Cameroon edge Zambia in Cup of Nations thriller

January 18, 2010

Cameroon edged Zambia 3-2 in an Africa Cup of Nations Group D thriller at Tundavala Stadium on Sunday to revive hopes of winning the tournament for a fifth time.

Substitute Mohamadou Idrissou headed the 86th-minute winner to complete a late scoring flurry in which Cameroon struck twice within five minutes to snatch the lead only for Zambia to level from a penalty.

Geremi and Samuel Eto’o were the other marksmen for the winners while Jacob Mulenga gave Zambia an early lead and captain Christopher Katongo levelled from a spotkick with nine minutes left.

Gabon, who fought out a dour goalless draw with Tunisia in the first half of a double header, lead the pool with four points. Cameroon have three, Tunisia two and Zambia one ahead of the final mini-league fixtures next Thursday.

“We can become better, but we started from a low base,” commented coach Paul Le Guen, who took over Cameroon when they were last in their World Cup/Africa Cup of Nations qualifying group.

The former Lyon, Paris Saint-Germain and Rangers boss added: “We found ourselves in difficulty here because Zambia play really well. The first half was very tough for us. Afterwards things got better but I know they’re good and that we were fortunate to win and to take the three points.”

The Frenchman made two changes from the team shocked 1-0 by Gabon in their opening match, with midfielder Stephane Mbia and striker Tchoyi Somen replacing Landry Nguemo and Achille Webo.

Zambia, also coached by a Frenchman in Herve Renard, stuck with the side that led Tunisia before having to settle for a 1-1 draw in a match they could easily have won.

The Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets) needed no incentive to beat the Indomitable Lions, having suffered a humiliating 5-1 defeat against them at the same stage of the last Nations Cup in Ghana two years ago.

Renard had warned his squad that there is nothing more dangerous than a wounded lion and they heeded his advice by snapping at the feet of their more illustrious opponents from the kick-off.

The in-your-face approach of a country trying to reach the second round for the first time since 1996 paid off after only eight minutes when Netherlands-based Mulenga struck.

This goal once again exposed Cameroon as a team prone to slapstick defending, with a careless Geremi pass intercepted by Felix Katongo, who burst past the veteran defender and crossed from the left.

Rigobert Song, another long-serving defender who was held responsible for the Gabon goal, headed the ball against his goalkeeper Carlos Kameni as he attempted to avert danger and the rebound fell to Mulenga who tapped it home.

Cameroon boasted an attack starring three-time African Footballer of the Year Eto’o, but Zambia goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene was not tested until the 36th minute when he reacted swiftly to push away a Jean Makoun drive.

A double save from Kameni soon after saved Cameroon from falling further behind as he parried a Rainford Kalaba free-kick and got up quickly to foil Katongo, who reached the rebound first.

The second-half goal deluge began on 68 minutes when an innocuous Geremi cross from the touchline crept under the body of Mweene into the far corner before Eto’o blocked a clearance to fire his team in front four minutes later.

Katongo equalised when Mulenga was sent flying by Kameni only for Idrissou to soar above Stoppila Sunzu and head wide of Mweene to give Cameroon their third triumph over Zambia in four Nations Cup clashes.

LUBANGO, Angola (AFP)

Tags: achille webo, africa cup of nations, Angola, cameroon, captain Christopher Katongo, carlos kameni, coach paul, double header, Felix Katongo, fifth time, Gabon, geremi, Germain, ghana, herve renard, indomitable lions, jacob mulenga, jean makoun, Lyon, marksmen, mbia, minute winner, nations cup, nations group, netherlands, PARIS, paris saint germain, Paul Le, paul le guen, qualifying group, rangers, samuel eto, samuel eto o, somen, stephane mbia, Tundavala Stadium, Zambia

Villarreal finally win away as Llorente sinks Atletico

December 14, 2009

Villarreal finally recorded their first away win of the season coming from behind to win 2-1 at Atletico Madrid on Sunday thanks to Joseba Llorente’s last minute winner.

Portuguese international Simao had shot Atletico into a first half lead but David Fuster equalised early in the second period and both sides had chances before Llorente bundled in a 90th minute header to stun the home fans at the Vicente Calderon.

It boosts Villarreal’s chances of European football after enduring the worst start in their history and the club climb to 10th. For Atletico it was a seventh defeat of the campaign and they lie just a point above the relegation zone.

