As we await the new African Champions to be crowned tonight, let’s look briefly at how it all started and the previous winners. The Africa Cup of Nations, officially CAN (French: Coupe d’Afrique des Nations), also referred to as African Cup of Nations, or AFCON, is the main international association football competition in Africa. It is sanctioned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and was first held in 1957. Since 1968, it has been held every two years. The title holders at the time of a FIFA Confederations Cup qualify for that competition. In 1957 there were only three participating nations: Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia. South Africa was originally scheduled to compete, but were disqualified due to the apartheid policies of the government then in power. Since then, the tournament has grown greatly, making it necessary to hold a qualifying tournament. The number of participants in the final tournament reached 16 in 1998 (16 teams were to compete in 1996 but Nigeria withdrew, reducing the field to 15), and since then, the format has been unchanged, with the sixteen teams being drawn into four groups of four teams each, with the top two teams of each group advancing to a “knock-out” stage. Egypt is the most successful nation in the cup’s history, winning the tournament a record of seven times (including when Egypt was known as the United Arab Republic between 1958 and 1971). Ghana and Cameroon have won four titles each. Nigeria has won three titles. Three different trophies have been awarded during the tournament’s history, with Ghana and Cameroon winning the first two versions to keep after each of them won a tournament three times. The current trophy was first awarded in 2002 and with Egypt winning it indefinitely after winning their unprecedented third consecutive title in 2010. As of 2013, the tournament was switched to being held in odd-numbered years so as not to clash with the FIFA World Cup. Credit = Wikipedia.

La Liga leaders Real Madrid suffered their heaviest defeat in over four years as reigning champions Atletico Madrid overpowered them in a scintillating derby, BBC reports. Injury-hit Real were forced to name a makeshift defence for the short trip to the Vicente Calderon – and it was easily exposed by Atletico’s ruthless attack. Quick-fire goals from Tiago and Saul Niguez put Atletico in command at the break, before second-half strikes from Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic sealed Real’s worst loss since a 5-0 mauling by arch-rivals Barcelona in November 2010. Atletico’s players jubilantly celebrated with their supporters at the final whistle after extending their unbeaten run against Real to a sixth game. And, perhaps more importantly, the win also reignited their hopes of retaining La Liga. Los Rojiblancos would have fallen 10 points behind their neighbours with a defeat, but instead moved level with second-placed Barcelona. Real still hold a four-point advantage over the pair, although Barca can cut that gap when they travel to Athletic Bilbao on Sunday. Los Merengues coach Carlo Ancelotti looked furious at the final whistle after a limp performance from the European champions, who only registered one shot on target. The Italian welcomed back Cristiano Ronaldo following a two-match suspension, but the Ballon d’Or winner barely figured as Atletico took advantage of an away defence missing injured centre-backs Sergio Ramos and Pepe, along with suspended left-back Marcelo. Atletico dominated from the first whistle and deservedly led when Portugal midfielder Tiago drilled in a low shot which Real keeper Iker Casillas failed to hold. Substitute Saul, an early replacement for the injured Koke, doubled the lead four minutes later with a spectacular overhead kick. Slack defending allowed France attacker Griezmann to poke in from close range after the break, before Croatia striker Mandzukic’s late diving header sealed a memorable win.

Congo DR beat Equatorial Guinea 4-2 on penalties in the Africa Cup of Nations third-place play-off as the match passed without any crowd trouble. The hosts’ semi-final against Ghana on Thursday was halted after missiles were thrown at players and supporters. Only a small crowd turned out at Malabo stadium, the scene of Thursday’s violence, to see the sides draw 0-0 in normal time. Defender Cedric Mongongu struck the winning penalty for DR Congo. Equatorial Guinea were fined £65,000 for the violence following the semi-final, which saw 36 fans injured. DR Congo defender Gabriel Zakuani had called for his country to pull out of the play-off match following the trouble. Between 3,000 to 4,000 fans attended the 15,200-seater stadium. “The game passed off without any sign of a repeat of the problems that marred Thursday’s semi-final at the same venue,” said Cavell. “Those fans who did come were vociferous in their support of an Equatorial Guinea side who seemed calmer and more composed on the pitch and created more chances. “And even in losing the crowd didn’t show the same anger as on Thursday and instead showed massive appreciation for their heroes who have defied the odds to finish fourth.” DR Congo’s Crystal Palace winger Yannick Bolasie had the best chance of the first-half but he sliced his shot wide. Dieumerci Mbokani, the tournament’s joint top goal scorer on three goals, had a golden opportunity to put DR Congo ahead eights minutes into the second-half. But the striker’s tame shot was straight at Felipe Ovono after a jinking run by Cedric had set him up. Equatorial Guinea’s best chance fell to Emilio Nsue Lopez on 58 minutes, but veteran goalkeeper Kidiaba was quickly out of his area to close down the Middlesbrough striker. Kidiaba, 38, whose ‘bouncing bottom’ celebration became one of the talking points of the tournament, performed a backwards standing somersault in his goalmouth before Javier Balboa took and missed the first penalty. Raul Fabiani missed Equatorial Guinea’s second penalty while DR Congo’s players held their nerve in the shootout as they achieved their country’s best finish in the tournament since 1998.

