Ghana 1 Libya 1

Ghana’s Black Stars maintained their winless status at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) after being held to a one all draw by Libya in their Group B clash on Wednesday at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE

Zimbabwe 1 Congo 1

The Warriors of Zimbabwe and the Leopard of DR Congo played to a one all draw in their Group B clash on Wednesday at the Stade de la Paix, Bouake at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The result opens up the group, and puts all teams in contention for a place at the next stage of the competition designed exclusively for footballers playing in their domestic.

DR Congo maintains her position at the apex with four points followed by Zimbabwe on two points, with Ghana and Libya, who play later at the same venue in that order.

Victory will have seen the Leopards become the first team to qualify for the semi-finals, but the outcome means they will know their fate after the final fixture against Ghana on Sunday.

The Warriors, who slumped to a two-goal lead in their opening clash against Zambia last Monday, again displayed an output that confirms their thirst for success at the novelty championship.

They had a bright start and could have been up by the fifth minute but Chirato Edmore and Philip Marifu blasted wide in the 3rd and 5th minutes respectively.

The Leopards, however were the first to score and dangerman Mputu Mabi ensured that on 19 minutes when he headed home from Bedi Mbenza pass at the edge of the Zimbabwe goal area.

The Warriors responded positively and Marufu drew parity with a header from a corner-kick on the 28th minute mark.

The Congolese was gifted with an opportunity to take the lead once again but Mbenza’s effort kissed the post.

The second half was a ding dong battle but the Congolese efforts towards the winner yielded no dividends.

In the 78th minute, Mputu’s screamer missed by inches and ten minutes later, substitute Mvete Luyeye headed wayward just in front of goal.

Zimbabwe will play Libya in their final game on Sunday at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan.

Tanzania's Taifa Stars beat Cote D'Ivore

Tanzania’s Taifa Stars handed hosts Cote D’Ivoire their second loss at the ongoing maiden edition of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) by beating them 1-0 on Wednesday in their Group A clash at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.

Striker Ngasa Mrisho’s 37th minute header completely killed off the hopes of the host nation at the tournament designed exclusively for local based footballers.
The result leaves Cote D’Ivoire firmly at the bottom of the group standings pointless and with no chance of making it to the next stage irrespective of the outcome of their final fixture against Senegal on Saturday.

For Tanzania, it serves a booster to their aspirations of progressing to the next stage, with the ultimate clash against leaders Zambia.

The game started on a high tempo with the Elephants launching consistent raids into the half of the Tanzanians, who matched them squarely.
Cheered by the home crowd, the Ivorian’s out-shadowed their opponents by holding onto the ball with the likes Karamoko Alassane, Guehi Kouko and N’gossan Antoine earning the applause of the fans with their skillful play.

The Tanzanians resorted to operating on the counter, and anytime they attacked the Ivorian defence was caught wanting.

The hosts were the first to come close to scoring but Diomande Herve’s header from Karamoko’s free-kick missed narrowly with Tanzania goalie Mohamed Shaban left sprawling.

Not even the consistent switch of tactics by the Elephants could yield the opener as the Tanzania midfield duo of Khalfan Nizar and Kigi Makasi thwarted most of their attacks.

During one of their counter moves upfront after foiling an Ivorian attack, Khalfan fetched Shindika Henry on the right, before the latter crossed to Ngasa who headed past Elephants goalie Angban Vincent for the only goal of the match.

The Ivorians resumed the second half strongly but the Tanzanian defence remained resolute.
Coach Georges Kouadio brought on Djebi Trazie and Bile Georges for Tanoh Jacques and Karamoko respectively in his quest to fortify his attack, but his strikers were always short of ideas in front of goal.

The latter stages of the saw the Ivorians multiply in attack, but the Taifa Stars rearguard defended gallantly to claim their first win of the Championship.

Quotes
Georges Kouadio (Coach, Cote D’Ivoire)
“I am very disappointed we lost again. We had never anticipated for such fortune during the competition.
“We attacked throughout the game, but the Tanzania defence was up to task. They were tactically better and deserved the victory.”

