Welcome to a new day, Football faithful, and before we get into yesterday’s results and what we can look forward to in AFCON 2015 Group A action today, let’s check out some tournament news out of Bata. Reports coming out of Equatorial Guinea are that the tournament is faring rather well considering the last minute preparations that have had to be carried out. Just 2 months to prepare for Africa’s biggest footballing event and major problems have been kept to a minimum. Quality of hotels and the state of the pitches have been the major points of concern. One thing to be noted is that despite the struggles, teams have kept good spirits and are making choices to enjoy themselves, despite the challenges. That is after all what makes this tournament great. You need to have the right attitude and beat the odds, on and off the field.
Let’s get to yesterday’s on-field action. In the opening game of the Group D matches, Ivory Coast and Guinea played to a 1-1 draw. Ivory Coast played with only 10 men for part of the 2nd half and with Guinea being considered the underdogs, the result must be rather pleasing to the men who have had to play all of their qualifying matches at a neutral venue because of the threats of the Ebola Virus back home. Mohamed Yattara’s first half goal gave us the thoughts of a possible upset, but Ivorian, Doumbia, struck back in the 73rd minute to level matters. The Guineans looked like they might cause an upset and must be regretting the missed opportunities, but 1- all is how it ended. Check out the video highlights, courtesy of Supersport.com
Mali and Cameroon also played to a 1-1 draw in Malabo. The first half was goalless but the Eagles were the first to appear on the scoreboard thanks to a strike from Sambou Yatabare. The equaliser came from Indomitable Lion’s Ambroise Oyongo to see the points being shared. Mali looked like the better team in the opening half and thanks to Cameroon keeper, Fabrice Ondoa and his fine saves, his team were able to at least salvage a point from the encounter. Supersport.com has the highlights, here.
So, to today’s action: The host team, with its loud and boisterous fans, preparing to fill the Bata Stadium, are there to support Equatorial Guinea who are up against 2013 finalists, Burkina Faso. We know they will be hoping above hopes for an upset. In the other match, Group A leaders Gabon, are up against Republic of Congo.
Enjoy the exciting football action, and check back tomorrow for all the details. Why not also drop a comment in the space below; we’d love to know which team you are supporting!