/ 1 February 2008

SA, Senegal crash out of Cup

Senegal and South Africa were eliminated from the African Nations Cup after a 1-1 draw in their last Group D match in Kumasi on Thursday.

Both teams needed a win to revive slim hopes of reaching the last eight but finished behind Tunisia and Angola in the standings.

Elrio van Heerden opened the scoring for South Africa inside the first quarter of an hour, finishing off a swift passing move unmarked at the back post.

Henri Camara equalised for Senegal eight minutes before halftime after a defensive slip by South Africa captain Aaron Mokoena allowed him through on goal.

Both sides created several opportunities with a running game and Senegal goalkeeper Bouna Coundoul made a series of key saves in the second half to keep South Africa at bay.

Coundoul came into the game after Senegal had suspended first choice keeper Tony Sylva and captain El Hadji Diouf because of an unauthorised night out on the town earlier in the week

”Being a new team I think we go back home with some positive things,” said South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Parreira.

”My young players learnt a lot about high level football and the process of learning goes on,” the Brazilian said.

”We are satisfied with some things but for the World Cup of course we need to improve a lot more than here.” South Africa host the 2010 event.

Senegal’s new coach Lamine Ndiaye said he and his predecessors had to take responsibility for the 2002 World Cup quarterfinalists’ failure to reach the second round. Senegal reached the semifinals of the last Nations Cup in 2006, losing to hosts and tournament winners Egypt. – Reuters