I guess the Afcon cup is not the favourite continental cup of most clubs, especially in Europe, MLS is probably OK with the AFCON.

If you dont know anything about the African Cup of Nations, it was always won by Egypt, I think they won all but two of the previous AFCONs. I wont go too deep into the whole thing, but it is being played in Cameroon, starts this Sunday and the favourites are Senegal and Algeria.

Nation BetMGM
Senegal +250
Algeria +275
Egypt +275
Ivory Coast +325
Morocco +400
Nigeria +350
Cameroon +350
Tunisia +800
Ghana +700
Mali +1100

I think this is the first time they are doing 24 countries, which means 16 teams qualify for the knock out round. It also means the Gambia qualified, that is a first.

Group A Cameroon (-200) Burkina Faso (+300) Cape Verde (+500) Ethiopia (+2500)
Group B Senegal (-550) Guinea (+500) Zimbabwe (+1600) Malawi (+2200)
Group C Morocco (-145) Ghana (+180) Gabon (+550) Comoros (+4000)
Group D Egypt (-145) Nigeria (+115) Guinea-Bissau (+2200) Sudan (+4000)
Group E Algeria (-200) Ivory Coast (+150) Equ. Guinea (+3300) Sierra Leone (+4000)
Group F Tunisia (-185) Mali (+150) Gambia (+2000) Mauritania (+3300)

In my opinion, with my lack of knowledge of the teams, I think Cameroon as host, have to be a favourite, I think only Cameroon and Egypt have ever won the AFCON, not to mention having a certain ace goal poacher in Choupo Motting. OK, OK, Cameroon have no chance. In the past the hosts have won every single AFCON.

My personal pick is Morocco and it is based on me watching a young, impressive Morocco team 5 some years ago.

Lets just hope this does not start like the Ice hockey WC, with a bunch of teams having to forfeit games due to covid and the thing being shut down after the first 4 days.

On Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 5:04:31 AM UTC, Binder Dundat wrote:
> I guess the Afcon cup is not the favourite continental cup of most clubs, especially in Europe, MLS is probably OK with the AFCON.
>
> If you dont know anything about the African Cup of Nations, it was always won by Egypt, I think they won all but two of the previous AFCONs. I wont go too deep into the whole thing, but it is being played in Cameroon, starts this Sunday and the favourites are Senegal and Algeria.
>
> Nation BetMGM
> Senegal +250
> Algeria +275
> Egypt +275
> Ivory Coast +325
> Morocco +400
> Nigeria +350
> Cameroon +350
> Tunisia +800
> Ghana +700
> Mali +1100
>
> I think this is the first time they are doing 24 countries, which means 16 teams qualify for the knock out round. It also means the Gambia qualified, that is a first.
>
> Group A Cameroon (-200) Burkina Faso (+300) Cape Verde (+500) Ethiopia (+2500)
> Group B Senegal (-550) Guinea (+500) Zimbabwe (+1600) Malawi (+2200)
> Group C Morocco (-145) Ghana (+180) Gabon (+550) Comoros (+4000)
> Group D Egypt (-145) Nigeria (+115) Guinea-Bissau (+2200) Sudan (+4000)
> Group E Algeria (-200) Ivory Coast (+150) Equ. Guinea (+3300) Sierra Leone (+4000)
> Group F Tunisia (-185) Mali (+150) Gambia (+2000) Mauritania (+3300)
>
> In my opinion, with my lack of knowledge of the teams, I think Cameroon as host, have to be a favourite, I think only Cameroon and Egypt have ever won the AFCON, not to mention having a certain ace goal poacher in Choupo Motting. OK, OK, Cameroon have no chance. In the past the hosts have won every single AFCON.
>
> My personal pick is Morocco and it is based on me watching a young, impressive Morocco team 5 some years ago.
>
> Lets just hope this does not start like the Ice hockey WC, with a bunch of teams having to forfeit games due to covid and the thing being shut down after the first 4 days.

It will be 1 of the following teams that win it:

Cameroon
Algeria
Ivory Coast
Nigeria
Egypt
Tunisia
Senegal
Ghana

On Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 5:04:31 AM UTC, Binder Dundat wrote:
> I guess the Afcon cup is not the favourite continental cup of most clubs, especially in Europe, MLS is probably OK with the AFCON.
>
> If you dont know anything about the African Cup of Nations, it was always won by Egypt, I think they won all but two of the previous AFCONs. I wont go too deep into the whole thing, but it is being played in Cameroon, starts this Sunday and the favourites are Senegal and Algeria.
>
> Nation BetMGM
> Senegal +250
> Algeria +275
> Egypt +275
> Ivory Coast +325
> Morocco +400
> Nigeria +350
> Cameroon +350
> Tunisia +800
> Ghana +700
> Mali +1100
>
> I think this is the first time they are doing 24 countries, which means 16 teams qualify for the knock out round. It also means the Gambia qualified, that is a first.
>
> Group A Cameroon (-200) Burkina Faso (+300) Cape Verde (+500) Ethiopia (+2500)
> Group B Senegal (-550) Guinea (+500) Zimbabwe (+1600) Malawi (+2200)
> Group C Morocco (-145) Ghana (+180) Gabon (+550) Comoros (+4000)
> Group D Egypt (-145) Nigeria (+115) Guinea-Bissau (+2200) Sudan (+4000)
> Group E Algeria (-200) Ivory Coast (+150) Equ. Guinea (+3300) Sierra Leone (+4000)
> Group F Tunisia (-185) Mali (+150) Gambia (+2000) Mauritania (+3300)
>
> In my opinion, with my lack of knowledge of the teams, I think Cameroon as host, have to be a favourite, I think only Cameroon and Egypt have ever won the AFCON, not to mention having a certain ace goal poacher in Choupo Motting. OK, OK, Cameroon have no chance. In the past the hosts have won every single AFCON.
>
> My personal pick is Morocco and it is based on me watching a young, impressive Morocco team 5 some years ago.
>
> Lets just hope this does not start like the Ice hockey WC, with a bunch of teams having to forfeit games due to covid and the thing being shut down after the first 4 days.

All games live on Sky Sports in the UK which shows how far this tournament has come on terms of desirability to broadcasters. Will try to watch some of this, sadly the opening match clashes with Galatasaray v Giresunspor, which isn’t ideal.

