaries still ranks them lower than last year’s winners Entente Setif and USM Algers, who have both won the competition a record seven times apiece.

JS Kabylie will thus represent Algeria in next year’s Orange CAF Confederation Cup.

May 4, 2011

News in Brief

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Former USA coach Bradley Pens Egypt DealFormer USA coach, Bob Bradley has signed a two-year deal as coach of Egypt.

The-53-year old arrived in Cairo on Wednesday to pen the deal which will see him in charge of the seven-time African champions till the FIFA World Cup, Brazil 2014. He replaces Hassan Shehata, who stepped down a few months ago in the wake of the Pharaohs’ disappointing performance in the qualifiers for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

“Bradley signed a two-year contract with the EFA to be in charge of the Egyptian National team until the 2014 World Cup in Brazil for 30 thousand Euros per month,” Azmy Megahed, Spokesperson of the Egyptian Football Association told national daily, Ahram Online. “I’m very happy and proud to coach Egypt, which boasts many talented players. I watched some training sessions and matches for Egyptian teams. The calibre of the Egyptian Premier League is high,” the American told the media.

He was the coach of USA from December 2006 until last July, when he was relieved of his duties by the United States Soccer Federation after the team failed to win the CONCACAF Gold Cup.Bradley, a former coach of Chicago Fire and Metro Stars will be unveiled on Saturday at a press conference in the Egyptian capital.

September 23, 2011

Brikama United are Gambia’s League ChampionsBrikama United has re-written the history books in Gambian football by finishing as league champions during the just ended season.

The Brikama-based club finished on 43 points, four more than closest contenders Real Banjul to claim their first ever Gambian Football Association (GFA) First Division title. The feat which serves a significant achievement for the club is regarded as one of the rising forces of Gambian football. They are the first club outside the capital, Banjul to win the Gambian league title.

The Gambian league has been dominated by Banjul-based clubs since its inception in 1969. Wallidan, the most successful club has won the championship fifteen times, Real Banjul – eight times, Ports Authority – six times, whilst Hawks, Starlight Banjul and Armed Forces have all won it twice each.

Armed Forces, last year’s winners placed fifth whilst Wallidan finished sixth. Meanwhile, Interior and Africell have been relegated after finishing the bottom two of the12-club league.

Brikama United will represent Gambia in the 2012 Orange CAF Champions League.

August 9, 2011

Yanga Clinch Cecafa Club TitleGhanaian substitute, Kenneth Asamoah headed Yanga to a 1-0 deep extra-time win over archrivals, Simba in Sunday’s final of the CECAFA Kagame Castle Cup tournament at the National Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Introduced during the energy sapping added period, Asamoah was hardly in the field for a minute when he converted a pin-point cross from Rashid Gumbo who had ran down the left flank. The Ghanaian’s powerful header broke the stalemate, leaving stranded and the usually almost impregnable Simba

international ‘keeper Juma Kaseja. It became Yanga’s fourth victory in the 37-year-old club championship for the 11 nations making up the Council for East and Central African Football Association (Cecafa). Yanga edged closer to the six titles won by their cross-town archrivals, Simba of Dar es Salaam.

Yanga’s first win, incidentally, was a 2-0 defeat in the 1975 final in Zanzibar, over Simba. The others were; 1993 - Yanga 2-1 SC Villa [Uganda] in Uganda; 1999 – Yanga 1-1 [4-1, penalties] SC Villa in Uganda.n.

July 10, 2011

News in Brief

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President Hayatou Urges for Solidarity Matches for the Horn of AfricaCAF President, Issa Hayatou has called on all the National Associations affiliated to the Confederation to organise a solidarity match to support the Horn of Africa.

The Horn of Africa has been hit by severe food crisis and Hayatou is urging African football leaders to use the popular sport to help save the situation. “As you are well

aware, the horn of Africa is facing serious drought that has affected 13 million people in Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti, and Uganda. “Urgent humanitarian support is needed for these countries. The African football family cannot stay without reacting to this severe food crisis. “I would like you to mobilise football clubs in your country, and organise a solidarity match; revenues will be distributed to an institution of your choice to support projects related to famine in the horn of Africa,” said Hayatou.

August 4, 2011

Hawks of Togo Are New WAFU ChampionsTogo is the new WAFU champions after defeating defending champions Nigeria 3-2 in the final played at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, in South West Nigeria.

With their vociferous supporters on the stands, the Eagles were stunned when Togo’s Atakora Lakawele headed in a corner kick in the 3rd minute for Togo’s first goal. The Hawks did not stop there as there were more surprises awaiting the Nigerians. A defensive blunder by Nigeria backline exposed goalkeeper Sunday Rotimi who came one on one with Togolese attacker, Wome Dove in the 22nd minute. He did well by placing the ball beyond the on rushing Nigerian number one for the second goal.

Not long afterwards, the Eagles pulled one back through Bartholomew Ibenegbu with an assistance from Ekigho Ehiosun.

Earlier, Liberia defeated Ghana 3-1 to win the third place match.

May 15, 2011

Zimbabwe Wins COSAFA Women’s ChampionshipRufaro Machingura scored her eighth goal of the tournament as Zimbabwe defeated South Africa 1-0 to lift the 2011 COSAFA Women’s Championship after an entertaining final at the Rufaro Stadium in Harare on Saturday.

South Africa had won all three previous COSAFA Women’s Championships played, and again, were the favourites in this one, but the hosts held their nerve to win their first regional trophy which they hope will be a platform for even better things to come. The match was played in front of a capacity crowd and was a fitting end to what has been a highly-successful regional showpiece.

July 5, 2011

News in Brief

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News in Brief

Interclube Win Angolan Cup

Interclube won the 2011 Angolan Cup after beating Primeiro de Agosto 4-2 on penalties at the 11 November Stadium in Luanda.

The match ended one –all during normal time forcing the tie to be decided on penalties.

The final was watched by a thick crowd including Angolan President, Jose Eduardo dos Santos.

With the feat, InterClube will represent Angola in next year’s CAF Confederation Cup, a competition in which they reached the semi final this year. It is the third time Interclube are winning the annual competition in its 30-years of existence after 1986 and 2003.

November 15, 2011

Senegal Wins UEMOA Tournament

Senegal emerged winners of the UEMOA tournament for the second time after beating Mali 1-0 in the final. The tournament is reserved for local players of the eight member

countries of the West African Economic and Monetary Union UEMOA (comprising Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal and Togo). Stephane Badji scored the only goal of the game in added-on time. Senegal is the second country to have won the competition at home after Niger in 2010.

The Teranga Lions join Cote d’Ivoire as twice winners of the tournament.

November 8, 2011

Serbian Micho Named New Rwanda Coach

The Rwanda Football Federation (FERWAFA) has named Serbian Milutin Sredojeiv “Micho” as head coach of its national team.

The 42-year old Serb replaces Ghanaian Silas Tetteh, who resigned from the post last September after a string of poor results in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. No details of Micho’s appointment were stated by FERWAFA on their official website.

According to FERWAFA, he will be assisted by locals Jean Marie Ntagwabira and Eric Nshimiyimana with Ibrahim Mugisha serving as goalkeepers’ trainer.

Micho’s first assignment will be the 2014 FIFA World Cup preliminary qualifier against Eritrea next week in Asmara.The Serbian is no stranger to African football having been working on the continent since 2001. He has had stints with Villa SC (Uganda), Saint George (Ethiopia), Orlando Pirates (South Africa), and Young Africans (Tanzania) and until recently Al Hilal (Sudan).

November 1, 2011

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FIFA, CAF Hold Conference on 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup

World Soccer governing body, FIFA in collaboration with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) organised a

conference on the FIFA Women’s World Cup, Germany 2011 from 18th to 20th November, 2011 in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The three-day conference analysed the tournament from a technical and tactical point of view by including the performance of the African participants, Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea during the global championship.