Atletico were without top-scorer Sergio “Kun” Aguero due to injury but winger Simao opened the scoring on 36 minutes. Simao ran onto a great pass from Jose Antonio Reyes and showed good composure to curl home into the corner.

Maxi Rodriguez missed a golden chance to make it 2-0 close to half-time and Villarreal responded by equalising three minutes after the interval with Fuster heading in from close range after some poor defending.

Substitute Llorente then popped up with the winner in stoppage time and Atletico jeered their losing team off after the final whistle.

Earlier Real Mallorca finally notched their first away win of the season with a 1-0 triumph at Osasuna on Sunday to move level on points with fourth-placed Sevilla in the Spanish league standings.

Incredibly Mallorca had never won against Osasuna in Pamplona before but Gonzalo Castro’s fantastic left-footed strike ended that hoodoo and left coach Gregorio Manzano a happy man.

“We have put an end to this poor run which had lasted 17 years and this is a great day for Mallorca because we broke this jinx at a stadium where we had never won before,” said Manzano.

Deportivo La Coruna were leapfrogged by Mallorca after a 1-1 draw at Almeria, as they missed the chance to take advantage of Valencia’s 3-2 loss to Real Madrid on Saturday.

Depor could have moved level on points with third-placed Valencia but had to settle for a point that drops them to sixth place after substitute Pablo Alvarez cancelled out Kalu Uche’s opener.

Elsewhere, Xerez stay rooted to the bottom of the table, six points from safety, after a 3-2 loss at Racing Santander.

Racing moved out of the bottom three with the win, at the expense of Real Zaragoza, who fired coach Marcelino following Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat by Athletic Bilbao.

Barcelona will be be top of the table for Christmas after a 1-0 derby win over Espanyol on Saturday in their final league match of 2009 and now head to the FIFA World Club Cup in Abu Dhabi looking for a sixth trophy inside a year.

“It wasn’t a great game but the three points are what count,” said Barca captain Carles Puyol. “Now we need to focus on the World Club Championship. It is an important tournament for us.”

Real Madrid are five points behind Barca with a game in hand after beating Valencia 3-2 on Saturday but it came at a cost with key defender Pepe sustaining a cruciate knee injury that is expected to rule him out for the rest of the season.

“Pepe is irreplaceable,” said Real general director Jorge Valdano. “There is no-one on the market like him but from tomorrow (Monday) we will discuss if we need to bring someone in.”

Sevilla are also in action later on Sunday, hoping to move back above Valencia into third with a win at high-flying Sporting Gijon.

MADRID (AFP)

Tags: abu dhabi, aguero, atletico madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao, David Fuster, depor, deportivo la coruna, golden chance, home fans, hoodoo, Jorge Valdano, jose antonio reyes, la coruna, llorente, losing team, MADRID, marcelino, minute header, minute winner, Pablo Alvarez, real madrid, real mallorca, relegation zone, santander, Sergio, SEVILLA, Simao, spanish league, stoppage time, top scorer, Valencia, Vicente Calderon, Zaragoza

Supersub Ibrahimovic wins Clasico for 10-man Barca

November 30, 2009

Swedish supersub Zlatan Ibrahimovic was the hero as 10-man Barcelona defeated Real Madrid 1-0 in an enthralling ‘El Clasico’ at Camp Nou to move top of the table by two points on Sunday.

Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, who was exceptional, both started but it was Ibrahimovic, back from injury, who stole the limelight volleying in a 56th minute winner just five minutes after coming on.

“It is such a great feeling especially after just coming back from injury,” beamed Ibrahimovic. “The cross from Dani (Alves) was brilliant and I just slotted it in.”

Barca were reduced to 10 men when Sergi Busquets stupidly handballed just after the hour mark and needed some heroics from captain Carles Puyol

Real missed some clear-cut chances with Ronaldo spurning a glorious chance to put Real ahead after just 19 minutes.

“We had so many chances so I don’t think 1-0 is a fair result,” said Real captain Iker Casillas. “I don’t really care about the image we portrayed I care about winning games but the luck wasn’t with us tonight.”

It was a third successive Clasico win for Barca who are still unbeaten this season and nudge Real off the summit holding a two-point lead over their rivals.

Ronaldo started for the first time since the end of September with his ankle holding up. Karim Benzema dropped to the bench and was joined by captain Raul.

Barcelona started with Messi who shrugged off a thigh strain but Ibrahimovic was on the bench with a thigh strain of his own so Thierry Henry kept his place in attack.

