Nigeria In The News - Burkina Faso fairytale faces Nigeria

[CNN]

 STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Burkina Faso will play Nigeria in Africa Cup of Nations Final
• Burkinabe saw off Ghana 3-2 on penalties following 1-1 draw
• Nigeria thrashed Mali 4-1 in Durban to seal place in final
• Ghana will play Mali in playoff for third place on Saturday

(CNN) -- Burkina Faso's fairytale at the Africa Cup of Nations will have one more enthralling chapter after it overcame the might of four-time champion Ghana to seal a place in the final for the very first time in South Africa Wednesday.

In a contest which was marred by a number of mystifying refereeing decisions, Burkina Faso survived the sending off of striker David Pitroipa and the ruling out of a seemingly legitimate strike to prevail on penalties.

With the game ending 1-1 after extra-time, it was the Burkinabe which held its nerve to progress 3-2 on penalties and advance to Sunday's showpiece final against Nigeria.

'Super Eagles' end Ivory Coast's AFCON hopes

The Super Eagles had earlier booked their place in the final with a convincing 4-1 win over Mali in Durban.

Juventus midfielder: Stop racism             The fabrication of players' ages continues to be a problem for football. One international -- Democratic Republic of Congo defender Chancel Mbemba Mangulu -- has "four different birthdays".       Mbemba was recently with the Congolese squad at the Africa Cup of Nations. He is pictured here, standing behind the team's French coach Claude Leroy, in a training session. Mbemba was not used by Leroy in the tournament.       The Democratic Republic of Congo went out of the competition at the group stage after drawing all three of their games.       Mbemba was born in the Congolese capital of Kinshasa, as was another of the city's most famous sons French midfielder Claude Makelele, who played for Nantes, Marseille, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Paris Saint Germain.       Africa's second biggest country, the Democratic Republic of Congo has seen more than its fair share of violence and its citizens are some of the poorest in the world.       Mbemba was registered by his first Congolese club - E.S. La Grace -- as having been born on August 8, 1988, according to one of the documents obtained by CNN. The documents -- showing Mbemba's various ages -- were provided by the Brazilian agent Paulo Teixeira, who was called in by E.S. La Grace to obtain money they claimed was owed to them by Anderlecht for training the player in his formative years. In attempting verification of these documents -- from FIFA, the various federations and clubs involved -- only the world governing body and the Belgian Football Assocation responded directly to CNN's request by saying they appeared to be authentic.       In another document obtained by CNN, Mbemba was registered by his second Congolese club -- Mputu -- as also having been born on August 8,1988.       When Mbemba obtained a Belgian citizenship document in July 2011, a month after he arrived in Europe, his date of birth is now dated August 8, 1994.         That meant when Mbemba played for Anderlectht's Under-19 team against Club Brugge in September 2011, the Congolese defender was now six years younger than when he had been playing for his first two Congolese clubs. A professional Belgian referee confirmed to CNN that the Anderlecht team sheet was the type of document used in Belgian football.         The Fédération Congolaise de Football-Association -- FECOFA -- regulates football in the Democratic Republic of Congo. FECOFA's president is Constant Omari and is pictured here walking behind president of the Confederation of African Football Issa Hayatou (R) in January 2010.       In April 2012, Anderlecht confirmed in a letter to FIFA that Mbemba had been sent back to Kinshasa, but later that year he returned to the Brussels club. The Belgian FA confirmed that this document is geniune.       In April 2012, Mbemba was sent back to the Congo, but by August 2012 he was back at Anderlecht when he was given a three-year professional contract. Anderlecht's general manager Herman van Holsbeeck is pictured here sitting in the club's stadium watching a first-team training session.       The Congolese players of Frenchman Leroy, who is pictured here, went on a two-day strike just before the start of the Africa Nations Cup following a row with the country's football federation over bonus payments.        Leroy's side came back from 2-0 down to deny Ghana victory in their first game of Group B at the Africa Cup of Nations.       Anderlecht have a number of Congolese players in their squad and the Brussels club's forward Dieumerci Mbokani was recently elected Belgium's player of the year.       The Democractic Republic of Congo's progress at the Africa Cup of Nations was avidly followed back in Kinshasa.       The four ages of Mbemba National service Final preparations Kinshasa's sons Scarred Birthday boy Class of 1988 Paperwork trail FEOCOFA Congolese federation Return to Kinshasa Change of heart Bonus row Fightback Congolese connection Kinshasa big screen HIDE CAPTION   << <      1      2      3      4      5      6      7      8      9      10      11      12      13      14      15      16   > >>     Age fabrication controversy in football: The player with 'four ages'         Arrests in soccer match-fixing probe  Burkina Faso, which had not won a game away from home at the tournament before arriving in South Afirca, had endured a frustrating night with referee Jdidi Slim's display a constant cause of consternation.

