Cape Verde docked points for ineligible player

Cape Verde become the seventh African team sanctioned for fielding ineligible players in a qualifying match during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.  Cape Verde forfeit their 2-0 road victory over Tunisia on 7 September 2013.  Fernando Varela had not yet fully served his full four-match suspension for aggressive behavior toward an official.  The match has been awarded as a 3-0 victory to Tunisia.  This reverse of the result means that Tunisia have been given new life in the chase for Brasil 2014, as the original result had eliminated them.  Cape Verde, on the other hand, have now been eliminated whereas with the original result they had qualified to the CAF Third Round as Group B winner.

Tunisia 14 pts
Cape Verde OUT
Sierra Leone OUT
Eq. Guinea OUT

News Reports:
http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/preliminaries/news/newsid=2172738/index.html?intcmp=newsreader_news_related_items

Algeria 1 - Mali 0

Blida was the site of the final CAF Second Round match with Algeria hosting Mali.  Algeria had already won Group H, so this match was for pride only.  The opening half was very quite until an Algerian outburst in the final three minutes.  Abdelmoumene Djabou's free kick was sent aside by Mali goalkeeper Soumaile Diakite.  Diakite had to make another save late from a Saphir Taider (pictured, white) volley in the box.  Mali were relieved to be tied 0-0 at the break.

Madjid Bougherra picked out El Arabi Soudani from beyond midfield with a thumped through ball for Algeria early in the second half.  Soudani beat Adama Tamboura to the ball and then beat Diakite one-versus-one as Soudani was losing his balance to give Algeria the opener.  The game opened up a bit more after the goal, but this proved to be the lone noteworthy attack of the second half.  Algeria win 1-0 to close round two of African qualifying.

Goals
Algeria
El Arabi Soudani 51

Match Reports:
http://en.dzfoot.com/2013/09/soudanis-lone-goal-gives-algeria-1-0-victory-over-mali/
http://www.dzfoot.com/article-2631-cm-2014-algerie-1-0-mali-les-notes.php

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RONdG8dSuUE

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1hulY-lpmDI

Egypt 4 - Guinea 2

El-Gouna was the site of Egypt's final home match of Group G against Mali.  With a win, Egypt would be the only team to complete the CAF Second Round with six wins out of six matches.  Guinea came flying out of the gate.  Seydouba Soumah forced a save  A horribly poor defensive header clearance by Guinea inside their own box feel to Hossam Ghaly, who equalized with a calm finish.  The score is this rather subdued after was 1-1 at the break.

Kamil Zayatte, the Guinean captain, was given his marching orders for a red card offense in minute 49 when he handled the ball on an Egyptian shot as it was about to enter the goal, giving Egypt a penalty kick opportunity.  Egypt converted for 2-1.  On a hard deflection, Guinea's sole striker Soumah found himself on a breakaway, and he sped past two defenders for the score to make it 2-2.  With under ten minutes to play, Mohamed Aboutrika (pictured, red) performed a beautiful backheel pass in traffic into the box, giving Mohamed Salah a ball with which to score, and score Salah did to put Egypt back out in front.  The extra man finally showed in Guinea's weariness late on.  Aboutrika made another pass that spliced the defense inside the box, and Amr Zaki finished to give the Pharaohs their fourth goal.  Egypt win 4-2 and remain the only team still in the competition with a perfect record, having recorded six wins from six matches.

Goals
Egypt
Hossam Ghaly 38
Mohamed Aboutrika 51 PK
Mohamed Salah 83
Amr Zaki 87

Guinea
Adam El Abd 4 OG
Seydouba Soumah 57

Match Reports:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/football/24034966
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/soccer/news/20130910/egypt-guinea-4-2-bob-bradley-world-cup-qualifying.ap/

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2H-QkeTGMF4

Lesotho 3 - Sudan 2

Sudan hosted Lesotho in Omdurman to close out Group D play.  Sudan grabbed an early lead in the third minute and tacked on a second goal midway through the period.  However, the young Crocodiles were not giving up, and a goal one minute from time made the score at halftime 2-1 in favor of Sudan.

Ahmed Abdalla was sent off for a second yellow in minute 63, leaving Sudan down a man for the final half hour of play.  With renewed belief, Lesotho pressed forward in attack.  They leveled the match at two goals apiece with a quarter hour to go.  Tsepo Koetle completed the comeback bid two minutes later to give the Crocodiles their first lead.  Lesotho hold on and win 3-2.

Goals
Lesotho
Tsepo Seturumane 45 (pictured)
Tsepo Lekhoana 75
Tsoanelo Koetle 77

Sudan
Bekry Amaldina 2
Muhannad El Tahir 23

Match Reports:
http://www.supersport.com/football/africa/news/130908/Lesotho_stun_Sudan_in_thriller

Cameroon 1 - Libya 0; Togo 2 - Democratic Republic of Congo 1

Yaoundé was the site of the deciding match in Group I today with Libya visiting Cameroon.  A win for Libya would give them the group, but any other result would send Cameroon through to phase three of Africa qualifying.  A good through ball from Mohamed El Mughrabi put his Libyan teammate in against the Cameroon goalkeeper Charles Itandje, but Itandje won the battle with his sliding block.  Midway through the period, Samuel Eto'o struck a nice dipping free kick from twenty-four yards, but a stab by Libya goalkeeper Mohamed Nashnush saved a goal.  On a Cameroon corner with three minutes left, Enoh Chedjou (pictured, green #14) got behind three Libyan defenders and headed into the goal for the opener.  Cameroon were ahead 1-0 at the halftime whistle.