There will apparently be fans in attendance and going by the official figures there are no Covid cases in Cameroon (can that be right?) so as long as ticket prices are reasonable hopefully some good atmospheres. Unfortunately the last one of these I watched was when they hosted it in Egypt and were charging more than the average person could afford for a ticket. End result was unless Egypt were playing the stadium was empty. It was like ghost football before the term had been heard of.

RM

On Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 6:40:34 PM UTC, Real Mardin wrote:
> On Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 5:04:31 AM UTC, Binder Dundat wrote:
> > I guess the Afcon cup is not the favourite continental cup of most clubs, especially in Europe, MLS is probably OK with the AFCON.
> >
> > If you dont know anything about the African Cup of Nations, it was always won by Egypt, I think they won all but two of the previous AFCONs. I wont go too deep into the whole thing, but it is being played in Cameroon, starts this Sunday and the favourites are Senegal and Algeria.
> >
> > Nation BetMGM
> > Senegal +250
> > Algeria +275
> > Egypt +275
> > Ivory Coast +325
> > Morocco +400
> > Nigeria +350
> > Cameroon +350
> > Tunisia +800
> > Ghana +700
> > Mali +1100
> >
> > I think this is the first time they are doing 24 countries, which means 16 teams qualify for the knock out round. It also means the Gambia qualified, that is a first.
> >
> > Group A Cameroon (-200) Burkina Faso (+300) Cape Verde (+500) Ethiopia (+2500)
> > Group B Senegal (-550) Guinea (+500) Zimbabwe (+1600) Malawi (+2200)
> > Group C Morocco (-145) Ghana (+180) Gabon (+550) Comoros (+4000)
> > Group D Egypt (-145) Nigeria (+115) Guinea-Bissau (+2200) Sudan (+4000)
> > Group E Algeria (-200) Ivory Coast (+150) Equ. Guinea (+3300) Sierra Leone (+4000)
> > Group F Tunisia (-185) Mali (+150) Gambia (+2000) Mauritania (+3300)
> >
> > In my opinion, with my lack of knowledge of the teams, I think Cameroon as host, have to be a favourite, I think only Cameroon and Egypt have ever won the AFCON, not to mention having a certain ace goal poacher in Choupo Motting. OK, OK, Cameroon have no chance. In the past the hosts have won every single AFCON.
> >
> > My personal pick is Morocco and it is based on me watching a young, impressive Morocco team 5 some years ago.
> >
> > Lets just hope this does not start like the Ice hockey WC, with a bunch of teams having to forfeit games due to covid and the thing being shut down after the first 4 days.
> All games live on Sky Sports in the UK which shows how far this tournament has come on terms of desirability to broadcasters. Will try to watch some of this, sadly the opening match clashes with Galatasaray v Giresunspor, which isn’t ideal.

Apparently it's not the Galatasaray game but Nottingham Forest v Arsenal in the FA Cup which the opening AFCON game clashes with. Still, it's a shame the matches are on at the same time as matches in Europe.

All that aside, given I've had an affinity toward them since their glorious run at Italia 90 - Allez Les Lions Indomptables!

RM

On Friday, January 7, 2022 at 5:18:49 PM UTC-5, Real Mardin wrote:
> On Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 6:40:34 PM UTC, Real Mardin wrote:
> > On Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 5:04:31 AM UTC, Binder Dundat wrote:
> > > I guess the Afcon cup is not the favourite continental cup of most clubs, especially in Europe, MLS is probably OK with the AFCON.
> > >
> > > If you dont know anything about the African Cup of Nations, it was always won by Egypt, I think they won all but two of the previous AFCONs. I wont go too deep into the whole thing, but it is being played in Cameroon, starts this Sunday and the favourites are Senegal and Algeria.
> > >
> > > Nation BetMGM
> > > Senegal +250
> > > Algeria +275
> > > Egypt +275
> > > Ivory Coast +325
> > > Morocco +400
> > > Nigeria +350
> > > Cameroon +350
> > > Tunisia +800
> > > Ghana +700
> > > Mali +1100
> > >
> > > I think this is the first time they are doing 24 countries, which means 16 teams qualify for the knock out round. It also means the Gambia qualified, that is a first.
> > >
> > > Group A Cameroon (-200) Burkina Faso (+300) Cape Verde (+500) Ethiopia (+2500)
> > > Group B Senegal (-550) Guinea (+500) Zimbabwe (+1600) Malawi (+2200)
> > > Group C Morocco (-145) Ghana (+180) Gabon (+550) Comoros (+4000)
> > > Group D Egypt (-145) Nigeria (+115) Guinea-Bissau (+2200) Sudan (+4000)
> > > Group E Algeria (-200) Ivory Coast (+150) Equ. Guinea (+3300) Sierra Leone (+4000)
> > > Group F Tunisia (-185) Mali (+150) Gambia (+2000) Mauritania (+3300)
> > >
> > > In my opinion, with my lack of knowledge of the teams, I think Cameroon as host, have to be a favourite, I think only Cameroon and Egypt have ever won the AFCON, not to mention having a certain ace goal poacher in Choupo Motting. OK, OK, Cameroon have no chance. In the past the hosts have won every single AFCON.
> > >
> > > My personal pick is Morocco and it is based on me watching a young, impressive Morocco team 5 some years ago.
> > >
> > > Lets just hope this does not start like the Ice hockey WC, with a bunch of teams having to forfeit games due to covid and the thing being shut down after the first 4 days.
> > All games live on Sky Sports in the UK which shows how far this tournament has come on terms of desirability to broadcasters. Will try to watch some of this, sadly the opening match clashes with Galatasaray v Giresunspor, which isn’t ideal.
> Apparently it's not the Galatasaray game but Nottingham Forest v Arsenal in the FA Cup which the opening AFCON game clashes with. Still, it's a shame the matches are on at the same time as matches in Europe.
>
> All that aside, given I've had an affinity toward them since their glorious run at Italia 90 - Allez Les Lions Indomptables!
>
> RM

After watching today's Ghost Game, I just hpe they fill the 60% quota they are allowing.

