Newcastle boss Alan Pardew has revealed the club are making provisions for their African Nations Cup hopefuls amid the Ebola crisis on the continent.

Mali secured the first victory in this year’s Africa Cup of Nations with an uninspiring 1-0 win over Niger in Port Elizabeth.

A rebel group believed to be backed by Rwanda advanced to within two miles of Goma, a crucial provincial capital in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, marking the first time that rebels have come this close since 2008.

Sepp Blatter has been re-elected as president of FIFA after the Football Association’s attempt to block the vote ended in defeat and recriminations.

Michael Essien will return to the international fold for Ghana’s next competitive international against DR Congo in March next year, the country’s football association has confirmed.

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s army needs more international help to prevent brutal rebel attacks such as the recent mass gang-rape, a government spokesman said today.

Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba and Ghana midfielder Michael Essien have been included in the final three-man shortlist for the 2009 Africa Player of the Year award.

Rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo fought pro-government militiamen for a second day in the town of Kiwanja today, forcing thousands to flee.

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s government today refused rebel leader Laurent Nkunda’s demand for direct talks to solve the crisis in eastern Kivu province, where tens of thousands of desperate refugees were receiving international aid.

The first humanitarian convoy to go behind rebel lines since violence erupted in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo more than two months ago set off today.

A rebel leader’s son who ushered in a peace plan was sworn in today as the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s first freely-elected president in more than four decades.

PORTSMOUTH forward Lomana LuaLua has been warned as to his future conduct by the FA after admitting a charge of improper conduct.

Defending champions Cameroon opened their African Nations Cup campaign with a 1-1 draw with Algeria, but it is Egypt who are looking good at the top of Group C by virtue of a 2-1 win over Zimbabwe.