Marcio Maximo (Coach, Tanzania)
“My players were tactically disciplined and the result showed. My team is a young team with an average age of 22.
“The experience is very good for my team, and we will build on that in subsequent matches.”

Cote d’Ivoire vs Tanzania

Today matches will be as follows:

Cote d’Ivoire is playing Tanzania at 19:00

Zambia vs Senegal at 16:00

Tomorrow's matches ( February 26 )

02-26-2009 Zimbabwe vs RD Congo 15:00

02-26-2009 Libya vs Ghana 18:00

Goodluck to all teams

Ivory Coast must beat Tanzania to stay alive

Image redemption will be the main agenda on the minds of hosts Cote d’Ivoire as they face Tanzania in their second Group A clash on Wednesday at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The Elephants who were thrashed by the Chipolopolo of Zambia 3-0 in the opening match of the maiden edition of the tournament meant for players playing in their domestic leagues, and any result short of victory will be detrimental to their chances of progress.

The host team has also lost the confidence of their teeming fans who watched in disbelief as Zambia tore their team into shreds, and this places ample pressure on coach Georges Kouadio and his team to put a winsome performance to claim back the support.

Kouadio, who partly blamed the huge presence at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium in the opening match as a contributing factor to the inability of his players to live up to expectation, believes his players have overcome that pressure and anticipates a better display against the Tanzanians.
“We have to win against Tanzania to remain on course, and we are working feverishly towards that.”

The Taifa Stars also lost their opening match by a lone goal against the Teranga Lions of Senegal, and a replica of that result ends their ambitions at their second ever major continental championship.
Tanzania coach Marcio Maximo, who had tipped the hosts as one of the favourites envisages a tough test against the Elephants, who will have the fullest backing of the whole of Cote d’Ivoire.

“It is always difficult playing against the host nation at every tournament. We are not here to participate but to compete and make our mark.
“We lost the first game and we can’t afford another loss again. We must avoid another loss to remain in contention and we are doing everything possible in that regard."

For either of the two sides, any result other than victory will seriously hamper their chances.

In the other Group A match, Zambia and Senegal, both winners in the opening day will clash earlier national stadium with the aim to consolidate their grip on the top spot.

Fixtures
Zambia vs. Senegal
Tanzania vs. Cote d’Ivoire

CHAN Tornaments - DR Congo Beat Libya

The Leopards of DR Congo moved to the top of Group B courtesy a 2-0 victory over their Libyan counterparts on Monday in Bouake, at the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The clash which sums of the opening day matches of the maiden edition of the competition designed exclusively for footballers playing in their domestic leagues was largely dominated by the Leopards.

The result pushes DR Congo to the summit of the group standings on the maximum point, followed by Ghana and Zimbabwe on one point each with Libya at the bottom pointless.

The Congolese announced their thirst for a win from the onset and the attack marshaled by T.P. Mazembe striker Mputu Mabi kept the Libyan half busier with consistent onslaughts.

Despite dominating possession, it was the Libyans who managed to find the back of the net on 35 minutes through Abdusalem Nader, but it was ruled following an infringement in the build up.

The Leopards resumed the second on the same momentum and the Libyans will soon give-in. Mputu, was a consistent menace to the Libya rear and anytime he had the ball, the latter’s defence was compelled do more to overcome them.

In the 57th minute, Luyeye Mvete came close to breaking the deadlock but his connection from Mabi’s cross from the left missed narrowly.

A minute later, Kaluyituka opened scores by connecting from close range a cross from Mputu again.

The Libyans appeared worn-out following the consistent pressure and often fouled their markers, the penalty area inclusive.

Five minutes past the hour mark, Mputu earned his side a penalty after Libyan defender Younes Shibani had fouled him during one of his raids into their half, and Lofo Bongelli connected for the second goal.

The remainder was a ding dong battle, but the Congolese remained on top failed in their quest to increase their tally.

Congo next play Zimbabwe on Thursday, with Ghana engaging Libya.