On Friday, January 7, 2022 at 10:21:03 PM UTC, Binder Dundat wrote:
> On Friday, January 7, 2022 at 5:18:49 PM UTC-5, Real Mardin wrote:
> > On Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 6:40:34 PM UTC, Real Mardin wrote:
> > > On Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 5:04:31 AM UTC, Binder Dundat wrote:
> > > > I guess the Afcon cup is not the favourite continental cup of most clubs, especially in Europe, MLS is probably OK with the AFCON.
> > > >
> > > > If you dont know anything about the African Cup of Nations, it was always won by Egypt, I think they won all but two of the previous AFCONs. I wont go too deep into the whole thing, but it is being played in Cameroon, starts this Sunday and the favourites are Senegal and Algeria.
> > > >
> > > > Nation BetMGM
> > > > Senegal +250
> > > > Algeria +275
> > > > Egypt +275
> > > > Ivory Coast +325
> > > > Morocco +400
> > > > Nigeria +350
> > > > Cameroon +350
> > > > Tunisia +800
> > > > Ghana +700
> > > > Mali +1100
> > > >
> > > > I think this is the first time they are doing 24 countries, which means 16 teams qualify for the knock out round. It also means the Gambia qualified, that is a first.
> > > >
> > > > Group A Cameroon (-200) Burkina Faso (+300) Cape Verde (+500) Ethiopia (+2500)
> > > > Group B Senegal (-550) Guinea (+500) Zimbabwe (+1600) Malawi (+2200)
> > > > Group C Morocco (-145) Ghana (+180) Gabon (+550) Comoros (+4000)
> > > > Group D Egypt (-145) Nigeria (+115) Guinea-Bissau (+2200) Sudan (+4000)
> > > > Group E Algeria (-200) Ivory Coast (+150) Equ. Guinea (+3300) Sierra Leone (+4000)
> > > > Group F Tunisia (-185) Mali (+150) Gambia (+2000) Mauritania (+3300)
> > > >
> > > > In my opinion, with my lack of knowledge of the teams, I think Cameroon as host, have to be a favourite, I think only Cameroon and Egypt have ever won the AFCON, not to mention having a certain ace goal poacher in Choupo Motting. OK, OK, Cameroon have no chance. In the past the hosts have won every single AFCON.
> > > >
> > > > My personal pick is Morocco and it is based on me watching a young, impressive Morocco team 5 some years ago.
> > > >
> > > > Lets just hope this does not start like the Ice hockey WC, with a bunch of teams having to forfeit games due to covid and the thing being shut down after the first 4 days.
> > > All games live on Sky Sports in the UK which shows how far this tournament has come on terms of desirability to broadcasters. Will try to watch some of this, sadly the opening match clashes with Galatasaray v Giresunspor, which isn’t ideal.
> > Apparently it's not the Galatasaray game but Nottingham Forest v Arsenal in the FA Cup which the opening AFCON game clashes with. Still, it's a shame the matches are on at the same time as matches in Europe.
> >
> > All that aside, given I've had an affinity toward them since their glorious run at Italia 90 - Allez Les Lions Indomptables!
> >
> > RM
> After watching today's Ghost Game, I just hpe they fill the 60% quota they are allowing.

Ok, so I looked back and a problem with the Egypt AFCON was nearly half the population at the time lived off $2 a day but the cheapest ticket was $6 (with there being two more expensive categories).

It seems the average daily wage in Cameroon is about 3500 CFA Francs per month (about $6 per day).

AFCON tickets went on sale earlier this week, with prices ranging from 3000 CFA to 20000 depending on the category and stage of competition.

So the cheapest tickets are proportionally more affordable to the average person but the more expensive tickets are still priced at quite a few times more than the daily wage.

So I'm guessing this points to something similar to Egypt - capacity or near capacity crowds when the home team plays (or perhaps another big name for continent such as Nigeria or Egypt), probably pretty empty grounds if any other team is playing. Hope I'm wrong though.

For Covid security reasons capacities have been restricted to 80% for the Cameroon matches and 60% for all other matches.

Anyway, just over three hours until kickoff!

RM

On Sunday, January 9, 2022 at 12:44:36 PM UTC, Real Mardin wrote:
> On Friday, January 7, 2022 at 10:21:03 PM UTC, Binder Dundat wrote:
> > On Friday, January 7, 2022 at 5:18:49 PM UTC-5, Real Mardin wrote:
> > > On Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 6:40:34 PM UTC, Real Mardin wrote:
> > > > On Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 5:04:31 AM UTC, Binder Dundat wrote:
> > > > > I guess the Afcon cup is not the favourite continental cup of most clubs, especially in Europe, MLS is probably OK with the AFCON.
> > > > >
> > > > > If you dont know anything about the African Cup of Nations, it was always won by Egypt, I think they won all but two of the previous AFCONs. I wont go too deep into the whole thing, but it is being played in Cameroon, starts this Sunday and the favourites are Senegal and Algeria.
> > > > >
> > > > > Nation BetMGM
> > > > > Senegal +250
> > > > > Algeria +275
> > > > > Egypt +275
> > > > > Ivory Coast +325
> > > > > Morocco +400
> > > > > Nigeria +350
> > > > > Cameroon +350
> > > > > Tunisia +800
> > > > > Ghana +700
> > > > > Mali +1100
> > > > >
> > > > > I think this is the first time they are doing 24 countries, which means 16 teams qualify for the knock out round. It also means the Gambia qualified, that is a first.
> > > > >
> > > > > Group A Cameroon (-200) Burkina Faso (+300) Cape Verde (+500) Ethiopia (+2500)
> > > > > Group B Senegal (-550) Guinea (+500) Zimbabwe (+1600) Malawi (+2200)
> > > > > Group C Morocco (-145) Ghana (+180) Gabon (+550) Comoros (+4000)
> > > > > Group D Egypt (-145) Nigeria (+115) Guinea-Bissau (+2200) Sudan (+4000)
> > > > > Group E Algeria (-200) Ivory Coast (+150) Equ. Guinea (+3300) Sierra Leone (+4000)
> > > > > Group F Tunisia (-185) Mali (+150) Gambia (+2000) Mauritania (+3300)
> > > > >
> > > > > In my opinion, with my lack of knowledge of the teams, I think Cameroon as host, have to be a favourite, I think only Cameroon and Egypt have ever won the AFCON, not to mention having a certain ace goal poacher in Choupo Motting. OK, OK, Cameroon have no chance. In the past the hosts have won every single AFCON.
> > > > >
> > > > > My personal pick is Morocco and it is based on me watching a young, impressive Morocco team 5 some years ago.
> > > > >
> > > > > Lets just hope this does not start like the Ice hockey WC, with a bunch of teams having to forfeit games due to covid and the thing being shut down after the first 4 days.
> > > > All games live on Sky Sports in the UK which shows how far this tournament has come on terms of desirability to broadcasters. Will try to watch some of this, sadly the opening match clashes with Galatasaray v Giresunspor, which isn’t ideal.
> > > Apparently it's not the Galatasaray game but Nottingham Forest v Arsenal in the FA Cup which the opening AFCON game clashes with. Still, it's a shame the matches are on at the same time as matches in Europe.
> > >
> > > All that aside, given I've had an affinity toward them since their glorious run at Italia 90 - Allez Les Lions Indomptables!
> > >
> > > RM
> > After watching today's Ghost Game, I just hpe they fill the 60% quota they are allowing.
> Ok, so I looked back and a problem with the Egypt AFCON was nearly half the population at the time lived off $2 a day but the cheapest ticket was $6 (with there being two more expensive categories).
>
> It seems the average daily wage in Cameroon is about 3500 CFA Francs per month (about $6 per day).
>
> AFCON tickets went on sale earlier this week, with prices ranging from 3000 CFA to 20000 depending on the category and stage of competition.
>
> So the cheapest tickets are proportionally more affordable to the average person but the more expensive tickets are still priced at quite a few times more than the daily wage.
>
> So I'm guessing this points to something similar to Egypt - capacity or near capacity crowds when the home team plays (or perhaps another big name for continent such as Nigeria or Egypt), probably pretty empty grounds if any other team is playing. Hope I'm wrong though.
>
> For Covid security reasons capacities have been restricted to 80% for the Cameroon matches and 60% for all other matches.
>
> Anyway, just over three hours until kickoff!
>
>
> RM

