Goal line tech now a must, says Blatter
FIFA boss Sepp Blatter said on Wednesday that the introduction of goal-line technology is a must after Ukraine appeared to equalise against England in their final Euro 2012 group match but the referee waved play on.
“After last night’s match #GLT is no longer an alternative but a necessity,” the president of football’s world governing body Sepp Blatter wrote on the micro-blogging site Twitter.
Blatter has frequently stated his position in favour of technology to determine disputed decisions, setting him at odds with his counterpart at European football’s governing body UEFA, Michel Platini.
Platini this week told reporters in Warsaw that the five officials currently being used in Euro 2012, including two on the goal-line, would prevent any repeat of controversial incidents.
He again said that technology was a slippery slope towards its use for every decision, including off-side and handball.
But the five officials at co-hosts Ukraine’s final group D match with England in Kiev on Tuesday were under scrutiny after Marko Devic forced a save from Joe Hart in the 62nd minute and John Terry cleared off the line.
Television replays suggested that the ball had crossed the line for a goal but Hungarian referee Viktor Kassai waved play on.
“The result of the match turned on a gross error by the officials who didn’t give the Ukrainian goal,” Ukraine’s Sport-Express newspaper said on its website on Wednesday.
“And it all happened with five officials, two of whom were in charge of seeing whether a ball crosses the line.”
It had not been the case the previous evening when Italian striker Antonio Cassano benefited from a sharp-eyed fifth official who correctly called that his header had crossed the line in the 2-0 win against Ireland.
FIFA is currently trialling two prototypes of goal-line technology, one from British firm HawkEye, which uses a series of cameras in stadium roofs to track the trajectory of the ball and another from German firm GoalRef, which uses sensors.
Both have been tested in match conditions in recent months, with monitors observing the performance of HawkEye during England’s pre-Euro 2012 warm-up game against Belgium at Wembley stadium
Source: PM News
Showing posts with label SPORTS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label SPORTS. Show all posts
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Keshi ready to drop Victor Moses and Utaka
Keshi ready to drop Victor Moses and Utaka
Ahead of Nigeria’s game against Rwanda, MTNFootball has reported that coach Stephen Keshi is set to drop the duo of Victor Moses and John Utaka.
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi is to axe Victor Moses and John Utaka as he goes for goals against Rwanda in a 2013 Nations Cup qualifier.
Both Europe-based stars are yet to score for the Eagles under Keshi and a top team official informed only MTNFootball.com that will now opt for Enyimba striker Uche Kalu to start against Moses, while Ahmed Musa will get the nod ahead of Utaka.
Top teams official further informed MTNfootball.com that Keshi is worried over his team’s poor scoring record as they have only managed two goals in two World Cup qualifiers this month.
“He is really worried over the team’s inability to put away the many chances they create,” the official said
“He therefore intends to make changes in the midfield and upfront against Rwanda.”
There are strong indications that Keshi will now start Uche Kalu ahead of Wigan’s Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa for John Utaka and Raheem Lawal would be preferred to Obiora Nwankwo, who disappointed in Malawi.
Meanwhile, Torino of Italy midfielder Nnamdi Oduamadi remains a major doubt for Saturday’s clash against Rwanda in Calabar.
Oduamadi is still in Lagos undergoing treatment on a hip injury sustained during training ahead of the Namibia game in Calabar.
“It was expected that the player would make the Rwanda game but from all indications he would again not be fit for the game” said a team official.
The heavy downpour on Tuesday morning in Abuja forced the Super Eagles to cancel training.
“Yes, the training was called off due to the rain,” confirmed team spokesman Ben Alaiya.
“However, we will train in the evening in Calabar in readiness for the Rwanda match.”
Twenty four players trained in Abuja on Monday evening under the supervision of Keshi.
Source: Daily Trust
Ahead of Nigeria’s game against Rwanda, MTNFootball has reported that coach Stephen Keshi is set to drop the duo of Victor Moses and John Utaka.
Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi is to axe Victor Moses and John Utaka as he goes for goals against Rwanda in a 2013 Nations Cup qualifier.
Both Europe-based stars are yet to score for the Eagles under Keshi and a top team official informed only MTNFootball.com that will now opt for Enyimba striker Uche Kalu to start against Moses, while Ahmed Musa will get the nod ahead of Utaka.