Also, there were discussions on the development of women’s football in Africa with emphasis on potential challenges, solutions, responsibilities of member associations and the development programmes of FIFA and CAF for the next four years. Speakers included Eiji Ueda (Chairman of Japan FA’s Women’s Football Committee), Hiroyuki Horino (Assistant coach of the Japan women’s national team), Anne Noe (FIFA Instructor, Belgium) Jacqui Shipanga (FIAF Instructor, Namibia), Michel Ritschard (FIFA Instructor, specialized in physical condition training, Switzerland). Others were Dr Yacine Zerguini (Member of FIFA’s Football Medical Committee, Algeria), Hope Powell (Coach of the English female national team and FIFA Instructor) and Fran Hilton-Smith (Head of Women’s Football at the South Africa Football Association). CAF Executive Committee member, Dr Molefi Oliphant was the official representative of CAF at the conference.

November 17, 2011

CAF Development News

Algeria Organises CAF License “A” Coaching CourseThe Confederation of African Football (CAF) in collaboration with the Algeria Football Federation (FAF) organised the License “A” Coaching course from 3rd to 8th October, 2011 in Ain Benian, Algiers. The Technical Department of FAF were the coordinators of the organisation of the course.

Eighty-nine (89) coaches took part in the course. The course included practical and theoretical sessions.

Abdel Moneim Hussein, CAF Director of Football Development and Ivorian Leo Martial supervisors of the five-day course. Algeria becomes the first country to organise the License “A” coaching course, which is the highest level of the coaching badges.

October 5, 2011

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FIFA Seminar for General Secretaries and Technical Directors Ends in Accra

The first ever Federation of International Football Associations (FIFA) seminar for General Secretaries and Technical Directors of selected national associations in

Africa took place in Accra, Ghana.

The course scheduled for 24th to 27th October was a joint partnership between FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It is aimed at discussing modern managerial skills of the General Secretaries as well as refreshing the technical abilities of the Technical Directors.

Thierry Regenass, FIFA Director of National Associations and Development said the seminar provides a platform for interaction with the General Secretaries of the respective national associations and Technical Directors to plan forward towards the development of football on the continent.

He said the choice of General Secretaries was relevant giving the fact they act as the “Chief Executives” of the National Associations whilst the Technical Directors are responsible for the organisation of all football related activities.

Topics to be discussed include The Role of the Technical Director vis-a-vis the General Secretary, Transfer Matching System, CAF Coaching License, Implementation of a technical development plan within the Member Association and Youth Football.

Participants were from Ghana, Angola, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.

October 25, 2011

Elite CAF Instructors Embrace Coaching Licensing

The maiden edition of the CAF Instructors’ Course for ‘A’ License ended with participants embracing the idea of the licensing of coaches of the continent.

The course which was held from 20th 24th July in Accra, Ghana equipped the CAF Instructors with the requisite knowledge and skills for the successful implementation of the License ‘A’ programme – the highest coaching badge.

The five-day course was attended by elite CAF Instructors across the continent discussed topics including the Evaluation of Practical Sessions, Equivalence Coaching System, Manuals and Contents of “A” License System, Coaching Course Teaching Methodology amongst others.

In his closing address, Frederick Pappoe, Vice President of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) described the course as a unique programme in the sense that it served a training purpose for the instructors to conduct the License ‘A’ coaching license. He said the five-day course was in line with the vision of putting African football at the highest level whilst expressing conviction that the instructors will help in the building of coaches who can rub shoulders with the rest of the world.

Pappoe urged the coaches to serve as worthy ambassadors in the crusade to get African football to its desired status.

Abdel Monein Hussein, CAF Director of Football Development on behalf of the continent’s soccer governing body commended the GFA for their role in the successful organization of the course.

He reiterated that the aim of the course is to develop the Instructors for the elite license (License ‘A’) adding “Africa is on the right path as far as the development of coaches is concerned.”

One of the participants, Serame Letsoaka, Technical Director of the South Africa Football Association (SAFA) commended CAF for the opportunity, a major step towards equating African coaches with the rest of the world.

Resource personnel for the course were Ben Kwofie (Ghana), CAF/FIFA Instructor and Malouche Belhassen (Tunisia), CAF Instructor and FIFA Technical Consultant.

About 40 CAF Instructors across Africa took part in the five-day course.

July 25, 2011

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CAF Symposium on CHAN Sudan 2011 Ends on Positive Note

The Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) Sudan 2011 symposium ended with participants satisfied with the proceedings of the event.

The maiden edition in the history of the tournament designed exclusively for footballers playing in their domestic leagues was held from 12th to 14th June in Cairo, Egypt, with the aim of providing a platform to discuss and exchange of views with respect to the tournament. The symposium also afforded participants to have a technical and tactical evaluation of the tournament from different perspectives.

Speakers included Hussein Abdel Monein, CAF Football Development Director, and CAF Technical Committee members like Fathy Nossier (Egypt), Ben Kwofie (Ghana) and Ali Gagarine (Sudan). There was also a presentation from Sami Trabelsi, coach of the Tunisian winning team. Trabelsi described the event as fruitful as it gave him the opportunity to exchange tactical and technical ideas with his colleagues from the rest of the continent. “It was a fruitful session. We exchanged views and I am happy to be part of this event. Winning the tournament was a milestone in my career, and I am very glad I had an opportunity to discuss it,” Trabelsi said. On his part, Lito Vidigal, coach of Angola said: “I will take home lots of benefits from the symposium. I enjoyed it very much and learnt a lot too. I thank CAF for the initiative. Also, I believe all the participants benefited too.” Also present were coaches of the 16 teams that participated at the CHAN Sudan 2011 tournament.

June 15, 2011

CAF Organises Refresher Course for Female Coaches

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) from 21st 24th May in collaboration with the Malian Football Federation organised a refresher coaching course for

female coaching instructors from Francophone countries.

The aim of the course was to improve the technical and physical training instructors from national associations from over twenty countries. The course covered among other subjects, the stages of the formation and development of a footballer, technical aspects of the game, training drills and exercises like small sided games and the participants had opportunities to work in groups sharing, discussing and learning from each other.

CAF Director of Technical Development, Mr Hussein Abdel Moneim applauded the progress in women’s football but also said, “There is more work to be done still and CAF is pressing on with these courses with a similar one for the English speaking countries which starts next week in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. These courses will allow our female coaches to excel and grow since all these benefit women’s football. Senegalese and top CAF instructor Mama Sow who was part of the team conducting the course said “just hope these women will contribute to the improvement and promotion of the game once they return to their countries and allow CAF and FIFA to help football development

because women’s football is an essential part of football today”.

The refresher training course is the third of its kind, after Tanzania and Togo and brought together the participants from the following federations, Guinea Conakry, Congo, Chad, Mauritania, Cameroon, Rwanda, Burkina Faso , Benin, Djibouti, Comoros, Mali, Madagascar, Togo, Tunisia, Gabon, Algeria, Central Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger and Senegal.

May 25, 2011

CAF Joins The AIDS Prevention Drive

The Confederation of African Football along with UNAIDS is committed to giving AIDS the red card during the 17th Orange African U-20 Championship in

South Africa by inviting football players and fans across the African continent to celebrate life and support the global campaign to prevent mothers from dying and babies from becoming infected with HIV.

The Confederation of African Football is keen on conveying the message to all people across the continent to raise awareness of this cause with a special focus on African youth and youngsters who will be represented today with some of the top athletes on the pitch of the 17th Orange African U-20 Championship.

April 17, 2011


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CAF Executive Committee News 2011

The sub-organising committee of the Africa Cup of Nations under the leadership of CAF President Issa Hayatou met on Friday,

October 28th in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea.

Below are decisions taken

Decisions of Sub-Organising Committee of the Africa Cup of Nations

1. The committee expressed satisfactio with the project report on preparations regarding the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations. This follows the visitby the CAF Inspection team to Libreville, Franceville, Bata and Malabo in the areas of infrastructure, transportation, accommodation training pitches and other aspects related to the final tournament.

2. The committee also reviewed the progress report on the Official draw scheduled for October 29th at the Sipopo Conference Palace in Malabo at 7.00 PM local time. The committee expressed confidence with the level of preparations and remains optimistic of a successful event.

