An opening-round curse struck Egypt again Sunday when they were held 1-1 at home by lowly Sierra Leone in a 2012 African Nations Cup qualifier.

France's Real Madrid striker Karim Benzema on Sunday declared himself fit and up for the challenge of reviving his country's battered footballing fortunes in Tuesday's second Euro 2012 qualifier against Bosnia.

Malawi overcame a two-goal deficit and playing the second half a man short to hold Tunisia 2-2 in a 2012 African Nations Cup thriller this weekend.

Former Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann on Sunday urged new Real Madrid signings Mest Ozil and Sami Khedira to answer coach Jose Mourinho's criticisms by learning Spanish as quickly as possible.

Veteran German striker Miroslav Klose expects Tuesday's Euro 2012 qualifier here against minnows Azerbaijan will be tougher than the World Cup showdowns against Argentina or England.