But it will now have to take on Nigeria without star striker Jonathan Pitroipa, who was harshly shown a second yellow card for diving when it looked as if he had been fouled.

Pitroipa's 117th minute dismissal leaves the Burkinabe without its two star strikers following the injury to talented forward Alain Traore.

Burkina Faso should have been given the chance to take an early lead when John Boye sent Pitroipa hurtling towards the turf inside the Ghana penalty area, but the referee wrongly waved away appeals for a spot kick.

Instead, it was Ghana which was controversially awarded a penalty after the Jdidi adjudged that Christian Atsu had been fouled inside the penalty area.

Mubarak Wakaso stood up to fire home from 12 yards and net his fourth goal of the competition.

What can we expect from the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations?

With both teams struggling to play on a terrible surface at the Mbombela Stadium, the game lacked any real sort of quality.

But what it lacked in quality it more than made up for in drama and excitement as Burkina Faso continued to fight back against a perceived injustice.

    Emmanuel Emenike, left, celebrates after putting Nigeria 1-0 ahead against Ivory Coast in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal at Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg, South Africa.       Cheick Tiote leveled for the tournament favorite but Sunday Mba's 78th-minute winner earned Nigeria a semifinal clash against Mali.       The Ivory Coast's veteran captain Didier Drogba (left) had been hoping to win the continent's title for the first time.       Burkina Faso also went through to the last four, winning 1-0 against fellow first-time quarterfinalists Togo. An extra-time header from Jonathan Pitroipa earned "The Stallions" a clash with Ghana.       Nigerian joy Sunday's child Drogba dejected Wild Stallions HIDE CAPTION   << <      1      2      3      4   > >>     Nigerians end Ivory Coast's AFCON hopes                 Substitute Didier Drogba (left) celebrates with Yaya Toure after the midfielder put the Ivory Coast 2-0 ahead near the end of the Africa Cup of Nations Group D match against Tunisia in Rustenburg.       Former Chelsea star Drogba had been dropped from the starting line-up for the first time in his international career, having been taken off during his country's opening match after failing to impress.       Manchester City star Toure, the two-time African player of the year, netted his second goal of the tournament in the 88th minute.        Another substitute, Didier Ya Konan (No. 13) sealed the Ivorians' second successive win with the third goal at Royal Bafokeng Stadium.       Striker Gervinho, who plays for English club Arsenal, scored the opening goal in the 21st minute. He also netted a late winner in the opening match against Togo.        Emmanuel Adebayor helped Togo bounce back from that 2-1 defeat as the Sparrowhawks' captain scored in a 2-0 win against Algeria which put the Ivorians into the quarterfinals and eliminated the north Africans with one match still to play.       Drogba dropped by Ivory Coast Drogba dropped by Ivory Coast Drogba dropped by Ivory Coast Drogba dropped by Ivory Coast Drogba dropped by Ivory Coast Drogba dropped by Ivory Coast HIDE CAPTION   << <      1      2      3      4      5      6   > >>     Drogba dropped by Ivory Coast         Israeli football club faces fan backlash  Ghana goalkeeper Fatawu Dauda produced a wonderful reaction save to deny Aristide Bance, while Asamoah Gyan hit a post for the Black Stars.

But with an hour on the clock, the underdog finally got its reward as Bance was allowed time and space to fire home a deserved equalizer.

Burkina Faso make giant strides

With the game moving into extra-time, Burkina Faso appeared to have scored a dramatic winner when Prejuce Nakoulma beat Dauda to the ball and prodded into the net.

