Talk about great expectations… We were looking forward to seeing Senegal and Guinea battle for the top in their group, but we got to see precious little to talk about. But there was plenty of fire and quite a few talking points.Salim Ben Boina plays amateur football in France and shines in the AFCON in his spare timeAFCON 2021: The Warriors burned down in the Flames’ turnaroundAFCON 2021: A late goal from substitute Allevinah keeps the Panthers at second place, fist punches traded after the final whistleAFCON 2021: West African derby ends in a barren drawIt looks like we’re going to have a goal per game average above 1.00, which we’re really thankful for. Morocco made it two wins in two but the rest of the favourites struggled. But one thing is for sure – nobody has had it easy today! There were comebacks, nerves, double saves, even triple saves, punches, brawls, arguments, nerves, disappointments and screamers. Phew. Let’s have it.Goal of the day – Andre AyewThe Black Stars needed some of their biggest stars to step up and stamp their authority on the Gabon clash and the Ghana captain did just that – and with style. His piledriver from outside the area was the best strike of the day by some distance. The quality of the goal was worthy of winning any match, but the Panthers made sure it didn’t.
Punch of the day – Benjamin TettehToo bad this isn’t boxing, because the Ghanaian’s right hook would be a sight to behold. After the final whistle of the Black Stars’ draw with Gabon, all the suppressed tension boiled over and suddenly everyone was after everyone else. Andre Ayew had a few things to say to the Panthers’ bench. But even that was tame compared to Benjamin Tetteh’s mindless move of punching Aaron Boupendza in the face after the final whistle, earning a red card and likely a long suspension. Tetteh was only brought as a substitute a few minutes previously to deliver a killer blow and a win. But not this kind of blow, Benjamin.Ghana’s Benjamin Tetteh has been shown a red card for violent conduct after the full-time whistle! 🟥 pic.twitter.com/RAR8naKqOy— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) January 14, 2022 Loser of the day – Aliou CisseSenegal fans should be worried. After their barely deserved win over Zimbabwe that was only secured from a late penalty, they were involved in a dull goalless affair with Guinea. Cisse clearly hasn’t done enough to inspire his star-studded team and has also received bad news on Friday morning – he won’t be allowed to pick Pape Gueye for the rest of the tournament. If the former Lions of Terranga captain doesn’t inspire his squad, the end of AFCON could come pretty soon for them.Hero of the day – Salim Ben BoinaHe’s the goalkeeper of the team that’s lost both of their games so far and who’s conceded three goals along the way. But you really have to consider the context and give a big pat on the back to this man. The 30-year-old custodian plays his football in the fourth tier in France far from the bright lights and attention. But faced against mighty Morocco, Salim pulled off a penalty save (fair enough, it was him who conceded the penalty), a remarkable triple save from point-blank range and a series of stop to keep his team in the running until injury time. He was rightly acknowledged as Man of the Match.🚨Salim Ben Boina🇰🇲 elected Best Player on the Field.#TeamMorocco 2-0 #TeamComoros #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/fRaDr88xym— World of Football (@Infogenuino) January 14, 2022