FIFA.com - News

Mweene: We will not panic

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 15:57:00 GMT

Zambia are not scared of facing Côte d’Ivoire according to goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene, captain Christopher Katongo and coach Herve Renard, who have had their say ahead of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations final.

Zambians cheer comeback from football tragedy

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 10:24:00 GMT

Zambia are heading into the final of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations as underdogs and they were not expected to make it past the group stages.

Elephants aim to boss African final

Fri, 10 Feb 2012 06:13:00 GMT

Côte d’Ivoire are seeking to cap a near-perfect performance at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations by being crowned continental kings in Sunday's final, where only sentimental favourites Zambia stand in their way.

Kalou: Our goals can come from anywhere

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 10:51:00 GMT

Salomon Kalou, Didier Ya Konan and Côte d’Ivoire coach Francois Zahoui have been speaking about Les Elephants' semi-final win over Mali, and the final meeting with Zambia.

Barry following in very big footsteps

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:35:00 GMT

Côte d’Ivoire have not conceded a goal at the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, and that's a good omen for their goalkeeper Boubacar Barry and the Elephants.

Short supply of goals in Africa's deciders

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 04:42:00 GMT

Neutrals will be hoping Sunday's CAF Africa Cup of Nations final decider between Zambia and Côte d'Ivoire has more goals than recent finals have provided.

Côte d’Ivoire, Zambia set up final clash

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 23:16:00 GMT

Côte d’Ivoire and Zambia are poised to meet in what is expected to be an emotional CAF Africa Cup of Nations final on Sunday after defeating Mali and Ghana respectively in the semi-finals.

Gervinho strike sees Côte d’Ivoire through

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:16:00 GMT

Côte d’Ivoire have booked their place in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations final after a 1-0 victory over Mali in the semi-finals, setting up a clash for the title against Zambia on Sunday.

Strikers, strategists and a centurion

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 07:03:00 GMT

In our latest stats review, FIFA.com looks at a goalscoring birthday celebration for Neymar, rare milestones for Jupp Heynckes and Diego Milito, plus defensive perfection from Côte d’Ivoire.

Zahoui: Being favourites is difficult

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 02:06:00 GMT

Côte d’Ivoire coach Francois Zahoui is hoping his Elephants can carry the weight of expectation against Mali on Wednesday where a place in the continental final - and a meeting against either Ghana or Zambia - is on the line.

Cup of Nations a family affair

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:49:00 GMT

The four sets of brothers - three of which will face off in this week's semi-finals - are just the start of the family connections at the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Drogba double sees Ivorians through

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 21:21:00 GMT

Côte d'Ivoire ended co-hosts Equitorial Guinea's run in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations today as Didier Drogba struck twice, with Yaya Toure scoring as well, to see the favourites into the semi-finals.

Cup co-hosts wary of Ivorian stars

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:26:00 GMT

2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations co-hosts Equatorial Guinea admit they face a massive task if they are to upset Côte d'Ivoire on Saturday and advance to the semi-finals for the first time.

Last eight eye African glory

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:08:00 GMT

The 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals take place across this weekend in central Africa with a number of new names still in contention for the continent's greatest prize, including co-hosts Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Sudan revive glory era, Angola edged out

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 23:56:00 GMT

Sudan, a one-time heavyweight of African football, have ended a four-decade absence from the CAF Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals after their win against Burkina Faso edged out Angola on goal difference.

Ivorian reserves too strong for Angola

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 20:32:00 GMT

A virtual reserve Côte d'Ivoire side cruised to a 2-0 win over Angola today in a lacklustre Group B match at the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Sudan dreaming of knockout spot

Sun, 29 Jan 2012 10:43:00 GMT

After scoring their first goal in 36 year against Angola in their last game, Sudan are in with a slim shout of the knockout stages of the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations should they beat Burkina Faso tomorrow.

