Bleacher Report - Articles by Michael Kwambo

Race Row Hits Zambian Football Election

Michael Kwambo — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:48:36 -0500

The campaign for the Football Association of Zambia (Faz) presidency is being marred by racial slurs on one of the candidates.

Zambian legend Kalusha Bwalya, lawyer Anthony Kasolo, and Hanif Adams, a businessman of Indian origin, are contesting the March 29th poll.

There has been opposition to Adams' candidature in the local media on the basis of his race.

Individuals have argued that despite Adams being Zambian (he was born in eastern Zambia), Faz should not be run by foreigners.

One of them says: "For the sake of national pride and patriotism, Faz should be run by indigenous black Zambians and not Indians or Pakistanis."

Adams, who owns top flight club Lusaka Dynamos, admits he is disappointed with the remarks.

"I am very disappointed for people bringing race issues into matters of football or any matter concerning the development of any country," he said.

"I have never thought I was regarded as an Indian, I always believe I am a Zambian because I was born and bred here. I have never been to India since I was born 54 years ago."

"It hurts me when people say that," he added. "For the last 29 years, I have developed indigenous Zambian players who are thriving because of my efforts."

Despite the attacks, Adams says he will not back down on his Faz ambition.

One of Adams' opponents, Anthony Kasolo, has condemned the racist remarks.

"Legally speaking, being indigenous is neither here nor there because we all came from different places," Kasolo said.

"It's being petty and it's unfortunate that a campaign should go that dirty."

Nigeria Looking Inwards for Next Manager?

Michael Kwambo — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:37:47 -0500

With German coach Berti Vogts paying the price for the Super Eagles' poor showing at the Africa Cup of Nations, several highly-esteemed Nigerians have thrown their hat into the ring.

After enduring severe criticism from the Nigerian media and public, the German left his post after little more than a year in charge.

It remains to be seen who will be next in the hottest seat in African football, but it is worth noting that Nigeria's biggest glories have all been achieved under foreign coaches.

Nigeria first won the Nations Cup on home soil in 1980 under Brazilian Otto Gloria.

Dutchman Jo Bonfrere was in charge when the country became the first African team to win Olympic football gold in 1996.

Compatriot Clemens Westerhof led the Super Eagles to a second Nations Cup triumph in Tunisia in 1994.

But under Vogts the country achieved nothing but the tag of "Super Chickens", which has led to fans and the highly-critical media calling for a local coach instead.

Here are the three men reportedly on the shortlist, along with one popular outsider:

STEPHEN KESHI

Keshi has won a reputation as one of the continent's most progressive coaches.

The former Super Eagles captain is often referred to as the "Big Boss" for leading the exodus of Nigerians to Europe in the 1980s.

Keshi played at the 1994 World Cup and in five Nations Cups, including the triumph in 1994.

He has already had a spell as assistant coach with Nigeria, helping them to reach the 2002 World Cup finals.

Keshi led Togo in their successful qualification campaign for the 2006 World Cup, but was sacked before the finals kicked off.

He subsequently returned as coach of the Hawks but failed to steer them to this year's Nations Cup finals.

Now out of contract with Togo and exploring the possibility of an extension, he is highly regarded for his tactical acumen and attention to detail.

With his record of success and his tactical nous, Keshi would be regarded by many as an ideal candidate to take Nigeria forward.

SAMSON SIASIA

Olympic team coach Samson Siasia is widely regarded as the top choice of the Nigeria Football Association (NFA).

But it would be a major coup on their part if they could tempt him away from the Dream Team IV role.

Siasia is a former Super Eagles striker and was part of the team that went to the 1994 World Cup in the USA.

His most memorable moment came when he scored a brilliant goal as Nigeria lost 2-1 to Argentina in the group stage.

Siasia, who played for French club Nantes, has a good track record with the youth team, having won the African under-20 title in 2005.

The same year he led the side to the final of the 2005 World Youth Championship, where they lost to Argentina 2-1.

His side is on the verge of qualifying for the Beijing Olympics, and his knowledge of the game has been spot on.

Siasia has shown an ability to inspire players, and perhaps most importantly he can marry the contrasting styles of local and foreign players.

If the NFA pursue Siasia - who has openly backed Keshi for the job - they would need all their powers of persuasion to convince him to leave behind his passion for youth.

SUNDAY OLISEH

The former Ajax and Juventus midfielder is in the picture because of his knowledge and experience of international football.

He started his career in Belgium, played in Germany and Holland, and in 1996 became the first Nigerian to feature in Italy's Serie A, with Reggina.

Oliseh is currently coaching in Belgium and will complete his Uefa A licence in the UK later this year.

He would be an easy target for the national media given the fact that his international career ended in a bust-up with officials of the Nigerian sports ministry in 2002.