After meeting with political parties, candidates and stakeholders, INEC Chairman Prof Attahiru Jega has announced the postponement of Nigeria’s general elections citing security reasons. The elections earlier scheduled to hold from February 14, 2015, will now hold on March 28 (presidential) and April 11 (gubernatorial).

Final Match: Sun 8 February 2015:

Ivory Coast Vs Ghana 8 pm

Third Place Match: Sat 7 February 2015:

Congo DR Vs Equatorial Guinea 5 pm

England Women’s leading goalscorer Kelly Smith has ended her international career,BBC reports. The 36-year-old forward won 117 caps and scored 46 goals in an England career that lasted almost 20 years. She made her debut in 1995 and has played in two World Cups and three European Championships, as well as for Team GB at the 2012 London Olympics. Smith, who has played professional football in the United States, will continue to play for Arsenal Ladies in the Women’s Super League.

Anderson’s spell at Manchester United has finally come to an end after Brazilian club Internacional announced they had signed the midfielder on a four-year contract. United paid around £26m for Anderson in 2007, but in recent years he has fallen out of favour and the 20-time English champions have agreed to let the 26-year-old leave on a free transfer. A statement on Internacional’s website read: “Sport Club Internacional concluded on Tuesday the procedures to announce the signing of midfielder Anderson. He signs a four-year contract.” Anderson is back to Porto Alegre, Brazil, his home city.

Harry Redknapp has resigned as QPR manager, saying imminent knee surgery would stop him doing his job, BBC reports. The 67-year-old has left the Loftus Road club second bottom of the Premier League with 19 points from 23 games. “Sadly I need immediate surgery on my knee,” Redknapp said. “If I can’t give 100% I feel it’s better for someone else to take over the reins.” Head of football operations Les Ferdinand and academy coach Chris Ramsey will take temporary charge. Redknapp took over as QPR manager in November 2012. “I have had such a fantastic time at QPR. I would like to thank the board, the players and all my staff, and especially the supporters who have been absolutely fantastic to me since I arrived at the club for their tremendous support,” he said. “My relationship with chairman Tony Fernandes has been one of the highlights of my footballing career and I wish the club every success. “I am confident they will survive in the Premier League this year.”

Arsenal striker Chuba Akpom has rejected interest from Liverpool and several other teams to sign a new contract at the club. According to the Daily Mirror, the 19-year-old has signed up for another four-and-a-half years, despite initially dragging his feet about the deal. In managing to keep hold of the England Under-20 international, Wenger has also fended off big interest in the striker. Akpom, who would have been out of contract in the summer, had been wanted by Liverpool plus Borussia Dortmund, Red Bull Salzburg, Feyenoord and FC Twente. Wenger, though, has offered Akpom more game time recently, and he now looks set for a bright future.

Philippe Coutinho has agreed a new long-term Liverpool deal, with Brendan Rodgers predicting he will become world-class. The Brazil midfielder arrived at Anfield from Inter Milan in the January transfer window two years ago and has now signed a contract which takes him through to 2020. The move will be welcomed by supporters, who are also hoping to see Raheem Sterling sign a new deal soon.  Coutinho, speaking after putting pen to paper on a new long-term deal, said: ‘I’m really happy. It’s a dream come true playing for this great club and being part of this squad. ‘Today I’ve committed my future to the club and for this I’m feeling very pleased. ‘This club is great and the fans have always supported me, so I’ve been eager to sign this new deal since conversations started. Today is a very happy day.’ He set up both goals in Liverpool’s 2-0 win over West Ham on Saturday and it has prompted manager Rodgers to liken his qualities to those of Real Madrid’s Luka Modric. Liverpool’s boss recognises that Coutinho needs to improve his goalscoring form — he has scored just twice this season — but believes the 22-year-old has the potential to blossom into one of the top performers in the Barclays Premier League. ‘You see his quality in his two assists at the weekend,’ said Rodgers. ‘They were sublime. The first pass was incredible invention. ‘If you look at Modric, he doesn’t have a big goalscoring record but he is a world-class player. ‘If he can improve his goalscoring, Coutinho will be getting into the bracket of being world-class.’

