How Sad Is African Soccer? Read This!

African soccer has taken some big strides in the past few years, with teams such as Senegal and Ghana making noise in several of the major international tournaments. 

Senegal beat France at the 2002 World Cup and went as far as the quarter finals, whereas Ghana defeated both the United States and the Czech Republic on their route to the elimination round of the 2006 World Cup.

It’s no secret, however, that Africa still has a long way to go when it comes to soccer, or football, as they call it.

One of the main reasons for this is the lack of money available to the various football federations. Not all African football federations have limited funds, however. Countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, and Egypt are almost as well off as some European countries. 

South Africa's economy and reputation will be boosted enormously when they play host for the 2010 World Cup. South Africa has also been the setting of numerous pre-season programs for Manchester United, consequently enhancing their financial condition.

Unfortunately, not all African countries are so well off financially.

In a recent World Cup qualifier, Tanzania lost 2-1 to Cameroon in a hard-fought encounter. Samuel Eto’o and the rest of his team, nicknamed the Indomitable Lions, were kept at bay for most of the game, but were eventually able to break through a stubborn and determined Tanzanian defense led by the efforts of defender Nadir Haroub. 

Eto’o was so impressed with Haroub’s performance, that the Barcelona star was keen on swapping jerseys with the Tanzanian centre-back at the end of the match.

It’s usually custom for players to exchange jerseys after each match and it only seemed standard for Haroub to accept Eto’o’s jersey and give away his own in the process. After all, most Africans, whether poverty-stricken children, football fanatics, or even professional soccer players admire the two-time African Player of the Year. 

The Tanzanian Football Federation was clearly not pleased with Haroub’s gesture, however, and even threatened to fine Haroub in order to cover the cost of replacing his jersey. 

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