Two games, two 1-1 draws, one cheeky backheeled goal. Not a terribly bad return for an Africa Cup of Nations day nine. We’ve seen Ethiopia become the first team to get knocked out, but we aren’t calling them losers. The Ethiopians fought until the end and deserve our congratulations. Well done, Walia Boys!A-BOOM-bakar does it again! Captain carries the hosts into the knockoutsAFCON 2021: Ethiopia first to arrive, first to exit as Burkina Faso sail throughGoal of the day – Garry RodriguesA moment of inspiration, a tiny bit of improvisation or simply – a touch of class. Whichever way you look at this goal, you have to admit that it’s beautiful. Although it seems so simple, it took immaculate awareness, coordination and timing – not to mention a fine footballing brain. It was a goal that gave Cape Verde a 1-1 draw with the hosts and kept the Blue Sharks in the hunt for the knockout round.
Loser of the day – Pierre-Emerick AubameyangWhere do we start with Auba? Not too long ago, this man had everything. He was Arsenal’s captain, a firm fan favourite, he was looking forward to the upcoming AFCON where he’d captain his country too. And then he decided to go and get another tattoo and his world turned upside down. He was banished from the Arsenal team, stripped of captaincy – but that was only the beginning. He contracted Covid just before flying to Africa, causing him to miss the first game. And then he was diagnosed with “heart lesions”. On Monday, FEGAFOOT sent him and fellow unused played Mario Lemina back to their clubs. Where does it leave Auba? Who knows.Auba went to AFCON to not play for Gabon – and now he’s returning to not play for ArsenalHero of the day – Vincent AboubakarFive goals in three group stage games. Qualification from the group’s top spot. Captain’s armband on his arm. Adoring nation. Comparisons with the great Samuel Eto’o – favourable comparisons, we might add. Aboubakar is having an excellent tournament, but there is still room for improvement. In the 1-1 draw with Cape Verde, the Indomitable Lions leader scored the opening goal but has also missed a couple of good chances to put the game beyond doubt. The group stage has been completed successfully. The eyes of some 26 million of compatriots and football fans around the world are firmly on him. No pressure, Mr Hotshot!5 – Vincent Aboubakar has scored five goals in three games at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, no other Cameroon player has found the net more often in the same AFCON tournament (5 for Samuel Eto’o in 2006 and 2008). Unstoppable. #CPVCMR #AFCON2021 #TeamCameroon pic.twitter.com/3MPqGfKsq2— OptaJean (@OptaJean) January 17, 2022 Match of the day – LOLWe’re just making sure you’re following. There were two games, two 1-1 draws. Let’s be honest – apart from that Rodrigues’ goal, there wasn’t too much to get excited about. Move on.