It was touted as the Clasico between Real’s ‘Galacticos’, the most expensive team on the planet, and the homegrown talent of Barca’s ‘cantera’ who the most successful team on the planet last season when they won a unique treble.

Real were second best in terms of possession and Messi looked match fit as he thrust at the Real defence twisting Pepe inside out but Henry’s poor low shot ended the danger.

Barca were passing like they can do but Real were looking the more dangerous.

On 19 minutes Ronaldo should have scored after Kaka cut inside before sliding the ball across goal but Ronaldo’s side-footed shot was saved brilliantly by Victor Valdes using his trailing foot.

It was then Puyol’s turn for a heroic block to deny Marcelo on 29 minutes.

Ibrahimovic came on for Henry minutes into the second half and had an immediate impact on his Clasico debut scoring the opener five minutes after coming on.

Dani Alves curled a delightful ball across the face of goal and Ibrahimovic arrived on cue guiding a left-footed volley past Casillas.

Barca looked in control but Busquets was then sent off for handball just after the hour mark and Pep Guardiola was furious with his midfielder.

Real threw on Benzema but Barca should have made it 2-0 only for Gerard Pique to head wide.

Down to ten men Barca still attacked although Real had chances with Ronaldo heading over and Puyol producing another great block to thwart Benzema.

Real substitute Raul skied from right in front of goal while Casillas pulled off a wonder save to deny Messi at the death.

Madrid’s Lass Diarra was sent off in the closing stages for hacking down Xavi after Barca pinged the ball about like they were in training.

Earlier former Real Madrid striker Roberto Soldado scored his second hat-trick of the season as Getafe heaped more misery on bottom side Xerez with a 5-1 thrashing on Sunday.

Xerez took the lead but Soldado equalised on 44 minutes and then netted his second 60 seconds later from the penalty spot.

To make matters worse Xerez had David Prieto sent off for giving away the penalty.

Getafe exploited the numerical advantage scoring three times in as many minutes with Soldado wrapping up his hat-trick.

It was a second treble for the striker following his hat-trick in a 4-1 win over Racing Santander.

In other matches, Deportivo La Coruna moved level on points with Valencia in fourth thanks to a 1-0 win at Racing Santander.

Atletico Madrid are also in action later when they host Espanyol at the Vicente Calderon.

MADRID (AFP)

Tags: camp nou, cantera, carles puyol, Casillas, cristiano ronaldo, galacticos, homegrown talent, Karim Benzema, limelight, lionel messi, minute winner, rivals, ronaldo, successful team, supersub, thierry henry, thigh strain

Pato steals Kaka limelight as Milan down Real

October 22, 2009

Emerging Brazilian star Alexandre Pato outshone compatriot Kaka scoring twice as AC Milan defeated Real Madrid 3-2 in the Group C Champions League match at a rain-soaked Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday.

Kaka was the main attraction as he faced Milan for the first time since leaving the club for Real in the summer but it was the 20-year-old Pato, touted as his successor, who took the headlines scoring an 88th minute winner to inflict Real’s first European defeat of the season as Milan joined Real on six points at the top of the group.

Real led through Raul’s 19th goal following a terrible howler from Milan goalkeeper Dida, but Milan scored twice in four minutes through Andrea Pirlo (62) and Pato (64) to turn the game on its head.

Dutch midfielder Roysten Drenthe thought he was Real’s saviour with a 76th minute equaliser to delight the fans who have often jeered him but Pato struck again in the dying minutes of the game with a clinical finish.

Real travel to Milan on November 3 for the next group match with Milan now slight favourites to win the group due to home advantage.

All eyes were on Kaka before kick-off as the Brazilian, a 65-million-euro capture from Milan, faced the club where he made his name before Milan’s financial problems persuaded him to leave.

It was also an emotional night for 33-year-old Dutch midfielder Clarence Seedorf who returned to Real with whom he won the 1998 Champions League.

With Cristiano Ronaldo, top-scorer in this season’s Champions League, out injured Karim Benzema started alongside veteran Raul up front.

Real coach Manuel Pellegrini played down Ronaldo’s absence.

“We had the game under control and it all changed suddenly in a few minutes,” said Pellegrini.

“We need our best players and Cristiano (Ronaldo) is one of them but we didn’t lose because he wasn’t playing. We lost because we made defensive mistakes and got punished by an experienced Milan team.”