West Brom have signed Scotland midfielder Darren Fletcher on a free transfer from Manchester United, BBC reports. The 31-year-old has signed a two-and-a-half-year contract at The Hawthorns with a 12-month option. West Ham were also interested in signing Fletcher, but a move to Upton Park broke down last weekend. Albion failed in deadline day moves to sign West Ham striker Carlton Cole and Norwich defender Martin Olsson, but kept Brown Ideye and Graham Dorrans. Fletcher made 342 appearances for United but started only five times for the club after Louis van Gaal took over as manager in the summer. The Scot, who recovered from chronic bowel disease ulcerative colitis to resume his career in December 2013, had been at Old Trafford since he was a schoolboy and helped the Red Devils win the Premier League title five times. But with his contract set to expire in the summer he was granted a free transfer to help him find a new club in this transfer window. “This is a fantastic new challenge for me in my career,” Fletcher told West Brom’s website. “I’ve spent my career at Manchester United and it’s all I’ve ever known. But I felt it was the right time to move and I’m not sentimental about doing that.” Fletcher is the second player signed by West Brom head coach Tony Pulis following the £4.75m capture of winger Callum McManaman from Wigan. The Scotland captain will wear the number 24 shirt for the Baggies.

Australia midfielder Tim Cahill has joined Chinese side Shanghai Shenhua after leaving Major League Soccer club New York Red Bulls by mutual agreement, BBC reports. The former Everton and Millwall player said he was attracted by the scale of the potential football market in China. The 35-year-old said: “I’ve done the Premier League, I’ve done America. New York was amazing for me. China is a growing market in football.” Cahill helped his national team win the 2015 Asian Cup title on Saturday. “You see in the [Asian Cup quarter-final] game that we played against China, millions of people watched it and I’m someone who is embracing culture and a different aspect of life,” he added. “I’m at an age where I want to give something back to football and still play at a high level. “I think it’s exciting. To still be in demand and have the offers I’ve had is special but this will be massive for me as a player on and off the park.” Cahill, who scored a memorable goal against the Netherlands for Australia at the 2014 World Cup, moved to the United States in July 2012 after eight years at Goodison Park. Red Bulls sporting director Ali Curtis said: “We thank Tim for his service to the organisation. “He positively impacted the growth of the beautiful game in the United States, MLS and for the Red Bulls.” Millwall gave Cahill his first professional contract before he joined Everton in 2004, where he scored 56 goals in 226 league games.

Chelsea have signed Fiorentina winger Juan Cuadrado for an initial fee of £23.3m, which could rise to £26.8m. The 26-year-old, who impressed for Colombia at the World Cup, joined Chelsea after fellow winger Andre Schurrle moved to Wolfsburg for £22m. Cuadrado has signed a four-and-a-half-year contract with the English league leaders. Chelsea fringe winger Mohamed Salah, 22, is likely to go on loan to Fiorentina as part of the deal. Cuadrado said: “I am very happy and thankful for this opportunity I’ve been given. This is a great club and honestly it is like a dream to join the Chelsea family and to know that the manager believes in me. I’m happy.” It is thought Cuadrado, who has scored five goals in 37 international appearances, had a release clause in his contract of £26.8m. Cuadrado played in Italy for five and a half years, initially joining Udinese from Medellin in his homeland in 2009. After a loan spell at Lecce, he moved to Fiorentina in 2012 and scored 20 goals in 85 Serie A appearances for the Florence side. Fiorentina coach Vincenzo Montella revealed the deal was imminent on Friday, saying: “It was a sale that had to be done. “Cuadrado is a player that has always arrived with a smile and given everything to Fiorentina – I’m happy for him because he is going to a big club.” Salah has made 19 appearances for Chelsea since joining the club from Basel for a fee in the region of £11m in January 2014.

Wolfsburg have completed the signing of Andre Schurrle from Chelsea for a reported transfer fee in excess of 30 million euros. Schurrle, 24, will return to Bundesliga some 18 months after joining Chelsea from Bayer Leverkusen for a reported transfer fee of 25 million euros and put pen to paper on a contract until 2019 according to the club website. Only minutes before the closure of the German transfer window at 6 p.m. CET on Monday, the Blues and Wolfsburg finally struck a deal for the international winger. Schurrle won the world cup with Germany in Brazil last year. Jonathan Akpoborie and Obafemi Martins both played for Wolfsburg at different times in the past.