Top teams official further informed MTNfootball.com that Keshi is worried over his team’s poor scoring record as they have only managed two goals in two World Cup qualifiers this month.
“He is really worried over the team’s inability to put away the many chances they create,” the official said
“He therefore intends to make changes in the midfield and upfront against Rwanda.”
There are strong indications that Keshi will now start Uche Kalu ahead of Wigan’s Victor Moses, Ahmed Musa for John Utaka and Raheem Lawal would be preferred to Obiora Nwankwo, who disappointed in Malawi.
Meanwhile, Torino of Italy midfielder Nnamdi Oduamadi remains a major doubt for Saturday’s clash against Rwanda in Calabar.
Oduamadi is still in Lagos undergoing treatment on a hip injury sustained during training ahead of the Namibia game in Calabar.
“It was expected that the player would make the Rwanda game but from all indications he would again not be fit for the game” said a team official.
The heavy downpour on Tuesday morning in Abuja forced the Super Eagles to cancel training.
“Yes, the training was called off due to the rain,” confirmed team spokesman Ben Alaiya.
“However, we will train in the evening in Calabar in readiness for the Rwanda match.”
Twenty four players trained in Abuja on Monday evening under the supervision of Keshi.
Source: Daily Trust
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Red View: Sir Alex signs new midfielder
Sir Alex signs new midfielder
Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached agreement with Crewe Alexandra for the transfer of Nick Powell for an undisclosed fee.
The attacking midfielder, recently capped by England at Under-18 level, has passed a medical and has agreed a four-year contract commencing 1 July 2012.
Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We have scouted Nick for months now. He is an exceptional talent and has been schooled well at Crewe.
"I'm delighted he has chosen to come to United. He has a lot to offer and we are all looking forward to working with him."
Nick Powell said: "It really is a dream come true to be signing for Manchester United. I have had a great time at Crewe and I would like to thank them for helping me to develop as a player over the past 13 years.
"I'm excited about continuing my development with Sir Alex and the world-class players in the squad. The thought of making the step up to the Premier League is an exciting prospect. I can't wait to get started."
Manchester United is delighted to announce it has reached agreement with Crewe Alexandra for the transfer of Nick Powell for an undisclosed fee.
The attacking midfielder, recently capped by England at Under-18 level, has passed a medical and has agreed a four-year contract commencing 1 July 2012.
Sir Alex Ferguson said: "We have scouted Nick for months now. He is an exceptional talent and has been schooled well at Crewe.
"I'm delighted he has chosen to come to United. He has a lot to offer and we are all looking forward to working with him."
Nick Powell said: "It really is a dream come true to be signing for Manchester United. I have had a great time at Crewe and I would like to thank them for helping me to develop as a player over the past 13 years.
"I'm excited about continuing my development with Sir Alex and the world-class players in the squad. The thought of making the step up to the Premier League is an exciting prospect. I can't wait to get started."
Monday, June 11, 2012
Clay King, Rafael Nadal clinches historic 7th French Open crown - Full review, Pictures
Clay King, Rafael Nadal clinches historic 7th French Open crown - Full review, Pictures


Rain or shine, clay or mud, Sunday or Monday, Rafael Nadal rules Roland Garros.
The man they call "Rafa" won his record seventh French Open title Monday, returning a day after getting rained out to put the finishing touches on a 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 victory over Novak Djokovic. He denied Djokovic in his own run at history -- the quest for the "Novak Slam."
The match ended on Djokovic's double-fault, a fittingly awkward conclusion to a final that had plenty of stops and starts, including a brief delay during the fourth set Monday while -- what else? -- a rain shower passed over the stadium.
They waited it out and Nadal wound up as he has for seven of the past eight years: down on the ground, celebrating a title at a place that feels like a home away from home for the second-seeded Spaniard. He broke the record he shared with Bjorn Borg, improved to 52-1 at the French Open and beat the man who had defeated him in the last three Grand Slam finals.
"This tournament is, for me, the most special tournament of the world," Nadal said.
After serving his fourth double-fault of the match, the top-seeded Djokovic dropped his head, slumped his shoulders and walked slowly toward the net -- an emotional two-day adventure complete, and not with the result he wanted.
He was trying to become the first man since Rod Laver, 43 years ago, to win four straight major titles. He came up short just as Roger Federer twice did in seeking four in a row -- his pursuit also halted by Nadal at Roland Garros in 2006 and 2007.