HT in the opening game:

Cameroon 2 - Burkina Faso 1

Burkina Faso took the lead very much against the run of play when Sangare got on the end of a deflected header to guide the ball in at the far post.

Both Cameroon goals from Aboubakar, both penalties. The first was a VAR review where the only mystery was how on Earth the ref, who seemed to have a perfectly good and close view of the incident, didn't notice the ice hockey style body check by Traore on the Cameroon number 8 the first time round. The second one was for quite a meaty challenge, albeit after the ball had been played.

The team sheet had Burkina Faso lining up in 2-4-4 (yes, two defenders!) formation but although they did start that way the formation seems more fluid with the wide midfielders dropping back to make a back four when required. Likewise the supposed four strikers are often dropping back to bolster the midfield.

The Olembe stadium looks great, not sure if they're at the 80% capacity but it looks pretty full. I do love to see a running track around the pitch, it takes me back to watching tournaments of old. With the colours of the home team it just looks so bright and vibrant too. Why can't European teams play in such vibrant colours?

RM

On Sunday, January 9, 2022 at 4:59:17 PM UTC, Real Mardin wrote:

> HT in the opening game:
>
> Cameroon 2 - Burkina Faso 1
>
> Burkina Faso took the lead very much against the run of play when Sangare got on the end of a deflected header to guide the ball in at the far post.
>
> Both Cameroon goals from Aboubakar, both penalties. The first was a VAR review where the only mystery was how on Earth the ref, who seemed to have a perfectly good and close view of the incident, didn't notice the ice hockey style body check by Traore on the Cameroon number 8 the first time round. The second one was for quite a meaty challenge, albeit after the ball had been played.
>
> The team sheet had Burkina Faso lining up in 2-4-4 (yes, two defenders!) formation but although they did start that way the formation seems more fluid with the wide midfielders dropping back to make a back four when required. Likewise the supposed four strikers are often dropping back to bolster the midfield.
>
> The Olembe stadium looks great, not sure if they're at the 80% capacity but it looks pretty full. I do love to see a running track around the pitch, it takes me back to watching tournaments of old. With the colours of the home team it just looks so bright and vibrant too. Why can't European teams play in such vibrant colours?
>
>
> RM

Full time score:

Cameroon 2 - Burkina Faso 1

Burkina Faso had two good chances early on in the second half which the Cameroon keeper Onana denied with reflex saves.

Cameroon had the ball in the net a third time when the ball was bundled into the net on a counter attack where the keeper parried into the path of an oncoming attacker who put the ball in the net, but after the longest VAR review ever it was ruled out - not entirely sure why as they didn't provide a replay - probably offside?

All in all a decent opening game and so good to hear the chrous of vuvuzelas back at a football game!

RM

Next up tonight is Ethiopia v Cape Verde, also at the Olembe Stadium.

Many of the AFCON group stage games are done as double headers in the same ground. In the cheapest category you can buy a single ticket for 3000 CFA or a ticket to both matches for 4000, so it'll be interesting to see how many fans stop on for the second match of the night.

RM

On Sunday, January 9, 2022 at 6:01:27 PM UTC, Real Mardin wrote:
> Next up tonight is Ethiopia v Cape Verde, also at the Olembe Stadium.
>
> Many of the AFCON group stage games are done as double headers in the same ground. In the cheapest category you can buy a single ticket for 3000 CFA or a ticket to both matches for 4000, so it'll be interesting to see how many fans stop on for the second match of the night.
>
>
> RM

Full time score:

Ethiopia 0 - Cape Verde 1

The Olembe Stadium was considerably emptier for today's second match, so looks like not too many took up the 4000 CFA "double header" ticket offer. Still, it wasn't exactly "ghost football" and there were enough people with vuvuzelas in attendance to give this something of an atmosphere.

As a contest the match was basically spoiled by an early sending off for Ethiopia arising from a VAR review which nobody really needed. Yes, the Ethiopian did indeed take out the Cape Verde attacker when through on goal, but the review didn't come until Garry Rodrigues had already taken the free kick and placed it beyond the keeper and into the net in a shot Beckham or Hagi would have been proud of. However, seemingly the ref was too preoccupied with listening to the VAR instructions to blow the whistle, what would have been an impressive opening goal didn't stand, and the game was then imbalanced by the sending off. I'm sure if you asked Cape Verde whether they'd have rather let the goal stand and play against 11 or lose the goal and play against 10 they'd have gone for the former?

Anyway, Ethiopia didn't trouble Cape Verde after that and the winning goal for Cape Verde came just before half time when Garry Rodgrigues showed remarkable balance to meet a lose ball by volleying in a short cross to Julio Tavares to score from close range.