3. On the protest filed by the Namibia Football Association (NFA) against the Burkina Faso over the eligibility of Herve Zengue, the CAN Orange 2012 Bureau rejected the protest since it did not comply with Article 37.1 of CAN Orange 2012 regulations which says “The protest must be preceded by a nominal and motivated protest formulated before the match on the proper form of the match by the captain of the protesting team and communicated to the captain of the opposing team who will countersign it “. Hence Burkina Faso is confirmed to take place at the next Orange African Cup of Nations in 2012

4. The CAF delegation made up of CAF President Issa Hayatou, 2nd Vice President Almamy Kabele Camara and Secretary General, Hicham El Amrani paid a courtesy call on Equatorial Guinea President, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo to discuss issues relating to the hosting of next year’s tournament.

5. Presidents of the two countries co-hosting the tournament, Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo (Equatorial Guinea) and Ali Bongo Ondimba (Gabon) have confirmed their attendance at the official draw of the 2012 Orange Africa Cup of Nations scheduled for October 29 at the Sipopo Conference Palace in Malabo.

October 29, 2011

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CAF Executive Committee Decisions

The Executive Committee of CAF expressed great satisfaction at the presentation of the 2012 CAN mascot “GAGUIE” in the presence

of the Heads of State of Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The Committee also endorsed the final draw and calendar of the final phase of the competition.

The kick-off of the competition will be on January 21st in Bata at 7:30 pm local time. It will be immediately followed by the second match of the day in Group A. This is contrary to previous editions when the second match is played the next day.

The draw will be done as in previous editions. Placement of teams at the head of the different groups will be based on the results of three previous CAN (Egypt 2006, Ghana 2008 and Angola 2010). Points obtained in the 2010 edition will have a coefficient of 3, those of 2008 coefficient 2, and finally those of the 2006 will have coefficient 6.

The winner of each edition scores 7 points, 5 points for the finalist, three points for semi-finalists, two points for quarter-finalists and one point for teams eliminated in the first round.

The Case of Hervé Zengué:

The CAF Organising Committee of the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, during its meeting of September 26, 2011, examined

the case of eligibility of the Burkina Faso player, Hervé Zengué which brought about the complaint on June 4th, 2011 by the Namibian Football Federation. In order to obtain more information and determine the qualification or non qualification of the player in question, the Commission postponed its decision to a later date.

License for Clubs

As of the 2012-2013 seasons, all clubs involved in African Clubs Cups must possess licenses issued by CAF. Information

relating to the obtaining of the said licenses by clubs will be communicated to each national association in October 2011.

Gender Verification

The issue raised by the commission for feminine football and the medical board led to the approval of the scientific

process of verification in accordance with FIFA regulations. Feminity tests will be conducted with the collaboration of national associations.


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South Sudan

Upon receipt of the emissaries of the new Southern Sudan Republic, CAF President told them that the Supreme African

Football Council will support them during the process leading to the recognition of the South Sudan Football Federation by FIFA. In this regard, a CAF delegation will visit the country during the last quarter of 2011.

FIFA World Cup Brazil 2014, Qualifying Format RevealedFifty-two (52) out of the 53-National Associations affiliated to CAF will take part in the qualifying series to determine the continent’s five slots for the next World Cup.

The qualifying series will begin with a preliminary round involving the 24-bottom FIFA ranked teams according to the latest edition of FIFA ranking. The 12 teams to qualifiy from the preliminary round will join the 28 teams, on a bye for the next phase. The top team from each of the 10 groups will qualify for the final play-off, and will play on home and away basis to determine the five slots.

In all, 154 matches will played between November 2011 and November 2013.

Distribution of CAF Competitions

The Executive Committee of CAF, meeting in Cairo on Tuesday, September 27, 2011, under the auspices of CAF President Issa

Hayatou, went on to distribute the following competitions.

African Women Championship2014: in Namibia

U-20 CAN2015: in Senegal

U-17 CAN2015: in Niger

2017: in Madagascar

Meanwhile, the Executive Committee resolved to swap the hosting of the 2013 and 2017 Orange CAN between Libya and South Africa, considering the current political situation in Libya. South Africa will host the 2013 edition while Libya hosts the 2017 edition.

South Africa will also host the 2014 edition of the African National Championship in place of Libya.

Glo-CAF Awards 2011: Date and VenueThe December 22nd, 2011 was confirmed, while Accra, Ghana, was maintained.

The Horn of Africa

The CAF Executive Committee approved a sum of $ 200,000 to help victims of drought in the region and to encourage each of the

national associations to participate in this huge international solidarity movement. CAF decreed that the last day of the 2012 CAN qualifiers will be devoted to advocacy. CAF will provide financial assistance to the African Union, FIFPro Africa and other humanitarian organizations.


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CAF Executive Committee Decision on Club LicensingThe CAF Executive Committee approved, in its meeting of May 16th 2011 in Cairo, the recommendations of the CAF Club Licensing sub-committee, to allow Member Associations of CAF (MAS) to implement the required criteria for the effective implementation of clubs licensing in Africa, and in accordance with the decision taken by the FIFA Congress in Munich in 2006.

Each club engaged in CAF interclubs competitions starting from the season 2012-2013 will have the obligation to fulfil the minimum required conditions and obtain their licenses prior to their participation in those same competitions.

Steps to Follow

1. Revision of the CAF Club Licensing Regulations in order to be adopted by the CAF Executive Committee. Deadline: September 2011

2. Obligation for the MAS to insert in their respective statutes the standard clause for the implementation of the club licenses in accordance with article 56 of CAF Statutes:

Deadline: December 2011

3. Obligation for each CAF MA to adopt its own Club Licensing Regulations on the basis of the CAF regulations. Deadline: December 2011

4. Obligations for the MAS to establish the two decision-making bodies for the clubs licensing, namely: a) first-instance body (FIB) and b) Appeals body (AB) as stipulated in the FIFA and CAF Clubs licensing regulations. Deadline: May 2012

5. Inventory by CAF and confirmation of homologation of various stadia and hotels regarding countries / clubs participating in CAF Interclubs competitions. Deadline: 01 December 2012

June 3, 2011

CAF Resolution on 2014 FIFA World Cup RightsThe CAF congress held in Zurich on May 31st 2011, after having heard the presentation on the organisation of the preliminaries for the FIFA World Cup, Brazil 2014, as well as on the commercialization of rights concerned, adopted the following resolution:

Based on solidarity and on a fair revenues distribution system, all the National Associations members of CAF shall adopt unanimously the centralization of commercial rights related to the preliminaries – African zone – of the FIFA World Cup, Brazil 2014.

June 3, 2011

Nomination of Two CAF Vice-PresidentsM. Suketu Patel, from Seychelles, has been nominated as 1st Vice President of CAF and M. Almamy Kabele, Guinea, as second Vice President. The nomination, unanimously approved, was made by the CAF President Issa Hayatou. The two previous Vice-presidents are General Seyi Memene who has reached CAF retirement age and Molefi Oliphant OIG, who did not contest CAF Executive Committee election held in February 2011. In the same month, M. Oliphant OIG was co-opted to sit on the CAF Executive Committee as a member.


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Reports on CAF U-20 Championship Orange Held from April 17th to May 1stThe Executive Committee expressed its satisfaction with the report presented. The Executive Committee has reiterated its thankfulness to SAFA for hosting the tournament at short notice. The tournament was to be held initially in Libya but was moved to a new venue due to the political situation in that country. Nigeria, winner of the competition, Cameroon, Mali and Egypt are the qualified teams to participate at the FIFA U-20 World Cup which will take place this year in Colombia.

Progress Report on Orange Africa Cup Nations Cup 2012The Executive Committee welcomed positively the progress report presented on CAN 2012 preparations on various aspects related to the hosting of the final tournament taking place in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The competition will start on the 21st January and end on 12th February 2012. The final draw will take place in October 2011. The exact date would be determined later.

Decisions of CAF Executive CommitteeThe Executive Committee of the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) under the chairmanship of President Issa Hayatou met on Saturday in Lubumbashi, DR Congo, to decide on the hosts for the 2015 and 2017 Africa Cup of Nations and other competitions. The decisions taken were:

a. After deliberations and presentations by the two bidding countries, it was decided that Morocco will host the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations and South Africa, the 2017 edition.The race for the hosting rights of the 30th and 31st editions of the continental showpiece football event was reduced to a two-nation affair following the withdrawal of DR Congo after the September 30, 2010 deadline. Both Morocco and South Africa have previously hosted the event in 1988 and 1996 respectively, whilst Gabon and Equatorial Guinea will jointly host the 2012 edition and Libya, in 2013.

b. Rwanda will host 2016 edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN)

c. Morocco will host the 2013 edition of the CAF U-17 Championship.

