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.

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.

Man Utd capture 14-year-old Cofie

Manchester United have beaten Liverpool and Chelsea in the race for 14-year-old Burnley striker John Cofie and agreed an undisclosed fee with the Clarets. Burnley rejected a reported £250,000 bid from Liverpool for Cofie this week.

But the German-born Ghanaian refused to return to training with the Clarets and they agreed he could leave Turf Moor.

Burnley have inserted a 25% sell-on clause in the deal, which also gives them first refusal on any loan deal and a future friendly match with United.

It will be three years before Cofie can sign professional terms at Old Trafford and the friendly game will take place within 12 months of that.

Cofie was signed by the Clarets last summer after he was spotted at a youth tournament in Germany.

England quartet up for Fifa award

Four England internationals have made the shortlist for the Fifa world player of the year award. Wayne Rooney, John Terry, Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard are among the 30 players in the running.

From that list national team coaches and captains will vote for their top three players, to be revealed at Fifa’s world player gala on 17 December.

AC Milan’s Kaka is the favourite to win the award for the first time, ahead of Barcelona’s Lionel Messi.

Chelsea have five nominees for the Fifa award, behind only Barcelona who have seven.

There are five Italian players in the final 30, including current world player of the year Fabio Cannavaro.

Brazil star Kaka, 25, is the current FIFPro world player of the year - an award voted for by 45,000 members of the players’ union.

Everton 0-1 Man Utd

Nemanja Vidic’s late header gave Manchester United victory in a tight encounter with Everton. The home side and United were closely matched until Vidic arrived at the near post to power home Nani’s corner after 83 minutes to seal a crucial win.

Paul Scholes had earlier wasted United’s best opportunity, volleying over from 10 yards.

But he rescued United just after half-time when he scrambled Andrew Johnson’s header off the line.

United again struggled to mount any serious attacking threat but Vidic’s goal gave them their third successive 1-0 win.

Manchester United kept Wayne Rooney, fit after a broken foot, on the bench but Cristiano Ronaldo was able to return after suspension.

Tevez excited about Rooney partnership

Carlos Tevez says he cannot wait to launch his Manchester United strike partnership with Wayne Rooney.

 The duo have yet to play together because of Tevez’s delayed switch to Old Trafford and Rooney’s broken foot that he sustained against Reading.

“I don’t think it is a question of us being too similar,” the former West Ham United striker said. “It will be a great experience to play alongside Wayne Rooney - it is something I am very excited about.”

Tevez has endured a relatively slow start to his United career compared to his amazing exploits with West Ham last term. Perhaps the signs of rustiness were understandable given the uncertainty he found himself in once Argentina’s Copa America campaign reached its conclusion.

Rooney boost for United

Manchester United have been boosted by the news that striker Wayne Rooney is nearing a return to fitness.

Rooney’s foot was in a plaster cast only five weeks ago after breaking his metatarsal for the third time in three years.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has revealed the 21-year-old is back in training but may not be fit for for Sataurday’s Barclays Premier League match against former club Everton.

Ferguson said: “He’s started training which is good. I’d not have brought him back to training unless he was ready.

“The latest scan was good and I’m pleased with that. We have to wait and see how his fitness is after being out but I’m delighted he’s on his way back.”

source:premierleague

Germany’s late show secures third

A stoppage-time goal from Alexander Esswein helped Germany to a 2-1 win over Ghana and a third place finish at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Korea 2007.

Blue skies and an appreciative crowd greeted both teams as they came on to the field with third place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup the target for Ghana and Germany. After losing in the semi-finals to Spain and Nigeria respectively, it seemed that both side were determined not to taste defeat in this match. Understandably, the opening was a little cagey, with clear cut chances at a premium in the opening 15 minutes.

Sascha Bigalke planted his free header safely into the arms of Joseph Addo from 12 yards, while Ransford Osei fired into the side netting after some good approach play. With 15 minutes gone, Germany could have taken the lead when Bigalke’s lofted pass into the box found the outstretched boot of Richard Sukuta-Pasu, but the ball spun wide.
The goal was not too long in coming, and when it did, it was of the highest quality.

England wait on Hargreaves injury

England boss Steve McClaren has confirmed midfielder Owen Hargreaves is a doubt for Saturday’s Euro 2008 qualifier against Israel at Wembley. Hargreaves missed training on Wednesday with a thigh injury and is struggling along with Steven Gerrard, while Frank Lapmard and David Beckham are out.

“Thankfully a scan only revealed a small problem,” said McClaren.

“We’re still hoping he will be available for Saturday, and he is definitely not ruled out.”

He added: “We’ll give Owen as much time as we can before making a decision.

“He’s a determined character and we know that he really wants to play. Naturally, we won’t take any unnecessary risks with him though.”

The Manchester United player was recently sidleined for his club with tendonitis and has yet to play two games in a week following his £18m summer switch to Old Trafford from Bayern Munich.