RM

On Sunday, January 9, 2022 at 11:59:17 AM UTC-5, Real Mardin wrote:
> On Sunday, January 9, 2022 at 12:44:36 PM UTC, Real Mardin wrote:
> > On Friday, January 7, 2022 at 10:21:03 PM UTC, Binder Dundat wrote:
> > > On Friday, January 7, 2022 at 5:18:49 PM UTC-5, Real Mardin wrote:
> > > > On Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 6:40:34 PM UTC, Real Mardin wrote:
> > > > > On Wednesday, January 5, 2022 at 5:04:31 AM UTC, Binder Dundat wrote:
> > > > > > I guess the Afcon cup is not the favourite continental cup of most clubs, especially in Europe, MLS is probably OK with the AFCON.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > If you dont know anything about the African Cup of Nations, it was always won by Egypt, I think they won all but two of the previous AFCONs. I wont go too deep into the whole thing, but it is being played in Cameroon, starts this Sunday and the favourites are Senegal and Algeria.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Nation BetMGM
> > > > > > Senegal +250
> > > > > > Algeria +275
> > > > > > Egypt +275
> > > > > > Ivory Coast +325
> > > > > > Morocco +400
> > > > > > Nigeria +350
> > > > > > Cameroon +350
> > > > > > Tunisia +800
> > > > > > Ghana +700
> > > > > > Mali +1100
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I think this is the first time they are doing 24 countries, which means 16 teams qualify for the knock out round. It also means the Gambia qualified, that is a first.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Group A Cameroon (-200) Burkina Faso (+300) Cape Verde (+500) Ethiopia (+2500)
> > > > > > Group B Senegal (-550) Guinea (+500) Zimbabwe (+1600) Malawi (+2200)
> > > > > > Group C Morocco (-145) Ghana (+180) Gabon (+550) Comoros (+4000)
> > > > > > Group D Egypt (-145) Nigeria (+115) Guinea-Bissau (+2200) Sudan (+4000)
> > > > > > Group E Algeria (-200) Ivory Coast (+150) Equ. Guinea (+3300) Sierra Leone (+4000)
> > > > > > Group F Tunisia (-185) Mali (+150) Gambia (+2000) Mauritania (+3300)
> > > > > >
> > > > > > In my opinion, with my lack of knowledge of the teams, I think Cameroon as host, have to be a favourite, I think only Cameroon and Egypt have ever won the AFCON, not to mention having a certain ace goal poacher in Choupo Motting. OK, OK, Cameroon have no chance. In the past the hosts have won every single AFCON.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > My personal pick is Morocco and it is based on me watching a young, impressive Morocco team 5 some years ago.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > Lets just hope this does not start like the Ice hockey WC, with a bunch of teams having to forfeit games due to covid and the thing being shut down after the first 4 days.
> > > > > All games live on Sky Sports in the UK which shows how far this tournament has come on terms of desirability to broadcasters. Will try to watch some of this, sadly the opening match clashes with Galatasaray v Giresunspor, which isn’t ideal.
> > > > Apparently it's not the Galatasaray game but Nottingham Forest v Arsenal in the FA Cup which the opening AFCON game clashes with. Still, it's a shame the matches are on at the same time as matches in Europe.
> > > >
> > > > All that aside, given I've had an affinity toward them since their glorious run at Italia 90 - Allez Les Lions Indomptables!
> > > >
> > > > RM
> > > After watching today's Ghost Game, I just hpe they fill the 60% quota they are allowing.
> > Ok, so I looked back and a problem with the Egypt AFCON was nearly half the population at the time lived off $2 a day but the cheapest ticket was $6 (with there being two more expensive categories).
> >
> > It seems the average daily wage in Cameroon is about 3500 CFA Francs per month (about $6 per day).
> >
> > AFCON tickets went on sale earlier this week, with prices ranging from 3000 CFA to 20000 depending on the category and stage of competition.
> >
> > So the cheapest tickets are proportionally more affordable to the average person but the more expensive tickets are still priced at quite a few times more than the daily wage.
> >
> > So I'm guessing this points to something similar to Egypt - capacity or near capacity crowds when the home team plays (or perhaps another big name for continent such as Nigeria or Egypt), probably pretty empty grounds if any other team is playing. Hope I'm wrong though.
> >
> > For Covid security reasons capacities have been restricted to 80% for the Cameroon matches and 60% for all other matches.
> >
> > Anyway, just over three hours until kickoff!
> >
> >
> > RM
> HT in the opening game:
>
> Cameroon 2 - Burkina Faso 1
>
> Burkina Faso took the lead very much against the run of play when Sangare got on the end of a deflected header to guide the ball in at the far post.

Unfortunately technical difficulties and me driving back to the city made me miss a lot the action today. But yeah BEIN sports was having an issue playing the game on ROKU, so I actually was watching on one of the shady Firestick apps, which also was suffering from technical difficulties, either that or my shitty satellite internet at the cottage was the problem, supposedly my Starlink is being delivered any day now and I will have internet that does not cut out every 5 minutes.

But anyhow, from what I saw, I dont think it was against the run of play as much as the commentators were saying. Sure Cameroon had the ball more, but it was not like it was one way traffic.

>
> Both Cameroon goals from Aboubakar, both penalties. The first was a VAR review where the only mystery was how on Earth the ref, who seemed to have a perfectly good and close view of the incident, didn't notice the ice hockey style body check by Traore on the Cameroon number 8 the first time round. The second one was for quite a meaty challenge, albeit after the ball had been played.

For the first pk, my initial thought in real time was PK, but the more I saw of the replays, the less sure I was, but I had no problem with the VARobots on giving the pk. The second pk seemed a good call as well, though I seem to recall Cameroon got away with one at the start of the 2nd half.

>
> The team sheet had Burkina Faso lining up in 2-4-4 (yes, two defenders!) formation but although they did start that way the formation seems more fluid with the wide midfielders dropping back to make a back four when required. Likewise the supposed four strikers are often dropping back to bolster the midfield.
>
> The Olembe stadium looks great, not sure if they're at the 80% capacity but it looks pretty full. I do love to see a running track around the pitch, it takes me back to watching tournaments of old. With the colours of the home team it just looks so bright and vibrant too. Why can't European teams play in such vibrant colours?

Not sure it was 80% but a good crowd and though the audio kept cutting out, I thought that I heard the Vuvazelas. I am not sure Cameroon will win this thing, but then again Senegal have lost some key players already to Covid, so it may be one of those war of attrition type cups?

From the highlights I saw of the 2nd game, it was quite empty, not like a ghost game, but very low attendance. One assumes not a lot of travelling fans with the covid situation?

Hopefully tomorrow BEIN gets their act straightened out and I am at home now, so have proper internet and can actually watch a game with picture and sound.