Midway through the second half, Alexandre Song forced Nashnush into pushing away from his driven attempt from distance.  Libya looked closer to the equalizer than Cameroon did to a second in the second period.  Two minutes from time, Libya should have scored.  A Libyan cross found an open Omar Abdelsalam, but his header into the ground was miraculously saved by a reflex kick from Itandje.  Eric Choupo-Moting should have scored for Cameroon in stoppage time, but his shot was wide of frame after he snuck through four defenders via his dribble.  Cameroon win 1-0 and advance to the final round.  Libya are eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Togo finished their campaign at home in Lome against the Democratic Republic of Congo.  Dove Wome orchestrated the first goal of the match.  Wome drove across the top of the Congolese area before passing to Lalawele Atakora inside the box.  Atakora finished his chance to put the Sparrowhawks in front.  Togo led 1-0 after the opening period.

The crowd were stunned ten minutes from time.  Zola Matumona swung a short free kick into the six-yard box for an onrushing Saoule Ebunga.  Nobody marked Ebunga, so he powered a simple header away for the equalizer.  Togo did not give up on securing a victory, however.  In stoppage time, the Togolese secured a dramatic victory on a crazy sequence.  First, a Togolese shot bounced off the crossbar and was gathered by Wome.  Wome then reversed course and spun around to deliver a cross.  A volley from Backer Aloenouvo bounced into the turf and used its topspin to sink into the net to give Togo a last-gasp win.  Togo win 2-1.

Cameroon 13 pts IN
Libya OUT
DR Congo OUT
Togo OUT

Goals
Cameroon
Aurelien Chedjou 42

Togo
Lalawele Atakora 35
Backer Aloenouvo 90+2

Democratic Republic of Congo
Saoule Ebunga 81

Match Reports:
http://www.camfoot.com/cameroun-libye-c-est-parti-0-0.html
http://www.standardmedia.co.ke/?articleID=2000093116&story_title=togo-defeats-drc-2-1-with-late-goal-in-group-I

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t4UbW7qQ0ZM (Cameroon v. Libya)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7LO60KSvU4 (Togo v. DR Congo)

Benin 2 - Rwanda 0

 Porto-Novo was the site of Benin's home match against Rwanda with both teams unable to advance to the next round.  The visiting Amavubi came out with a very offensive posture, but the Squirrels had their goal under lock and key.  Rwanda managed two shots on goal, but neither affected the scoreboard.  Mickael Pote used a great strike to put Benin ahead with ten minutes left in the half.  Benin led 1-0 going into the break.

Bello Babatunde doubled the Benin lead before ten minutes had gone by in the second period.  This was enough to allow the Squirrels to see out the game comfortably.  Benin win 2-0.

Goals
Benin
Mickael Pote 36 (pictured)
Bello Babatunde 53

Match Reports:
http://in2eastafrica.net/rwanda-lose-to-benin-in-final-match/

Kenya 1 - Namibia 0

Nairobi was the scene for Namibia's visit to Kenya.  Francis Kahata (pictured, red #20) provided the service on an early corner for Kenya, and defender David Owino swung a superb volley into the Namibia net to put Kenya ahead 1-0.  Kenya kept up their early pressure for good chunks of the opening half, but they could not extend their lead.  1-0 was the halftime score.

Namibia were good coming out of their locker room.  Jackob Pinehas came closest to the equalizer, but it was not to be.  Allan Wetende nearly doubled the Kenyan lead after they had withstood the Namibian pressure, but his strong effort from distance struck flush with the crossbar as he was being marked by Chris Katjiuka (pictured, white #12).  Kahata nearly sealed the match in stoppage time, but his shot went wide.  In spite of the miss, the Harambee Stars secure their only win of the campaign, 1-0.

Goals
Kenya
David Owino 5

Match Reports:
http://www.goal.com/en-ke/news/4522/kenya/2013/09/08/4247228/kenya-1-0-namibia-stars-finish-qualifiers-on-a-high

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3puSXxOwPPs

Mozambique 1 - Zimbabwe 1

Harare was the site for Zimbabwe's final home game of the tournament with Mozambique visiting.  Both sides were looking to exit the tournament with their first win of round two of qualifying.  Both sides failed to provide good passes in the attacking third for the first forty minutes.  Peter Moyo (pictured, green) was able to hit the woodwork for Zimbabwe with five minutes to go, and Masimba Mambare put away the rebound.  At the half, the score was Zimbabwe 1, Mozambique 0.