"It was a very difficult match against the best player in the world," Nadal said. "I lost three Grand Slam finals -- Wimbledon, the U.S. Open last year, and the Australian Open this year. I'm very happy, very emotional."
Nadal won his 11th overall Grand Slam title, tying him with Borg and Laver for fourth among the all-time leaders.
Next up on Nadal's list: Chris Evert? Yes. Before Monday, Evert was the only player, man or woman, to win seven titles at Roland Garros, and Nadal would break that record next if he wins No. 8.
"He's definitely the best player in history on this surface and the results are showing that he's one of the best-ever players to play this game," Djokovic said.
A match with so much of tennis history riding on it proved awkward and frustrating for both players.
Unable to solve Nadal's mastery of the clay, Djokovic was throwing rackets around early in the final. A bit later on Sunday, Nadal was complaining bitterly as the rain picked up, the tennis balls got heavy and officials refused to stop the match.
Djokovic rolled through the third set as the rain turned the heavy red clay into more of a muddy paste. He had all the momentum when play was halted, up a break early in the fourth. The weather cleared well before dusk Sunday and Djokovic said he was sitting around the locker room, ready to play. But officials decided to call it a washout, setting up the first non-Sunday finish at the French Open since 1973, when Ilie Nastase wrapped up his title on a Tuesday.
"I said, `Good, we've had some luck. If we hadn't stopped, we were going home," said Nadal's uncle and coach, Toni Nadal. "Because Rafael was a bit blocked and Djokovic wasn't missing any balls. He was hitting them all well. So we had some luck."
When Nadal and Djokovic came back to Roland Garros on Monday under cloudy skies, they shook hands as they passed each other on the practice court. A bit later, the match resumed. Both the surface on Court Phillippe-Chartier and the tennis balls had dried out, and Nadal looked more like he usually does -- sliding into his stops, spinning his powerful, looping shots, moving Djokovic around, always getting one more ball back.
"I'm not going back, saying it's your fault and your fault because I lost," Djokovic said. "It's unfortunate because I was playing better, feeling better on the court in the third set yesterday. Today, he started strong. I started slower. I was a little bit unfortunate in that first game and things turned around."
On the restart, Nadal broke serve right away to tie the set at 2-2 and the frustrated Djokovic was back -- slamming himself in the head with his racket after missing an easy forehand that gave Nadal the break point.
It was one of 15 unforced errors in the set for Djokovic, who went back to trying to end points early and blunt the huge advantage Nadal has sliding around on clay. When the surface was muddy, the evening before in the third set, Djokovic only made eight unforced errors.
"But I don't find an excuse in that," Djokovic said, speaking of the decision to halt play Sunday night. "The better player won today, so congratulations on that."
Play was nearly stopped with Nadal ahead 5-4 in the fourth, but the players sat under umbrellas for a few minutes while a rain shower passed, then they went back out. Both men held serve and Djokovic needed to hold once more trailing 6-5 to force a tiebreaker.
Nadal hit a big forehand winner to set up match point, and Djokovic, who had saved four of those in a quarterfinal win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, had no more magic. He double-faulted and dropped to 0-4 against Nadal at the French Open.
Nadal fell to his knees and buried his head in his hands, then clambered into the stands to hug his family


Rain or shine, clay or mud, Sunday or Monday, Rafael Nadal rules Roland Garros.
The man they call "Rafa" won his record seventh French Open title Monday, returning a day after getting rained out to put the finishing touches on a 6-4, 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 victory over Novak Djokovic. He denied Djokovic in his own run at history -- the quest for the "Novak Slam."
The match ended on Djokovic's double-fault, a fittingly awkward conclusion to a final that had plenty of stops and starts, including a brief delay during the fourth set Monday while -- what else? -- a rain shower passed over the stadium.
They waited it out and Nadal wound up as he has for seven of the past eight years: down on the ground, celebrating a title at a place that feels like a home away from home for the second-seeded Spaniard. He broke the record he shared with Bjorn Borg, improved to 52-1 at the French Open and beat the man who had defeated him in the last three Grand Slam finals.
"This tournament is, for me, the most special tournament of the world," Nadal said.
After serving his fourth double-fault of the match, the top-seeded Djokovic dropped his head, slumped his shoulders and walked slowly toward the net -- an emotional two-day adventure complete, and not with the result he wanted.