>
>
> RM

You suck BEIN Sports. It is not so bad that the app does not work on ROKU, (they claim to be working on it) I can screen mirror from my laptop and I can live with the games being broadcast in Arabic, but today you had two games playing at the same time, Guinea vs Malawi and Morocco vs Ghana and they only broadcast the Guinea v Malawi game. The "big game" did not even get broadcast. This is why people choose to stream illegally.

Guinea and Morocco both won 1-0, earlier Senegal beat Zimbabwe 1-0 with a 94 min pk.

On Monday, January 10, 2022 at 6:09:13 PM UTC, Binder Dundat wrote:
> You suck BEIN Sports. It is not so bad that the app does not work on ROKU, (they claim to be working on it) I can screen mirror from my laptop and I can live with the games being broadcast in Arabic, but today you had two games playing at the same time, Guinea vs Malawi and Morocco vs Ghana and they only broadcast the Guinea v Malawi game. The "big game" did not even get broadcast. This is why people choose to stream illegally.
>
> Guinea and Morocco both won 1-0, earlier Senegal beat Zimbabwe 1-0 with a 94 min pk.

Had these on in the background as was working from home, just to keep an eye on the score and the atmosphere really.

With regards the latter, all I will say is thank God for the vuvuzela! Attendance wise these matches were little better than ghost matches but the vuvuzela sound really adds some atmosphere. Still looks a bit rubbish when you turn on the tv for Senegal v Zimbabwe to see a completely empty main stand - but at least we have the music!

RM

On Monday, January 10, 2022 at 7:27:40 PM UTC+1, Real Mardin wrote:
> On Monday, January 10, 2022 at 6:09:13 PM UTC, Binder Dundat wrote:
> > You suck BEIN Sports. It is not so bad that the app does not work on ROKU, (they claim to be working on it) I can screen mirror from my laptop and I can live with the games being broadcast in Arabic, but today you had two games playing at the same time, Guinea vs Malawi and Morocco vs Ghana and they only broadcast the Guinea v Malawi game. The "big game" did not even get broadcast. This is why people choose to stream illegally.
> >
> > Guinea and Morocco both won 1-0, earlier Senegal beat Zimbabwe 1-0 with a 94 min pk.
> Had these on in the background as was working from home, just to keep an eye on the score and the atmosphere really.
>
> With regards the latter, all I will say is thank God for the vuvuzela! Attendance wise these matches were little better than ghost matches but the vuvuzela sound really adds some atmosphere. Still looks a bit rubbish when you turn on the tv for Senegal v Zimbabwe to see a completely empty main stand - but at least we have the music!

Can i interest you in this video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDfjSxR8hlI

Ciao,
Werner

On Monday, January 10, 2022 at 10:20:12 PM UTC, Werner Pichler wrote:
> On Monday, January 10, 2022 at 7:27:40 PM UTC+1, Real Mardin wrote:
> > On Monday, January 10, 2022 at 6:09:13 PM UTC, Binder Dundat wrote:
> > > You suck BEIN Sports. It is not so bad that the app does not work on ROKU, (they claim to be working on it) I can screen mirror from my laptop and I can live with the games being broadcast in Arabic, but today you had two games playing at the same time, Guinea vs Malawi and Morocco vs Ghana and they only broadcast the Guinea v Malawi game. The "big game" did not even get broadcast. This is why people choose to stream illegally.
> > >
> > > Guinea and Morocco both won 1-0, earlier Senegal beat Zimbabwe 1-0 with a 94 min pk.
> > Had these on in the background as was working from home, just to keep an eye on the score and the atmosphere really.
> >
> > With regards the latter, all I will say is thank God for the vuvuzela! Attendance wise these matches were little better than ghost matches but the vuvuzela sound really adds some atmosphere. Still looks a bit rubbish when you turn on the tv for Senegal v Zimbabwe to see a completely empty main stand - but at least we have the music!
> Can i interest you in this video:
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GDfjSxR8hlI
>
>
> Ciao,
> Werner

Ok, fair point - I lasted 21 seconds :(

They add to the atmosphere if watching from the comfort of your living room, less so if you're in the next seat to someone playing one.

RM

In article <19254b74-0e0d-4c60-8561-cba1f0232b95n@googlegroups.com>,
Binder Dundat <dundat@gmail.com> wrote:
>You suck BEIN Sports. It is not so bad that the app does not work on
>ROKU, (they claim to be working on it) I can screen mirror from my
>laptop and I can live with the games being broadcast in Arabic, but
>today you had two games playing at the same time, Guinea vs Malawi and
>Morocco vs Ghana and they only broadcast the Guinea v Malawi game. The
>"big game" did not even get broadcast. This is why people choose to
>stream illegally.
>
>Guinea and Morocco both won 1-0, earlier Senegal beat Zimbabwe 1-0 with
>a 94 min pk.

You really want suck, try DAZN.
--
Member - Liberal International This is doctor@@nl2k.ab.ca Ici doctor@@nl2k.ab.ca
Yahweh, Queen & country!Never Satan President Republic!Beware AntiChrist rising!
Look at Psalms 14 and 53 on Atheism https://www.empire.kred/ROOTNK?t=94a1f39b
Birthdate 29 Jan 1969 Redhill Surrey England Beware https://mindspring.com

It is the most freezing cold day of the year, in fact in the last 3 years, -26C this morning, the polar vortex that was in the west has moved east, dogs did not seem to mind the cold though. I doubt I will be going anywhere today, I think I have enough beer to make it until tomorrow?
Day 3 and counting,BEIN still have not fixed the ROKU issue, I get the feeling they wont based on ROKU forums and telephone calls made to BEIN.
Seems like a few more people in the stadium, but still disappointed again with the lack of fans, if not for the Vuvazelas it probably would sound like a ghost game. Here in North America we have always had some form of plastic horn, wooden block or rubber baton kind of noise makers. I know RM made a comment about running tracks already, but I think every stadium in Cameroon has a running track around it.