Zimbabwe made a pair of substitutions that sapped the spirit from their attack.  Maninho snuck through for Mozambique.  His shot was initially saved, but a poor clearance from Oscar Machapa gave Maninho a second chance, which he gleefully converted.  The match ends 1-1, meaning Zimbabwe fail to win a match in the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Goals
Zimbabwe
Masimba Mambare 41

Mozambique
Maninho 69

Match Reports:
http://www.thezimbabwemail.com/sport/18046-warriors-held-at-home-held-by-mozambique.html
http://www.mtnfootball.com/international/fifa-world-cup-2014/matches/reports/2013/sep/08-zimbabwe-v-mozambique.html

Senegal 1 - Uganda 0; Angola 4 - Liberia 1

Liberia paid a visit to Angola in Lubango as both teams ended their campaigns today.  Eddie Wulue misplayed an attempted clearance off an Angolan corner in the second minute, allowing Guedes a free swing at a volley from within the six-yard box to put Angola ahead 1-0.  That proved to be the only goal of the half.  Angola were ahead 1-0 at intermission.

Mabululo made a fantastic solo run, slaloming around two Liberian defenders before crossing to the back post.  Ary Papel received the pass, dribbled backward with the goalkeeper coming to pressure, and then shot at goal.  The ball rolled along the goal line until Mabululo tapped in for 2-0.  A one-two-one play from Guilherme Afonso and Guedes was finished from seventeen yards by Afonso for 3-0.  Three minutes after that it was 4-0 after Abdul scored from a completely unmarked header in the box off a corner kick.  Liberia pulled back a consolation goal with ten minutes to play.  A Sylvanus Nimley pass set up Marcus Macauley to finish from eighteen yards away.  Gideon Williams received a red card for Liberia in minute 88 to end all home of a comeback.  Angola win convincingly 4-1.

Marrakesh, Morocco was the site of Senegal's nominal home matchup against Uganda.  Uganda needed a victory or else Senegal would win Group J and advance to round three.  Defender Godfrey Walusimbi was kicked off the pitch for a red card in minute 36 after a studs-up challenge on Gassama Lamine, leaving Uganda a man down.  Uganda were able to make it to halftime with the score 0-0.

Uganda held tough despite being a man down, but they had to open up and go for goal or else be eliminated.  Finally, the man advantage paid dividends for Senegal with six minutes to play in the match.  Moussa Sow ran onto a ball forward from Dame Ndoye inside the Uganda area.  Sow got a pass off beyond the coverage of Andrew Mwesigwa (pictured, yellow) to a wide open Sadio Mane at the far post.  Mane made the tap-in to put Senegal ahead.  Senegal win 1-0 and secure a spot in the next round of qualifying by virtue of winning Group J.  Uganda are eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Senegal 12 pts IN
Uganda OUT
Angola OUT
Liberia OUT

Goals
Angola
Guedes 2
Mabululu 47
Guilherme Afonso 60
Abdul Nyazinawo 63

Liberia
Marcus Macauley 80

Senegal
Sadio Mane 84

Match Reports:
http://www.redpepper.co.ug/senegal-10-uganda/
http://www.kawowo.com/index.php/football/item/16073-cranes-player-rating-senegal-1-1-uganda.html
http://www.redpepper.co.ug/live-senegal-vs-uganda/

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARwexo88kGY (Angola v. Liberia)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAaGFnIHS-Q (Senegal v. Uganda)

Cape Verde 2 - Tunisia 0; Sierra Leone 3 - Equatorial Guinea 2

Freetown was the site for Sierra Leone's home match against Equatorial Guinea.  Sierra Leone took a lead soon after the twenty-minute mark passed through a Mustapha Bangura goal.  A penalty kick was converted by Sierra Leone to double their lead with just over five minutes to play in the first period.  The hosts lead 2-0 going into halftime.

Twenty minutes from time, Alhassan Kamara scored a goal for Sierra Leone to put the match beyond doubt.  3-0 was the score.  Equatorial Guinea pulled back two goals in the final three minutes, but they could not complete the miraculous comeback.  Sierra Leone win 3-2.

Cape Verde, previously eliminated but later given new life due to sanctions against Equatorial Guinea, needed a victory and only a victory to avoid elimination in Rades today.  Hosts Tunisia needed only a draw to advance and had yet to lose in the tournament.  Tunisia had the first decent chance of the match, but Cape Verde were not overawed by the occasion.  A Cape Verdean cross was not swept away by Aymen Abdennour, leaving Platini a simple finish once the ball reached him.  The visitors had their vital 1-0 lead.  Not quite a quarter hour had elapsed before the Blue Sharks struck again.  A run up the right side of the pitch by Marco Soares dragged both Tunisian defenders wide, allowing for a simple pass into the box to put Heldon Ramos (pictured, blue) in against the goalkeeper.  Ramos won that battle, and Cape Verde took a 2-0 advantage with them into their locker room.

