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Bafana Secure Ticket To Morocco – Without Kicking A Ball

Moments after landing in Kampala yesterday, for today’s Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda, Bafana Bafana learnt they have qualified for the continental finals taking place in Morocco next year.

Congo’s shock 2-3 defeat to South Sudan in Juba yesterday afternoon meant that Hugo Broos ‘steam secured their place at the Afcon finals with two games to spare.

Congo can only finish on a maximum of seven points if they win their last game at home on Tuesday against group leaders Uganda, who have also qualified, while Bafana are already on eight points before facing the Cranes today in Kampala (3pm).

Congo struck first via Christopher Ibayi in the 26th minute, before Ebon Wajo equalised for the host five minutes later. Ibayi would complete his brace 11 minuteslater, while Wajo responded by also slotting home his second of the day in stoppage time of the first half.

It was Data Elly’s 84th minute strike that ended Congo’s hopes of going to Morocco, giving less-fancied South Sudan their maiden win in this group after five games.

Having won bronze at last year’s Afcon in Ivory Coast, it’s the second time since 2000 (co-hosted by Ghana and Nigeria) and 2022 (in Mali) that Bafana qualify for Afcon back-to-back. In 2013 they qualified as hosts before also making the next finals in 2015, hosted in Equatorial Guinea.

With qualification now sealed, it remains to be seen if Bafana coach Hugo Broos will give more fringe players a chance today in Kampala and against South Sudan in Cape Town on Tuesday.

Bafana join Morocco, Egypt, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Cameroon, Burkina Faso and Senegal who have already qualified.

Broos, meanwhile, had shown confidence they would overcome the Ugandan Cranes even without some of the side’s instrumental offensive personnel, such as Percy Tau, Themba Zwane and Lyle Foster.

While Zwane and Foster are sidelined by injuries, Broos omitted Tau, citing his lack of game time at his Egyptian club, Al Ahly. Mamelodi Sundowns’ Iqraam Rayners is expected to spearhead Bafana’s attack this afternoon, while Evidence Makgopa of Orlando Pirates is also expected to play a role as Broos’ attacking option.

“We have a great loss with Zwane and Foster, those were players who were important for Bafana. On the other hand, I am confident with the players in the group now. It’s not good that we talk about those who are not here because of injuries,” Broos said.

“When I see this guy next to me [pointing at Makgopa before patting him on the shoulders], when we went to Afcon everybody was laughing at me… ‘Haha, what is he going to do with Makgopa in Afcon?’ I have confidence in the players that are here now.”

News

Southwest Zonal Eliminations: Lagos Records Big Wins In Handball, Hockey, Football, Basketball

Lagos handball teams delivered impressive wins against Oyo State on day one of the South-West Zonal Eliminations of the National Sports Festival, holding in Ibadan, Oyo State.

The men’s team eased to a commanding 40-14 victory before the women’s team secured 23-15 victory at the handball court of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Akanran.

In Basketball, Lagos women’s team defeated Ondo 47-39 after a show of resilience, commitment and determination in their first match. Their second match is against Oyo State on Wednesday (today).

Lagos hockey team also recorded wins in their games. The women’s team thrashed Oyo 3-0, while the men’s team lone goal was enough to secure three points against Ekiti.

In beach volleyball, Lagos proved the level of their performance and conveniently dispatched Oyo 2-0. In football, Lagos female team defeated Oyo 1-0 courtesy of a goal from Bada Mistura in a game played inside the main bowl of the Liberty Stadium. The male team were later forced to a 1-1 draw against Ekiti

Speaking on the first day of the South-West Zonal Elimination Ball Games, the Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu noted that the athletes have demonstrated exceptional capacity and dominance over their opponents.

“So, I think it’s a good one for Lagos state.It is the first day of the zonal elimination qualifiers. With what we have experienced today in terms of the outcomes from the different Games. We are very optimistic and positive that at the end of the day we’re going to come victorious overall.”

Fatodu added that the performance of the state athletes in their different games has been thrilling and exciting, especially with the presence of personnel of the Lagos State Sports Commission, serving as a morale booster and source of encouragement to keep soaring high.

“With what is playing out, it’s going to yield a positive results. From what we have gathered today, they are particularly appreciative and they have confide that our presence means so much to them in terms of their mental positivity, approach towards the Games and in terms of their attitude on the field of play. It is expected that it will yield positive results for us”, Fatodu submitted.

The Director General further reiterated that, “We are not in any way in doubt that our athletes will show very, very well. Because of the fact that all the necessary things that they need to do well have been provided by Mr.Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu. We need to thank Mr. Governor for his commitment and always supporting sports in terms of logistics, welfare, transportation, feeding, and security. Everything is top-notch”.

Team Lagos will continue to bank on the records of dominance at the South-West as the qualifiers inch towards its conclusion, with the chance to secure slots for all ball games at the 22nd National Sports Festival – the ‘Gateway Games’ billed for Abeokuta, Ogun State in May.

News

Elo Akose, NDSF logo designer celebrates his emergence

Elo Akose, the winner of the Niger Delta Sports Festival (NDSF) logo design competition, has expressed delight to see his work gaining national traction through extensive media campaign as preparations for the festival heightens.

Akose, who received a reward of N250,000 prize money, commended the organisers of the contest for providing a platform for youths to showcase their artistic talents in design.

Akose’s entry emerged the best from over 300 others that were submitted to a panel of judges set up by the project consultants, Dunamis Icon, weeks ago. The design has since been officially put to use.

“I counted myself lucky to have had my entry selected from the over 300 submitted by other contestants and would like to thank the organisers of the Niger Delta Sports Festival for the opportunity given to all of us, the contestants to be part of this project,” Akose told NDSF Media.

Akose works with Smax Digital Prints and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Education (Economics) from the Delta State University.

The NDSF, the first intervention of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) as part of its 25th anniversary, will hold in Akwa Ibom State from April 1 to 9. Over 3,000 athletes are expected to participate in 17 sports.