He was trying to become the first man since Rod Laver, 43 years ago, to win four straight major titles. He came up short just as Roger Federer twice did in seeking four in a row -- his pursuit also halted by Nadal at Roland Garros in 2006 and 2007.
"It was a very difficult match against the best player in the world," Nadal said. "I lost three Grand Slam finals -- Wimbledon, the U.S. Open last year, and the Australian Open this year. I'm very happy, very emotional."
Nadal won his 11th overall Grand Slam title, tying him with Borg and Laver for fourth among the all-time leaders.
Next up on Nadal's list: Chris Evert? Yes. Before Monday, Evert was the only player, man or woman, to win seven titles at Roland Garros, and Nadal would break that record next if he wins No. 8.
"He's definitely the best player in history on this surface and the results are showing that he's one of the best-ever players to play this game," Djokovic said.
A match with so much of tennis history riding on it proved awkward and frustrating for both players.
Unable to solve Nadal's mastery of the clay, Djokovic was throwing rackets around early in the final. A bit later on Sunday, Nadal was complaining bitterly as the rain picked up, the tennis balls got heavy and officials refused to stop the match.
Djokovic rolled through the third set as the rain turned the heavy red clay into more of a muddy paste. He had all the momentum when play was halted, up a break early in the fourth. The weather cleared well before dusk Sunday and Djokovic said he was sitting around the locker room, ready to play. But officials decided to call it a washout, setting up the first non-Sunday finish at the French Open since 1973, when Ilie Nastase wrapped up his title on a Tuesday.
"I said, `Good, we've had some luck. If we hadn't stopped, we were going home," said Nadal's uncle and coach, Toni Nadal. "Because Rafael was a bit blocked and Djokovic wasn't missing any balls. He was hitting them all well. So we had some luck."
When Nadal and Djokovic came back to Roland Garros on Monday under cloudy skies, they shook hands as they passed each other on the practice court. A bit later, the match resumed. Both the surface on Court Phillippe-Chartier and the tennis balls had dried out, and Nadal looked more like he usually does -- sliding into his stops, spinning his powerful, looping shots, moving Djokovic around, always getting one more ball back.
"I'm not going back, saying it's your fault and your fault because I lost," Djokovic said. "It's unfortunate because I was playing better, feeling better on the court in the third set yesterday. Today, he started strong. I started slower. I was a little bit unfortunate in that first game and things turned around."
On the restart, Nadal broke serve right away to tie the set at 2-2 and the frustrated Djokovic was back -- slamming himself in the head with his racket after missing an easy forehand that gave Nadal the break point.
It was one of 15 unforced errors in the set for Djokovic, who went back to trying to end points early and blunt the huge advantage Nadal has sliding around on clay. When the surface was muddy, the evening before in the third set, Djokovic only made eight unforced errors.
"But I don't find an excuse in that," Djokovic said, speaking of the decision to halt play Sunday night. "The better player won today, so congratulations on that."
Play was nearly stopped with Nadal ahead 5-4 in the fourth, but the players sat under umbrellas for a few minutes while a rain shower passed, then they went back out. Both men held serve and Djokovic needed to hold once more trailing 6-5 to force a tiebreaker.
Nadal hit a big forehand winner to set up match point, and Djokovic, who had saved four of those in a quarterfinal win over Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, had no more magic. He double-faulted and dropped to 0-4 against Nadal at the French Open.
Nadal fell to his knees and buried his head in his hands, then clambered into the stands to hug his family
Police rescue Obodo
Police rescue Eagles' midfielder, Christian Obodo, from kidnappers
Sani Tukur
Christian Obodo
Obodo's abduction is the first suffered by any footballer even though close families of some football stars have been seized in the past.
The police say they have rescued Christian Obodo, the Super Eagles midfielder who was kidnapped in Warri on Saturday.
The spokesperson to Delta State Police Command, Charles Mouka, said the Lecce player Obodo, was freed from his kidnappers in a forest in the Enevor area of Delta state.
He said that some of the kidnappers, who demanded $170,000 ransom, were also arrested during operation.
The kidnappers of the Lecce player had demanded for $170,000 in ransom money shortly after the kidnapping.
Obodo, who plies his trade with Seria B side Leece, returned to the country few weeks ago after a tedious football season in Italy.