Tunisia had the better of play in the second half, but Cape Verde had the best chance.  Ryan Mendes was alone against the Tunisia goalkeeper but struck his shot straight into the body of Moez Ben Chirifia.  Cape Verde shock the world and win 2-0 in Tunisia, eliminating Tunisia from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.  The Blue Sharks will now be one of ten African teams awaiting their fates at the CAF Third Round draw ceremony on 16 September 2013.

Cape Verde 12 pts IN
Tunisia OUT
Sierra Leone OUT
Equatorial Guinea OUT

Goals
Sierra Leone
Mustapha Bangura 21
Ibrahim Kargbo 39 PK
Alhassan Kamara 70

Equatorial Guinea
Jimmy Bermudez 87
Juvenal 89

Cape Verde
Platini 28
Heldon Ramos 42

Match Reports:
http://www.cafonline.com/competition/world-cup_2014/news/17880-cape-verde-shock-tunisia-in-world-cup.html

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ztiG7efJao (Cape Verde v. Tunisia)

Morocco 1 - Cote d'Ivoire 1; Gambia 2 - Tanzania 0

Gambia closed their qualifying campaign at home in Bakau against Tanzania.  Mustapha Jarjue scored with the half coming to a close to give Gambia a 1-0 lead at the break.

Jarjue scored his second of the day six minutes after the restart to double the Gambian lead.  The home side coasted to the finish line, and Gambia win 2-0.

Morocco made the trip south to Abidjan to square off against Cote d'Ivoire in the final Group C match.  Abdelaziz Barrada had a volleyed shot attempt for Morocco that Cote d'Ivoire goalkeeper Boubacar Barry was able to save.  Didier Drogba (pictured, orange) had a shot cleared off the line by the Moroccan defense. Gervinho and Drogba were a dangerous pair up front for the Elephants, but no goals were found in the opening stanza.

A defensive lapse cost the Ivoirians early in the second half.  Omar El Kaddouri played a through ball straight up the middle of the pitch for Youssef El Arabi, who scored from the half circle as Barry was retreating toward his line.  With less than ten minutes to go, Ya Konan struck a cross the El Kaddouri handled inside the Moroccan penalty area.  Cote d'Ivoire converted their penalty kick to tie the game.  The match ends in a 1-1 draw.

Goals
Gambia
Mustapha Jarjue 45, 51

Morocco
Youssef El Arabi 53

Cote d'Ivoire
Didier Drogba 83 PK

Match Reports:
http://us.soccerway.com/news/2013/September/07/fifa-world-cup-qualifying-ivory-coast-1-morocco-1/

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HcScxb4DzoI (Morocco v. Cote d'Ivoire)

Burkina Faso 1 - Gabon 0; Niger 2 - Congo 2

Ouagadougou and hosts Burkina Faso welcomed Gabon to town for their crucial final qualifying match of the CAF Second Round.  Gabon needed a win and a Congo loss in the other Group E match being played simultaneously in order to advance.  Burkina Faso needed a win and for Congo not to win in order to advance.  No goals were scored in the first period.

Nearly ten minutes into the second period, Burkina Faso played a cross into the danger area.  Prejuce Nekoulma headed a powerful strike into the goal to give The Stallions a lead.  Burkina Faso were now hoping for help from Niger, having already held up their end of the bargain.  Burkina Faso win 1-0.  The result eliminates Gabon from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Niamey and hosts Niger looked to spoil the dreams of visiting Congo.  A Congo victory over the last-place hosts would see Congo through to the next round, but a slip-up would likely see their dreams shattered.  Mahamane Cisse drove up the left side of the Congolese defense and then shot from a very obtuse angle to score at the near post for the opener.  Niger were ahead 1-0 at halftime, but Congo were still in position to advance with Burkina Faso and Gabon all square at halftime in the other match.

Congo drew level midway through the second half.  A cross from the right bounced just out of reach of a pair of players, freezing the Niger goalkeeper Kassaly Daouda (pictured, blue) at his near post.  Fabrice Nguessi then finished at the far post to level the match.  But four minutes later the hosts had restored their lead.  Daouda Kamilou finish a half volley under pressure from the half circle to make it 2-1.  Six minutes after that, Congo forward Christopher Samba (pictured, red with ball) won a header against Daouda.  His header softly bounced back into play off the crossbar, allowing Ulrich Kapolongo to score the equalizer with a diving header.  Congo were unable to push the third goal across and received no help from Gabon in the other match.  Niger pull out a 2-2 draw against favored Congo, eliminating Congo from the 2014 FIFA World Cup and handing Burkina Faso a berth in the last round of African qualifying.

