African Football

AFCON 2023: Cape Verde advance to quarter-finals after 1-0 win over Mauritania

Published

3 years ago

January 30, 2024

Cape Verde advance to quarter-finals after 1-0 win over Mauritania.

Cape Verde clinched a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals for the second time in their history with a 1-0 victory over Mauritania, secured by captain Ryan Mendes’ late penalty on Monday.

The closely contested match in Abidjan appeared destined for extra time until a defensive error by Cheick Elwely led to a penalty, calmly converted by Mendes in the 88th minute.

Despite both teams creating chances throughout the game, the overall quality, especially in the final third, was lacking. Nevertheless, the atmosphere remained vibrant, with the majority of the crowd supporting Mauritania.

Mendes had a near-scoring opportunity in the ninth minute but narrowly missed the target with a delicate lob. The match became increasingly scrappy, with neither side gaining a clear advantage.

In the second half, Mauritania took control, but Aboubakary Koita’s direct free-kick went just over the crossbar. Souleymane Anne missed a crucial chance just before the hour mark, shooting high and wide.

As the clock winded down, Cape Verde intensified their efforts. Garry Rodrigues’ powerful shot forced a good save from Niasse, and Mendes’ glancing header from the resulting corner was well saved.

In the 88th minute, Elwely’s careless header set up Benchimol, who was fouled by Niasse. Mendes confidently converted the penalty, securing Cape Verde’s spot in the next round.

Despite a spirited performance from Mauritania, they couldn’t find an equalizer in the remaining 10 minutes of stoppage time.

Cape Verde’s victory sets up a quarter-final clash with either Morocco or South Africa on Saturday, marking their first knockout win at an AFCON.

Featured

GPL : All Blacks tame Kotoko, Medeama, Hearts of Oak win

Published

7 hours ago

October 13, 2026

Raphael Bannerman-Quartey

This week’s Ghana Premier League 2026/27 games produced incredible results across the various game venues.

Medeama SC thrashed Hearts of Lions at the TNA Park with a brace from Kingsley Braye (64’ and 66’), Emmanuel Annor, and Kingsley Braye, and a consolation from Kofi Mawutodzi Agbadji.

WEEK 6

Swedru All Blacks 1–0 Asante Kotoko
Scorer: Wiafe/Eric Darkwah (penalty, late).
Hearts of Oak 1–0 Port City FC
Scorer: Frank (Abora) Duku (header).
FC AshantiGold 1–0 FC Samartex
Scorer: Raphael Ankamah

Bechem United 4–2 Vision FC
Scorers (Bechem): Emmanuel Kobi (39’), Yaw Acheampong (62’), Kofi Tompuo (87’), own goal (stoppage time).
Scorers (Vision): Benjamin Kwarteng (47’), Ruben Quaye (51’).
Berekum Chelsea 3–0 Debibi United
Scorers: Stephen Kwakye, Dramani Awuah, Emmanuel Ofosu.
Bibiani Gold Stars 2–0 Basake Holy Stars
Scorer: Kwame Opoku 2x
Karela United 1–0 Dreams FC
Scorer: Malik Abubakar
Medeama SC 3–1 Heart of Lions
Scorers (Medeama): Emmanuel Annor (28’), Kingsley Braye (64’ and 66’).
– Kofi Mawutodzi Agbadji
Young Apostles 1–0 Aduana FC
Scorer: Samuel Prempeh (penalty, first half).

Featured

Kapor laments about Ghanaian pitches

Published

9 hours ago

October 13, 2026

Raphael Bannerman-Quartey

Hearts head coach Nebojša Kapor has lamented the infrastructure problems in Ghanaian football.

Hearts of Oak secured a crucial 1-0 win over Port City FC at the University of Ghana Stadium on Sunday, ending a three-match winless run in the Ghana Premier League.

Frank Duku’s 20th-minute goal was enough to separate the sides and hand the Phobians three points against the newly promoted outfit.

Despite the win, head coach Nebojša Kapor was left frustrated about the poor state of the Legon pitch.

“This is not our stadium; it’s a national stadium. Ghana football has serious problems with proper pitches,” Kapor said after the match.

The Serbian tactician’s remarks reflect growing frustration among coaches over the quality of playing surfaces across the league.

The Phobias have adopted the University of Ghana as their temporary home venue for the Ghana Premier League.

Hearts of Oak will play Vision FC in the next league game away from home.

Featured

“I came to win” – Chris Ennin reflects on loss to Hearts of Oak

Published

2 days ago

October 11, 2026

Raphael Bannerman-Quartey

Port City FC head coach Ennin Christopher admitted the pain of defeat after his side fell 1-0 to Accra Hearts of Oak in the Ghana Premier League on Sunday.

Frank Abora Duku’s 20th-minute strike proved decisive as the Phobians secured a hard-fought home victory.

Reflecting on the result, Ennin stated his ambitions prior to the game was to win.

“I didn’t come here to draw; I came to win. So, losing is painful, but that’s football,” the Port City coach said.

Before the game, they occupied the 3rd spot on the log and were looking to continue that feat against Hearts tonight.

They will hope to regroup as they face off with Dreams FC in Kukurantumi next week.