Following John Terry’s stripping of the England captaincy for the second and probably final time the man who briefly stepped into Terry’s shoe’s following his affair with Wayne Bridge’s girl-friend has also ruled himself out of the running to replace the serial cheat.

Rio tweeted: “I don’t want to be England captain after the last episode.

“Just want to concentrate on playing for Man Utd and if I make the squad then as ever I’ll be delighted.”

While many believe Ferdinand’s England career is on the slide anyway it say’s alot about the England captaincy when a player of his stature refuses to be considered to lead his Country in a Major Tournament.

Tory MP Damian Collins who has campaigned for FIFA reform hit out saying:
“He is in a public position as England captain.

“Anyone else in a public position faced with such a criminal charge would stand aside from their position and then if cleared be able to return to that position. This has gone beyond being an allegation. He has been charged and has to appear in court and I don’t think under those circumstances he can fulfil his duties. It is also what it means for communities across the country if people just close their eyes to the situation until after the court case.”

It seems to me the FA’s stunt of waiting till after the Euro Finals has backfired dramatically, as it was seen the English authorities were hoping to keep Terry as captain and for him not to miss out on International’s through a ban for his alleged racism towards Anton Ferdinand.

Scorers:
El Tahir (Sud) 33′,80′
Dagano (Bur) 90′

Scorers:
Eboue (Ivo) 33′
Bony (Ivo) 64′

Asamoah Gyan’s superb free-kick helped Ghana into the African Nations Cup quarter-finals, as they beat Mali 2-0 today. Andre Ayew scored their second securing their last 16 spot.

Burkino Faso defender Bakary Kone’s amazing own goal helps the Ivory Coast to a 2-0 win and qualification to the second round of the African Nations Cup after Chelsea striker Saloman Kalou scored the opener. (see below)

Host nation Equatorial Guinea dumped pre tournament favourites Senegal out of the African Nations Cup with a last gasp winner last night, a draw may have saved face for Senegal but realistically they have been second best at a tournament which they were favourites for having lost 2-1 to Zambia in the tournament opener.

Zambia came from behind twice to draw 2-2 with Libya in their African Nations Cup Group A clash at a rain drenched Bata.

It was clear for all to see this pitch was unplayable, however with severe pressure put on the referee from tournament organisers to let the game go ahead the official backed down on what right for the player’s well being and let the game go ahead.

Scorer:
Mensah 25′