Popularly referred to as 'bundle of skills' owing to his dribbling skills, Obodo had two years ago lost his father who passed away after a brief illness
Obodo's abduction is the first suffered by any footballer even though close families of some football stars have been seized in the past.
Sani Tukur
Christian Obodo
Obodo's abduction is the first suffered by any footballer even though close families of some football stars have been seized in the past.
The police say they have rescued Christian Obodo, the Super Eagles midfielder who was kidnapped in Warri on Saturday.
The spokesperson to Delta State Police Command, Charles Mouka, said the Lecce player Obodo, was freed from his kidnappers in a forest in the Enevor area of Delta state.
He said that some of the kidnappers, who demanded $170,000 ransom, were also arrested during operation.
The kidnappers of the Lecce player had demanded for $170,000 in ransom money shortly after the kidnapping.
Obodo, who plies his trade with Seria B side Leece, returned to the country few weeks ago after a tedious football season in Italy.
Popularly referred to as 'bundle of skills' owing to his dribbling skills, Obodo had two years ago lost his father who passed away after a brief illness
Obodo's abduction is the first suffered by any footballer even though close families of some football stars have been seized in the past.
World Cup: Libya stun Cameroon
World Cup: Libya stun Cameroon
At the end of two rounds of group stage action in Africa’s qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, only two teams – Egypt and Tunisia – are sitting on a maximum six points. But while Egypt, who scored a late winner on Sunday, can look forward to the next matchday with some optimism, there will be concern in Cameroon, who were stunned by Libya, as only the group winners advance to the final round.
In a match played in the Tunisian city of Sfax due to security concerns in Libya, the North Africans stunned the Indomitable Lions with a late goal scored by Ahniash. The game had originally been scheduled to take place behind closed doors, but this was then changed allowing 5,000 fans to watch. Zouay gave the Libyans an early start, which German-based Choupa Moting equalised for the six-time FIFA World Cup finalists. As the match was heading towards a draw, substitute Ahniash, who was thrown into the deep end with just five minutes to go, scored the winner deep into injury time.
In Group A, Ethiopia moved to the top of the standings with a 2-0 victory over the Central African Republic. The Black Lions are on four points, while their opponents have three. South Africa and Botswana, who drew on Saturday, are on two and one points respectively.
Sudan, who stunned African champions Zambia in their opening Group D match last weekend, missed out on a chance to put some distance between themselves and the chasing pack as they managed no better than a goalless draw in Lesotho.
In Group C, Erasto Nyoni converted a late penalty for Tanzania as the Taifa Stars moved into second place in the table behind Côte d’Ivoire, who drew 2-2 in Morocco on Saturday.
In Group G, Egypt scored three times in the second half in Conakry to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Guinea, while Zimbabwe played to a goalless draw in Mozambique.
Algeria failed to join Egypt and Tunisia on six points, losing to Mali 2-1 after going ahead in the opening minutes in Burkina Faso. Also in Group H, well-travelled striker Razak Omotoyossi scored his second goal of the qualifying campaign as Benin secured a 1-1 draw in Rwanda to move to four points.
Congo DR, who lost their opening game in Cameroon 1-0, bounced back on Sunday with a 2-0 victory against Germany 2006 qualifiers Togo. Striker Tresor Mabi Mputu opened the scoring midway through the first half.
The home side were then reduced to ten men when Albert Mutamba was sent off shortly before the break. Anderlecht striker Dieumerci Mbokani marked his return from 14 months of international wilderness by scoring a penalty nine minutes from the end to take Congo DR to three points in Group I.
Angola’s Palencas Negras, also surprise 2006 FIFA World Cup finalists, will have their work cut out for them if they want to repeat that feat after a goalless draw in Liberia that leaves them with two points from their two opening games. The team from southern Africa enjoyed more of the match, but failed to find the breakthrough they needed to beat the Lone Stars. Angola and Uganda both have two points, while Senegal, who drew in Uganda on Saturday, top Group J with four points.