29 January, 2011


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Renewal of Marketing Contract with IFAP SportsOn September 25th, 2011, in Cairo, the Confederation of African Football and the IFAP Sports Company renewed the contract that linked them since 2004, pertaining to the media and marketing rights of the following competitions: the 2012, 2014 and 2016 African Women’s Nations Cup, the 2013 and 2015 U-17 African Championship and the 2012, 2014 and 2016 African Futsal Championship.

On behalf of CAF, the President, Issa Hayatou expressed satisfaction with the work done by this company which helped popularize competitions which until then had not received enough exposure. “The success of U-17 teams on the world stage and the coming of the female football to limelight have made these two categories very important areas of development for CAF. They need to be reinforced”.

Eric Durand, President of IFAP sports, welcomed the signing of this agreement and said: “We thank CAF for its confidence and, through this contract, we affirm to CAF our faith in the future of African football. The images of the last U-17 CAN in Rwanda were broadcast in 160 countries. We have to reach new heights. We will make every effort to meet CAF’s expectations.”

September 29, 2011

FIFA Presidential Election 2011, Motion voted Supporting M. BlatterFollowing a secret ballot, the CAF Executive Committee voted in majority to support the incumbent M. Joseph Sepp Blatter. The FIFA election will take place in Zurich on the 1st of June 2011.

CAF Executive Applauded Madam Karam’s 37 Years of Outstanding Service to CAFAfter 37 years of outstanding service and dedication to CAF, Madam Karam Mostafa is retiring at the end of May 2011. Madam Karam serves as the Finance Director the Confederation of African Football. Ms Heba Bakr is the new Finance Director starting from 1st June, 2011.

May 16, 2011

Motion of support to CAF President and Mr. AnoumaFollowing unfounded accusations against Mr. Issa Hayatou, vice-president of FIFA and CAF President, and Mr. Jacques Bernard Anouma, member of FIFA Executive Committee, the CAF Executive Committee met in Cairo on May 16th 2011. The members rejected vigorously the irresponsible statements, without proof, made by the “Sunday Times” before the British parliament. The Executive gave its full support and solidarity to Mr. Hayatou and Mr. Jacques Bernard Anouma.

May 16, 2011


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WAFU ReorganizationConsidering the organizational issues facing WAFU, which costitutes Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria and Togo in organising competitions as well as complying fully with Caf statutes, the Executive Committee decided to opt for a status quo ante in conformity with article 14 of CAF statutes which says that is divided into 6 Zones

a. Northern Zone: Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Morocco, Tunisia;

b. Western Zone A: Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Mauritania, Senegal, Sierra Leone;

c. Western Zone B: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Niger, Nigeria,Togo;

d. Central Zone: Cameroon, Central Africa, Chad, Congo, DR Congo, Equatorial

Guinea, Gabon, Sao Tome E Principe;

e. Central East Zone: Burundi, Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda,

Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda;

f. Southern Zone: Angola, Botswana, Comoros Islands, Lesotho, Madagascar,

Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Seychelles, South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

CAF will notify WAFU member-associations of the latest decision taken by the Executive Committee, and it is also considering financial support for regular competitions as well as ensuring that General Assemblies are held.

TP Mazembe Disqualified from the Orange CL Group Stage Fielding Ineligible PlayerFollowing a complaint filed by Simba Sports of Tanzania following match 68 of the Orange Champions League, the Confederation of African football launched an investigation on the eligibility of TP Mazembe’s player named Janvier Besala Bokungu. The findings of the investigation were submitted to the Organising Committee of CAF Interclubs Competitions.

Based on those findings, the Organising Committee decided to disqualify TP Mazembe on the basis of Chapter VIII (Fraud), article 24, article 26 (Qualification of players) and article 29 of Orange CAF Champions League regulations. The Organising Committee decided as well that the replacement will be made after a play-off match, to be played next week in a neutral venue, between Simba FC and Wydad of Casablanca.

May 14, 2011


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Toure, Nkwocha Rule African Football

Ivorian midfielder, Yaya Toure has been crowned the African Player of the Year 2011 at a

colourful ceremony in Accra, Ghana.

The 28-year old pipped Ghanaian midfielder Andre Ayew and Malian Seydou Keita to scoop the topmost honour at the Awards Gala on Thursday, December 22, at the Banquet Hall, State House in Accra.

The hardworking midfielder, who plays for English side Manchester City gained the highest votes in the poll decided by votes from the Head Coaches or Technical Directors of the National Associations affiliated to CAF.

The honour caps a wonderful year for the midfield maestro who has been in scintillating form for club and country. Toure is winning the topmost individual honour in African football for the first time and he joins compatriot Didier Drogba as the only Ivorians to have laid claim to the award since its inception in 1992.

The coronation of the midfielder was the climax of the ceremony attended by the crème de la crème of African footballers, officials and administrators. Ghana’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Clement Kofi Humado, graced the event. CAF President, Issa Hayatou and members of the CAF Executive Committee were also present

“I am very happy to win the award. I feel proud of this special day. I thank my family; wife and kids for their support. I am also grateful to my brother, Kolo Toure, my teammates (Club and national teams) and the Ivorian Football Federation for their role in this feat,” Toure said.

The African Player of the Year (based in Africa) award went to Tunisian midfielder Oussama Darragi. The Esperance captain beat his teammate Yaya Banana of Cameroon and compatriot Zouheir Dhaouadi of Club African to the prize.

Super Falcons captain Perpetua Nkwocha was adjudged Women’s Footballer of the Year for an unprecedented fourth time. The 35-year old Nigerian had previously won the award in 2004, 2005 and 2010.

It was a triple delight for Cote d’Ivoire after teenage striker Souleymane Coulibaly was named Most Promising Talent of the Year and Noumandiez Doue as Referee of the Year. Coulibaly stole the show with his traditional woven shirt won by people from the northern part of Cote d’Ivoire.

Niger coach Harouna Doula picked the prize for best coach whilst Africa Cup of Nations debutantes, Botswana saw their efforts in the qualifying series being rewarded with National

Team of the Year gong. The Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon were also named Women’s National Team of the Year.

CAF Champions League winners’ Esperance Sportive de Tunis was adjudged Club of the Year whilst Libya grabbed the Fair Play award.

Former internationals Mustapha Hadji of Morocco and Austin ‘Jay-Jay’Okocha of Nigeria were presented with Legends Awards in recognition of their contribution to the development of the game over the years.

The ceremony sponsored by telecommunications giants, Globacom left the guests in awe with its rich display of culture, acrobatics and musical performance. There were also musical performances from Ghanaian hi-life sensation Kwabena Kwabena and young songstress, Efya, both from Ghana. Beninois Zeynab also added some colour to the event just as South African duo Gloria Bosman and Loyiso Bala and Kenyan acrobatic tumbling group, ‘Troop Agile’.

This is the third time the award was being staged in Ghana after 2006 and 2009.

Glo-CAF Awards 2011

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Glo-CAF Awards 2011

Awards WinnersAfrican Player of the Year 2011Yaya Toure (Manchester City and Cote d’Ivoire)

African Player of the Year 2011 (Based in Africa)Oussama Darragi (Esperance Sportive de Tunis and Tunisia)

National Team of the YearBotswana

Women’s National Team of the YearCameroon

Club of the YearEsperance Sportive de Tunis (Tunisia)

Most Promising Talent of the YearSouleymane Coulibaly (Tottenham Hotspurs and Cote d’Ivoire)

Coach of the YearHarouna Doula (Niger)

Women’s Footballer of the YearPerpetua Nkwocha (Nigeria)

Referee of the YearNoumandiez Doue (Cote d’Ivoire)

Legend AwardMustapha Hadji (Morocco)Austin ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha (Nigeria)

Fair Play AwardLibya

Platinum AwardJohn Evans Atta Mills (President of Ghana)

Samir Aboud (Lib)

Harrison Afful (Gh)

Banana Yaya (Cam)

Samuel Moussa Eto’o (Cam) Sow (Sen)

Ayoub Elkhiqi (Mar)

Taye Taiwo (Nig)

Kevin PrinceBoateng (Gh)

Yaya Toure (Civ)

Seydou Keita (Mal)

Andre Ayew (Gh)

Africa’s Finest XI

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Glo-CAF Awards 2011

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Glo-CAF Awards 2011

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33rd CAF General Assembly in Khartoum, Sudan

The Sudanese capital, Khartoum was the centre of attraction as African

football administrators gathered on February 23 for the 33rd CAF Ordinary General Assembly.

