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Gabon sailed through to the quarterfinals of the African Cup
Topic Started: Dec 23 2012, 10:35 AM (42 Views)
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FRANCEVILLE, Gabon -- Gabon sailed through to the quarterfinals of the African Cup of Nations as the surprise Group C winner on Tuesday, leaving the last two quarterfinal places to be decided on the final day of group matches. Sean Lee Elite Jersey . Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored the decisive goal in a tight 1-0 win over Tunisia at Stade de Franceville as already-qualified Gabon finished the first round with three wins. On Wednesday, Ghana, Guinea and Mali all have a shot at the two remaining last eight spots from Group D. In Group Cs other game, Morocco salvaged some pride with a 1-0 win over Niger via a second-half goal from Younes Belhanda. While in Equatorial Guinea, Zambia was distracted ahead of its quarterfinal against Sudan when midfielder Clifford Mulenga was sent home for breaking a team curfew. Aubameyangs 62nd-minute goal in Franceville, his third in three games, separated Group Cs top teams and likely sent second-place Tunisia to a last-eight meeting with title contender Ghana -- which is expected to top Group D after the final day of the group stage. The Black Stars need just a point against Guinea to confirm their progression as group winner, although Mali and the Guineans have a chance of stopping that from happening. Gabon has gone against all pre-tournament form by beating Morocco and now Tunisia to make a dream start. Aubameyang was again the star for the buoyant co-host in Franceville, where Gabon first lady Sylvia Bongo again put her faith in the striker by wearing a bright yellow team shirt with his No. 9 on it. He decided the battle of the two teams who had already qualified when he slipped a deflected shot past goalkeeper Rami Jeridi. The stadium -- which was only half full at kickoff -- was packed and celebrating as Gabons players danced in celebration in the centre circle after the final whistle. They were applauded by President Ali Bongo and his wife, who have attended all three of Gabons games so far. "Of course its a motivation for us," captain Daniel Cousin said of the VIP fans. "Hes (the president) always supporting us." At Stade de lAmitie in Libreville, Morocco ended its disappointing tournament with a 1-0 win over debutant Niger to avoid the humiliation of finishing bottom, scarce consolation for the Moroccans but perhaps enough to save coach Eric Gerets job. "They (the Morocco players) stood up and gave a first sign of life today ... and I think a lot of players showed me that we still have a reason to continue our job together," Gerets said. On Wednesday, back at Stade de Franceville, Ghana will attempt to hold off a Guinea team that faces an all-or-nothing match against Africas No. 2-ranked team and the four-time champion. "Against Ghana, it will be like a final," Guinea coach Michel Dussuyer said. "We have respect for them but we want to win, we want to qualify for the quarterfinals." There could be all sorts of permutations at the end of Group D, but if Mali beats Botswana in Libreville -- as expected -- Guinea has to win against Ghana to have a chance of going through on goal difference. In Bata, Zambias build-up to the knockout stage was interrupted as Mulenga was expelled from the team camp for staying out too late with two other unidentified players. The other two had apologized, a team spokesman said, but Mulenga "showed no remorse" and was sent home. Chris Jones Jersey . 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It was the first meeting between Monaco, a clay-court specialist, and the 34th-ranked Benneteau, who beat top-seeded David Ferrer of Spain in the semifinals. Jason Witten Jersey . -- David Pacan scored twice, including the game winner, as the Niagara IceDogs eliminated the Oshawa Generals from the first-round of the playoffs with a 4-1 victory on Sunday in Ontario Hockey League playoff action.Boston, MA (Sports Network) - Boston Bruins star goaltender Tim Thomas confirmed on his Facebook page Sunday that he will be taking a year off from hockey. Thomas confirmed the hiatus with the following statement. "From the earliest age I can remember, Ive wanted to be a hockey player. Ive been blessed in my life to not only be able to live that dream, but to achieve more than I ever thought possible. "The singleminded focus that is necessary to accomplish a dream of this magnitude entails (by necessity) sacrifice in other areas and relationships in life. "At the age of 38, I believe it is time to put my time and energies into those areas and relationships that I have neglected. That is why at this time I feel the most important thing I can do in my life is to reconnect with the three Fs. "Friends, Family, and Faith. "This is what I plan on doing over the course of the next year." Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli confirmed reports on Friday that Thomas was seriously thinking about not playing in 2012-13. Thomas has onne year left on his current deal, which carries a $5 million cap hit for the 2012-13 season. DeMarco Murray Cowboys Jersey. The no-movement clause that is a part of the deal expires July 1. The 38-year-old went 35-19-1 with a 2.36 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage this past season. In the playoffs, he had a 2.14 GAA and a .923 save percentage. Boston lost in seven games to Washington in the first round. Thomas won the 2009 and 2011 Vezina Trophy, and has a 196-121-45 record and 2.48 GAA in 378 career games with the Bruins. In 50 postseason games, he holds a 29-21 mark with a 2.07 GAA. Thomas won the 2011 Conn Smythe Trophy after leading Boston to its first Stanley Cup title since 1972. Bostons backup goalie Tuukka Rask becomes a restricted free agent on July 1, but the Bruins intend on re-signing him. Rask went 11-8-3 with a 2.05 GAA and .929 save percentage this season. Thomas future in the NHL seems to be up in the air. "What does this portend for the future? Well see...Gods will be done," Thomas said at the end of his statement. ' ' '
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