by Rufai Bolai James
Holders Nigeria were handed a shock defeat
at the start of the group phase of African Nations Cup qualifying on
Saturday while Ghana also still seemed to be nursing a World Cup
hangover.
Fellow 2014 World Cup combatants Algeria,
Cameroon and Ivory Coast were in a happier mood after opening the
campaign for a place at the Nations Cup finals in Morocco in January
with victories.
There were also home wins for Burkina Faso,
Gabon and Tunisia and an away triumph for the tiny Cape Verde
Islands.
Zambia, winners in 2012, were held to a
goalless draw at home by Mozambique. Congo became the first country
in 33 years to win a competitive match in Nigeria as they beat
the Nations Cup champions 3-2 in Calabar with two goals from
French-born striker Thievy Bifouma. Nigeria were last beaten in a competitive
home game when they lost 2-0 to Algeria in a World Cup qualifier in
Lagos in 1981.
With a possible ban from world soccer's
ruling body FIFA hanging over them for government interference in
football federation matters, they were caught out in their opening Group A
game on Saturday. Efe Ambrose headed the hosts in front after 13 minutes
but Congo captain Prince Oniangue equalised three minutes later.
Bifouma, who had a brief spell on loan at English Premier League West
Bromwich Albion last season, put Congo 2-1 ahead in the 40th minute
before he converted a penalty
in the 54th. Congo had been eliminated in
the early knockout rounds but were given a reprieve when opponents
Rwanda were found guilty of fielding an ineligible player. Ghana needed
a penalty and a post to avoid defeat at home to Uganda in Kumasi,
drawing 1-1 in Group E.
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