Club International Player Stars in Europe
stars in Europe - Ba strike takes Chelsea through

Ba's finish came just as Chelsea looked to be on the way out after Schurrle and Oscar were both denied by the woodwork - although the London side were helped by a crucial miss from the normally reliable Edinson Cavani minutes before the decisive goal. 

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Club Stars in Europe
stars in Europe - Eto'o could return for Chelsea vs PSG

Striker Samuel Eto'o could be available for Chelsea when they face Paris-St Germain in Tuesday's Champions League quarter-final second leg.

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LEGENDS - ‪‪CAMEROON - Roger Milla - one of the first African players to be a major star

Milla returned to the 1994 FIFA World Cup at the age of 42, being the oldest player ever to appear in a World Cup. Cameroon were knocked out in the group stages; however, Milla scored a goal against Russia, setting a record as the oldest goalscorer in a World Cup tournament; a record he set in the previous World Cup edition.

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7 Apr 2014
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SAFA President predicts change to governance of African football

The governance of African football is set to undergo significant change, says the man who organised the 2010 World Cup.

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6 Apr 2014
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LEGENDS - ‪‪GHANA - Abedi holds the record for most appearances at the Nations Cup Finals

He was the captain of Ghana's national football team for six years (1992-1998) and was one of the first African football players to earn a top placing in FIFA World Player of the Year voting in 1991 and 1992. 

Abedi Pele played for Ghana 73 times and is considered the greatest football player in his country's history, and among the best in Africa. Until 7 June 2013 when he was surpassed by Asamoah Gyan, he was the top goal scorer for Ghana with 33 goals. 

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‪FIFA 100‬ - Pelé

African Players on the FIFA 100 list:

• Abédi Pelé (Ghana)
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• Jay Jay Okocha (Nigeria)
• Roger Milla (Cameroon)

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Featured Legends
LEGENDS - ‪‪TOGO - Julien Kossi Denke - tributes are paid to Togo's first overseas player

Julien Kossi Denke, was Togo's first footballer to play overseas. The defender was more popularly known as Wazo and captained Togo at the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Ivory Coast in 1984. Later that year he signed for French second division club Chateauroux from Togolese side Aiglons de Lome. 

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25 Mar 2014
Coaches National teams
NATIONAL TEAM - BENIN - COACH - Didier Olle-Nicolle appointed Benin coach

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NATIONAL TEAM - BENIN - COACH - Algerian Djamel Belmadi appointed Qatar coach

Algerian Djamel Belmadi has been installed as the new coach of Qatar's national team, the country's football association has revealed.  
 

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NATIONAL TEAM - Nigeria - Lukman Haruna hopeful over World Cup prospects

Dynamo Kiev midfielder Lukman Haruna hopes he can still make Nigeria's World Cup squad. The 23-year old has not played for the Super Eagles since the last World Cup in South Africa.

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16 Mar 2014
Club Stars in Europe Transfers

stars in Europe - Nathan Sinkala keen to stay on at Sochaux

The 22-year-old joined the French side in January and is due to return to the Democratic Republic of Congo at the end of the season. "I'd love to stay with Sochaux that's why we are working hard to remain in the top league, which is very important," Sinkala told BBC Sport. "Playing in France is good for my career and development."

Sinkala has settled well to life in the French city of Montbeliard and appears to be thriving in a more challenging environment. "I'm enjoying my football here in France and to be honest with you the difference is very clear - you can't compare football in Africa to what is here." "Hopefully, when the season is over and Sochaux manage to stay in this division then we can sit and decide if I can stay."

Sinkala has benefitted from arriving at Sochaux alongside his former TP Mazembe club-mate and fellow Zambia international Stoppilla Sunzu - and the pair have been reunited with ex-Zambia coach Herve Renard. That familiarity has paid dividends for Sinkala, who was made 12 league appearances for Sochaux. "It feels good to work with Herve Renard again. It's like a family reunion for us [alongside Sunzu], because he knows us very well," he said.

Sinkala won the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations under Renard, but Zambia crashed out in the group stage in defence of their title in 2013 and were also eliminated from 2014 World Cup qualifying at the group stage. However, the midfielder insists the Chipolopolo have decided to put the disappointing year behind them and regroup for the next Africa Cup of Nations campaign.

"We are looking forward now because at the last Nations Cup we disappointed our people. It's important for us to do Zambia proud at the next tournament in Morocco," he said. "All the players know that we owe our fans and must really make them happy once again."

Zambia are one of 21 nations who have qualified automatically for the group phase of qualifying process for the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. They will know their opponents when the draws take place on 27 April in Cairo.

 

An inauspicious start

Sinkala was sent off after only 35 minutes on his second appearance for Sochaux

23 Apr 2014
(BBC Sport, Reims by Oluwashina Okeleji)

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