Drenthe added: “I don’t think our confidence is low. We have a good team here and we will try to go to Milan and win there and progress to the next round.”

Milan coach Leonardo’s starting line-up was very attack-minded with Brazilians Ronaldinho and Pato providing the supply line for predator Filippo Inzaghi.

Real old boy Klaas-Jan Huntelaar, sold after just seven months at the club, had to be content with a place on the bench on his return to the Spanish capital.

It was a low-key opening as both sides felt each other out with jeers for former Barca player Ronaldinho, wearing the number 80 shirt, and a penalty shout for a foul on Benzema.

Milan goalkeeper Dida had little to do and looked to have everything under control in saving Raul’s tame shot after 19 minutes. Dida held the shot but then inexplicably dropped the ball into Raul’s path for the disbelieving captain to stroke home.

At the other end Real custodian Iker Casillas could have gone into the stands to watch the game with Milan failing to muster a single shot in the first half.

Kaka had been quiet but came to life at the beginning of the second half zipping a shot just wide and then forcing a save from Dida who was desperate to atone for his gaffe.

Real were trying to force the issue for a second goal with Milan looking marginally more threatening and in the 62nd minute Pirlo equalised out of the blue. The Italy World Cup winner caught Casillas off-guard with a fierce dipping shot from 30 yards out.

Two minutes later Casillas mistimed coming out of his goal, missed the ball, and Pato rolled into an empty net. However, substitute Drenthe equalised 12 minutes later with a left-footed drive in a frantic spell.

Both teams had goals disallowed in the closing stages and Milan were incensed with the referee with ex-Madrid star Seedorf playing the peacemaker role. Pato then had the final say, striking two minutes from time, to gift victory to the seven-time European champions.

MADRID (AFP)

Tags: ac milan, andrea pirlo, clarence seedorf, compatriot, defensive mistakes, dida, emotional night, equaliser, home advantage, main attraction, manuel pellegrini, milan team, minute winner, old dutch, real madrid, real travel, roysten drenthe, santiago bernabeu, top scorer

Mowbray not concered at Celtic home form

October 18, 2009

Tony Mowbray says he isn’t concerned by Celtic’s home form after watching his side lose top spot in the Scottish Premier League following a goalless draw against Motherwell.

The Celtic coach was visibly frustrated after watching his side waste a host of chances against Jim Gannon’s side, who also held Rangers to a goalless draw at Fir Park earlier in the season.

The pressure was on the Hoops going into the game after Old Firm rivals Rangers moved top of the league with a 2-1 away win to St Johnstone but the shot-shy Celtic strikers could not find a way past a well-organised Motherwell defence.

The result means that the Hoops have won just two of the seven games played at Celtic Park in all competitions so far this season.

Along with the draw against Motherwell the Bhoys have dropped points to Dundee United, lost to Arsenal and Dynamo Moscow in the Champions League and needed a last-minute winner to see off Hearts.

Celtic face German giants Hamburg at Parkhead on Thursday as they attempt to kick-start their Europa League campaign but Mowbray shrugged off suggestions of a crisis in confidence at home.

“You can massage the stats all you want. I think we have drawn against Dundee United and now Motherwell,” Mowbray said.

“I’m not interested in Arsenal at home in the Champions League or Moscow. You can throw stats at me all you want but our league form is fine.

“It’s the first time we’ve failed to score a goal in the league this season. I defy anyone to say there was a lack of effort and lack of determination about the way the team went about the job.

“If we had scored two of our 15 efforts on goal we would have been sitting here saying job done, let’s move on to next week.

“But we missed them so we are disappointed and frustrated. The centre-halves have kept a clean sheet today after a little bit of flak they have taken in recent weeks so the strikers might score a hatful next week.”

Rangers had to come back from a goal down at St Johnstone after falling behind to a 17th-minute strike from Collin Samuel and Gers boss Walter Smith praised his opponents’ industriousness.

“We were always going to have to work hard for a win today and St Johnstone made us do that,” he said.

“In spells they played well and so did we play well in spells.

“Although St Johnstone had possession of the ball at times, there weren’t that many opportunities for either side.”

The champions hauled themselves level shortly before half-time through Kris Boyd before Bosnian defender Sasa Papac secured all three points with a fine curling shot in the 83rd minute.

“It was a good finish for a full-back, getting himself into that position,” said Smith. “Last season and this season Sasa Papac has shown he is capable of getting forward.

