SPORTS

See Brothers Who Played Together At AFCON

Published

11 months ago

January 14, 2024

See Brothers Who Played Together At AFCON | Fab.ng

The Ayew brothers are AFCON veterans with six tournaments under their belt, but they’re not the only siblings who’ve shone on Africa’s biggest stage!

Four incredible brother duos from Ghana, Egypt, Ivory Coast, and Zambia left their mark on AFCON history. They showed the world the power of family bonds in football, filling the tournament with memories of teamwork and skill.

Andre, Ibrahim, and Jordan Ayew

The Ayew family is football royalty in Africa! Brothers Jordan and Andre, sons of Ghanaian legend Abedi Pele, have both played for Ghana in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) five times, with the 2024 tournament in Ivory Coast being their sixth!

Crystal Palace's Jordan Ayew shares his lockdown experiences with brothers Andre and Ibrahim | Goal.com

They’ve been a dynamic duo on the field since the 2012 AFCON, where they helped Ghana reach the semifinals. And who can forget their amazing run to the 2015 final, where they fell just short against Ivory Coast in a nail-biting penalty shootout?

But the Ayew family’s footballing talent doesn’t stop there! Another brother, Ibrahim, played alongside Andre in the 2010 AFCON, and their sister Imani is also a pro footballer. Talk about a family legacy!

So, next time you watch the AFCON, keep an eye out for the Ayew brothers; they’re sure to put on a show.

Kolo and Yaya Toure

The Toure brothers, Kolo and Yaya, are legends in African football history, especially when it comes to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Their incredible teamwork and talent on the field helped Ivory Coast reach new heights in the competition.

Their partnership lasted for six AFCON tournaments, starting in 2006 and ending in 2015. They were key players in Ivory Coast’s runs to the final in both 2006 and 2012, although they sadly lost to Egypt and Zambia, respectively.

Kolo Toure Says He'd Take Yaya Toure out 'Big Time' with League Cup Final Tackle | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors | Bleacher Report

Just when it seemed like the Toure brothers might retire without ever winning the AFCON, they achieved the ultimate triumph in their final tournament together. In 2015, in Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast emerged victorious, with Yaya proudly lifting the trophy as captain.

The Toure brothers’ incredible skills and dedication left a lasting impression on AFCON and fans everywhere. Their story is a testament to the power of teamwork, family, and never giving up on your dreams.

Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan

In the hall of fame of Egyptian football, the names Ibrahim and Hossam Hassan shine bright. These identical twins not only played together for the national team but also left an unmatched legacy in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), proving the power of family and teamwork in this beautiful game.

Hossam, the Goal-Scoring Machine:

Remembered as one of Africa’s greatest strikers, Hossam Hassan racked up an impressive 11 goals in the AFCON and retired as Egypt’s all-time top scorer with a whopping 68 goals. He even led Egypt to victory in three AFCON tournaments (1986, 1998, and 2006).

Weak Souls"!.. Ibrahim Hassan Reveals The Reasons Why His Brother Did Not Train For The Egyptian National Team

Ibrahim, the Defensive Wall:

Though not a goal-scoring machine like his brother, Ibrahim Hassan was a rock-solid defender who made 131 appearances for Egypt. He played alongside Hossam in three AFCON tournaments but sadly didn’t get to experience the joy of lifting the trophy.

Together on the Pitch…

Despite their differing paths to glory, the Hassan brothers remain a symbol of familial bonding and football excellence in Egypt and Africa. Their story inspires not only aspiring footballers but also anyone who values the power of family and teamwork in achieving their dreams.

Christopher and Felix Katongo

Meet Christopher and Felix Katongo, two brothers who changed the face of Zambian football forever. Their talent, dedication, and teamwork helped take the national team to new heights, especially in the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.

These dynamic brothers shared the field at five AFCON tournaments, kicking things off in 2006 and playing together until 2013. Their contributions came from both ends of the pitch; Christopher’s attacking skills and Felix’s midfield magic made them a force to be reckoned with.

Green Buffaloes beefs up their technical bench with an AFCON winner - ZamFoot

But 2012 is the year that truly etched their names in history. That year, Zambia stunned the entire continent by winning their first-ever AFCON title in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. The Katongo brothers played a key role in this unforgettable victory.

Christopher’s performance was so outstanding that he was named Player of the Tournament and finished as the joint-top scorer with three goals. Although the Golden Boot ultimately went to teammate Emmanuel Mauyka, Christopher’s impact on the team was undeniable.

The Katongo brothers’ story is not just about football skills; it’s also about the power of family and representing your country with pride. They showed the world that teamwork and dedication can overcome any obstacle, even on the biggest stage in African football.

