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<p>Well we all know how the competition started but the tournament kicked off in earnest on Sunday evening with the host nation Angola entertaining Mali. Hopes were high after all the political wrangling that engulfed the weekend, football could return to the forefront. What no-one expected was a series of breathless games and major shocks that have turned the Cup Of Nations on its head.</p>
<p>Angola stormed in to a 4-0 lead in the opening game and the home fans were jubilant. When Manucho hit a penalty in the 74th minute, Mali looked down and out, shocked to the core by the host nation. Yet by full time, Angola were delighted to hear the final whistle, after an extraordinary fightback saw the The Eagles score 4 goals in the last 15 minutes. Barcelona’s Seidou Keita scored a brace, with Freddie Kanoute scoring and Mustapha Yatabare hitting the equaliser in the fourth minute of injury time.</p>
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<p>It really was a breathless encounter that hardly stopped for a second, a delightful and passionate affair that seems to have set the template for this years tournament. Monday saw Group B kick off and the shocks just kept on coming. The Ivory Coast struggled to a draw against unfancied Burkina Faso in a one sided encounter, but it was a massive result for The Stallions. Ivory Coast had 21 shots but couldn’t find the back of the net and Marseille’s Bakari Kone missed several gilt edged chances to win the match.</p>
<p>In Mondays other game, Algeria were smashed to pieces by Malawi, 3-0. It was a disturbing performance to see the World Cup qualifiers so easy picked apart after the Algerian goalkeeper gifted the opening goal by smashing a clearance against Essau Kanyenda who squared the ball for an easy goal for Russel Mwafulirwa. After that, the Algerians couldn’t get going and by the time Malawi made it 3-0, they were looking like the final whistle couldn’t come quick enough.</p>
<p>The Algerian manager has come under some criticism for blaming the weather for his teams bad performance, but as it has been pointed out, he’d only got himself to blame. If you playing in a humid country, would you prepare by holding your base in a chilly South of France? No, I thought not!</p>
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<p>Yesterdays’ clashes saw Group C enter the fray and finally, one of the favourites delivered. Nigeria took the lead against Egypt in the heavyweight clash after 12 minutes, but that was as good as it got. Egypt just kept purring and showed that even without Mido and Amr Zaki, they can still score goals. Egyptian legend Ahmed Hassan, winning his 167th international cap, set one goal up and scored another as the Pharaohs cantered to a 3-1 win. What did surprise me though was the ovation that greeted Kanu when he came on from the Angolan crowd. There is no doubting how much of an icon in African football he is after playing for 3 of Europes most illustrious clubs, Ajax, Inter and Arsenal.</p>
<p>The second game in Group C saw Mozambique and Benin clash and 90 minutes later, both countries were still waiting for their first win in African Cup Of Nations history. It was another super game though, despite some dodgy goalkeeping, as a 2-2 draw was probably a fair result. Despite the relative weakness of both sides, Nigeria will know that a slip up could see them crash out in the group stages, for the first time since 1963.</p>
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<p>Yet, probably the biggest shock of the first round of matches happened this afternoon. Cameroon, Samuel Eto’o and all were stunned by some comedy defending that allowed Gabon, ranked 62nd in the world, to snatch a 1-0 win. It was a heroic performance after Daniel Cousin, of Hull City, had scored as Gabon dug in and held out for a famous win. Until today, I didn’t realise they were managed by former French legend, Alain Giresse and he’ll have enjoyed the win over compatriot Paul Le Guen.</p>
<p>Finally, Zambia and Tunisia fought another fairly even draw that was a positive result for the Zambians. Despite the recent troubles that Tunisia have had in world football, they are still one of Africa’s key footballing nations. Zambia will be delighted with the 1-1 result but it will be tempered by the fact they have to face a wounded Cameroon next. Cameroon know they need to win, and well to have a hope of qualifying.</p>
<p>So there you have it, all four of the countries that have qualified for the World Cup have managed a total of 1 point this week. We’ve had 22 goals in 7 games, no sendings off and some dynamite games. All the big countries now have to pick themselves up and show everyone that they deserve their billing, otherwise some very famous footballers will be coming home extremely early.</p>