Burkina Faso 12 pts IN
Congo OUT
Gabon OUT
Niger OUT

Goals
Burkina Faso
Prejuce Nekoulma 54

Niger
Mahamane Cisse 34
Daouda Kamilou 70

Congo
Fabrice Nguessi 66
Ulrich Kapolongo 76

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L6tWa67zzBc (Burkina Faso v. Gabon)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxaj2_Y0f0k (Niger v. Congo)

Nigeria 2 - Malawi 0

Nigeria were at home in Calabar to take on Malawi with Group F on the line.  Malawi needed to win to survive, otherwise Nigeria would win the group and advance to round three.  Malawi began the game in a defensive shell, seemingly hoping to catch Nigeria on the counter.  Malawi never found the opening in the first half, but Nigeria rarely were success with their own forays forward.  Ogenye Onazi was given a bit too much team with the ball at his feet, so he lofted a sublime pass from midfield into the box.  The pass found Emmanuel Emenike, who used his second touch to pop the ball over the oncoming goalkeeper to give Nigeria a lead in first half stoppage time.  The Super Eagles were ahead 1-0 after the first forty-five.

Malawi were forced to abandon their shell of safety
 and play football in the second half.  Nnamdi Oduamadi drew a penalty kick for the home side five minutes after the restart when Flames captain James Sangala brought him down inside the Malawi box.  Nigeria converted for a 2-0 cushion.  Malawi now needed three goals to survive, a task made nearly impossible after Limbikani Mzava was given his marching orders for Malawi for a second yellow card in minute 53.  Nigeria thereafter coasted to the finish line.  Nigeria win 2-0 to clinch the Group F title and a spot in the CAF Third Round.  Malawi are eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Nigeria 12 pts IN
Malawi OUT
Namibia OUT
Kenya OUT

Goals
Nigeria
Emmanuel Emenike 45+1
Victor Moses 51 PK

Match Reports:
http://sport.ng.msn.com/local-football/nigeria-2-0-Malawi
http://allafrica.com/stories/201309090228.html
http://www.punchng.com/sports/nigeria-beat-malawi-2-0-advance-to-final-round/
http://www.goal.com/en-ng/match/82105/nigeria-vs-malawi/report?

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGC3Oznuefs

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VGh-prv7MDg

Ethiopia 2 - Central African Republic 1; South Africa 4 - Botswana 1

Durban was the site of one of the two matches being played simultaneously in Group A on its sixth matchday.  South Africa hosted Botswana.  A South Africa win plus an Ethiopia loss or draw would see South Africa through to the next stage.  Botswana needed a win and an Ethiopia loss to go through.  It took nearly half an hour, but Bafana Bafana took the lead to put pressure on Ethiopia.  A Siphiwe Tshabalala corner was flicked on at the near post by Bernard Parker, and a Kermit Erasmus header at the back post gave the hosts a 1-0 lead.  This was Erasmus's first international tally.  Botswana were completely lost defensively, and only poor touches and missed shots let them off the hook.  However, Dean Furman received a through ball in stoppage time for his third chance in a short time frame for South Africa.  Furman this time finished off the inside of the far post for his first international goal.  South Africa were ahead 2-0 at halftime and were receiving good news out of Congo.

Botswana were more settled in the second half, and they provided some punch on the counter.  Jerome Ramatlhakwane pushed a pass forward to his teammate and then rushed into the box where he received the cross and scored with a powerful header to pull Botswana within a goal.  Parker scored on a free kick from the half circle to re-establish a two-goal cushion for Bafana Bafana.  Daine Klate drew a late penalty chance for South Africa that was converted to ice the game.  South Africa win 4-1 and hoped that help would be delivered by Central African Republic.  Botswana are eliminated from the tournament.

Brazzaville, Congo was the "home" venue for Central African Republic as they faced off against group leaders Ethiopia.  Ethiopia needed a win to clinch a spot in the final round of qualifying.  A huge wrench was thrown into Ethiopia's path when they conceded the opening goal midway through the first half.  A weak cross off a Central African free kick should have been punched away by Ethiopia goalkeeper Sisay Banch, but he whiffed.  The ball fell to Salif Keita, who pushed it into the net to give Central African Republic the lead.  A lackluster Ethiopia were in trouble, down 1-0 at halftime with South Africa leading in the other match.

Ethiopia came out with renewed vigor in the second period.  Three minutes in, Adane Girma provided a ball that fell inside the six-yard box.  Ethiopia striker Saladin Said did well to ignore the two players jumping and missing a header chance, allowing Said to trap the ball off the bounce and then immediately shoot it into the net for the equalizer.  With South Africa ahead, however, the Walia Antelopes knew that only a win would suffice for them.  Girma had a second assist, this time setting up Menyahil Teshome at the hour mark.  Teshome's shot combined the choppy bounces of the bad field with a touch from the goalkeeper and a touch off the far post to give Ethiopia the lead they so desperately sought.  Ethiopia found a way to hold on defensively for the rest of the affair.  Ethiopia win 2-1 in comeback fashion to advance.  South Africa are eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Ethiopia 13 pts IN
South Africa OUT
Botswana OUT
Cen. Af. Rep. OUT

Goals
South Africa
Kermit Erasmus 28
Dean Furman 45+1
Bernard Parker 84, 89 PK

Botswana
Jerome Ramatlhakwane 73

Ethiopia
Saladin Said 48
Menyahil Teshome 61

Central African Republic
Salif Keita 23

Match Reports:
http://sg.sports.yahoo.com/news/south-africa-4-1-botswana-bafanas-attacking-approach-152100550--spt.html
http://www.goal.com/en/match/82079/south-africa-vs-botswana/report?
http://nazret.com/blog/index.php/2013/09/07/ethiopia-beat-central-african-republic-2-1-to-advance-to-final-round

