AFCON 2015: Renard Getting the Best out of Young Elephants

At the Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday, Herve Renard and his young Ivory Coast side learned that revenge is a dish best served cold. The Elephants were trounced by Cameroon, 4-1, in the qualifiers in September, but they had the last laugh as they eliminated the Indomitable Lions from the 2015 Afcon following a superb Max Gradel goal. Since that unhappy defeat in Yaounde, new coach Renard has overseen... 

After Beating Algeria, Are Ghana Genuine AFCON Contenders?

Avram Grant’s Ghana were one of the biggest disappointments of the first round of Africa Cup of Nations group-stage matches. The Black Stars started well against Senegal, exploiting the space ahead of the Teranga Lions’ defence and enjoying large spells of possession. However, despite opening the scoring through an Andre Ayew penalty, they were unable to capitalise on their early dominance. In... 

Cameroon vs. Ivory Coast and the AFCON Group-Stage Matches to Watch

At the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, the four groups carry particular intrigue and the first round should be packed with engrossing matches. This is not least because of the lopsided nature of the draw, which ensures a number of genuinely blockbuster contests in the opening week of action. By the same token, however, a number of less-heralded sides, receiving succour from avoiding the big dogs, may approach... 

Why Alex Song Retirement Represents a Major Failure for Cameroon

As is increasingly the case ahead of a major international tournament, African national team’s squad announcements are accompanied by player retirements. Ahead of the 2013 Cup of Nations, Ghana’s Ayew brothers, Andre and Jordan, called time on their Black Stars careers after being ignored by Kwesi Appiah. Before the 2014 World Cup, Seydou Doumbia of the Ivory Coast decided to withdraw himself... 

AFCON Pendulum Swings Back to South Africa as Fallen Champs Nigeria Lick Wounds

Finally, for the first time since their opening Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against the Republic of Congo, Nigeria had their destiny in their own hands. Having beaten the Republic of Congo 2-0 away in their penultimate match, Nigeria knew they just needed to get a better result at home against already-qualified South Africa than the Red Devils managed away against Sudan. Admittedly, South Africa... 

Why Senegal Must Pick Diafra Sakho

Despite his superb start to life in the Premier League, Diafra Sakho was overlooked by Senegal manager Alain Giresse for the team’s recent Cup of Nations double-header against Tunisia. Following his excellent form in England, however, the French manager must make the striker a key feature of the Senegal side before it is too late. Sakho has taken the Premier League by storm since arriving at... 

Yaya Toure’s Manchester City Form Threatens Ivory Coast Rebuilding Operation

Anyone who still believes in the fallacy of immortality in football ought to take a look at Yaya Toure. At the end of last season, the Ivorian midfielder was untouchable at Manchester City. He had just scored 20 goals in the Premier League, becoming only the second central midfielder (after Frank Lampard) to hit the 20-goal mark in the EPL era. His goals had also brought a tangible reward as City claimed... 

Ranking the 5 Best South African Footballers of All Time

This article celebrates the greatest South African footballers of all time. Bafana Bafana may have fallen on hard times, having failed to qualify for the last three World Cup finals, but they can look back on an extensive history and a number of superb footballers. In compiling this list, we have only considered those players who represented the national side, in any guise. Thus, Liverpool’s... 

5 Algerian Players Who Will Earn Money Moves This Summer on Back of World Cup

Interest in Algerian players is high following the Desert Foxes’ excellent summer showing in Brazil. The North Africans were defeated—narrowly—by Belgium but still advanced from Group H behind the Red Devils after securing four points from matches with South Korea and Russia. Their 4-2 victory over the Koreans represented the first-ever time that an African nation had scored four... 

If True, Cameroon Allegations May Be the Greatest Shame to Hit African Football

It feels like a case of one step forward, two steps back for African football. No sooner had Algeria bowed out after a gallant, at times dazzling effort against Germany in their first-ever World Cup knockout match, than the headlines had taken their lustre away. The latest news continues a trend. Almost all of Africa’s notable achievements this summer have been overshadowed by controversy and... 

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