“That’s back-to-back wins for us and that is something we have struggled to do this season and hopefully we can keep it going.

“We’re struggling to find consistency of performance but the signs are getting better with each game.”

GLASGOW (AFP)

Tags: bhoys, Boyd, celtic park, champions league, Collin Samuel, dundee united, dynamo moscow, Europa, Fir Park, flak, giants, Glasgow, Hamburg, hoops, jim gannon, league campaign, minute winner, Moscow, motherwell, parkhead, premier league, rivals, Scottish Premier League, seven games, st johnstone, strikers, tony mowbray, walter smith

Marseille suffer in shock defeat

September 26, 2009

Marseille’s build-up to their crucial Champions League assignment at mighty Real Madrid in midweek suffered an embarrassing setback on Saturday when they slumped to a 3-2 defeat at humble Valenciennes, twice surrendering a lead.

The defeat also cost Didier Deschamps’s team the chance to take over top spot in the French first division.

They remain in third place, two points behind leaders and champions Bordeaux, who tackle Rennes on Sunday while Lyon can go top later Saturday with victory over Toulouse.

Former Real Madrid and Liverpool striker Fernando Morientes started his first match for Marseille since his summer switch from Valencia and the former Spanish international star opened the scoring in the 13th minute after good work by Lucho and Brandao.

Milan Bisevac levelled for Valenciennes seven minutes later after Marseille goalkeeper Steve Mandanda could only parry a sharp drive from Rafael.

Mamadou Niang restored Marseille’s lead in the 22nd minute after a corner from Benoit Cheyrou wasn’t cleared.

In the 28th minute Valenciennes, who thumped Sochaux 5-2 last weekend, were level for the second time with David Ducourtioux planting a diving header past Mandanda.

The match looked to be heading for a draw until Brazilian defender Rafael headed Valenciennes’ winner seven minutes from time.

Unheralded Montpellier share third spot with Marseille after Nenad Dzodic headed a 78th-minute winner at home to promoted Boulogne for a 1-0 win.

Paris St Germain, held to a home 1-1 draw by Lyon last week, lost further ground in the title race when they drew 1-1 at Lorient.

Arnold Mvuemba gave Lorient a 40th-minute lead but Guillaume Hoarau levelled for PSG in first-half injury-time.

Monaco are just behind PSG in seventh place on goal difference after losing 2-1 at home to Saint Etienne for whom Argentine striker Gonzalo Bergessio scored a last-minute goal.

Hapless Grenoble suffered their seventh defeat in seven outings and are rooted to the bottom of the table without a point.

PARIS (AFP)

Tags: benoit cheyrou, brandao, didier deschamps, fernando morientes, goal difference, injury time, international star, Lucho, mamadou, minute goal, minute winner, paris st germain, psg, real madrid, saint etienne, sochaux, Steve Mandanda, summer switch, valenciennes

Puerto Rico, Cruz Azul set for 2009 semifinal rematch

September 15, 2009

In a rematch of last year’s CONCACAF Champions League semifinals, the Puerto Rico Islanders will host Cruz Azul on Tuesday night in Bayamon.

While the Islanders, which were eliminated last year on penalty kicks, would love their revenge, Puerto Rico is playing for Champions League survival after failing to secure a point in its first two matches.

After three consecutive victories following a 3-1 loss to Deportivo Saprissa in their Champions League match, the Islanders have dropped back-to-back United Soccer Leagues First Division matches. A 5-2 drubbing by Minnesota was followed by a 2-1 road defeat to the Carolina RailHawks on Saturday.

In third place in the USL-1, Puerto Rico has just one game remaining in their regular season, heading to South Florida to take on Miami FC Blues Saturday night.

Goalkeeper Bill Gaudette, who was suspended for the Islanders last group match because of yellow card accumulation, has missed the last two league matches because of a knee injury. The American, though, is expected to play against Cruz Azul.

The Islanders have also lost Domenic Mediate and Sandy Gbandi to injury.

“We cannot make excuses. We must move forward,” Puerto Rico coach Colin Clarke said. “Now comes the important part of the season as the playoffs begin. We also have a great game on Tuesday, which I think we need to win to get through the group stage.”

Cruz Azul will come in confident, especially after a 1-0 victory on Saturday against Atlas at Estadio Jalisco. Mario Ortiz scored the dramatic 90th-minute winner for La Maqunia, which is one point in front of Santos in the Mexican Apertura’s Group 3. Cruz Azul has won three straight league games.

