A dramatic penalty shoot-out ended with Ivory Coast prevailing over Ghana in a goalless African Cup of Nations 2015 final in Equatorial Guinea.
The Confederation of African Football has missed yet another chance to give a clear signal that violence is not tolerated.
A problem getting homegrown people to soccer matches: the locals just don’t seem to be interested in African football.
Despite the sensational action on the pitch, Equatorial Guinea hasn’t quite been able to get excited about the international tournament.
South Africa’s campaign ended with a single point from three outings, which was more than enough to send Ghana and Algeria to the second round.
Equatorial Guinea coach Esteban Becker says their achievement in reaching the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations is a "Cinderella story".
"There is no way we cannot feel the pressure. But everyone is under pressure, even the opposition," coach Shakes Mashaba said.
Tournament favourite Algeria avoided an unpleasant surprise at the African Cup of Nations on Monday, while four-time champion Ghana did not.
With the world’s eyes on the tiny African nation, its president is hoping the Africa Cup of Nations will bring the approval he so desperately seeks.
Despite a history of losing their Afcon opening matches, Bafana Bafana are determined to topple Algeria, Africa’s top-ranked team, in Monday’s match.
It is a tall order for the South African team because all three opponents bring pedigree to the tournament and a tough physical presence.
Form rates Cameroon, Tunisia and Senegal as the sides to watch, but African rankings point to Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana as champs.
Algeria has named a final squad for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea while Group C rivals Ghana and South Africa are undecided.
The midfielder was left out of the national Afcon squad, even though he asked his English side West Ham United to be released for the 2015 tournament.
Bafana coach Sahes Mashaba has confidence that Bafana Bafana will get through to the next round, despite a difficult draw.
The football association will no longer consider midfielder May Mahlangu for the SA team after he begged off training, saying he needed a rest.