Reigning champions taking on Sierra Leone, Algeria looking more likely to score, but Sierra Leone keeping it interesting.
0-0 33min

On Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 8:33:20 AM UTC-5, Binder Dundat wrote:
> It is the most freezing cold day of the year, in fact in the last 3 years, -26C this morning, the polar vortex that was in the west has moved east, dogs did not seem to mind the cold though. I doubt I will be going anywhere today, I think I have enough beer to make it until tomorrow?
> Day 3 and counting,BEIN still have not fixed the ROKU issue, I get the feeling they wont based on ROKU forums and telephone calls made to BEIN.
> Seems like a few more people in the stadium, but still disappointed again with the lack of fans, if not for the Vuvazelas it probably would sound like a ghost game. Here in North America we have always had some form of plastic horn, wooden block or rubber baton kind of noise makers. I know RM made a comment about running tracks already, but I think every stadium in Cameroon has a running track around it.
>
> Reigning champions taking on Sierra Leone, Algeria looking more likely to score, but Sierra Leone keeping it interesting.
> 0-0 33min

And it ended 0-0 a bad result for Algeria, but as long as you win one game you are almost assured to get into the ko round. Though Algeria dominated possession Sierra Leone actually put the ball in the goal (offside).

Next mach is a "big match" (Egypt v Nigeria) and should have more fans in the stadium, I think, if for no other reason than geographical proximity to Cameroon.

On Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 3:48:18 PM UTC, Binder Dundat wrote:
> On Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 8:33:20 AM UTC-5, Binder Dundat wrote:
> > It is the most freezing cold day of the year, in fact in the last 3 years, -26C this morning, the polar vortex that was in the west has moved east, dogs did not seem to mind the cold though. I doubt I will be going anywhere today, I think I have enough beer to make it until tomorrow?
> > Day 3 and counting,BEIN still have not fixed the ROKU issue, I get the feeling they wont based on ROKU forums and telephone calls made to BEIN.
> > Seems like a few more people in the stadium, but still disappointed again with the lack of fans, if not for the Vuvazelas it probably would sound like a ghost game. Here in North America we have always had some form of plastic horn, wooden block or rubber baton kind of noise makers. I know RM made a comment about running tracks already, but I think every stadium in Cameroon has a running track around it.
> >
> > Reigning champions taking on Sierra Leone, Algeria looking more likely to score, but Sierra Leone keeping it interesting.
> > 0-0 33min
> And it ended 0-0 a bad result for Algeria, but as long as you win one game you are almost assured to get into the ko round. Though Algeria dominated possession Sierra Leone actually put the ball in the goal (offside).
>
> Next mach is a "big match" (Egypt v Nigeria) and should have more fans in the stadium, I think, if for no other reason than geographical proximity to Cameroon.

I know I keep saying it but vuvuzelas are saving this tournament, the Japoma Stadium in Douala looked very nice other than it was practically deserted for Algeria v Sierra Leone yet if I closed my eyes those vuvuzelas were making so much noise I could have been watching a cup final. Impressive stuff..

Once again whoever organises this tournament has set the ticket prices way too high for the local economy, a day's wages or more is evidently too much a price to pay to watch a game that doesn't involve Cameroon or a couple of the regional powers. Egypt v Nigeria looks to be fairly well attended but that one seems to have travelling support on both sides and is the African equivalent of something like Germany v France.

RM

On Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 5:45:51 PM UTC, Real Mardin wrote:
> On Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 3:48:18 PM UTC, Binder Dundat wrote:
> > On Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 8:33:20 AM UTC-5, Binder Dundat wrote:
> > > It is the most freezing cold day of the year, in fact in the last 3 years, -26C this morning, the polar vortex that was in the west has moved east, dogs did not seem to mind the cold though. I doubt I will be going anywhere today, I think I have enough beer to make it until tomorrow?
> > > Day 3 and counting,BEIN still have not fixed the ROKU issue, I get the feeling they wont based on ROKU forums and telephone calls made to BEIN.
> > > Seems like a few more people in the stadium, but still disappointed again with the lack of fans, if not for the Vuvazelas it probably would sound like a ghost game. Here in North America we have always had some form of plastic horn, wooden block or rubber baton kind of noise makers. I know RM made a comment about running tracks already, but I think every stadium in Cameroon has a running track around it.
> > >
> > > Reigning champions taking on Sierra Leone, Algeria looking more likely to score, but Sierra Leone keeping it interesting.
> > > 0-0 33min
> > And it ended 0-0 a bad result for Algeria, but as long as you win one game you are almost assured to get into the ko round. Though Algeria dominated possession Sierra Leone actually put the ball in the goal (offside).
> >
> > Next mach is a "big match" (Egypt v Nigeria) and should have more fans in the stadium, I think, if for no other reason than geographical proximity to Cameroon.
> I know I keep saying it but vuvuzelas are saving this tournament, the Japoma Stadium in Douala looked very nice other than it was practically deserted for Algeria v Sierra Leone yet if I closed my eyes those vuvuzelas were making so much noise I could have been watching a cup final. Impressive stuff.
>
> Once again whoever organises this tournament has set the ticket prices way too high for the local economy, a day's wages or more is evidently too much a price to pay to watch a game that doesn't involve Cameroon or a couple of the regional powers. Egypt v Nigeria looks to be fairly well attended but that one seems to have travelling support on both sides and is the African equivalent of something like Germany v France.
>
> RM

So four 1-0's yesterday. Today:

Algeria 0 - Sierra Leone 0

Nigeria 1 - Egypt 0

Sudan 0 - Guinea-Bissau 0

It seems it's not just fans who are in absence at this AFCON.

RM

On 2022-01-11 14:02, Real Mardin wrote:
> On Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 5:45:51 PM UTC, Real Mardin wrote:
>
>
> So four 1-0's yesterday. Today:
>
> Algeria 0 - Sierra Leone 0
>
> Nigeria 1 - Egypt 0
>
> Sudan 0 - Guinea-Bissau 0
>
>
> It seems it's not just fans who are in absence at this AFCON.

Aren't most of the games at the AFCON traditionally hard fought low
scoring contests ? Seems to me there was one recent with with 3/4
quarter finals going to pens, and teams progressing to the second round
having drawn all three games.

>
>
> RM

On Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 4:56:21 AM UTC, MH wrote:
> On 2022-01-11 14:02, Real Mardin wrote:
> > On Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 5:45:51 PM UTC, Real Mardin wrote:
> >
> >
> > So four 1-0's yesterday. Today:
> >
> > Algeria 0 - Sierra Leone 0
> >
> > Nigeria 1 - Egypt 0
> >
> > Sudan 0 - Guinea-Bissau 0
> >
> >
> > It seems it's not just fans who are in absence at this AFCON.
> Aren't most of the games at the AFCON traditionally hard fought low
> scoring contests ? Seems to me there was one recent with with 3/4
> quarter finals going to pens, and teams progressing to the second round
> having drawn all three games.
>
>
> >
> >
> > RM

Looking back to 2019, the first round of group games was ( so far) higher scoring, a couple of 2-2 draws, a 4-1, some 2-0s.