Saprissa and the Columbus Crew are tied with three points apiece in Group B and they’ll clash at the Monster’s Cave in San Jose, Costa Rica on Wednesday night.

On Sunday, Saprissa rallied from an early deficit to draw 1-1 with Herediano at Estadio Rosabel Cordero. Armando Alonso Rodriguez struck for the equalizer in the 42nd minute for Saprissa, which remains unbeaten in Costa Rica’s Invierno 2009.

On an Eddie Gaven stoppage time penalty kick, the Columbus Crew defeated the Houston Dynamo 2-1 Sunday at Crew Stadium. Columbus maintains a three point advantage over the Chicago Fire in the MLS Eastern Conference and now move two points in front of Houston in the race for the Supporters Shield, awarded to the regular-season champion.

It was a contentious match, which saw both teams have a man sent off after an altercation between Columbus’ Adam Moffat and United States international Ricardo Clark of Houston in the 82nd minute. Gaven’s PK was also hotly disputed and reportedly words were exchanged between Crew star Guillermo Barros Schelotto and Houston coach Dominic Kinnear in the tunnel after the match.

“We won. That is more important, not what is said by the Houston coach” Schelotto said. “It’s his problem, not my problem. We played very good, better than them and we won.”

By Dylan Butler

Tags: Adam Moffat, armando alonso, Armando Alonso Rodriguez, Bill Gaudette, Carolina Railhawks, Chicago, colin clarke, COLUMBUS, concacaf champions league, consecutive victories, cruz azul, Dominic Kinnear, Dylan Butler, Eastern Conference, eddie gaven, estadio jalisco, gaudette, Gaven, Guillermo Barros, herediano, Houston, league survival, mario ortiz, mexican apertura, Minnesota, minute winner, Puerto Rico, puerto rico islanders, Ricardo Clark, rosabel, Rosabel Cordero, San Jose, san jose costa rica, Sandy Gbandi, Santos, saprissa, Schelotto, South Florida, straight league, united soccer leagues, United States, usl 1

Trapattoni hails ‘important’ win

September 6, 2009

Giovanni Trapattoni insisted that his Republic of Ireland team deserved its 2-1 World Cup qualifier win in Cyprus after Robbie Keane’s late winner which keeps the Republic’s World Cup hopes on track.

And Trapattoni was delighted after the game.

“It was very important to win because Bulgaria and Italy won today,” said the Republic manager.

“We began very well but after 15 minutes lost the midfield. But I think in the second half we deserved to win.”

The Irish head into their remaining games – against the Italians and Montenegro at Croke Park next month – knowing second place is there for the taking, and top spot is not beyond them.

Trapattoni’s side have played a game more than both Italy and the Bulgarians but remain just a point adrift of the world champions and five ahead of the third-placed outfit.

The Republic manager added:”It was important to remain in our position in the group.”

After his team’s “good start”, Trapattoni felt that both the Nicosia heat and “fear” had inhibited the Irish.

The Italian will travel to his native country to see the world champions in action against Bulgaria on Wednesday evening.

“It’s important to see Italy’s physical condition and I will be able to see their new players as well.”

Trapattoni acknowledged that he will be hoping for a draw in Wednesday’s game.

Republic captain and goalscoring hero Keane accepted that the visitors had “made hard work” of the contest.

“When you go a goal up early on, you need the second goal to secure it but we didn’t get that,” said Keane.

“They got the goal and it was a good strike but we knew in the dressing-room at half-time that we were kind of on top and that if we dug deep, we would get the result.

“You have to give Cyprus credit. They are a decent side.”

Keane’s headed the Republic’s 83rd-minute winner after a Damien Duff cross.

“We were always a threat from crosses because they are not the biggest team,” continued Keane.

“I was lucky enough to get on the end of it.

“We have put ourselves in a good position and we just need to keep going now.”

Tags: bulgaria, bulgarians, Croke Park, crosses, Cyprus, Damien Duff, decent side, dressing room, game republic, giovanni trapattoni, goo, ireland team, irish head, italians, midfield, minute winner, Montenegro, Nicosia, remaining games, republic of ireland, Robbie Keane, wednesday evening, world champions, World Cup

Hassan keeps Egypt´s World Cup hopes

September 5, 2009

Ahmed Hassan kept African champions Egypt in the hunt for a 2010 World Cup place by scoring the goal that defeated Rwanda 1-0 in Kigali Saturday.