The General Assembly is the legislative organ of CAF, and was attended by representatives of the 53-affiliated National Associations, to review the activities of the previous year, approve financial statements, elect members on the Executive Committee and discuss issues relating to the development of the game on the continent.

CAF President, Issa Hayatou was in attendance and so was FIFA

President, Joseph Sepp Blatter alongside other global football dignitaries.

The President of Sudan, Omar al Bashir opened the session and praised the role of football in the development of humanity.

Hayatou, in his speech described 2010 as a year that the continent would look back at with tears and joy. Describing it as an exceptional year, Mr. Hayatou highlighted

the first ever FIFA World Cup on African soil.

“For the first time, the continent was accorded the rights to organise the World Cup, fifty three years after the creation of the CAF. Never before had Africa received such a global recognition. A formidable experience that came to brighten a continent many had known for conflicts, natural disasters, diseases and unemployment,” said Hayatou.

He also paid tribute to FIFA President, Blatter whom he said had worked tirelessly to bring the world cup to Africa. “Mr. Blatter has done so much for Africa and African football. “We cannot thank him enough”, said Mr. Hayatou.

Blatter on his part spoke of the continent’s football progress with 2010 FIFA World Cup held in South Africa. He congratulated Africa and its football leaders for a wonderful 2010 World Cup in South Africa and told the delegates that many who had doubted the decision were proved wrong.

The FIFA President revealed that there was better news from 2010 as FIFA had realised $ 1. 2 Billion after the World Cup in South Africa compared to $ 600 million realised after Germany 2006 World Cup. “The Federations and associations will benefit from this windfall. This again is victory for Africa,” said Mr. Blatter.

The FIFA President concluded by congratulating CAF on initiating a successful tournament, the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) which he said was in line with the goals of developing football on the continent alongside projects like Football for Hope and Win in Africa with Africa run by FIFA.

The climax of the one-day session was the election of candidates unto the Executive Committees of FIFA and CAF.

Results of the elections of CAF and FIFA Executive Committee held on February 23 at the CAF 33rd Ordinary General Assembly:

33rd CAF Ordinary General Assembly - Sudan - 23.02.2011

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CAF Executive Committee

Northern Zone

Tarek Bouchamaoui (Tunisia) – elected unopposed

Zone West A

Almamy Kabele Camara (Guinea) – elected unopposed

Zone West BAnjorin Moucharafou (Benin) – 19 votesKwesi Nyantakyi (Ghana) – 34 votesTata Adaglo Avlessi(Togo) – withdrew Hima Souley (Niger) - withdrew

Central Zone

Omari Constant (DR Congo) – elected unopposed

Central-East ZoneCelestin Musabyimana (Rwanda) – 19 votesLeodegar Tenga(Tanzania) – 34 votes

Southern ZoneAdam Mthethwa (Swaziland) – 3 votesKalusha Bwalya (Zambia) – 38 votesWalter Nyamilandu (Malawi) - 6 votesJohn Muinjo (Namibia) – 5 votesJustino Fernandes (Angola) - withdrewDanny Jordan (South Africa) - withdrew

FIFA Executive CommitteeJacques Bernard Anouma (Cote d’Ivoire) – 35 votesAlhaji Ibrahim Galadima (Nigeria) – 5 votesDanny Jordan (South Africa) – 10 votesMohamed Raouraoua (Algeria) – 39 votesSuketu Patel (Seychelles) – 12 votesKalusha Bwalya (Zambia) - withdrew

Hicham El Amrani-CAF General Secretary

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CAF Order of Merit ‘Gold’ Awards for Memene, FahmyThe Confederation of African Football (CAF) has conferred the Order of Merit “Gold” on two personalities, General Seyi Memene of Togo, the retiring First Vice President and the former General Secretary, Mustapha Fahmy in recognition of their contribution to the development of the game on the continent.

The duo received their awards at the 33rd CAF Ordinary General Assembly held on February 23rd in Khartoum, Sudan. CAF President, Issa Hayatou paid glowing tribute to the two officials for their unrelenting efforts towards the growth of football in Africa over the few years. On Memene, He said “I do regret to see you leave this organization. You have reached the 70 year mark and the success story of the Confederation would not be complete without you. You will remain an honorary Vice President and CAF is proud of you.”

Fahmy, who is now Director of Competition at FIFA and was General Secretary of CAF for twenty eight years, described the honour amongst the most memorable in his sporting life.

An emotional Fahmy said “I am glad to receive this honour. I must commend Mr Hayatou, my superior for 23-years for the level he has propelled African football to.

February 23, 2011

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CAF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEEIssa Hayatou (Cameroon) PresidentSuketu Patel (Seychelles) 1st Vice-presidentAlmamy Kabele Camara (Guinea) 2nd Vice-presidentAdoum Djibrine (Chad) MemberMohamed Raouraoua (Algeria) MemberMagdi Shams El Din (Sudan) MemberTarek Bouchamaoui (Tunisia) MemberKalusha Bwalya (Zambia) MemberKwesi Nyantakyi (Ghana) MemberConstant Selemani Omari (DR Congo) MemberLeodegar Tenga (Tanzania) MemberMolefi Oliphant OIG (South Africa) Member (co-opted)Anouma Jacques (Côte d’Ivoire) Executive Committee member of FIFAHani Aboo Rida (Egypt) Executive Committee member of FIFA Hicham El Amrani (Morocco) General Secretary

AUDIT COMMITTEEAdoum Djibrine (Chad) PresidentOwona-Pascal Baylon (Cameroon) MemberMahmoud Hammami (Tunisia) MemberMohamed Mecherara (Algeria) MemberBonniface Mwamelo (Zambia) Member

ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR THE AFRICAN NATIONS CHAMPIONSHIP Issa Hayatou (Cameroon PresidentMohamed Raouraoua (Algeria Vice-PresidentSuketu Patel (Seychelles MemberMagdi Shams El Din (Sudan MemberKalusha Bwalya (Zambia MemberNyantakyi Kwesi (Ghana MemberLeodegar Tenga (Tanzania MemberJacques Anouma (Cote d’Ivoire) MemberCelestin Musabymana (Rwanda) MemberMoses Baransananiye (Burundi) MemberPlacide Engandzas (Gabon) MemberHussein Fadoul (Djibouti MemberKhaled Sancho (Tunisia) MemberMario Semede Mendes (Cap-Verde) MemberMohamed Ould Boukhreiss (Mauritania) MemberNyamilandu-Manda Walter (Malawi) MemberFeizal Sidat (Mozambique MemberMohamed Hatimi (Kenya MemberSalah Eddin Al Arabi (Libye MemberTesfaye Gebreyesus (Erythrée MemberMaigari Aminu Mohamed (Nigeria MemberOsama Atamanan (Sudan) MemberAnouar Haddad (Tunisia) Member

ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR THE AFRICAN U-17 CHAMPIONSHIPMohamed Raouraoua (Algeria) PresidentManuel Dende (Sao Tomé and Principe) MemberThierry Kamach (Centrafrique) MemberMagassouba Souleyman (Mali) MemberOusmane Conateh (Gambia) MemberBruno Didavi (Bénin) MemberHazem El Hawary (Egypt) MemberDavid Fani (Botswana) MemberSawadogo Théodore (Burkina Faso) MemberAl Hadji Sani Toro (Nigeria) MemberPersunnoo Dinnanathlall (Ile Maurice) MembersTim Shongwe (Swaziland) MemberElh Tiemogo Ibrahim (Niger) Member