RM

I seem to recall AFCON's being low scoring, I suppose that means that it is an evenly matched cup.

So not only have there been a lot of 1-0's, most of those goals came from PKs. Nigeria won 1-0 yesterday and more or less cancelled Salah and Egypt from any kind of goal scoring threat in front of a huge (by AFCON standards) crowd, the crowd seemed to mostly be Nigerians and stayed around to watch the next game, without really cheering for either team, but making some noise. Though I forget much of that game, I do recall the worst penalty kick attempt ever by Pele.

The ref was the main attraction in today's game (Tunisia 0 - 1 Mali), blowing at the 85 min for time, before being told games are 90 mins long. Then blowing at the 89 min for time, even though there were subs and stoppages all over the place. Missed penalties and red cards in this one as well.

I suspect Gambia is the worst team in this Comp, so they should concede more than 1 goal in the upcoming game

On Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 2:44:22 AM UTC-5, Real Mardin wrote:
> On Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 4:56:21 AM UTC, MH wrote:
> > On 2022-01-11 14:02, Real Mardin wrote:
> > > On Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 5:45:51 PM UTC, Real Mardin wrote:
> > >
> > >
> > > So four 1-0's yesterday. Today:
> > >
> > > Algeria 0 - Sierra Leone 0
> > >
> > > Nigeria 1 - Egypt 0
> > >
> > > Sudan 0 - Guinea-Bissau 0
> > >
> > >
> > > It seems it's not just fans who are in absence at this AFCON.
> > Aren't most of the games at the AFCON traditionally hard fought low
> > scoring contests ? Seems to me there was one recent with with 3/4
> > quarter finals going to pens, and teams progressing to the second round
> > having drawn all three games.
> >
> >
> > >
> > >
> > > RM
> Looking back to 2019, the first round of group games was ( so far) higher scoring, a couple of 2-2 draws, a 4-1, some 2-0s.
>
> RM

On Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 11:00:15 AM UTC-5, Binder Dundat wrote:
> I seem to recall AFCON's being low scoring, I suppose that means that it is an evenly matched cup.
>
> So not only have there been a lot of 1-0's, most of those goals came from PKs. Nigeria won 1-0 yesterday and more or less cancelled Salah and Egypt from any kind of goal scoring threat in front of a huge (by AFCON standards) crowd, the crowd seemed to mostly be Nigerians and stayed around to watch the next game, without really cheering for either team, but making some noise. Though I forget much of that game, I do recall the worst penalty kick attempt ever by Pele.
>
> The ref was the main attraction in today's game (Tunisia 0 - 1 Mali), blowing at the 85 min for time, before being told games are 90 mins long. Then blowing at the 89 min for time, even though there were subs and stoppages all over the place. Missed penalties and red cards in this one as well.
>
> I suspect Gambia is the worst team in this Comp, so they should concede more than 1 goal in the upcoming game

Or maybe not. The Gambia, made up of English 4th division players, score first.
For some unknown reason, the match was delayed 45 mins.

> On Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 2:44:22 AM UTC-5, Real Mardin wrote:
> > On Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 4:56:21 AM UTC, MH wrote:
> > > On 2022-01-11 14:02, Real Mardin wrote:
> > > > On Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 5:45:51 PM UTC, Real Mardin wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > So four 1-0's yesterday. Today:
> > > >
> > > > Algeria 0 - Sierra Leone 0
> > > >
> > > > Nigeria 1 - Egypt 0
> > > >
> > > > Sudan 0 - Guinea-Bissau 0
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > It seems it's not just fans who are in absence at this AFCON.
> > > Aren't most of the games at the AFCON traditionally hard fought low
> > > scoring contests ? Seems to me there was one recent with with 3/4
> > > quarter finals going to pens, and teams progressing to the second round
> > > having drawn all three games.
> > >
> > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > RM
> > Looking back to 2019, the first round of group games was ( so far) higher scoring, a couple of 2-2 draws, a 4-1, some 2-0s.
> >
> > RM

On Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 4:00:15 PM UTC, Binder Dundat wrote:
> I seem to recall AFCON's being low scoring, I suppose that means that it is an evenly matched cup.
>
> So not only have there been a lot of 1-0's, most of those goals came from PKs. Nigeria won 1-0 yesterday and more or less cancelled Salah and Egypt from any kind of goal scoring threat in front of a huge (by AFCON standards) crowd, the crowd seemed to mostly be Nigerians and stayed around to watch the next game, without really cheering for either team, but making some noise. Though I forget much of that game, I do recall the worst penalty kick attempt ever by Pele.
>
> The ref was the main attraction in today's game (Tunisia 0 - 1 Mali), blowing at the 85 min for >time, before being told games are 90 mins long. Then blowing at the 89 min for time, even >though there were subs and stoppages all over the place. Missed penalties and red cards in >this one as well.

The ref finishing the game early, particularly given his attempt to do the same five minutes earlier, was simultaneously one of the funniest and unjust things I’ve seen on a football pitch. Honestly don’t recall ever having seen that in a match before.

That calamity was then followed by the Mauritanian anthem failing repeatedly, with their players eventually being told they might want to just sing the anthem without music.

This AFCON is already the best tournament ever!

RM

> I suspect Gambia is the worst team in this Comp, so they should concede more than 1 goal in the upcoming game
> On Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 2:44:22 AM UTC-5, Real Mardin wrote:
> > On Wednesday, January 12, 2022 at 4:56:21 AM UTC, MH wrote:
> > > On 2022-01-11 14:02, Real Mardin wrote:
> > > > On Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at 5:45:51 PM UTC, Real Mardin wrote:
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > So four 1-0's yesterday. Today:
> > > >
> > > > Algeria 0 - Sierra Leone 0
> > > >
> > > > Nigeria 1 - Egypt 0
> > > >
> > > > Sudan 0 - Guinea-Bissau 0
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > It seems it's not just fans who are in absence at this AFCON.
> > > Aren't most of the games at the AFCON traditionally hard fought low
> > > scoring contests ? Seems to me there was one recent with with 3/4
> > > quarter finals going to pens, and teams progressing to the second round
> > > having drawn all three games.
> > >
> > >
> > > >
> > > >
> > > > RM
> > Looking back to 2019, the first round of group games was ( so far) higher scoring, a couple of 2-2 draws, a 4-1, some 2-0s.
> >
> > RM