The 34-year-old midfielder from Cairo giants Al-Ahly hammered an Ahmed Fathi pass into the net on 68 minutes before a near-capacity crowd at the 35,000-seat Amahoro Stadium in the Rwandan capital.

Victory lifted the ‘Pharaohs’ to seven points from four Group C qualifiers, level with fierce rivals Algeria, who host Zambia Sunday and are expected to triumph in Blida.

It was a must-win game for Egypt, who have lifted the African Nations Cup a record six times but qualified for the World Cup only twice with their last appearance 19 years ago in Italy.

The North Africans came close to scoring a few times in the opening half and then withstood an early second-half Rwandan attacking flurry before Hassan gave Egypt a double over Rwanda having won 3-0 in Cairo two months ago.

Goalkeeper Jean-Claude Ndori deprived Egypt of a second goal in stoppage time with a brave advance to block a Sayed Moawad shot at the expense of a corner.

Substitute Chiukepo Msowoya scored twice after coming on at half-time as Malawi came from behind to defeat Guinea 2-1 in a Group E game between World Cup also-rans.

Oumar Kalabane put the West Africans ahead seven minutes before half-time at the Kamuzu Stadium in Blantyre, Msowoya levelled a minute after half-time and snatched the 58th-minute winner.

Ivory Coast (nine points) and Burkina Faso (six), who clash later Saturday in Abidjan, have dominated the section while Guinea and Malawi have three each as they contest third place.

The five group winners join hosts South Africa at the first World Cup to be staged in Africa while the top three finishers in each mini-league go to the 2010 Nations Cup in Angola.

JOHANNESBURG (AFP)

Tags: 19 years, Abidjan, Africa, african champions, african nations cup, Ahmed Fathi, ahmed hassan, al ahly, algeria, Amahoro Stadium, Angola, blantyre, Blida, burkina faso, Cairo, capacity crowd, Egypt, group winners, Guinea, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jean-Claude Ndori, johannesburg, Kamuzu Stadium, kigali, minute winner, north africans, pharaohs, Rwanda, rwandan capital, seven points, South Africa, stoppage time, west africans, Zambia

Newcastle, West Brom escape in League Cup drama

August 27, 2009

Newcastle and West Bromwhich Albion, both relegated from the English Premier League last season, escaped an early League Cup exit on Wednesday as they edged seven-goal thrillers.

Both sides have made an impressive start to the Championship campaign but they were caught cold as Huddersfield and Rotherham of the third and fourth tier respectively made their illustrious hosts sweat for eventual 4-3 successes.

Newcastle’s Kevin Nolan netted an 84th-minute winner to see off a Huddersfield side managed by former Geordie favourite Lee Clark.

Danny Guthrie had opened the scoring for the Magpies, three wins in four league games to date, after 35 minutes, only for Theo Robinson to level almost from the restart.

Robinson then netted a penalty and Jordan Rhodes had the audcaity to make it 3-1 just two minutes into the second half.

But Newcastle rallied and veteran Geremi pulled a goal back before Shola Ameobi netted from the spot and then Nolan produced his clincher.

The action at the Hawthorns was no less dramatic as Simon Cox scored the winner in extra-time.

Craig Beattie had put Rotherham, in mid-table in League Two, the English professional game’s lowest tier, into a 10th-minute but Michael Cummins levelled on the half hour.

Graham Dorrans looked to have put the hosts en route for the win over 90 minutes in making it 2-1 but Tom Pope headed Rotherham level.

Beattie and Pope each netted their second in the extra half hour before Cox swept home the winner.

Tottenham had no such close call as they thrashed second tier side Doncaster 5-1 away with goals from Tom Huddlestone, Jamie O’Hara, Peter Crouch, David Bentley and Roman Pavlyuchenko with Martin Woods hitting a consolation penalty for Doncaster.

There was a shock as second tier Blackpool hammered Premier League side Wigan 4-1 while third tier Carlisle won 2-0 at Bristol City, a division above them.

Stoke meanwhile edged past third tier Leyton Orient 1-0 away and Cardiff, battling the likes of Newcastle and West Brom for promotion, saw off Bristol Rovers 3-1.

Tuesday’s action was marred by an outbreak of violence at the match between West Ham and local London rivals Millwall, which the Hammers won 3-1 in extra-time.

LONDON (AFP)