Record seven-time champions Egypt have been dealt a serious blow on Friday as captain Mohamed Salah was dominated out of two Africa Cup of Nations video games with a hamstring harm, whereas holders Senegal and Cape Verde certified for the final 16. The Egyptian Football Association confirmed in an announcement that Liverpool star Salah wouldn’t be capable of return for his nation until they attain the quarter-finals on the event. The 31-year-old got here off late within the first half of the Pharaohs’ 2-2 draw with Ghana on Thursday.

He will due to this fact sit out Monday’s last group recreation towards Cape Verde and any last-16 tie that will observe that.

After drawing their opening two video games, Egypt have to beat Cape Verde to be assured of advancing in second place in Group B.

That would tee up a last-16 tie in San-Pedro on January 28, whereas they may additionally doubtlessly qualify as probably the greatest third-placed groups.

Salah will due to this fact solely function once more on the competitors if Egypt make it to a quarter-final on February 2 or 3.

Senegal, who beat Salah’s Egypt on penalties within the last of the final AFCON, clinched a spot within the subsequent spherical with one group recreation to spare due to a 3-1 win over Cameroon in Yamoussoukro.

Ismaila Sarr of Marseille put the reigning champions forward early on and later arrange Habib Diallo to make it 2-0.

Jean–Charles Castelletto pulled one again, however Senegal have been to not be denied a convincing victory and talisman Sadio Mane put the result past doubt late on.

Senegal have a most six factors after two Group C matches, whereas Cameroon have just one and their hopes of advancing to the final 16 are within the stability.

“I remember that in 2017 we lost to Cameroon in the quarter-finals, so during this match we did everything to win,” stated Marseille ahead Sarr.

Bebe stunner

Later on in Group C Guinea, once more lacking star striker Serhou Guirassy, beat Gambia 1-0 on the similar venue due to Aguibou Camara’s second-half objective.

The end result leaves Guinea second within the part on 4 factors, that means they want only a draw towards Senegal of their subsequent match to ensure qualification for the final 16, whereas a victory will see them progress as group winners.

Cameroon and Gambia will meet one another subsequent and might each hope to at the very least progress as one of many 4 greatest third-placed sides.

Earlier, Cape Verde turned the primary workforce to qualify for the final 16 due to a convincing 3-0 win over Mozambique in Abidjan.

Former Manchester United ahead Bebe set the Atlantic Ocean island nation on their means with a exceptional first-half free-kick from 40 metres on the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.

Captain Ryan Mendes doubled their lead simply after half-time and Kevin Pina wrapped up the win with a surprising strike halfway by the second half.

Cape Verde’s largest ever AFCON victory leaves them on six factors from two video games and means they’re now sure to prime Group B, after they beat Ghana 2-1 of their opening recreation.

“I don’t know how far we can go. Now we are into the last 16 and we just need to keep working as we have been,” stated Mendes.

“We know it won’t be easy but we believe in ourselves and in our work.”

Cape Verde already know they’ll keep in Abidjan for a last-16 tie towards a third-placed workforce on January 29.

Mozambique, showing at their fifth Cup of Nations, have nonetheless by no means gained a match in 14 makes an attempt on the event.

Tanzania sack coach

Meanwhile, Tanzania fired coach Adel Amrouche after he was banned for eight matches and fined $10,000 over feedback about Morocco, a Confederation of African Football (CAF) official advised AFP.

His dismissal was confirmed by the Tanzanian Football Federation with Hemed Suleiman promoted from assistant coach to caretaker boss for the remainder of their AFCON marketing campaign.

The Group F outsiders misplaced 3-0 to Morocco on Wednesday and nonetheless must play Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Before Amrouche was axed, a CAF official stated “(the organisation) has suspended the coach for eight matches after comments he made about Moroccan officials in a TV interview”.

Algeria-born Amrouche alleged Moroccan officers inside CAF resolve who referees matches involving the senior males’s nationwide workforce, and at what time they kick off.

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