Sudan 0-3 Zambia

Goals early in each half proved decisive for Zambia as they moved to the top of Group C with a comfortable win over Sudan in Kumasi. A well-struck shot by James Chamanga put Zambia ahead after three minutes before Sudan wasted several good first-half chances to equalise.

Jacob Mulenga headed in Zambia’s second goal early in the second half after Clive Hachilensa hit the crossbar.

Felix Katongo wrapped up the victory from close range just before the hour.

Sudan had waited 32 years to play at the Nations Cup, but their hopes of starting with a win were dented when Zambia scored the fastest goal of the tournament so far.

Chamanga played a one-two with Jacob Mulenga outside the box, before powering the ball into the far corner.

Namibia 1-5 Morocco

Morocco thrashed a hapless Namibian side in Accra thanks to a first-half hat-trick from Soufiane Alloudi. Alloudi scored within two minutes after Maroune Chamakh hit the post, his second came three minutes later, before Brian Brendell hit back for Namibia.

A cross from Tarik Sektioui set up Alloudi’s headed third, Sektioui then scored himself from the penalty spot.

Moncef Zerka came off the bench to convert the Atlas Lions’ fifth, heading in a corner at the back post.

In an almost empty Ohene Djan stadium, in Accra, Morocco were quick to make their mark and took the lead after only two minutes, thanks to a close-range effort from Alloudi.

Mali 1-0 Benin

An unconvincing Mali secured three points with a win against Benin to go joint top of Group B with Ivory Coast. Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute scored a penalty on 49 minutes after Dramane Traore had been fouled by Alain Gaspoz.

Benin’s best chances came from Seidath Tchomogo who headed over after 15 minutes from a right-wing cross.

Mamady Sidibe fluffed his chance of doubling Mali’s lead on 75 minutes while Mahamadou Diarra forced a save from Rachad Chitou with a long shot.

The second match of the day to be played at the Sekondi stadium started fifteen minutes late after a power failure turned off the floodlights and plunged the arena into darkness.

Ghana omit striker Amoah from ANC squad

ACCRA, Jan 11 (Reuters) - Hosts Ghana have released their final 23-man squad for the African Nations Cup, leaving out Germany-based striker Matthew Amoah but featuring injured midfielder Laryea Kingston.

The team, currently preparing for the tournament in Abu Dhabi, are expected to arrive in Ghana on Jan. 15, ahead of their opening match with Guinea five days later.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Richard Kingson (Birmingham City), Sammy Adjei (Ashdod), Fatau Dauda (Ashantigold)

Defenders: John Mensah (Stade Rennes); John Paintsil (West Ham United), Nana Kwasi Asare (FC Mechelen), Alhassan Illiasu (FC Saturn), Harrison Afful (Asante Kotoko), Hans Adu Sarpei (Bayern Leverkusen)

Midfielders: Anthony Annan (IK Start), Eric Addo (PSV Eindhoven), Michael Essien (Chelsea), Bernard Kumodzi (Panionios FC), Laryea Kingston (Hearts), Haminu Draman (Lokomotiv Moscow), Sulley Muntari (Portsmouth), Andre Ayew (Olympique Marseille), Ahmed Barruso (AS Roma)

Strikers: Asamoah Gyan (Udinese), Baffuor Gyan (FC Saturn), Junior Agogo (Nottingham Forest), Quincy Owusu-Abeyie (Celta Vigo), Kwadwo Asamoah (Liberty Professionals)

 source:espnsoccernet

LeRoy bemoans Appiah injury blow

Ghana coach Claude LeRoy insists his team’s Nations Cup hopes have not been ruined by Stephen Appiah’s injury blow. The Frenchman’s best-laid plans for the tournament have been thrown into disarray by his captain’s absence.

Appiah was expected to spearhead the Black Stars’ campaign as they chase a fifth Nations Cup title on home soil.

But the talismanic midfielder has been forced out of the tournament by a long-standing knee injury.

Appiah, who plays for Fenerbahce in Turkey, is now expected to be out of action for up to two months.

When contacted by BBC Sport, LeRoy put on a brave face while lamenting the loss of his most important player, a player widely regarded as the heart and soul of the team.

He said: “Even without Stephen we’ll try to do our best to win the competition.