The Full standing of the teams after round two:
Group A
At Addis Ababa
Ethiopia 2 (Said 38, 88) Central African Republic 0
Saturday
At Gaborone
Botswana 1 (Nato 38) South Africa 1 (Gould 14)
Standings (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points)
Ethiopia 2 1 1 0 3 1 4
C.A.R. 2 1 0 1 2 2 3
S. Africa 2 0 2 0 2 2 2
Botswana 2 0 1 1 1 3 1
Group B
Saturday
At Malabo
Equatorial Guinea 2 (Edjogo 13, 42) Sierra Leone 2 (Bangoura 22, 25)
At Praia
Cape Verde Islands 1 (Fortes 26) Tunisia 2 (Khelifa 14, Jemaa 46)
Standings
Tunisia 2 2 0 0 5 2 6
S. Leone 2 1 1 0 4 3 4
E. Guinea 2 0 1 1 3 5 1
C. Verde 2 0 0 2 2 4 0
Group C
At Dar es Salaam
Tanzania 2 (Kapombe 60, Nyoni 84-pen) Gambia 1 (Ceesay 9)
Saturday
At Marrakech
Morocco 2 (Kharja 41-pen, Abourazzouk 89) Ivory Coast 2 (Kalou 8, K. Toure 60)
Standings
I. Coast 2 1 1 0 4 2 4
Tanzania 2 1 0 1 2 3 3
Morocco 2 0 2 0 3 3 2
Gambia 2 0 1 1 2 3 1
Group D
At Maseru
Lesotho 0 Sudan 0
Saturday
At Ndola
Zambia 1 (C. Katongo 15) Ghana 0
Standings
Sudan 2 1 1 0 2 0 4
Ghana 2 1 0 1 7 1 3
Zambia 2 1 0 1 1 2 3
Lesotho 2 0 1 1 0 7 1
Group E
Saturday
At Libreville
Gabon 1 (Ebanega 55) Burkina Faso 0
At Pointe-Noire
Congo Brazzaville 1 (Malonga 90) Niger 0
Standings
Congo 2 1 1 0 1 0 4
Gabon 2 1 1 0 1 0 4
B. Faso 2 0 1 1 0 1 1
Niger 2 0 1 1 0 1 1
Group F
Saturday
At Blantyre
Malawi 1 (Banda 90+4) Nigeria 1 (Gabriel 89)
At Windhoek
Namibia 1 (Botes 85) Kenya 0
Standings
Nigeria 2 1 1 0 2 1 4
Namibia 2 1 0 1 1 1 3
Malawi 2 0 2 0 1 1 2
Kenya 2 0 1 1 0 1 1
Group G
At Maputo
Mozambique 0 Zimbabwe 0
At Conakry
Guinea 2 (Camara 19-pen, Bangoura 88) Egypt 3 (Aboutrika 57, 67-pen, Salah 90+3)
Standings
Egypt 2 2 0 0 5 2 6
Guinea 2 1 0 1 3 3 3
Zimbabwe 2 0 1 1 0 1 1
Mozambique 2 0 1 1 0 2 1
Group H
At Kigali
Rwanda 1 (Bokota 88-pen) Benin 1 (Omotoyossi 74)
At Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Mali 2 (Ndiaye 30, Maiga 82) Algeria 1 (Slimani 7)
Note: Match moved from Bamako due to security concerns
Standings
Benin 2 1 1 0 2 1 4
Algeria 2 1 0 1 5 2 3
Mali 2 1 0 1 2 2 3
Rwanda 2 0 1 1 1 5 1
Group I
At Kinshasa
Democratic Republic of Congo 2 (Mputu 23, Mbokani 81-pen) Togo 0
At Sfax, Tunisia
Libya 2 (Zouay 8, Esnany 90) Cameroon 1 (Choupo-Moting 16)
Note: Match moved from Tripoli due to security concerns
Standings
Libya 2 1 1 0 3 2 4
DR Congo 2 1 0 1 2 1 3
Cameroon 2 1 0 1 2 2 3
Togo 2 0 1 1 1 3 1
Group J
At Monrovia
Liberia 0 Angola 0
Saturday
At Kampala
Uganda 1 (Walusimbi 85-pen) Senegal 1 (Cisse 37)
Standings
Senegal 2 1 1 0 4 2 4
Uganda 2 0 2 0 2 2 2
Angola 2 0 2 0 1 1 2
Liberia 2 0 1 1 1 3 1
Note: Group winners qualify for knockout final round
Reported by FIFA.com and Agence France Presse,AFP
At the end of two rounds of group stage action in Africa’s qualifiers for the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil, only two teams – Egypt and Tunisia – are sitting on a maximum six points. But while Egypt, who scored a late winner on Sunday, can look forward to the next matchday with some optimism, there will be concern in Cameroon, who were stunned by Libya, as only the group winners advance to the final round.