Elephants' concern over injured Kalou

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 08:18:00 GMT

Côte d'Ivoire were anxiously awaiting the results of a scan on the thigh injury picked up by influential striker Salomon Kalou in Wednesday's win over Burkina Faso.

Elephants advance, Angola stay on track

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 23:52:00 GMT

Côte d'Ivoire are the second team into the CAF Africa Cup of Nations last eight after a tough victory over Burkina Faso, while Angola are well placed to claim second despite drawing with Sudan who ended a 36-year goal drought.

Ivorians clinch quarter-final spot

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:16:00 GMT

Côte d'Ivoire became the second country after Equatorial Guinea to reach the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals thanks to a 2-0 win over Burkina Faso in Group B.

Stalwarts, saints and a corner king

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:52:00 GMT

Didier Drogba stars alongside Iker Casillas, Lionel Messi and Francesco Totti in FIFA.com's latest stats review, which also features two goals direct from corners and a half completely devoid of fouls.

Generous Burkinabe face Drogba challenge

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 03:18:00 GMT

An opening loss means Burkina Faso have an uphill task to stay alive in the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations with tournament heavyweights Côte d'Ivoire next up.

Drogba seals win against dogged Sudan

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 18:17:00 GMT

Didier Drogba's first-half goal was enough for Côte d'Ivoire to get past a hard-working Sudan side, who gave one of the tournament favourites a run for their money despite losing 1-0.

Who will win the Cup of Nations?

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 03:53:00 GMT

FIFA.com wants to know which country you think will win the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2012

A showpiece rich on talent and thrills

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:45:00 GMT

Despite the absence of some of the continent’s biggest names, the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, which kicks off this weekend, promises to throw up more than a few surprises and thrills.

Villas-Boas: Torres is doing tremendously

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:51:00 GMT

Andre Villas-Boas has said he does not believe Fernando Torres' performance with Chelsea has been affected by the presence of fellow forward Didier Drogba and is pleased with the Spainard's progress.

Tiote, Drogba discuss Ivorians’ chances

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 11:02:00 GMT

Cheik Tiote and Didier Drogba have weighed in on Côte d'Ivoire’s hopes of becoming African champions, while Goran Stevanovic believes his Ghana side and not the Ivorians should be the title favourites.

The Cup of Nations in numbers

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 08:54:00 GMT

First played over 50 years ago, the CAF Africa Cup of Nations is one of the world's most colourful and competitive tournaments. Here we look at 13 facts that you may not know about the continental finals.

Doumbia primed for Côte d'Ivoire chance

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 02:15:00 GMT

Seydou Doumbia is expected to finally get his chance to shine with Côte d'Ivoire at the 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, with coach Francois Zahoui keen on relying on new players aside from the likes of Didier Drogba.

Chelsea stars on target

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 18:17:00 GMT

Côte d'Ivoire have beaten Tunisia 2-0 in an international friendly in Abu Dhabi, as both sides used the match to prepare for this month's CAF African Cup of Nations.

Toure: 2012 will be our year

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 01:27:00 GMT

Côte d'Ivoire midfielder Yaya Toure has said he believes the squad has the right mentality this time around to vie for the title at the 2012 CAF African Cup of Nations.

Renard: Zambia can pull a surprise

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 03:18:00 GMT

Herve Renard has taken the coaching reigns at Zambia once again and is expecting his side to pull off a surprise in Group A at the 2012 CAF African Cup of Nations.

Senegal counting on Ba, Cisse

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 02:48:00 GMT

For the first time since 2002, Senegal have their sights set on clinching the CAF African Cup of Nations title and are hoping the likes of Moussa Sow, Demba Ba, and Papiss Cisse can guide them to glory.

Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire seek end to drought

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 01:41:00 GMT

With the CAF African Cup of Nations set to kick off on 21 January, both Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire have been pegged as hot favourites to win the title in the absence of such heavyweights as Egypt and South Africa.

