Group Info
ys been happy with the youngsters effort
BATA, Equatorial Guinea - Republic of Congo snatched a late 1-1 draw against host Equatorial Guinea in the opening game of the African Cup of Nations on Saturday, muting a packed stadium of lively red-shirted home fans who thought they were on their way to a surprise win. Authentic Cody Goloubef Jersey .Equatorial Guinea captain Emilio Nsue scored in the 16th minute to kick off the soccer celebrations at Bata Stadium after the crowd had already been treated to a performance by American singer Akon during the opening ceremony. But Thievy Bifouma equalized with three minutes to go, sliding a low shot in from a tough angle to spoil the hosts opening night.Equatorial Guinea had missed a series of good chances in the second half to stretch its lead before the Congolese hit back.Im happy that the team left a good impression, but obviously there were moments to win it, said new Equatorial Guinea coach Esteban Becker.Worries over attendances at this African Cup were temporarily pushed aside as the supporters crowded in. Equatorial Guinea stepped in to stage the tournament at the last minute in place of Morocco. Its team had also initially been disqualified for fielding an ineligible player in qualifying, but was allowed back in as the new host.Nsue rewarded the fans early on when he hit his shot under Congolese goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi from close range following a slick run and pass from winger Kike Boula. Nsue sprinted toward one section of supporters, punching his chest and shouting out in celebration, and some fans spilled out onto the running track on the edge of the field to join him.Higher-ranked Republic of Congo under veteran French coach Claude Le Roy was expected to win the opening game in Group A, but it didnt find any rhythm in the first half as the home team fed off its noisy support.Young goalkeeper Felipe Ovono saved Equatorial Guinea in the second half when he dived and pushed away a shot by Ladislas Douniama that looked certain to be the equalizer. A late free kick from Republic of Congo also rebounded off the post.Equatorial Guinea also had chances, with Iban Edu sending a swerving shot from 40 yards (meters) out that Mafoumbi scrambled to stop late in the first half. Javier Balboa had a golden chance to make it 2-0 in the 61st as he broke clear of the defence, then hit a low shot straight at Mafoumbi.Nsue also missed when one-on-one with the keeper and had a goal disallowed in the 73rd.The equalizing blow came for the home fans in the 87th minute when Bifouma made the late pressure from Republic of Congo pay.The players fought until the end and we drew. Its not so bad, said coach Le Roy.Le Roy did complain about the 65-minute drive he says his squad had to make to get to the stadium in sweltering equatorial heat and without air conditioning in its bus.Its not possible to disrespect players like that, Le Roy said, telling organizing body the Confederation of African Football to sort it out.The organizers are under pressure after the tournament was only switched to the small Central African nation two months before kickoff, and there have been teething problems.They had also expected a capacity crowd of over 35,000 for the opener, but it was probably more. With all the seats taken, fans appeared to be still flocking in. Many crammed together to stand and watch from the walkways behind the seats. They had roared and danced, waving bright orange inflatable hands as Akon performed on the running track wearing a long black coat in the 30-plus Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) temperatures.The president of the country, Teodoro Obiang Nguema, also attended to officially open the 16-team, three-week African soccer championship. Cheap Boston Bruins Gear . His big 2-minute outburst in the fourth quarter Tuesday night is all that really mattered for the Dallas Mavericks. Authentic Jake DeBrusk Jersey . Jim Leyland, in his eighth playoffs, has never had a starting rotation he trusts as much as the grouping of Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Anibal Sanchez and Doug Fister. MINNEAPOLIS -- For a guy who was drafted second overall just three years ago, Derrick Williams has enjoyed precious little security in his short time with the Minnesota Timberwolves. His name has been the subject of trade rumours almost from the moment he was drafted, and he has spent his first two seasons in the league trying to get on the same page with Wolves coach Rick Adelman while grasping the complexities of learning two positions. So when he finally gets a little something to hold on to, its no surprise that Williams is appreciative. Timberwolves president Flip Saunders informed Williams on Tuesday morning that the team will pick up his contract option for next season, guaranteeing the $6.3 million on the deal. "I think everybody knows that if they didnt pick up my option I would have been unrestricted (free agent) and, basically, could have done whatever," Williams said after practice. "So it helps, the security. Youre guaranteed at least one more year in the NBA, you know? And, as long as you have that, I think everything is good." The decision by the Timberwolves doesnt mean Williams wont continue to see his name in the trade rumour mill. Hes still adjusting to playing two positions -- small forward in addition to his more natural power forward -- and he admits he still has a lot to learn on both ends of the court. "Its tough. Especially when, ever since Ive been here, Ive heard trade rumours," Williams said. "Really since I was picked. So itt seems like every other day there is something new. Authentic Anders Bjork Jersey. " But hes also just 22 years old, and Saunders sees him as a young asset that deserves the chance to continue to develop. Williams is the second-leading scorer for the Wolves in the preseason and has a chance to be the teams starting small forward while Chase Budinger recovers from a knee injury. Adelman said he has been pleased with how hard Williams has been working, which appears to be progress for a coach who hasnt always been happy with the youngsters effort. "I think hes played very hard," Adelman said. "He rebounded the ball very well the other night (against Boston) and its a process for him. Its kind of a disadvantage when he has to play two spots because youre jumping back and forth. Right now thats what we have to do." Williams averaged 15.2 points, 6.6 rebounds and shot 34 per cent from 3-point range over the final 33 games of the season while filling in at power forward for the injured Kevin Love. But with Love back this season, Williams will have to be able to play small forward to get significant minutes. He feels more confident this year than he ever has, so much so that he thinks he should be starting on opening night against Orlando on Oct. 30. "I think I deserve to be," Williams said. "Thats why they drafted me here. They didnt draft me to come off the bench, things like that. Ultimately, its up to Coach. 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