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lec_XkqP_HM (South Africa v. Botswana)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLmQhbKQUz4 (Ethiopia v. Central African Republic)

Ghana 2 - Zambia 1

Kumasi was the site of the highly contentious clash between hosts Ghana and visiting Zambia.  Zambia needed a win to advance; anything less and Ghana would win the group.  Zambia were locked out of a scheduled training session at the grounds the night before the match, adding to the already poisonous atmosphere between the two federations.  John Boye initially missed a chance to bring a ball down on the endline, but he did a 270-degree spin with Zambia defender Stoppila Sunzu on his back and volleyed a cross to the near post, where Majeed Waris was waiting for a header goal.  Zambia were too concerned by the lack of a foul call to maintain concentration and keep pace with Waris, who scored his second international goal.  Ghana were ahead 1-0 at halftime.

Nathan Sinkala made a crucial steal in his own penalty area in order to keep Zambia close, but no Zambian was able to keep the second goal from eventually being scored.  Kwadwo Asamoah was not closed down from distance at the midway mark of the half, so he let fly and the result was a laser goal from thirty yards out.  Zambia now needed three goals to remain alive in the competition.  Emmanuel Mayuka could have had the first, but he failed to latch onto a through ball with only the goalkeeper to beat.  Ten minutes after the Asamoah goal, Zambia pulled one back through a corner kick that was rolled to the top of the box.  Sinkala was open to strike, and his shot was well struck for a goal.  It was too little, too late for the Chipolopolo, however.  Ghana win 2-1 and advance to round three of African qualifying.  Zambia are eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup.

Ghana 15 pts IN
Zambia OUT
Sudan OUT
Lesotho OUT

Goals
Ghana
Majeed Waris 17
Kwadwo Asamoah 62

Zambia
Nathan Sinkala 72

Match Reports:
http://www.viasat1.com.gh/v1/vnews/sports.php?postId=1884
http://www.goal.com/en-gh/match/82093/ghana-vs-zambia/report
http://sports.myjoyonline.com/pages/news/201309/112723.php
http://www.sportlive.co.za/soccer/international/2013/09/07/ghana-defeat-zambia-2-1-to-reach-play-offs

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yro-vAUczwM

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kj682tq8x94

Match Schedule: September 2013

September 2013 marks the beginning of the home stretch for qualifying for Brasil 2014.  Asia will feature one elimination with the playoff between Uzbekistan and Jordan taking place.  Africa will feature nine eliminations and seven teams advancing into round three.  South America could very well see Argentina qualify and both Paraguay and Bolivia given the boot.  Europe is sure to see at least nine eliminations of its own with a group leader or two clinching an early berth.  Even North America could witness some clarity with Jamaica teetering on the verge of elimination and the United States of America close to booking flights to Brasil next summer.

All times are given in Central Time (GMT-5).

6 September 2013
Faroe Islands at Kazakhstan 10:00 Astana
Luxembourg at Russia 10:30 Kazan
Uzbekistan at Jordan 11:00 Amman
Armenia at Czech Republic 11:00 Prague
Zambia at Ghana 11:00 Kumasi
Cyprus at Norway 12:00 Oslo
Andorra at Turkey 13:00 Kayseri
San Marino at Ukraine 13:00 Lviv
Hungary at Romania 13:00 Bucharest
Wales at Macedonia 13:00 Skopje
Denmark at Malta 13:00 Ta' Qali
Lithuania at Latvia 13:10 Riga
France at Georgia 13:15 Tbilisi
Slovakia at Bosnia and Herzegovina 13:15 Zenica
Spain at Finland 13:30 Helsinki
Netherlands at Estonia 13:30 Tallinn
Albania at Slovenia 13:30 Ljubljana
Iceland at Switzerland 13:30 Bern
Croatia at Serbia 13:45 Belgrade
Montenegro at Poland 13:45 Warsaw
Greece at Liechtenstein 13:45 Vaduz
Bulgaria at Italy 13:45 Palermo
Austria at Germany 13:45 Munich
Portugal at Northern Ireland 13:45 Belfast
Sweden at Ireland 13:45 Dublin
Moldova at England 14:00 London
Belgium at Scotland 14:00 Glasgow
Ecuador at Colombia 15:30 Barranquilla
Bolivia at Paraguay 17:30 Asuncion
Venezuela at Chile 19:30 Santiago
Honduras at Mexico 20:30 Mexico City
United States of America at Costa Rica 21:00 San Jose
Jamaica at Panama 21:00 Panama City
Uruguay at Peru 21:30 Lima