The Week in Quotes

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 23:26:00 GMT

Featuring Demba Ba on the surprise secret of his success, Hugo Gatti on why Lionel Messi would have only been a substitute in years gone by, and Bastian Schweinsteiger on comparisons between himself and Xavi and Andres Iniesta.

City set to lose Toure brothers

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 13:25:00 GMT

Roberto Mancini is likely to be without Kolo and Yaya Toure for Manchester City's FA Cup tie with Manchester United on Sunday, as the Côte d'Ivoire pair head to the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Dijon sign Ivorian forward Kone

Mon, 02 Jan 2012 20:33:00 GMT

Ligue 1 side Dijon have signed Ivorian forward Koro Kone to a three-and-a-half year contract after also adding Bennard Kumordzi and Hakeem Achour.

The Year in Classic

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 09:55:00 GMT

FIFA.com has welcomed many more players, clubs and rivalries into the Classic Football section during the past 12 months. Now we look back over those greats who earned their place in 2011.

Happy birthday to you!

Sat, 24 Dec 2011 21:30:00 GMT

In our regular feature, FIFA.com presents you with some of the biggest names from Planet Football who will be celebrating their birthdays over the coming week.

Yaya Toure wins African prize

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 10:06:00 GMT

Manchester City's Yay Toure has been crowned African Player of the Year by CAF, beating Marseille's Andre Ayew and Barcelona's Seydou Keita to the prize.

Bony: We’re focused on the same goal

Thu, 22 Dec 2011 08:18:00 GMT

With the CAF Africa Cup of Nations beginning in just a few weeks time, Côte d'Ivoire forward Wilfried Bony told FIFA.com about the side's togetherness, their unified focus and Didier Drogba's mentoring of him.

Spain on top and Wales highest climber

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:00:00 GMT

The last edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking for this year brings little change as world champions Spain remain at the top of the table, followed by Netherlands, Germany and Uruguay.

Wenger tells story of young Yaya

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 14:00:00 GMT

Arsene Wenger has revealed he missed the opportunity to sign Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure in 2003, the Arsenal manager claiming that he knew even then that the Côte d'Ivoire star would become a "top-class player".

Al-Sadd reflect on harsh lesson

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 13:09:00 GMT

Al-Sadd coach Jorge Fossati and his charges Kader Keita and Mamadou Niang have discussed the Qataris’ inability to contend with Barcelona and their experience so far in Japan.

Pardew: Tiote swoop will be 'difficult'

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 11:25:00 GMT

Alan Pardew has made it known that anyone intending on prying Cheik Tiote away from Newcastle United will have a difficult task, following the Ivorian international being linked with the Premier League's big sides.

Torn Toure committed to Côte d'Ivoire cause

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 10:23:00 GMT

Yaya Toure has expressed how torn he his about going to the CAF Africa Cup of Nations with Côte d'Ivoire and leaving Manchester City for a potential of five league games, but feels that his country as a whole needs him.

Unlikely Gabon lead trio to London

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 00:28:00 GMT

Surprise packages Gabon won the CAF U-23 Championship over the weekend to join Morocco and Egypt as African qualifiers for next year's Men’s Olympic Football Tournament.

African aces out to inspire Al Sadd

Sat, 10 Dec 2011 01:38:00 GMT

Al Sadd's African forwards, Kader Keita and Mamadou Niang, speak to FIFA.com about becoming champions of Asia, their chemistry and the club's prospects of making an impact at Japan 2011.

Stars illuminate Japan 2011 squads

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 09:30:00 GMT

The likes of Lionel Messi, Neymar and Humberto Suazo are among the high-profile players named in the final squads for the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2011.

Agent predicts Drogba exit

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 08:12:00 GMT

Didier Drogba's agent has revealed that the striker has turned down Chelsea's offer of a one-year contract extension and will leave at the end of the season, with USA, Qatar and Russia all possible destinations.