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More Brothers Making AFCON History

The brothers above were not the only ones that made the AFCON history. Below are some other families who left their mark:

The Gyan brothers (Asamoah and Baffour) and the Kingston brothers (Laryea and Richard) both had members play in the tournament.

The Kone brothers (Arouna and Bakary) and the Kalou brothers (Bonaventure and Salomon) saw family members play for the Elephants, though never at the same AFCON.

Alain and Bertrand Traore played for the Stallions in 2015 and 2017.

Peter and Adam Ndlovu are legends. They became the top scorers in the Warriors’ history, though they only played in one AFCON together (2004). Sadly, Adam died in a car accident in 2012.

These brothers show the power of family bonds and a shared passion for football! They inspire players and fans alike across Africa.

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Related Topics:AFCON Brothers Featured Football sports sports news

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SPORTS

Cleveland Cavaliers’ Forward Isaac Okoro Out For Two Weeks With Shoulder Injury

Published

1 day ago

December 20, 2024

Reporter

Forward Isaac Okoro out with shoulder injury | fab.ng

The Cleveland Cavaliers will be without forward Isaac Okoro for at least two weeks after he sustained a shoulder injury during Monday’s dominant 130-101 victory over the Brooklyn Nets.

The 23-year-old was diagnosed with a sprained AC joint in his right shoulder. This is an injury that will be re-evaluated in a couple of weeks to assess his readiness to return.

Okoro, now in his fifth year with the Cavaliers, has been a reliable contributor this season. He averaged 6.6 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game.

Notably, he is shooting with exceptional efficiency, achieving career-high percentages in both field goal accuracy (49.5%) and three-point success (49.2%).

Isaac Okoro 3 pt % by season:

2020-21: 29%
2021-22: 35%
2022-23: 36.3%
2023-24: 39.1%
2024-25: 49.2% (#2 in NBA) pic.twitter.com/FWYbbWy63i

— Across The Cavs (@AcrossCavs) December 19, 2024

His performance reflects a steady improvement in offensive consistency while maintaining his reputation as a strong defender.

Selected as the fifth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, Okoro built his career on stellar perimeter defence.

This season, opposing players have struggled to score against him from beyond the arc, shooting just 35.7% when he is the primary defender.

This defensive mark is the second-lowest of his career, following the 35.5% he held opponents to during the 2021-2022 season.

Okoro’s value to the Cavaliers was underscored when he signed a three-year, $38 million contract extension in the offseason. This secures his place on the team through 2027.

His blend of defensive prowess and improving offensive contributions has made him a key piece of Cleveland’s lineup.

Currently, the Cavaliers boast the best record in the NBA at 23-4, thanks to their well-rounded roster and consistent performance.

Despite Okoro’s absence, the team will aim to maintain its winning momentum while he recovers and prepares for a return to action.

Check out more sports news here.

SPORTS

Africa’s Best Player Ademola Lookman Credits Atalanta for His Rise to African Football’s Pinnacle

Published

2 days ago

December 19, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Lookman credits Atalanta for his football development | fab.ng

Ademola Lookman, the reigning African Player of the Year, has acknowledged the significant role that Serie A club Atalanta has played in his footballing journey.

The 27-year-old Nigerian international outshone Achraf Hakimi, Ronwen Williams, Serhou Guirassy, and Simon Adingra to claim the prestigious 2024 CAF Awards in Marrakech.

Before this achievement, Lookman secured a remarkable 14th position in the 2024 Men’s Ballon d’Or rankings.

His exceptional season with Atalanta, culminating in a hat-trick during the Europa League final victory over Bayer Leverkusen, undoubtedly contributed to this recognition.

When enquired about the impact of his career transitions from the English Premier League to the Bundesliga and subsequently to Serie A, Lookman shared his insights:

“I think the environment that the club (Atalanta) gave me has been very key to obviously my growth as a player.

“And also, just timing, you know, I’ve always believed in myself and to be able to achieve great things. But, yeah, the time has come and, you know, just blessed to be here.”

Five different winners? make that 6️⃣.

Ademola extends Naija’s lead with the most Men’s Player of the Year winners. 🇳🇬🏆#CAFAwards2024 pic.twitter.com/KmbGUGlYyC

— CAF_Online (@CAF_Online) December 18, 2024

Lookman’s Journey from Waterloo to African Football’s Elite

Ademola Lookman’s footballing journey began at Waterloo, where he ascended through the youth ranks.

His talent caught the eye of Charlton Athletic, who offered him his first professional contract. In 2017, he made a significant move to Everton, signing a four-and-a-half-year deal.