But most of those packed inside the stadium were left in disbelief when Jdidi ruled the goal out for a minor clash with Kwadwo Asamoah.

Worse was to follow for the Burkinabe when Pitroipa was sent off after receiving a second yellow card for diving , despite replays showing he was quite clearly fouled.

In the end, the contest went to penalties and it was Burkina Faso which held its nerve with Bakary Kone, Henri Traore and Bance all scoring to send it through to the final.

Burkina captain Charles Kabore told reporters: "The referee is human, all humans make mistakes, but he happened to make too many tonight. But we're not going to dwell on that, we've qualified."

'Super Eagles' end Ivory Coast's AFCON hopes

In the day's early kick off, Nigeria reached the final for the first time since 2000 following a comfortable victory over Mali.

    David Beckham has signed on with a new team. Here he poses with Paris Saint-Germain President Nasser Al-Khelaifi, left, and PSG sports director Leonardo during a press conference announcing his new gig. Click through for a look back at Beckham through the years.        David Beckham makes his England debut at a World Cup Europe Qualifying Round Group 2 match against Moldova in 1996.       Beckham celebrates his goal in the 1998 World Cup Finals versus Colombia in 1998.       Becks as a member of Manchester United cools down during the FA Charity Shield match against Arsenal at Wembley Stadium in London in 1998.       Beckham poses after a press conference in Awaji-shima Island, Japan, in 2002.       Beckham poses with Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez during a presentation of the new Pepsi "Samourai" in Madrid, Spain, in 2004.       Becks waves after a la Liga match between Real Madrid and Deportivo La Coruna in Madrid, Spain, in 2007.       The midfielder celebrates with his sons in 2007 after Real Madrid won the Spanish League title by beating Mallorca.       Beckham makes an appearance at Myer Sydney City to promote his fragrance "David Beckham Intimately Night" in Sydney, Australia, in 2007.       Revealing his new No. 32 Adidas jersey as part of an announcement of the start of his loan move to AC Milan from Los Angeles Galaxy in 2008.       David Beckham controls the ball in 2009 during the 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier of European Group 6.       Unveiling the new Emporio Armani Underwear ad campaign for the fall/winter of 2009-2010.       No. 23 of the Los Angeles Galaxy soccer team walks toward the line judge to have a chat during Game 1 of the MLS Western Conference Semifinals against Chivas USA in 2009.       Becks arrives at Sydney International Airport in Sydney, Australia, in 2010.       David and Victoria Beckham arrive at the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey in 2011.       The Beckhams attend the 2012 Vanity Fair Oscar Party in West Hollywood, California, in 2012.       Beckham passes under Tower Bridge in a speedboat which carries the Olympic Torch and its torchbearer in 2012.       Beckham acts as England's captain during the 2004 European Nations Championship football match against Croatia in Lisbon, Portugal.       David Beckham through the years Making his debut Getting pumped All wet Repping his homeland Hobnobing with celebs Loving the fans Family guy The entreprenuer The Los Angeles resident Kicking it like ... The pitchman To the Galaxy and beyond The thinker A prince among royals Golden award moments Powering through for Olympics A name brand HIDE CAPTION   << <      1      2      3      4      5      6      7      8      9      10      11      12      13      14      15      16      17      18   > >>     David Beckham through the years                 Mario Balotelli was mobbed by fans outside a restaurant as he returned home to Italy to complete his $30 million move from AC Milan from Manchester City.       His future at the English Premier League champions had been in doubt since his training ground bust-up with manager Roberto Mancini in early January, when coaching staff had to intervene to separate the pair. Mancini later downplayed the tussle, sparked by Balotelli's hostile tackle on a fellow player, as "nothing unusual."       Balotelli made his Inter Milan debut in 2007 after being signed by the club at the age of 15. He scored the first goals of his senior career in a Coppa Italia match against Reggina in December of that year.       Balotelli joined Manchester City from Italian club Inter Milan. His relationship with Inter coach Jose Mourinho endured numerous ups and downs. Disciplinary issues littered his time at the San Siro and the situation came to a head in March 2010, when Balotelli was left out of Inter's squad for a Champions League tie after an altercation with Mourinho.          