CAF Executive Commitee & Standing Commitees

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FOOTBALL COMMITTEEKalusha Bwalya (Zambia) PresidentLeodegar Tenga (Tanzania) Vice-PresidentAbega Theophile (Cameroon) MemberAbedi Pelé (Ghana) MemberFrançois M’Pelé (Congo) MemberAnthony Baffoe (Ghana) MemberAli Fergani (Algeria) MemberAhmed Tarifi Sadiq (Sudan) Member

ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR THE AFRI-CAN FUTSAL CHAMPIONSHIPMagdi Shams El Din (Soudan) PresidentManga Obiang Bonifacio (Equatorial Guinea) Vice-PresidentJosé Medina Lobato (Guinea Bissau MemberNahim Khadi (Sierra Leone MemberSolomon Ogba (Nigeria MemberAl Saidi Abdelsalam (Libya) MemberTetteh Sly (Ghana) MemberMoctar Mahmoud (Chad) MemberArab Abdiqani Said (Somalia) Member

ZONAL REPRESENTATIVES FOR REFEREESBelaid Lacarne (Algeria) NorthLouis Laryea (Ghana West BBirame Ndiaye (Senegal) West AJean-Fidèle Diramba (Gabon) CentralCelestin Ntagungira (Rwanda) Centre EastJohn Muinjo (Namibia) South

MEDIA COMMITTEEConstant Selemani Omari (DR Congo) PresidentCélestin Musabyimana (Rwanda) Vice-PresidentOuattara Hégaud (Côte d’Ivoire) MemberDjibril Traoré (Mali) MemberMustapha Badri (Morocco) MemberJoseph Gabio (Congo) MemberKabulo Mwana Kabulo (DR Congo) MemberNicholas Musonye (Kenya) MemberAïcha Falode (Nigéria) MemberYazid Ouahib (Algeria) MemberKodjo Samlan (Togo) MembersLouis-Claude Moundzieoud (Gabon) MemberArlindo Macedo (Angola) MemberMark Gleeson (South Africa) MemberAlaa Sadek (Egypt) MemberAmadou Dialo Diouldé (Guinea) MemberEric Mwanza (Zambia) MemberEmmanuel Maradas (Chad) MemberHabuba Suleiman (CAF) CAF Media DirectorBelaid Boumid (Morocco) President & representative of Africa Sports Press Union

CAF BOARD OF APPEALDr. Prosper Abega (Cameroon) PresidentAmanze Uchegbulam (Nigeria) Vice-PresidentBarigye Richard (Uganda) MemberPierre-Alain Mounguengui (Gabon) MemberAlimu Bah (Sierra Leone) MemberFode-Capi Camara (Guinea) MemberMr Stanislas Rakotomalala (Madagascar) MemberDolor Ernesta (Seychelles) MemberMfubusa Bernard (Burundi) MemberMohamed Gremida (Libye) MemberMelles Kidane (Eritrea) MemberAthumani Nyamlani (Tanzania) Member

EMERGENCY COMMITTEEIssa Hayatou (Cameroon) President Suketu Patel (Seychelles) Members Adoum Djibrine (Chad) Members Mohamed Raouraoua (Algeria) Members Magdi Shams El Din (Sudan) Members Molefi Oliphant OIG (South Africa) Members


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REFEREES’ COMMITTEETarek Bouchamaoui (Tunisia) PresidentBadara Sene (Senegal) Vice-PresidentMolephi Oliphant OIG (South Africa) MemberCharles Masembe (Uganda) MemberSinko Zeli (Cote d’Ivoire MemberA.Y. Lim Kee Chong (Mauritius) MemberBahou Mohamed (Morocco) MemberNdjipendi Marcel Kuoto (Cameroon) Member


CAF DISCIPLINARY BOARDRaymond Hack (South Africa) PresidentAugustin Emmanuel Senghor (Senegal) Vice-President Mohieddine Baccar (Tunisia) MemberBaratte Aboubacar Camara (Guinea) MemberHamid Haddadj (Algeria) MemberSamugabu Mustapha (Burundi) MemberAnanda Vuddamalay (Mauritius) MemberYisak Tafere (Ethiopia) MemberGeorge Wah Williams (Liberia) MemberKalisa Jules Cesar (Rwanda) MemberRoch Henriette (Seychelles) MemberSeidou Mbombo Njoya (Cameroon) Member

MARKETING COMMITTEEMohamed Raouraoua (Algeria) PresidentDanny Jordaan (south Africa) Vice-PresidentLeo Mugabe (Zimbabwe) MemberPapa Diack (Sénégal) MemberMike Itemuagbor (Nigéria) MemberMoïse Katumbi Chapwe (DR Congo) MemberLeonie Mbwemba (Cameroon) MemberHani Abo Rida (Egypte) ConseillerJean-Marie Weber CAF Marketing Consultant Member

CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE CAF / NA-TIONAL ASSOCIATIONSIssa Hayatou (Cameroon) PresidentConstant Omari (DR Congo) Vice-PresidentMohieddine Baccar (Tunisia) UNAFCodjo Rawanbia Leopold (Gabon) UNIFACNicholas Musonye (Kenya) CECAFASue Destombes (South Africa) COSAFAAka Malan (Côte d’Ivoire) West BReprésentative - TBC West A

COMMITTEE FOR ETHICS AND FAIR-PLAYKwesi Nyantakyi (Ghana PresidentThierry Kamach (Central Africa) Vice-PresidentMohamed S. Medani (Sudan) MemberAbdou Sani (Niger) MemberGhebremariam Yemane (Eritrea) Member

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COMMITTEE FOR LEGAL AFFAIRS AND PLAYER’S STATUTESMohamed Raouraoua (Algeria) PresidentMagdi Shams El-Din (Sudan) Vice-PresidentOusseynou Dieng (Côte d’Ivoire) MemberFrançois Campaoré (Burkina Faso) MemberTerence Dambe (Botswana) MemberW.K. Aggra (Ghana) MemberDelcio Ferreira Costa (Angola) MemberAl Saedy Ahmed Abdulmagid (Libya) MemberQuentin Toussaint Didavi (Benin) MemberSalemane John Phaphane (Lesotho) MemberSaer Seck (Senegal) MemberEssomba Eyenga (Cameroon) MemberChief Mwelo Nonkonyane (South Africa) MemberProsper Abega (Cameroon) Co-opted member

TECHNICAL AND DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEESuketu Patel (Seychelles PresidentKalusha Bwalya (Zambia) Vice-PresidentLeodegar Tenga (Tanzania) MemberChief Onigbinde (Nigeria) MemberHani Moustafa (Egypt) MemberBenjamin Kouffie (Ghana) MemberDjedje Benjamin (Côte d’Ivoire) MemberMalouche Belhassan (Tunisia) MemberMohamed Abdallah A. Majdoub (Sudan) Member

ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR THE INTER-CLUB COMPETITIONSIssa Hayatou (Cameroon) PresidentMohamed Raouraoua (Algeria) Vice-PresidentSuketu Patel (Seychelles) MemberMagdi Shams El-Din (Sudan) MemberTarek Bouchamaoui (Tunisia) MemberMartin Adjagodo (Bénin MemberIya Mohamed (Cameroon) MemberAl Hadj Jawula (Ghana) MemberRoger Ouegnin (Côte d’Ivoire) MemberBangoura Aboubacar Bruno (Guinea) MemberMahamat Saleh Issa (Chad) MemberNdoye Mbaye (Senegal) MemberSehalu Gebremariam (Ethiopia) MemberAl Hadji Sani Lulu (Nigeria MemberMulindwa Lawrence (Uganda) MemberSeedy Kinteh (Gambia) MemberHamadoune Cissé (Mali) MemberOthman Jenayah (Tunisia) MemberKarim Alem (Morocco) MemberMbono Jean Michel (Congo) MemberGeorge Kasengele (Zambia) MemberIrvin Khoza (South Africa) Member


