BLOEMFONTEIN, Feb 23 (Reuters) – The Sharks held off a late fightback from the Cheetahs to record a thrilling 29-22 victory in their Super Rugby encounter at the Free State Stadium on Saturday.

The visitors appeared to be in control of the game midway through the second half but two tries brought the Cheetahs back into the contest and, although they could not force the win, they did manage a losing bonus point.

CAPE TOWN, Feb 14 (Reuters) – Talented Springbok back Francois Steyn could provide both the inspiration and leadership for the Sharks in their bid to lead South Africa’s challenge on this year’s Super Rugby title.

The Sharks were runners-up last year to the Waikato Chiefs and have lost their other three final appearances.

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – Nigeria ended almost two decades without success and returned to their role as a continental heavyweight after edging Burkina Faso 1-0 in the African Nations Cup final on Sunday.

Sunday Mba’s volleyed goal five minutes before halftime ended the fairytale run of the Burkinabe, who had exceeded all expectation by advancing to their first final.

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – Nigeria ended almost two decades without success and returned to their role as a continental heavyweight after edging Burkina Faso 1-0 in the African Nations Cup final on Sunday.

Sunday Mba’s volleyed goal five minutes before halftime ended the fairytale run of the Burkinabe, who had exceeded all expectation by advancing to their first final.

JOHANNESBURG, Feb 10 (Reuters) – Burkina Faso coach Paul Put saluted his squad for their performance in the competition after being beaten 1-0 by Nigeria in Sunday’s African Nations Cup final at Soccer City.

“Perhaps we were tired in the final but I don’t want to make excuses,” Put told reporters. “I saw my team fighting to the last minute – I’m very proud and all Burkinabe can be proud of these players.

JOHANNESBURG, Feb 10 (Reuters) – Nigeria ended almost two decades without success and returned to their role as a continental heavyweight after edging Burkina Faso 1-0 in the African Nations Cup final on Sunday.

Sunday Mba’s volleyed goal five minutes before halftime ended the fairytale run of the Burkinabe, who had exceeded all expectation by advancing to their first final.

PORT ELIZABETH, Feb 10 (Reuters) – Mali are banking on midfield maestro Seydou Keita to stick around for a while so that he can help them to secure a place in the World Cup finals for the first time.

Coach Patrice Carteron said the influential 33-year-old had spurred Mali to finish third at the African Nations Cup and his presence would inspire the rest of the team as they chase a place in Brazil 2014.

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – Nigeria are favourites to win only their third African Nations Cup title at Soccer City on Sunday, but the possibility of Burkina Faso springing a surprise in the final cannot be discounted.

Both sides began their campaigns with few hopes but have advanced to the final in a tournament filled with upsets.

JOHANNESBURG, Feb 10 (Reuters) – Nigeria are favourites to win only their third African Nations Cup title at Soccer City on Sunday, but the possibility of Burkina Faso springing a surprise in the final cannot be discounted.

Both sides began their campaigns with few hopes but have advanced to the final in a tournament filled with upsets.

JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) – Mali and Ghana meet to decide the bronze medal at the African Nations Cup for a second successive tournament on Saturday.

Mali beat Ghana a year ago in Malabo to take third place at the last edition in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon and Saturday’s match in Port Elizabeth will go to the side best able to put aside the trauma of missing out on the final again.