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The Week in Quotes

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 03:04:00 GMT

Featuring Jeremie Janot on keeping warm during games, Ricardo Rocha on how his humorous mistake helped Brazil in 1994, Martin O’Neill on how his French sounds South Korean and Michael Rensing on Cologne’s disease.

Amoros named new Benin coach

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 20:28:00 GMT

Ex-France defender Manuel Amoros was on Thursday named new coach of Benin, replacing Edme Codjo, who had been in charge since August.

Expectations thrown in African whirlwind

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 01:26:00 GMT

Nigeria and South Africa will join Egypt and Cameroon on the outside of the continental championship as they both stumbled at home, while the likes of Niger and Libya confirmed unlikely spots in the finals.

Toure brothers lift Côte d’Ivoire

Sun, 09 Oct 2011 19:36:00 GMT

Kolo and Yaya Toure both scored to seal a 2-1 win for Côte d’Ivoire over Burundi, completing their perfect run in 2012 CAF African Cup of Nations qualifying, while Rwanda were boosted by a 1-0 win over Benin.

Duo qualify as final day looms

Mon, 05 Sep 2011 03:43:00 GMT

Senegal and Burkina Faso were the big winners over the weekend as the pair booked passage to the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, but seven groups remain up for grabs with one qualifying round to go.

Niger edge closer, Uganda stumble

Sun, 04 Sep 2011 19:35:00 GMT

Niger edged closer to qualifying for next year's CAF Africa Cup of Nations with a win over South Africa, while Uganda lost to Angola and Nigeria beat Madagascar.

Burkinabe through, Egypt crash out

Sat, 03 Sep 2011 21:26:00 GMT

Burkina Faso booked their place at the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, while defending champions Egypt crashed out to Sierra Leone.

Do or die weekend in Africa

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 06:57:00 GMT

With all but a handful of teams still in the running to reach the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, the continent is set for what should be a dramatic few days of qualifiers this weekend.

Nigeria, South Africa walk Olympic tightrope

Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:18:00 GMT

Nigeria and South Africa both face must-win fixtures against Tanzania and Benin respectively as they attempt to maintain their hopes of reaching London 2012.

Tanzania shock again, southern teams struggle

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 15:52:00 GMT

Tanzania beat Nigeria 1-0 - their latest giant-killing feat - to take a first-leg advantage, South Africa struggled against Benin, while there were victories for Algeria and Côte d'Ivoire.

Ivorians qualify as Egypt stumble again

Sun, 05 Jun 2011 23:54:00 GMT

Côte d'Ivoire joined co-hosts Gabon and Equatorial Guinea and Botswana as qualifiers for the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, while seven-time champions Egypt saw their hopes virtually ended after a draw against South Africa.

Ndah Francois: The game is for everybody

Fri, 22 Apr 2011 08:47:00 GMT

FIFA.com speaks to Rosalie Tempa Ndah Francois, who will officiate at the FIFA Women’s World Cup Germany 2011™, which is one of many projects the busy Benin national is involved with.

Sudan-Egypt pick of Olympic draw

Wed, 13 Apr 2011 13:22:00 GMT

The draw for the second round of men's African qualifying matches for London 2012 took place today at CAF's headquarters in Cairo, seeing Egypt paired together with north-eastern neighbours Sudan in one of eight ties.

Ghana spirits rise, Nigeria rout Ethiopia

Sun, 27 Mar 2011 20:50:00 GMT

Ghana spirits were boosted with a 3-0 win over Congo, while Côte D'Ivoire, Zambia, Congo DR and Nigeria all came out on top in their respective 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches.

Drogba: We must win for our troubled people

Sat, 26 Mar 2011 13:49:00 GMT

Côte D'Ivoire captain Didier Drogba has called for his side to win tomorrow's CAF Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Benin to help bring the country's people together amidst political turmoil.

Gambia’s withdrawal sends Benin through

Thu, 24 Mar 2011 16:41:00 GMT

Benin have qualified for the second round of CAF qualifiers for the Men’s Olympic Tournament London 2012 after Gambia this week withdrew from the competition.

Moroccan clubs maintain charge

Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:33:00 GMT

Morocco's three-club presence at the CAF Confederation Cup remained intact after the both their sides competing in the first round qualified, but Difaa al-Jadida cut it finer than Moghreb Fes, relying on a last-minute goal.

Cameroon stumble in busy day of qualifiers

Sun, 10 Oct 2010 00:02:00 GMT

The latest round of 2012 African Nations Cup qualifiers saw Cameroon stumble at home, Côte d'Ivoire maintain their perfect start and Morocco claim their first points.

Giants begin journey to 2012

Fri, 03 Sep 2010 12:44:00 GMT

Algeria, Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and Zambia will get their qualifying campaigns underway with easy home games, while Congo DR and Senegal will collide in the pick of the weekend’s fixtures.

Future uncertain for PSG pair

Mon, 02 Aug 2010 12:21:00 GMT

Guillaume Hoarau and Stephane Sessegnon have admitted they do not know if they will still be Paris Saint-Germain players when the 2010/11 season gets underway.

Brazilian Rubim takes Benin hotseat

Fri, 04 Jun 2010 18:30:00 GMT

Benin named Jose Paulo Rubim as their new national coach on Friday, the Brazilian veteran replacing Michel Dussuyer.

African journalists train for the FIFA World Cup

Mon, 10 May 2010 19:20:00 GMT

As part of a programme run by the AFP Foundation and financed by FIFA, some 270 African sports journalists, editors and photographers attended a training programme which concluded on 5 May 2010.

Benin embark on new direction

Thu, 18 Mar 2010 15:13:00 GMT

After a series of sweeping changes, Benin are edging ever closer to their highest ever position of 59th in the Ranking, attained a few months ago.