However, limited opportunities at Goodison Park led him to seek a fresh start at RB Leipzig. A series of loan spells to Fulham and Leicester City followed.

This is where he showcased his abilities, scoring eight goals and providing eight assists in various competitions.

In 2021, Lookman made a pivotal decision by signing a four-year contract with Atalanta, joining fellow Africans Jeremie Boga and Moustapha Cisse.

This move proved to be a turning point. He flourished in Serie A and earned a more prominent role in the Nigerian national team.

Reflecting on his career, Lookman acknowledged the impact of his infamous Panenka penalty miss during his time at Fulham.

He emphasised how he transformed this setback into a source of strength. Also, he expressed his hope that his recent achievements would inspire future generations of footballers.

“Yes, they were not very happy with me, but, you know, they gave me a lot of love and support after especially the coach, Scott Parker,” he continued.

“He helped me a lot to overcome that time but like I said on the stage it’s about turning your pain into power.

“I’ve managed to do that over the past couple of years and continue to do so. To the kids out there aspiring to improve and achieve in life: life may knock you down, and it may not deal you the best cards.”

2024 African Player of the Year 💫 pic.twitter.com/a7K0l0r5Hh

— Ademola Lookman (@Alookman_) December 17, 2024

Lookman Joins Nigeria’s Elite Footballers

Ademola Lookman’s triumph as African Player of the Year marks a significant milestone in Nigerian football history.

He becomes the sixth Nigerian to claim this prestigious honour. This follows in the footsteps of football legends Rasheed Yekini, Emmanuel Amuneke, Nwankwo Kanu, Victor Ikpeba, and Victor Osimhen.

Despite representing England at various youth levels, Lookman pledged his allegiance to Nigeria. This includes the victorious 2017 FIFA U17 World Cup campaign.

He made his Super Eagles debut in March 2022, contributing to their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification bid.

Lookman played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s impressive performance at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire.

His brace against Cameroon in the Round of 16 and match-winning goal against Angola in the quarterfinals highlighted his impact on the team.

As Lookman continues his stellar form, he is set to feature for Atalanta in their upcoming Coppa Italia clash against Cesena. Just four days later, they will host Empoli in a Serie A encounter.

Atalanta, led by manager Gian Piero Gasperini, currently occupies the top spot in the Italian Serie A table with 37 points from 16 matches. They hold a two-point advantage over their closest rivals, Napoli.

SPORTS

Everton Confirm Majority Takeover By Friedkin Group To End Moshiri Tenure

Published

2 days ago

December 19, 2024

Reporter

Everton confirm majority takeover by Friedkin Group | fab.ng

The Friedkin Group has acquired a 94.1% stake in Everton, becoming the Premier League club’s new majority owner. The American group paid over £400 million to end Farhad Moshiri’s turbulent tenure.

The Premier League has approved the agreement reached in September. This makes Everton the 10th club that Americans own in the division.

“Today marks a momentous and proud occasion for The Friedkin Group as we become custodians of this iconic football club,” said incoming Executive Chairman Marc Watts.

“We are committed to leading Everton into an exciting new era both on and off the pitch. Providing immediate financial stability to the Club has been a key priority, and we are delighted to have achieved this.

“While restoring Everton to its rightful place in the Premier League table will take time, today is the first step in that journey.”

Club Statement: Everton Football Club acquired by Roundhouse Capital Holdings Limited, part of The Friedkin Group. 🔵

— Everton (@Everton) December 19, 2024

Dan Friedkin leads the Texas-based Friedkin Group and owns Serie A club Roma. The club has a reported net worth of £6.16 billion. Friedkin will serve as Everton’s board chairman, while Watts will manage the club’s operations.

The American group put forward a list of priorities for Everton. They aim to strengthen the first team, develop the academy, improve the women’s side, and enhance the club’s global reputation.

Dan Friedkin wrote an open letter expressing his pride about becoming Everton’s new majority owner.

Dan Friedkin writes to Evertonians following our takeover completion. ✍️🔵

— Everton (@Everton) December 19, 2024

“I take immense pride in welcoming one of England’s most historic football clubs to our global family, The Friedkin Group,” the 59-year-old said.

“Everton represents a proud legacy, and we are honoured to become custodians of this great institution.

“Whilst we are new to the Club, we fully understand the vital role Everton plays in local culture, history, and the lives of Evertonians here and around the world.

“We are deeply committed to honouring this legacy while contributing positively to the community, economy, and people of this remarkable city.”

Everton’s first match under new ownership will take place against Chelsea on Sunday, December 22nd. Members of the new ownership group are expected to attend the match.

Check out more sports updates here.