South Africa Beat DR Congo In shootout To Finish Third At AFCON

Published

1 year ago

February 11, 2024

Captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams was the hero again as South Africa beat the Democratic Republic of Congo 6-5 on penalties in the Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-off on Saturday.

After a 0-0 draw following 90 minutes in Abidjan, Williams saved spot kicks from Chancel Mbemba and Meschack Elia to give Bafana Bafana the bronze medal in the Ivory Coast.

Before Elia had his kick saved, Siyanda Xulu converted to give South Africa the decisive lead in the shootout.

Williams saved four shootout kicks last weekend to help South Africa get past Cape Verde after a goalless quarter-final.

DR Congo will regret many missed chances during regular time in a lively match. South Africa maintained a perfect record in third-place play-offs having beaten Tunisia on penalties 24 years ago.

South Africa made three changes to the team beaten in a penalty shootout by Nigeria after an incident-packed semi-final three days ago.

Nkosinathi Sibisi, Thapelo Morena and Mihlali Mayambela came in for suspended Grant Kekana and injured duo Mothobi Mvala and Percy Tau.

DR Congo retained only two of the side that lost to hosts Ivory Coast in the other semi-final — captain and centre-back Mbemba and midfielder Samuel Moutoussamy.

But eight of the nine who were dropped sat on the bench, leaving French coach Sebastien Desabre with multiple options should he wish to make changes.

– Threatening –

Although the Congolese had less of the ball in the opening half at Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny in the Ivorian economic capital, they were the more threatening team in the attacking third.

Physically imposing Silas Mvumpa came close to breaking the deadlock after just eight minutes, but as he tried to round Williams in the area, the goalkeeper snatched the ball.

Simon Banza worked his way into a dangerous position close to the South African goal midway through the half, only to deliver a weak shot that posed no danger.

Despite some neat build-up play, it took South Africa 43 minutes to get a shot on target, and the effort from Mayambela went straight to goalkeeper Dimitry Bertaud.

As the match reached the midpoint of the second half, Congo continued to look the side more likely to break the deadlock.

When Williams fumbled the ball and lost possession, the ball went across the goalmouth and Silas fired wide when he should at least have hit the target.

So should Mbemba, who had ventured forward for a free-kick, but he blazed over when the ball fell invitingly into his path close to goal. Substitute Fiston Mayele also wasted a chance.

A captivating tournament concludes on Sunday in another Abidjan stadium with the Ivory Coast facing Nigeria in the final with a seven million dollar prize on the line.

The countries met at the group stage last month in the same venue and the Super Eagles won 1-0 thanks to a William Troost-Ekong penalty.

AFP

Edo Athletics Association Gets New Chairman; Charged To Bring In Fresh Ideas

Published

9 hours ago

July 12, 2025

Editor

Mr. Onome Obruthe, has been inaugurated as the new Chairman of the Edo State Athletics Association; just as he was charged to bring in fresh ideas to the association.

inaugurating the chairman and other exco, Chairman, Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, described the appointment as strategic and timely, adding that its signals a fresh chapter for track and field development in the state.

In a statement made available to newsmen by his Media Officer, Edoko Wilson Edoko, Enabulele was quoted as saying, “Today marks the beginning of a new era for athletics in Edo State.

“We are determined to see Edo return to the top as a powerhouse for track and field. Our target is clear: we must win big at Enugu 2026 and beyond,” he declared.

Charging the new chairman, Enabulele emphasized, “Mr. Obruthe, as you take this role, remember you are stepping in as both a leader and a key sponsor. Seek partnerships, bring in fresh ideas, and rally stakeholders. We at the Commission are fully behind you.”

He further noted that performance would be closely monitored: “We will implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to track our progress. Accountability and results will guide our collective efforts.”

In his acceptance speech, Mr. Onome Obruthe thanked the state government for the confidence reposed in him, pledging his best to reposition athletics.

“I am truly honoured by this responsibility. I promise to reposition athletics in Edo and build an environment where talent can thrive. I urge our coaches and athletes to get ready for a new era of discipline, growth, and results,” he said.

Obruthe added, “My focus will be on talent discovery, improved training programmes, welfare for athletes and coaches, and attracting meaningful sponsorships that will lift Edo athletics to new heights.”

With these renewed commitments, Edo State continues to position itself as a pacesetter in sports development, capacity building, and talent management — truly living up to its reputation as the Home of Champions.

Sports

Edo Commits To Sports Development, Grassroots Talent Discovery – Enabulele

Published

9 hours ago

July 12, 2025

Editor

The Executive Chairman of the Edo State Sports Commission, Hon. Amadin Desmond Enabulele, has restated Edo State’s unwavering commitment to sports development and grassroots talent discovery.

He expressed the state’s commitment when he attended the 2025 Women’s Artistic Gymnastics Training Cam at Gymnastics Hall, Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.

The training was organized by the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria (GFN) in collaboration with the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG) and the Union Africaine de Gymnastique (UAG).

Speaking at the event, Enabulele said, “Hosting this training camp in Edo shows the confidence the gymnastics community has in our state as a leading hub for sports in Nigeria. This initiative is not just about theory — it’s about empowering our coaches to develop the next generation of champions.”

While presenting certificates of participation to the coaches, he added, “I urge every coach here to put this new knowledge to work immediately. Take it to the grassroots, build capacity, and help us put Nigerian gymnastics on the world map.”

Enabulele also commended the Gymnastics Federation of Nigeria for choosing Edo as host, describing it as a vote of confidence in the state’s sports-friendly policies.

“We will continue to invest in training, facilities, and people. This is the only way to sustain excellence and produce athletes who can compete globally,” he stressed.

Sports

WAFCON: Ihezuo Strikes Late As Nigeria Edge Botswana To Reach Quarter-finals

Published

2 days ago

July 10, 2025

Editor

Substitute Chinwendu Ihezuo came off the bench to score a dramatic 89th-minute winner as Nigeria sealed a 1-0 win over Botswana in their Group B clash at the 2025 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) on Thursday.

Nigeria looked set for a frustrating evening until Ihezuo met a low cross from Esther Okoronkwo and tapped home at the back post for her second goal of the tournament.

The result, secured at the Stade Larbi Zaouli in Casablanca, confirmed the Super Falcons’ place in the quarter-finals.

Despite being overwhelming favourites, the nine-time champions struggled to break down a resilient Botswana side and their outstanding goalkeeper, Sedilame Boseja.

The Super Falcons were wasteful in front of goal for much of the contest, with Asisat Oshoala and Toni Payne both missing first-half chances. Botswana came close to a shock lead through Balothany Johannes and Laone Moloi, whose efforts tested Nigeria goalkeeper Chiamaka Nnadozie.