7 September 2013
Botswana at South Africa 8:30 Durban
Ethiopia at Central African Republic 8:30 Brazzaville, Congo
Liberia at Angola 10:00 Lubango
Malawi at Nigeria 10:00 Calabar
Congo at Niger 10:30 Niamey
Gabon at Burkina Faso 10:30 Ouagadougou
Equatorial Guinea at Sierra Leone 11:30 Freetown
Tanzania at Gambia 11:30 Bakau
Morocco at Cote d'Ivoire 12:00 Abidjan
Azerbaijan at Israel 12:45 Ramat Gan
Cape Verde at Tunisia 13:45 Rades
Uganda at Senegal 14:00 Marrakesh, Morocco

8 September 2013
Mozambique at Zimbabwe 8:00 Harare
Namibia at Kenya 8:00 Nairobi
Libya at Cameroon 9:30 Yaounde
Rwanda at Benin 10:00 Porto-Novo
Democratic Republic of Congo at Togo 10:30 Lome
Lesotho at Sudan 12:00 Omdurman

10 September 2013
Jordan at Uzbekistan 9:00 Tashkent
Guinea at Egypt 9:00 El-Gouna
Israel at Russia 10:00 Saint Petersburg
Liechtenstein at Lithuania 10:30 Marijampole
Sweden at Kazakhstan 11:00 Astana
Denmark at Armenia 11:00 Yerevan
Finland at Georgia 12:00 Tbilisi
Switzerland at Norway 12:00 Oslo
Turkey at Romania 13:00 Bucharest
Bulgaria at Malta 13:00 Ta' Qali
Bosnia and Herzegovina at Slovakia 13:15 Zilina
Northern Ireland at Luxembourg 13:15 Luxembourg
Slovenia at Cyprus 13:30 Nicosia
Scotland at Macedonia 13:30 Skopje
Estonia at Hungary 13:30 Budapest
Netherlands at Andorra 13:30 Andorra la Vella
England at Ukraine 13:45 Kyiv
Latvia at Greece 13:45 Piraeus
Ireland at Austria 13:45 Vienna
Czech Republic at Italy 13:45 Turin
Poland at San Marino 13:45 Serravalle
Germany at Faroe Islands 13:45 Torshavn
Serbia at Wales 13:45 Cardiff
France at Belarus 14:00 Gomel
Albania at Iceland 14:00 Reykjavik
Mali at Algeria 14:30 Blida
Ecuador at Bolivia 15:00 La Paz
Colombia at Uruguay 17:00 Montevideo
Peru at Venezuela 18:55 Puerto La Cruz
Costa Rica at Jamaica 19:00 Kingston
Mexico at United States of America 19:06 Columbus
Panama at Honduras 20:00 Tegucigalpa
Argentina at Paraguay 20:40 Asuncion

Equatorial Guinea docked points for ineligible player

Equatorial Guinea become the sixth African team sanctioned for fielding ineligible players in a qualifying match during the 2014 FIFA World Cup.  Equatorial Guinea have forfeited their home victory over Cape Verde for having fielded an ineligible player.  Emilio Nsue, who scored a hat trick in the match, was not eligible to represent Equatorial Guinea at the senior international level, though no exact reason was given for his ineligibility to play for the country.  The match in question occurred on 24 March 2013, a match which Equatorial Guinea won 4-3.  The match has been awarded as a 3-0 victory to Cape Verde.  Also, the return fixture that occurred on 8 June 2013 has been awarded as a 3-0 victory to Cape Verde.  Nsue also featured in that match, so Equatorial Guinea were punished again.  The original outcome of that match was a 2-1 victory for Cape Verde.  The adjusted group table appears as follows:

Tunisia 11 pts
Cape Verde 9 pts
Sierra Leone OUT
Eq. Guinea OUT


This changes the scenario for Tunisia's home match in September against Cape Verde.  Before this ruling, Tunisia had clinched the group, but now Cape Verde have arisen from the ranks of the eliminated.  Now the match will occur with the Group B title on the line.  Tunisia need only a draw to advance.

News Reports:
http://sports.yahoo.com/news/soccer-equatorial-guineas-hat-trick-hero-declared-ineligible-163804291.html
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2013/soccer/wires/07/19/2080.ap.soc.fifa.equatorial.guinea.1st.ld.writethru.197/index.html

Togo docked points for inelgible player

Last-place Togo continue the troubling trend of African teams being sanctioned for playing ineligible players in a qualifying match.  Togo have forfeited their home victory against Cameroon due to fielding a player who should have been serving a suspension for yellow-card accumulation.  The match in question occurred on 9 June 2013, a match which Togo won 2-0.  Alaixys Romao should not have been permitted to participate in that match, so Togo are now being punished.  The match has been awarded as a 3-0 victory to Cameroon.  The adjusted group table appears as follows:

Cameroon 10 pts +4
Libya 9 pts +3
DR Congo OUT
Togo OUT

This changes the scenario for Libya's match away to Cameroon in September with the Group I title on the line.  Previously, Libya only needed a draw to clinch the title, but now Libya have to defeat Cameroon in order to advance.