SPORTS MEDICAL COMMITTEEAdoum Djibrine (Chad) PresidentProf. Hosny Abdel Rahman (Egypt) Vice-PresidentDr. Zakia Bartagui (Tunisia) MemberDr. James Sekajugo (Uganda) MemberDr. M.E. Moolla (South Africa) MemberDr. Liliou Francis (Burkina Faso) MemberDr. Boubakay Sidiki (Cameroon) Member

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FINANCE COMMITTEESuketu Patel (Seychelles) PresidentLeodegar Tenga (Tanzania) Vice-PresidentConstant Selemeni Omari (DR Congo) MemberOwona-Pascal Baylon (Cameroon) MemberMahmoud Hammami (Tunisia) MemberMohamed Mecherara (Algéria) MemberBonniface Mwamelo (Zambia) MemberMubarak Mohamed (South Africa) Member

ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR WOMEN’S FOOTBALLMolefi Oliphant (South Africa) PresidentNastasia Tchislas (South Africa) Vice-President Izzetta Wesley (Liberia MemberPalmira Francisco (Mozambique MemberIbrahima Barry (Guinea) MemberLydie Nsekera (Burundi) MemberJohn Muinjo (Namibia) MemberSouadatou Djallo-Kalkaba (Cameroon) MemberNathalie Basque (Côte d’Ivoire) MemberMariyatta Abdou Chacour (Comoros) MemberHilda Addah (Ghana) MemberBeatrice Nsolo (Gabon) Members

ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR THE AFRICAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP Almamy Kabele Camara (Guinea) Vice-PresidentAdoum Djibrine (Chad) MemberFatou Sarr-Ba (Senegal) MemberJamal El Jaafari (Libya) MemberMthetwa Adam (Swaziland) MemberNgaissona Edouard (Central African Republic) MemberKazura Jean-Bosco (Rwanda) MemberSalim Tourqui (Comoros) MemberBolaji Ojo Oba (Nigeria) MemberSaid Mohamud Nor (Somalia) MemberSeidou Mbombo Njoya (Cameroon) MemberPachire Idalecio (Sao Tome and Principe) MemberC.E. Dube (Zimbabwe) Member

ORGANISING COMMITTEE FOR THE AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONSIssa Hayatou (Cameroon) PresidentAlmamy Kabele Camara (Guinée) Vice-PresidentTarek Bouchamaoui (Tunisia) Member (President of Referees Committee)Adoum Djibrine (Chad)) MemberOmari Selemani Constant (DR Congo) MemberNyantakyi Kwesi (Ghana) MemberMolefi Oliphant OIG (South Africa) MemberOmar Sey (Gambia) MemberSaid Belkhayat (Morocco) MemberZoumaro Gnofame (Togo) MemberHima Souley (Niger) MemberJustino Fernandes (Angola) MemberDanny Jordaan (South Africa) MemberDominic Oneya (Nigeria) MemberAhmad (Madagascar) MemberAnjorin Moucharafou (Bénin) MemberAli Fassi Fihri (Morocco) MemberKazura Jean-Bosco (Rwanda) MemberAmeyi Komlan (Togo) MemberDr. Mutasim Gaafar (Sudan) Member Kirsten Nemantandani (South Africa) MemberDjibrilla Hima Hamidou (Niger) MemberAntonio Mangueira (Angola 2010) MemberRepresentative of Equatorial Guinea - CAN 2012 MemberRepresentative of Gabon - CAN 2012 Member


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Obituary

CAF Mourns the Death of Former Togo Football Fed-eration Chairman, EkouéCAF President, Issa Hayatou has on behalf of the African fam-ily expressed condolences to the Togolese football family on the death of Godfried Ekoué, a former Chairman of the Togo Football Federation. He was eighty seven years old.

Until his death, he was a member of the CAF Referees’ Committee. Ekoué, a veteran football administrator, devoted his life to the development of the game in Togo and Africa at large.“Africa will always remember his great professionalism, es-pecially his art of discipline. Mr. Ekoué dedicated his life to serving the sport and he will be sorely missed by the African football family.“On behalf of Executive Com-mittee Members of CAF and on my own behalf, accept our heartfelt condolences,” Haya-tou said.

The late Ekoué is highly respect-ed in African football circles for his vast knowledge on issues of football development. Also a FIFA Instructor, he served as Chairman of the Local Organis-ing Committee for 7th CAF U-17 Championship held in Togo in 2007.December 2, 2011

CAF mourns Baccar, UNAF General SecretaryCAF President, Issa Hayatou, on behalf of the African football family has expressed condolenc-es to the North African Football Union (UNAF) and Tunisia Foot-ball Federation on the death of Baccar Mohieddine.

Baccar passed away on Satuday,

October 22nd in his hometown, Hammam Lif and will be laid to rest on Sunday, October 23rd in his hometown. He was 74.

“This is a big loss to African football considering his vast knowledge on issues relating to the administration of the game. He was abreast with rules of the game and made meaningful impact anytime called upon,” Hayatou said.

Baccar was also a member of the CAF Disciplinary Board and also served on the Consultative Committee CAF/National Asso-ciations. He was also a former General Secretary of the Tunisia Football Federation. In addi-tion, he served on the Local Organising Committee for the Tunisia 1994 Africa Cup of Na-tions. October 23, 2011

CAF Mourns Renowned Ghanaian Football Admin-istrator TettehCAF President, Issa Hayatou, on behalf of the African football family has expressed condolenc-es to the Ghana Football Associ-ation, and Liberty Professionals F/C on the death of renowned administrator, Ibrahim Sly Tetteh.

Tetteh passed away on Saturday

September 3rd at a hospital in Cape Coast in the Central Re-gion of Ghana. He will be laid rest on Sunday in Accra.

“It’s a big loss to African foot-ball, especially grassroot foot-ball considering his academies in other African countries,” Hayatou said.Tetteh was also a member of the Organising Committee of the African Futsal Championship. The ex-foot-baller was the founder of Lib-erty Professionals F/C, the club that has nurtured some of the finest Ghanaian football exports to Europe. Amongst them are Michael Es-sien (Chelsea), Asamoah Gyan (Sunderland), Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan), John Paintsil (Leicester City), Kwadwo Asa-moah (Udinese) and Derek Boateng (Dnipro FC), all current members of the Black Stars. He also runs three football academies in Ghana, Togo and Kenya, which have churned out scores of young players for the various national teams of the three countries. As a footballer, Tetteh won the WAFU Cup with Sekondi Hasaacas in 1982.September 4, 2011

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CAF Sympathises with Con-golese Football FamilyCAF has sympathized with DR Congo Football Federation on the death a Management Com-mittee for the National FootballLeague, a Match Commissioner and four Referees. They are Tshimuanga Mukobuela, Mem-ber of the Management Com-mittee for the National Football League, Mafuta Kibeke - Match Commissioner, Justin Mayabua-na, Benjamin Mpande, Mahun-gu Miboti and Manix Bofanda all referees.

The six persons died following a plane crash in Kisangani. They were heading to Kisangani to officiate the TS MALEKESA – TP MAZEMBE league match.July 11, 2011

Former Ghana Defender Dies in a Motor Accident in USEx-defender of Ghana’s national women’s football team, Patricia Ofori was killed in a car acci-dent in Huntsville, United States on Wednesday.Ofori, who was 29 died on the spot while driving south on the Pulaski Pike, outside Hunst-ville. Her Car, a Ford Mustang,

slid into the northbound lane where it was hit by a pickup truck and caught fire.

The former defender played football for the Alabama Agri-cultural &Mechanical University where she graduated in 2009. She played for the Bulldogs from 2005-2007 and led the team to the 2007 Southwestern Athletic Conference champion-ship and a berth in the NCAA Tournament. The talented defender also featured for the Black Queens at the 2002 and 2006 African Women’s Champi-onship in Nigeria as well as FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2003 and 2007 in United States and China respectively.

She started her career with Accra-based Mawuena Ladies Football Club.April 23, 2011

Nigeria’s Adefemi Dies in Car AccidentNigeria international, Olubayo Adefemi has died in a car ac-cident, in Greece where he was

playing his football for Skoda Xanthi.News from Greece said that the 25-year-old Xanthi de-fender skidded off a road while driving to Salonika to finalise arrangements for his wedding.