Drogba named Africa's best

Fri, 12 Mar 2010 04:52:00 GMT

Côte d'Ivoire and Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been crowned African Player of the Year for 2009 ahead of Michael Essien and Samuel Eto'o.

New stars emerge in Angola

Mon, 01 Feb 2010 09:11:00 GMT

The Cup of Nations was a showcase for players seemingly on the cusp of greatness. We look at Egypt’s Gedo and a few other stars in the making.

Nigeria join Egypt in last eight

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:18:00 GMT

Peter Odemwingie led Nigeria's Super Eagles past Mozambique, while Egypt preserved their unbeaten streak in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Familiar names, fresh feats

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 08:17:00 GMT

Ronaldinho, Lionel Messi and Liedson ensure this week’s statistical review is a star-studded affair, while Egypt’s record-breaking form also features.

Benin out to shock mighty Egyptians

Tue, 19 Jan 2010 05:12:00 GMT

Underdogs Benin face a mammoth task if they are to reach the CAF Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals needing a win against champions Egypt.

Pharaohs march into last eight

Sat, 16 Jan 2010 22:03:00 GMT

Egypt beat Mozambique to secure a place in the last eight of the Cup of Nations in Angola, while Nigeria outlasted a tough challenge from Benin.

Angelique Kidjo: Football and music are universal

Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:03:00 GMT

Prior to performing a concert in Zurich, Beninoise singer Angelique Kidjo shared her views on music, football and the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa.

Who will win the Cup of Nations?

Wed, 13 Jan 2010 08:33:00 GMT

The CAF Africa Cup of Nations has kicked off with some exciting and unpredictable contests. But who do you think will win the coveted continental title?

Holders set the pace in Angola

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 22:19:00 GMT

Egypt came from a goal back to beat Nigeria 3-1 at the Africa Cup of Nations, while both Benin and Mozambique missed out on history in Angola.

Benin hit by injury ahead of opener

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 01:05:00 GMT

Benin's CAF Africa Cup of Nations preparations have been hit with midfielder Muri Ogunbiyi in major doubt for their opener against Mozambique.

Cup history beckons for Benin, Mozambique

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 04:14:00 GMT

History is set to be created in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Group C opener between Benin and Mozambique regardless of the scoreline.

Team of the Year Spain stay top

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:00:00 GMT

European champions Spain take the title of 'Team of the Year', hanging on to top spot in the FIFA/Coca World Ranking as 2009 grinds to a halt.

Spain regain leadership from Brazil

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:02:00 GMT

The European champions are back on top of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking, moving ahead of Brazil, who had been in pole position since July.

Cameroon and Nigeria celebrate

Sat, 14 Nov 2009 20:30:00 GMT

The Indomitable Lions and the Super Eagles booked their places at South Africa 2010, while Egypt and Algeria face play-off on Wednesday.

African qualifiers preview

Thu, 12 Nov 2009 11:19:00 GMT

Algeria or Egypt? Cameroon or Gabon? Tunisia or Nigeria? A dramatic conclusion ensues as Africa's last three places at the FIFA World Cup are seized.

Desert Warriors date with destiny

Fri, 09 Oct 2009 01:05:00 GMT

The penultimate qualifying matches for the South Africa 2010 may see Algeria qualify for the finals for the first time in more than 23 years.

Four places still up for grabs

Tue, 15 Sep 2009 08:12:00 GMT

FIFA.com looks at the preliminary picture in the Africa Zone with just two matchdays remaining in the final round of an exciting qualifying campaign.

Finals joy for Ghana

Sun, 06 Sep 2009 20:16:00 GMT

Ghana became the first African nation to win their way to the 2010 FIFA World Cup while Tunisia stole a late and potentially crucial point in Nigeria.

Spain close gap on Brazil

Wed, 02 Sep 2009 09:01:00 GMT

Brazil retain top spot but Spain have made ground in the last month, while Czech Republic, Mexico and Kyrgyzstan all made impressive progress.

Home comforts for duo

Sun, 21 Jun 2009 22:12:00 GMT

Titi Camara guided Guinea to victory in their first South Africa 2010 qualifier since he took over and Frederic Kanoute scored in a key win for Mali.

African eagles top the bill

Thu, 18 Jun 2009 15:09:00 GMT

Some of Africa's contenders will go head-to-head this weekend in three of the continent's five South Africa 2010 preliminary groups.

Algeria on top in Africa

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 22:51:00 GMT

Some of Africa's traditional giants are in danger of missing South Africa 2010, while the likes of Algeria and Ghana impressed in the latest action.

Intrigue aplenty in Africa

Sun, 07 Jun 2009 22:05:00 GMT

Cameroon and Morocco fail to gain significant ground on Gabon after a draw, as Nigeria, Benin and the Ivory Coast earn wins to leapfrog rivals.

African contest hots up

Fri, 05 Jun 2009 03:30:00 GMT

Following some opening round shocks, FIFA World Cup qualifying in Africa could have a vastly clearer picture following this weekend's vital matches.

Benin still believe

Fri, 29 May 2009 13:11:00 GMT

With a nucleus of players who represented their U-20 side at Netherlands 2005, a fast-improving Benin are targeting a place at South Africa 2010.

Mali name 25-man squad

Fri, 22 May 2009 15:49:00 GMT

Mali have been buoyed by the return of Momo Sissoko and Driss Diakite to their squad for the South Africa 2010 qualifiers against Ghana and Benin.

Africa's French connection

Wed, 29 Apr 2009 17:30:00 GMT

French coaches have a history of plying their trade on the African continent, and FIFA.com casts an eye over some of the first, best and worst.