Mancini was Balotelli's first coach at Inter Milan and the pair were reunited in 2010 when the striker joined Manchester City. The start of Balotelli's City career was disrupted by injury, but he finally scored his first Premier League goals in a 2-0 away win at West Bromwich Albion. His joy at netting a brace was short-lived, however, as he was sent off after picking up two yellow cards.         Balotelli became a hit with City's fans, as much for off-field antics as his goalscoring. His stock with the supporters was never higher than in October 2011, when he scored twice in City's 6-1 thumping of neighbors Manchester United at Old Trafford. After scoring the first goal in City's victory, he revealed a t-shirt stating "Why always me?" -- instantly creating one of the most iconic images of the Premier League era. City went to beat United to the English title on goal difference with a dramatic last-gasp victory over Queens Park Rangers on the final day of the season.         Balotelli reminded everyone of his undoubted talent during the 2012 European Championships. He scored three times as Italy reached the final, including both goals in the Azzurri's 2-1 semi win over Germany. Italy lost 4-0 to Spain in the final of the tournament co-hosted by Poland and Ukraine.       Home again Training ground fracas Balotelli's breakthrough Testing the Special One Red mist 'Why always me?' Super Mario HIDE CAPTION   << <      1      2      3      4      5      6      7   > >>     Being Balotelli: The life and times of Mario                 U.S. star Jozy Altidore was subjected to racial abuse during AZ Alkmaar's cup win at Den Bosch in the Netherlands. The match was halted and the crowd were asked to stop the abusive chanting before the action resumed.       AC Milan's Kevin Prince-Boateng walked off the pitch after being racially abused during his side's friendly game with Pro Patria earlier this month. The midfielder was praised for his actions by FIFA president Sepp Blatter.       Serbia was ordered to play one under-21 match behind closed doors and was fined $105,000 by European football's governing body UEFA for racial abuse in a match with England. UEFA president has appealed the verdict of his organization in the hope of seeing stiffer punishments administered.       Chelsea and England captain John Terry was charged by UK police after allegedly making racist remarks to Queens Park Rangers defender Anton Ferdinand in October 2011. Terry was cleared of the charges in a London court in July 2012.       Liverpool's Luis Suarez was banned and fined by the English Football Association after Manchester United's Patrice Evra claimed the Uruguayan racially insulted him during a match, also in October 2011. Suarez flatly denies Evra's claims.       Brazilian World Cup winner Roberto Carlos walked off the pitch while playing for Russian team Anzhi Makhachkala against Krylya Sovetov in June the same year, after having a banana thrown towards him in the closing stages of the match.             HIDE CAPTION   << <      1      2      3      4      5      6   > >>     Racism in football     The Super Eages scored three times in 20 first half minutes to take control of the contest and leave manager Stephen Keshi dreaming of repeating the triumph he pulled off as a player in 1994.

Elderson Echiejile headed Nigeria ahead on 25 minutes before Brown Ideye added a second on the half-hour mark.

Momo Sissoko then deflected Emmanuel Emenike's free-kick into the Mali net to leave his side facing an uphill struggle.

And Ahmed Musa, who replaced the injured Victor Moses , inflicted further punishment on Mali when he ran through to score eight minutes after the interval.

Mali, which famously came back from 4-0 down to draw 4-4 with Angola in the opening game of the 2010 finals, pulled one back through substitute Cheick Diarra in the 75th minute.

Nigeria go through

But that failed to take the shine off for manager Keshi, who is now hoping to become only the second man in the tournament's history to win the tournament as a player and a coach after Egypt's Mahmoud El Gohary, who won it in 1959 and 1998.

"We won in 1994 after we had been together for five years," he told reporters.

"But we have been together for five weeks. We met up for the first time in our training camp in Portugal before the tournament, and it was a young group.

"We worked hard, the atmosphere was wonderful but you cannot compare this team to that. We did play very well today and I am very happy but we haven't won anything yet."



Via: CNN Edition

[Folami David]

Victor Moses will take us to the promised land.

[Folami David]

They may be huge and big, but I'm sure we'll bring them down.