News Reports:
http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/organisation/news/newsid=2132048/index.html?intcmp=fifacom_hp_module_media_statements

Ethiopia docked points for ineligible player

CAF Group A winners Ethiopia have forfeited one of their victories against Botswana due to fielding a player who should have been serving a suspension for yellow-card accumulation.  The match in question occurred on 8 June 2013, a match which Ethiopia won in Botswana 2-1.  Minyahile Beyene should not have been permitted to participate in that match, and Ethiopia have acknowledged the mistake.  The match has been awarded as a 3-0 victory to Botswana.  The adjusted group table appears as follows:

Ethiopia 10 pts +1
South Africa 8 pts +4
Botswana 7 pts +1
Cen. Af. Rep. OUT

This news saves both South Africa and Botswana from elimination with one round of matches left to be played in September.  Ethiopia would clinch the group (for real this time) with a victory away to Central African Republic, but a slip up would allow the winner of South Africa's home match against Botswana to steal top spot in the group.

News Reports:
http://www.supersport.com/football/article.aspx?Id=1979334
http://www.fifa.com/aboutfifa/organisation/news/newsid=2128618/index.html

Benin 2 - Mali 2; Algeria 1 - Rwanda 0

Kigali was the scene for Rwanda's home match against Algeria.  Saphir Taider (pictured, white, shooting) nearly put the Algerians ahead in the second minute from a header from seven yards, but Rwanda goalkeeper Jean-Claude Ndoli (pictured, red) jumped straight up quickly to palm the ball out for a corner kick.  Ndoli next denied Islam Slimani (pictured, white, #13)  from the half circle on a low roller to the lower ninety.  The Algerian attack was relentless, but a well-timed block of a pass by Fabrice Twagizimana continued to hold the visitors at bay.  Ndoli was up to the task yet again when Algeria played a tricky free kick.  Algeria pretended to be adjusting the ball with a hand as three men pretended to debate who would strike.  Suddenly, a short pass was played and the shot was taken, but Ndoli parried to safety off a bounce.  The half ended without any goals having been scored.

The Fennec Foxes maintained their offensive mindset in the second period.  Finally, the pressure broke the Rwanda defense.  A long throw-in bounced into Slimani's possession.  Slimani did a magnificent no-look pass off a bouncing ball with his studs the sent Taider in on goal.  Taider's touch was a bit heavy, but it went just off the tip of the gloves of a sliding Ndoli, allowing for Taider to tap in the rebound.  Rwanda had a decent shot on-goal from a distant free kick, but a sliding push aside off the bounce by Algeria goalkeeper Adi Mbolhi did the job.  Salomon Nirisarike prevented a second goal for Algeria by beating two attackers to a rebound off another good Ndoli saved, shielding the ball until Ndoli could recover.  Taider was wrong-footed on a tap-in opportunity late, but his early strike was all that was needed for Algeria's first ever win in Rwanda in three attempts.  Algeria win 1-0, and the result spells the end for Benin's hopes of qualifying for Brasil 2014.

Bamako was the site for Benin's trip to Mali.  A massive goalkeeping error from Mali's Mamadou Samassa allowed a below average shot from Stephane Sessegnon to squirt through his hands and give Benin the early lead.  Mahamadou Samassa missed a free header that would have equalized within five minutes of the opening goal after a well-taken set piece from Seydou Keita.  However, unlike in the Rwanda game, Mali were able to respond quickly, drawing a penalty on a give-and-go.  They would equalize from the spot.  The game remained wide open as Benin had nothing to lose, having already been eliminated, and Mali needing a victory to stay alive in the competition.  On a counterattack, Jodel Dossou nearly curled in a goal for Benin, but Mamadou Samassa redeemed himself with a full-extension two-handed tip away.  A couple minutes later, Benin did regain the lead through a Razak Omotoyossi turnaround shot through two defenders.  Keita almost equalized on a drive following the resulting kickoff, but his shot was pushed aside by Benin goalkeeper Saturnin Allage.  At halftime, the scoreboard read Benin 2, Mali 1.

Cheick Diabate received a cross inside the Benin six-yard box, gathered the ball, pushed into open space, and then scored on a turning shot to equalize with twenty minutes to go in the match.  Mali, however, were unable to pull out the required victory.  The match ends in a 2-2 draw, Mali's second consecutive disappointing draw at home.  Mali become the twenty-fourth and final African team eliminated from the 2014 FIFA World Cup in June 2013.  Algeria are the third African side to clinch a berth in the CAF Third Round.

Algeria 12 pts IN
Mali OUT
Benin OUT
Rwanda OUT

Goals
Algeria
Saphir Taider 52

Benin
Stephane Sessegnon 8
Razak Omotoyossi 32

Mali
Mahamadou Samassa 15 PK
Cheick Diabate 69

Match Reports:
http://allafrica.com/stories/201306170025.html

Highlights:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VhrmuGJ-sCY (Algeria v. Rwanda)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ge2Q1A5QjQ (Benin v. Mali)

Full Match Video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nyMPe2IDJYk (Algeria v. Rwanda)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGIGKiqWAH0 (Benin v. Mali)