In a match played in the Tunisian city of Sfax due to security concerns in Libya, the North Africans stunned the Indomitable Lions with a late goal scored by Ahniash. The game had originally been scheduled to take place behind closed doors, but this was then changed allowing 5,000 fans to watch. Zouay gave the Libyans an early start, which German-based Choupa Moting equalised for the six-time FIFA World Cup finalists. As the match was heading towards a draw, substitute Ahniash, who was thrown into the deep end with just five minutes to go, scored the winner deep into injury time.
In Group A, Ethiopia moved to the top of the standings with a 2-0 victory over the Central African Republic. The Black Lions are on four points, while their opponents have three. South Africa and Botswana, who drew on Saturday, are on two and one points respectively.
Sudan, who stunned African champions Zambia in their opening Group D match last weekend, missed out on a chance to put some distance between themselves and the chasing pack as they managed no better than a goalless draw in Lesotho.
In Group C, Erasto Nyoni converted a late penalty for Tanzania as the Taifa Stars moved into second place in the table behind Côte d’Ivoire, who drew 2-2 in Morocco on Saturday.
In Group G, Egypt scored three times in the second half in Conakry to secure a dramatic 3-2 victory over Guinea, while Zimbabwe played to a goalless draw in Mozambique.
Algeria failed to join Egypt and Tunisia on six points, losing to Mali 2-1 after going ahead in the opening minutes in Burkina Faso. Also in Group H, well-travelled striker Razak Omotoyossi scored his second goal of the qualifying campaign as Benin secured a 1-1 draw in Rwanda to move to four points.
Congo DR, who lost their opening game in Cameroon 1-0, bounced back on Sunday with a 2-0 victory against Germany 2006 qualifiers Togo. Striker Tresor Mabi Mputu opened the scoring midway through the first half.
The home side were then reduced to ten men when Albert Mutamba was sent off shortly before the break. Anderlecht striker Dieumerci Mbokani marked his return from 14 months of international wilderness by scoring a penalty nine minutes from the end to take Congo DR to three points in Group I.
Angola’s Palencas Negras, also surprise 2006 FIFA World Cup finalists, will have their work cut out for them if they want to repeat that feat after a goalless draw in Liberia that leaves them with two points from their two opening games. The team from southern Africa enjoyed more of the match, but failed to find the breakthrough they needed to beat the Lone Stars. Angola and Uganda both have two points, while Senegal, who drew in Uganda on Saturday, top Group J with four points.
The Full standing of the teams after round two:
Group A
At Addis Ababa
Ethiopia 2 (Said 38, 88) Central African Republic 0
Saturday
At Gaborone
Botswana 1 (Nato 38) South Africa 1 (Gould 14)
Standings (played, won, drawn, lost, goals for, goals against, points)
Ethiopia 2 1 1 0 3 1 4
C.A.R. 2 1 0 1 2 2 3
S. Africa 2 0 2 0 2 2 2
Botswana 2 0 1 1 1 3 1
Group B
Saturday
At Malabo
Equatorial Guinea 2 (Edjogo 13, 42) Sierra Leone 2 (Bangoura 22, 25)
At Praia
Cape Verde Islands 1 (Fortes 26) Tunisia 2 (Khelifa 14, Jemaa 46)
Standings
Tunisia 2 2 0 0 5 2 6
S. Leone 2 1 1 0 4 3 4
E. Guinea 2 0 1 1 3 5 1
C. Verde 2 0 0 2 2 4 0
Group C
At Dar es Salaam
Tanzania 2 (Kapombe 60, Nyoni 84-pen) Gambia 1 (Ceesay 9)
Saturday
At Marrakech
Morocco 2 (Kharja 41-pen, Abourazzouk 89) Ivory Coast 2 (Kalou 8, K. Toure 60)
Standings
I. Coast 2 1 1 0 4 2 4