African Cup Of Nations Round Up: Days 1-4

African Cup Of Nations Round Up: Days 1-4 - World Soccer Talk

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<p>The news started coming through early on Saturday morning and as the information became clearer, it was soon apparent that the whole African Cup Of Nations would now be tainted. When the dust had settled, 3 members of the Togo party were dead and several were seriously injured. Angolan rebels had attacked the team bus as it drove through the dangerous territory of Cabinda. It is no exaggeration to say that it is a miracle that no-one else was killed.</p>
<p>As of now, the Togolese team have now been pulled out by the Togo government and are awaiting a flight back to the capital Lome. After the initial attack, the team were unanimous in their decision that they wanted to pull out, but after discussions yesterday, the team wanted to continue in the competition to honour the dead members of the party. <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jan/10/togo-prime-minister-calls-national-team" target="_blank">The Togolese government however had other ideas.</a></p>
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<p><div><figure class="external-image"><img loading="lazy" class="alignleft" src="http://epltalk.com/wp-content/uploads/babskarbet.files.wordpress.com/2009/04/adebayor-togo.jpg" alt="" width="267" height="400"></figure></div>With second choice goalkeeper <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jan/10/togo-goalkeeper-intensive-care" target="_blank">Dodji Obilale airlifted to South Africa for treatment</a> for his injuries, the government feel it would be inappropriate to continue. CAF, the African Confideration, were determined to keep Togo in, but in all honesty, I found it quite galling that the team seemed to be getting pressure to stay in the competition. I understand the teams wishes that they would like to stay to use this incident but I don’t feel that after this, anyone’s mind will be on football in the Togo camp.</p>
<p>There are so many questions that need to be answered, why were they allowed to drive through a known Angolan rebel enclave? Why did no-one know they were going to drive, rather than fly as all the other teams did? Why didn’t they have an escort? It is such a mess of miscommunication and bad organisation that as I said, how no-one else died is a miracle. The team bus was sprayed with machine gun fire for almost half an hour until the rebels ran off.</p>
<p>Emanuel Adebayor, as team captain , <a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jan/10/togo-prime-minister-calls-national-team" target="_blank">has led the interviews with everyone since the tragedy and was instrumental in the decision</a> that saw the team decide they wished to continue as a mark of respect. Yet, no-one can understand what it must be like to survive such a thing and then be expected to play football. It is only a game.</p>
<p>Of course, this now, quite rightly throws doubt on the security of the whole tournament. The Rebel group responsible, Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda or FLEC, have promised that this is only the beginning of an orchestrated campaign that has been planned to coincide with the African Cup Of Nations. The critics who questioned the wisdom of awarding the competition to Angola in the first place will be quick to point out that concerns were raised 4 years ago. This, they say, was a disaster waiting to happen.</p>
<p>Worries that this could<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/football/2010/jan/09/world-cup-south-africa-danny-jordaan-security" target="_blank"> impact on South Africa are wide of the mark</a>, Angola is 1500 miles away. It is like comparing a tragedy in Norway having an impact in Italy. It has no merit for comparison. If anything, this will now strengthen the resolve for South Africa to be on the ball throughout the build up to the tournament. Security of the fans and participants will now be crucial for the success of the competition and the future of African footballs position in the world game.</p>
<p>The tournament will continue tonight with Angola kicking off against Mali but it has certainly been tainted. The wisdom of continuing the tournament will be under scrutiny from here on in and everyone will be hoping that the tragedy will be the last incident in a dark day for African football. I truly hope everything else goes to plan.</p>