A statement released after the news of his death said: “The Greek Football Federation ex-presses its grief at the untimely death of Nigerian international for Skoda Xanthi footballer, Olubayo Adefemi in a car acci-dent this morning.”United, the members of the Greek Football Federation board and family ex-press their sincerest condolences to his family and relatives, and also to Xanthi.”

Adafemi’s friend and team-mate, Zambian Chris Katongo, said Xanthi players were in shock when they heard the news of Adafemis’ death. “It was a good day and all the playerswere laughing and joking when the manager came in and broke the news. Everyone was in shock,” said Katongo. “He was like a brother to me because we shared the same room dur ing team camping. It is a big loss to me and the entire Xanth iteam,” added Katongo.

Adefemi’s team Skoda Xanthi has said a friendly match will be organised in memory of the Nigerian defender and the proceeds will be sent to his family. Adafemi signed for Xanthi last summer from French side Boulogne and made 24 appear-ances for the club scoring two goals. He played five times for Nigeria.April 19, 2011

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Former Sierra LeoneCoach Zarpanelian Passes AwayRaymond Zarpanelian, a for-mer coach of Sierra Leone has passed away at the age of seventy eight. The Franco-Ar-menian passed away last Tues-day at a hospital in Paris after a protracted battle with kidney cancer.

Zarpanelian was the first Frenchman to lead an Anglo-phone team after guiding Sierra Leone at the Africa Cup of Nations in 1994 in Tunis. He also had stints with AS Bobo Dioulasso of Burkina Faso and Saudi Club, Al Nasr. Until his death, he was linked to the technical director of Central African Republic. Zarpanelian was laid to rest on Wednesday, April 6 in Paris.April 15, 2011

CAF Mourns Cameroon Legend EboueThe Confederation of African Football is mourning the death of Jean –Daniel Eboue who passed away this month at age 60.

CAF President Mr. Issa Hayatou in a letter of condolence to the

to the late Eboue’s family and Cameroon Football Association said he was saddened by the news of Eboue’s death. “He was an extraordinary player who was versatile and contrib-uted immensely to that great Cannon Yaoundé team.

Eboue was a powerful and talented midfielder who was a key member of the success-ful 1970s and 80s Cameroonian club side, Cannon Yaoundé. Eboue was the first player to win the Cameroonian player of the year award and he made his international debut in 1973.He scored for Cameroon in 1974 Africa Nations Cup and again in the following edi-tion of Central Africa Games in 1976. Eboue, who had retired from his work with the police at the time of his death, ended his international career in 1980 after helping Cameroon beat Zimbabwe 1-0 in a World Cup 1982 qualifier match played in Harare.April 14, 2011

CAF mourns the death of Zakaria ZeroualiThe Confederation of African Football mourns the death of Moroccan Zakaria Zerouali who passed away October 3, at the age of 33.CAF President Mr Issa Hayatou in a letter of condolence to the to the late Zerouali’s family and Royal Moroccan Football Feder-ation said he was “saddened by the news of Zerouali’s death.”Zerouali was player for Raja Casablanca and was also a member of the Moroccan na-tional team from 2004 to 2009.October 5, 2011

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January 6,7,8 CAN 2013 Qualifiers Preliminary Round One 1st Leg13,14,15 AWC Preliminary Round 1st Leg 19 Orange CAN 2012 Organizing Committee meeting19 CAF Executive Committee meeting20,21,22 U-17 Women First Round 1st Leg20,21,22 CAN 2013 Qualifiers Preliminary Round One 2nd Leg21 Begins: Orange CAN 2012 in Gabon/Equatorial Guinea27,28,29 AWC Preliminary Round 2nd Leg

February 03 Orange CAN 2012 Organizing Committee meeting03,04,05 U-17 Women First Round 2nd Leg06 Orange CAN 2012 Organizing Committee meeting10 CAF 34th General Assembly10 Press Conference of FIFA and CAF Presidents11 Orange CAN 2012 Organizing Committee meeting11 CAF Executive Committee meeting12 Ends: Orange CAN 2012 in Gabon/Equatorial Guinea17,18,19 CC & CL Preliminary 1st Leg17,18,19 U-20 Women First Round 1st leg24,25,26 CAF Super Cup29 CAN 2013 Qualifiers Preliminary Round Two 1st Leg

March 02,03,04 CC & CL Preliminary 2nd Leg02,03,04 U-20 Women First Round 2nd leg09,10,11 U-17 Women Second Round 1st Leg23,24,25 1/16th Final CC & CL 1st Leg 23,24,25 U-17 Women Second Round 2nd Leg30,31 U-20 Women Second Round 1st leg

April 01 Futsal begins01 U-20 Women Second Round 1st leg06,07,08 1/16th Final CC & CL 2nd Leg12 Futsal ends13,14,15 CAN U-17 1st Round 1st leg13,14,15 U-20 Women Second Round 2nd leg20,21,22 CAN U-20 Preliminary Round 1st leg27, 28,29 1/8 Final CC & CL 1st leg27, 28,29 CAN U-17 1st Round 2nd Leg23 AFC v CAF Olympic Games play-off24 Olympic Games Draw

May 04,05,06 CAN U-20 Preliminary Round 2nd leg04,05,06 U-20 Women Third Round 1st leg11,12,13 1/8 Final CC & CL 2nd leg18,19,20 U-20 Women Third Round 2nd leg24, 25 FIFA Congress25,26,27 AWC First Round 1st Leg

June 01 to 05 World Cup 2014 group matches01 to 05 International match days08 to 12 World Cup 2014 group matches08 to 12 International match days15,16,17 CAN 2013 Qualifiers Preliminary Round Two 2nd Leg15,16,17 AWC First Round 2nd Leg 29,30 2nd 1/8 Final CC 1st leg

July 01 2nd 1/8 Final CC 1st leg06,07,08 CL Group matches13,14,15 2nd 1/8 Final CC 2nd leg20,21, 22 CL Group matches25 Women Olympic Games football begins26 Men Olympic Games football begins27,28,29 CAN U-20 First Round 1st leg

August03,04,05 CC & CL Group matches10,11,12 CAN U-20 First Round 2nd leg09 Women Olympic Games football ends11 Men Olympic Games football ends15 Friendly match days17,18,19 CC & CL Group matches18 FIFA U-20 Women World Cup begins24,25,26 CAN U-17 First Round 1st leg 31 CC & CL Group matches

September 01,02 CC & CL Group matches07,08,09 CAN 2013 First Round 1st leg07,08,09 CAN 2013 Qualifiers Preliminary Round Three 1st Leg07,08,09 CAN U-17 First Round 2nd leg07 to 11 International match days09 FIFA U-20 Women World Cup ends14,15,16 CC & CL Group matches21,22,23 CAN U-20 Second Round 1st leg22 FIFA U-17 Women World Cup begins28,29,30 CAN U-17 Second Round 1st leg

October 05,06,07 CC Group matches05,06,07 CL Semi-final 1st leg12,13,14 CAN 2013 Qualifiers Preliminary Round Three 2nd Leg12,13,14 CAN 2013 First Round 2nd leg12,13,14 CAN U-20 Second Round 2nd leg19,20,21 CC Group matches19,20,21 CL Semi-final 2nd leg26,27,28 CAN U-17 Second Round 2nd leg12 to 16 International match days13 FIFA U-17 Women World Cup ends

November 02,03,04 CL Finals 1st leg02,03,04 CC Semi-final 1st leg02 FIFA Futsal World Cup begins04 AWC begins09,10,11 CL Finals 2nd leg09,10,11 CC Semi-final 2nd leg16,17,18 CC Final 1st leg18 AWC ends18 FIFA Futsal World Cup begins23,24,25 CC Final 2nd leg30 CHAN Preliminary Round 1st leg

December 01,02 CHAN Preliminary Round 1st leg06 FIFA Club World Cup begins14,15,16 CHAN Preliminary Round 2nd leg16 FIFA Club World Cup ends

NB: AWC (Africa Women Championship)CL (Orange CAF Champions League)CC (Orange CAF Confederation Cup)CHAN (Orange African Nations Championship)CAN ( Orange Africa Cup of Nations)

CAF Calendar of Events and Matches 2012

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