Tanzania 2 1 0 1 2 3 3
Morocco 2 0 2 0 3 3 2
Gambia 2 0 1 1 2 3 1
Group D
At Maseru
Lesotho 0 Sudan 0
Saturday
At Ndola
Zambia 1 (C. Katongo 15) Ghana 0
Standings
Sudan 2 1 1 0 2 0 4
Ghana 2 1 0 1 7 1 3
Zambia 2 1 0 1 1 2 3
Lesotho 2 0 1 1 0 7 1
Group E
Saturday
At Libreville
Gabon 1 (Ebanega 55) Burkina Faso 0
At Pointe-Noire
Congo Brazzaville 1 (Malonga 90) Niger 0
Standings
Congo 2 1 1 0 1 0 4
Gabon 2 1 1 0 1 0 4
B. Faso 2 0 1 1 0 1 1
Niger 2 0 1 1 0 1 1
Group F
Saturday
At Blantyre
Malawi 1 (Banda 90+4) Nigeria 1 (Gabriel 89)
At Windhoek
Namibia 1 (Botes 85) Kenya 0
Standings
Nigeria 2 1 1 0 2 1 4
Namibia 2 1 0 1 1 1 3
Malawi 2 0 2 0 1 1 2
Kenya 2 0 1 1 0 1 1
Group G
At Maputo
Mozambique 0 Zimbabwe 0
At Conakry
Guinea 2 (Camara 19-pen, Bangoura 88) Egypt 3 (Aboutrika 57, 67-pen, Salah 90+3)
Standings
Egypt 2 2 0 0 5 2 6
Guinea 2 1 0 1 3 3 3
Zimbabwe 2 0 1 1 0 1 1
Mozambique 2 0 1 1 0 2 1
Group H
At Kigali
Rwanda 1 (Bokota 88-pen) Benin 1 (Omotoyossi 74)
At Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Mali 2 (Ndiaye 30, Maiga 82) Algeria 1 (Slimani 7)
Note: Match moved from Bamako due to security concerns
Standings
Benin 2 1 1 0 2 1 4
Algeria 2 1 0 1 5 2 3
Mali 2 1 0 1 2 2 3
Rwanda 2 0 1 1 1 5 1
Group I
At Kinshasa
Democratic Republic of Congo 2 (Mputu 23, Mbokani 81-pen) Togo 0
At Sfax, Tunisia
Libya 2 (Zouay 8, Esnany 90) Cameroon 1 (Choupo-Moting 16)
Note: Match moved from Tripoli due to security concerns
Standings
Libya 2 1 1 0 3 2 4
DR Congo 2 1 0 1 2 1 3
Cameroon 2 1 0 1 2 2 3
Togo 2 0 1 1 1 3 1
Group J
At Monrovia
Liberia 0 Angola 0
Saturday
At Kampala
Uganda 1 (Walusimbi 85-pen) Senegal 1 (Cisse 37)
Standings
Senegal 2 1 1 0 4 2 4
Uganda 2 0 2 0 2 2 2
Angola 2 0 2 0 1 1 2
Liberia 2 0 1 1 1 3 1
Note: Group winners qualify for knockout final round
Reported by FIFA.com and Agence France Presse,AFP
Sunday, June 10, 2012
Super Eagles Christian Obodo kidnapped in Warri
Super Eagles Christian Obodo kidnapped in Warri
- Christian Obodo
Nigeria’s Super Eagles footballer Christian Obodo has been kidnapped, reports say.
The Punch says the defensive midfielder was abducted by four armed men today, Satruday, June 9, 2012 in front of a church in Effurun, Warri, Delta State.
Obodo is said to have been driving in his car with a customized number plate Obodo 5 around 9.20AM on Jakpa Road when the kidnappers blocked off his vehicle and seized him, putting him in their vehicle and zoomed off, leaving his car in front of the church..
It is believed they had been watching and tailing the footballer who had gone clubbing the night before.
‘Yes he has been kidnapped. The details are still sketchy but I was told he was on his way to church this (Saturday) morning with his car that has registration number ‘Obodo 5’, a top official in the Delta State government who would rather remain anonymous told SuperSport.com
‘Apparently his car’s registration may have attracted his kidnappers because he went clubbing last (Friday) night in the same car’, the official said.
There has, at the time of this report, been no communication between the kidnapper and Obodo’s family or friends.
Christian Obodo currently plays for Italian Serie A side U.S. Lecce on loan from Udinese Calcio. He has made 14 appearances for the National side and scored four goals.
Obodo’s kidnap makes it the first case of a footballer being kidnapped.
In August last year, Super Eagles and Chelsea FC midfielder Mike Obi’s father was kidnapped but found alive in Kano 15 days later
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