Chaos and Tragedy Strike The African Cup Of Nations

Chaos and Tragedy Strike The African Cup Of Nations - World Soccer Talk

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<p>So, if the only time you’ve ever come across this tournament is when certain Premiership managers whine about it, let me welcome to you to one of World Football’s best kept secrets. Over the years, <a href="http://www.cafonline.com/competition/african-cup-of-nations-angola_2010/" target="_blank">the African Cup Of Nations </a>has grown and grown to be one of the most respected tournaments in World Football. So, as the tournament kicks off in Angola on Sunday, welcome to an overview for the 27th competition.</p>
<p>The influx into European football of African players over the last 20 years has seen the profile of this once derided competition rise far above what even the most biased supporter of African football could have hoped for. My first experience of seeing an African side was Algeria’s incredible defeat of West Germany in 1982 and as I’ve watched football, its reputation has grown and grown. Now it’s a fantastic tournament and one you really need to catch so here’s who to look out for in my first article about it.</p>
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<p>This year’s tournament is being held in Angola for the first time and as such will give us the first glimpse of some of the teams who have also qualified for the World Cup in June this year.16 teams participate in the finals, drawn in to groups of four, with quarter finals, semi finals, a 3rd/4th play off and the final.Running over 20 days, this looks set to be the biggest African Cup of Nations yet.</p>
<p>The qualification for this years tournament also doubled up as qualification for the World Cup, which saw the odd spectacle of South Africa entered even though they’re the World Cup hosts along with Angola to try and earn a double qualification. Ironically, Angola haven’t qualified for the World Cup and South Africa failed to reach the African Cup of Nations.</p>
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<p>Favourites for the second tournament in a row are of course Didier Drogba’s Ivory Coast but in 2008 they were humiliated in the semi final by Egypt 4-1. They’ll be desperate to try and add to their solitary title won in 1992.With a squad featuring the Toure brothers, Drogba, Eboue, Zakora and Dindane, they’ll certainly be there or there abouts, The Elephants will be certainly one of the teams to beat. Drawn in Group B they’ll be one of the two fancied teams in that group.</p>
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<p>The other side in Group B with ambitions to win the tournament will be the Black Stars of Ghana. Ghana are a team that we should have seen so much more of over the last 20 years, especially as they gave us one of the greatest ever African players of all time, in Abedi Pele, who like George Weah of Liberia never made it to a World Cup. They finished 3rd last time, so they’ll be desperate to go at least one better but they lack a clinical striker.&nbsp; With Michael Essien, John Mensah, Kingson, Addo and Amoah in the squad they’ll try and cope with the loss of talismanic captain Stephen Appiah and <a href="http://www.goal.com/en/news/815/african-nations-cup/2009/12/24/1707613/african-nations-cup-mixed-reactions-over-sulley-muntaris-absence-" target="_blank">Sulley Muntari’s enforced passing over</a>.</p>
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<p>Group A should be a walk in the park for one of England’s forthcoming <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/8367431.stm" target="_blank">World Cup opponents, Algeria</a>. With a fine international pedigree, they’ll be in with an outside shout of getting to the last four this time round. Since bursting on to the world stage in the 1982 World Cup, Algeria have lost their way a little since following it up with qualification for the 1986 World Cup and winning the A.C.O.N in 1990.</p>
<p>Since winning that title, they’ve been disqualified once, gone out in the first round three times and failed to qualify since 2004. Familiar names to watch out for in the Desert Foxes team are Hassan Yebda and Nadir Belhadj of Portsmouth, Kamel Ghilas of Hull City, Hamuer Bouazza formerly of Fulham and Madjid Bougherra of Rangers. They need a good tournament to reaffirm their place in African football.</p>
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<p>Group C sees the power of African football, Egypt and the former star, Nigeria drawn together. Egypt who were pipped for World Cup qualification by Algeria, which saw such <a href="http://www.football.co.uk/portsmouth/zaki_cites_israeli_presence_at_fratton_park_as_reason_for_shun_rss269998.shtml" target="_blank">scenes of sportsmanship for them</a>, have a lot to live up to . As defending champions since 2006, it remains to be seen just how much of a hangover they’ve retained from missing out on South Africa. Yet, without the injured Amr Zaki and the unpicked Mido, Egypt would seem to have it all to do to retain the trophy. Spurs fans will certainly remember Hossan Ghaly and Dortmunds Mohamed Zidan is one to watch for the Pharaohs.</p>
<p>Nigeria qualified for both Angola and South Africa, but they are not the side they once were. The Super Eagles were one of the key sides in African football’s modern growth but the generation that got them there are slowly retiring. Yet the squad is still packed with familiar names. Yobo, Yakubu, Kanu, Obi-Mikel, Martins, Shittu, Taiwo, Etuhu and Olofinjana will all be in the squad and will be looking to try and re-affirm their place at the head of modern African football. An outside chance of winning the title certainly.</p>
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<p>Which leads us to another favourite, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon. Lead by one of the worlds greatest strikers, Samuel Eto’o, Cameroon have been one of Africa’s leading lights over the last two decades. After missing out for the 2006 World Cup, they were in danger of missing out on both tournaments this year, but after sacking the manager, former Rangers, Lyon and Paris Saint Germain manager Paul Le Guen rode to the rescue.</p>
<p>Surprisingly though, Le Guen has opted not to pick the impressive <a href="http://worldcup.sportinglife.com/story/0,27111,17337_5794929,00.html" target="_blank">Sebastain Bassong for the tournament</a> but joining Eto’o will be Rigobert Song, Geremi, Alexandre Song, Jean Makoun and Andre Bikey. If they can keep Eto’o up the field, then anything can happen and after the 2006 penalty <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/africa/4675316.stm" target="_blank">shoot out marathon against Ivory Coast</a> and losing the last A.C.O.N final on penalties, they’ll be hoping to avoid more shootout heartache.IN Carlos Kameni, they’ve probably got the best goalkeeper in Africa. He could be key.</p>
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<p>So they’re the main 6 contenders, but there are two outsiders that may catch the eye. Imagine a team with a midfield of Seydou Keita of Barcelona, Real Madrid’s Mahamadou Diarra and Juventus’s Momo Sissoko with Freddie Kanoute upfront. Well, that’s Mali’s main foursome and with a squad with a wealth of European experience and the Eagles have a team with bags of potential still unfulfilled. Of course, Togo also qualified and whilst the side seem to lack quality overall, if a certain Emmanuel Adebayor fancies it, then the Sparrow Hawks could cause some real shocks.</p>
<p>So there you have it. Over here in Europe, Eurosport will be showing every match, with the BBC disappointingly only showing the semi finals and final this time. If you’ve never watched it before, I recommend it highly and it’ll give you a real taste of what’s to come in June this year when the World Cup gets underway. I’ll be dropping another more articles throughout the month for you to keep up to speed with the tournament, so feel free to leave me your comments and questions.</p>

African Cup Of Nations Begins The Year With A Bang in Angola

African Cup Of Nations Begins The Year With A Bang in Angola - World Soccer Talk

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African Cup Of Nations Round Up: Days 1-4

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Chaos and Tragedy Strike The African Cup Of Nations

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African Cup Of Nations Begins The Year With A Bang in Angola