Azpilicuetas cutback in the ninth minute of their first

BATA, Equatorial Guinea - Republic of Congo snatched a late 1-1 draw against host Equatorial Guinea in the opening game of the African Cup of Nations on Saturday, muting a packed stadium of lively red-shirted home fans who thought they were on their way to a surprise win.Equatorial Guinea captain Emilio Nsue scored in the 16th minute to kick off the soccer celebrations at Bata Stadium after the crowd had already been treated to a performance by American singer Akon during the opening ceremony. But Thievy Bifouma equalized with three minutes to go, sliding a low shot in from a tough angle to spoil the hosts opening night.Equatorial Guinea had missed a series of good chances in the second half to stretch its lead before the Congolese hit back.Im happy that the team left a good impression, but obviously there were moments to win it, said new Equatorial Guinea coach Esteban Becker.Worries over attendances at this African Cup were temporarily pushed aside as the supporters crowded in. Equatorial Guinea stepped in to stage the tournament at the last minute in place of Morocco. Its team had also initially been disqualified for fielding an ineligible player in qualifying, but was allowed back in as the new host.Nsue rewarded the fans early on when he hit his shot under Congolese goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi from close range following a slick run and pass from winger Kike Boula. Nsue sprinted toward one section of supporters, punching his chest and shouting out in celebration, and some fans spilled out onto the running track on the edge of the field to join him.Higher-ranked Republic of Congo under veteran French coach Claude Le Roy was expected to win the opening game in Group A, but it didnt find any rhythm in the first half as the home team fed off its noisy support.Young goalkeeper Felipe Ovono saved Equatorial Guinea in the second half when he dived and pushed away a shot by Ladislas Douniama that looked certain to be the equalizer. A late free kick from Republic of Congo also rebounded off the post.Equatorial Guinea also had chances, with Iban Edu sending a swerving shot from 40 yards (meters) out that Mafoumbi scrambled to stop late in the first half. Javier Balboa had a golden chance to make it 2-0 in the 61st as he broke clear of the defence, then hit a low shot straight at Mafoumbi.Nsue also missed when one-on-one with the keeper and had a goal disallowed in the 73rd.The equalizing blow came for the home fans in the 87th minute when Bifouma made the late pressure from Republic of Congo pay.The players fought until the end and we drew. Its not so bad, said coach Le Roy.Le Roy did complain about the 65-minute drive he says his squad had to make to get to the stadium in sweltering equatorial heat and without air conditioning in its bus.Its not possible to disrespect players like that, Le Roy said, telling organizing body the Confederation of African Football to sort it out.The organizers are under pressure after the tournament was only switched to the small Central African nation two months before kickoff, and there have been teething problems.They had also expected a capacity crowd of over 35,000 for the opener, but it was probably more. With all the seats taken, fans appeared to be still flocking in. Many crammed together to stand and watch from the walkways behind the seats. They had roared and danced, waving bright orange inflatable hands as Akon performed on the running track wearing a long black coat in the 30-plus Celsius (86 Fahrenheit) temperatures.The president of the country, Teodoro Obiang Nguema, also attended to officially open the 16-team, three-week African soccer championship. Reggie White Jersey . -- The guys in green raced off the court and into the locker room where they danced and sang, compared whose shot was most likely to end up featured on "One Shining Moment," and checked Twitter to see who was giving them a shoutout. DeSean Jackson Jersey . - The New York Rangers have momentum, a unified locker room and Henrik Lundqvist. http://www.theeaglesshoponline.com/Youth-shareef-miller-eagles-jersey/ .com) - John Wall supplied 24 points and 11 assists in leading the Washington Wizards to a 102-91 win over the New York Knicks on Christmas Day. Brian Westbrook Youth Jersey . The Rays hope to stay alive for the postseason and salvage the finale of this series Sunday at Rogers Centre, where they dropped a 7-2 decision Saturday. Chris Archer lasted 2 1/3 innings in the no-decision, charged with a run and five hits, and Alex Torres suffered the loss in relief. Wes Hopkins Jersey . Torres scored the first goal by an English team in the knockout phase of the Champions League this season when he met Cezar Azpilicuetas cutback in the ninth minute of their first leg match in the last 16. But Chelsea failed to make the most of its counterattacks and the Turkish champions equalized in the second half after gaining in confidence and cutting out their defensive mistakes. WINNIPEG -- The Winnipeg Jets have a plan to deal with the powerhouse Chicago Blackhawks, but encouraging fans to wear helmets to mock Adam Pardys treatment in the Windy City isnt part of it. Jets chairman Mark Chipman killed the media stunt the day before the Blackhawks visit the MTS Centre. Pardy was checked through the glass, one fan stole his helmet and another poured beer on the Jets defenceman Nov. 66 in Chicago.dddddddddddd. A Winnipeg radio station was encouraging fans to wear helmets to Thursday nights game when Chicago visits, calling it a "helmet Pardy." But Chipman says Chicago has handled the incident with class, just as Pardy did when it happened, and no helmets will be allowed. The helmet-thief has even made a donation to the Jets Foundation, besides issuing an apology. ' ' '