However, his reputation in the game is undimmed. He is revered in Holland for his success at Ajax, helping them to back-to-back titles in 1998 and 1999.

Oliseh has tasted success with Nigeria, winning both the 1994 Nations Cup and the 1996 Olympic gold.

He said whoever replaces Vogts should have strong coaching credentials and an understanding of the country.

It would take a major change inside the NFA to win him the job back - but the wind of change is blowing through the old place.

DANIEL AMOKACHI- THE OUTSIDER

Former Everton striker Amokachi has perfected the image of a "no-nonsense" coach after resigning as one of the five assistants to former manager Berti Vogts.

His unusual action was hailed across the country.

He will enjoy the support of many fans, as well as influential sections of the media who enjoy his dynamism.

"The Bull" was an FA Cup winner with Everton in 1995, famously scoring two goals in the semi-final against Tottenham Hotspur.

He played at the 1994 and 1998 World Cups, was in the Olympic triumph of 1996 and won the 1994 Nations Cup.

He is currently with former African champions Enyimba.

Amokachi still has enemies within the NFA, for his severe criticism of the body for their appointment of Vogts and their treatment of local coaches.

Amokachi is tactically astute, and hugely admired and respected by those who play for him.

THE TASK AT HAND

Whoever is chosen has a tough job at hand.

Nigeria is a country full of talent, but the Super Eagles often shoot themselves in the foot.

Reasons for the failure to fulfil their potential range from a lack of tactical guile to a dressing room full of egotistical big-name stars.

The new man will need to bring the necessary change in fortune before the 2010 World Cup qualifiers get underway at the end of May.

Al Ahly Stokes Fury Over Essam El Hadary Move

Michael Kwambo — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 16:28:56 -0500

Al Ahly goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary has signed a four-year contract with Swiss Super League club FC Sion.

But a spokesman for FC Sion told said on Monday that no agreement has been reached yet with El-Hadary's club.

"We signed the player on 14 February and it's now up to us to find a solution with Al Ahly," FC Sion spokesman Lars Gansaeuer said.

He added: "We are in communication with the Egyptian team."

Gansaeuer said that a player of El-Hadary's age and "big experience is now ready to play in Europe."

But Al Ahly have ruled out the possibility of one of their biggest stars moving to Switzerland, arguing that the goalkeeper is under contract with them until 2010.

Al Ahly board member Khaled Mortagy said: "There is no way the club has agreed to sell the player, because we have only three goalkeepers registered.

"To my knowledge there's nothing in his contract that allows him to terminate it unilaterally."

But Gansaeuer added that El-Hadary could move on the basis of a landmark ruling by world sport's highest court.

Sion has offered Al Ahly US$400,000 for the player, equivalent to the remaining two years of his contract.

The offer is in line with a decision taken last month by the Court of Arbitration for Sport(CAS).

That ruling awarded Scottish Premier League side Hearts only the residual value of Andy Webster's contract after the defender unilaterally broke it to join English Premier League team Wigan.

The CAS verdict was a setback to Hearts, which sought millions of dollars in compensation.

FIFA also slammed the decision, saying it could inflict severe damage on world football.

Kenya Football: Mohammed Hatimy Answers Critics

Michael Kwambo — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 11:56:22 -0500

Besieged Kenya Football Federation chairman Mohammed Hatimy Monday said he would not resign and blamed his enemies for the current problems that have rocked the federation.

In a press statement, Hatimy accused the Confederation of African Football of “applying double standards” in the current crisis and asked them to be fair to all member federations. Caf banned Kenya’s Tusker from the African Champions League just before their scheduled match at the weekend against Ethiopia’s Al Tahrir after the federation failed to pay Sh455,000 in annual subscriptions to the African football governing body.

Hatimy said Caf had no reason to ban Kenyan clubs from African competitions as the federation had paid the $6,500 (about Sh455,000) as was required.

He wondered why Caf decided to ban Kenya and allow Rwanda’s clubs to play in continental competitions, while Rwanda was also on the confederation’s black list.

“Why did they allow the Eritrean team and the match commissar to travel all the way if they knew the match would not take place?” he asked.

However, several players, officials, and fans blamed the federation for the weekend’s embarassing episode saying they knew all along that the match would not take place but decided not to inform Tusker and their fans.

But Hatimy said Tusker has the right to be refunded the over Sh4 million they used in preparation for the match saying the federation would do everything possible to ensure they were refunded.

Kenya Rugby: Mwamba Face Quins in Floodlit Final

Michael Kwambo — Mon, 18 Feb 2008 12:09:18 -0500

Mwamba RFC and Kenya Harlequin FC will meet in the final of the 26th Impala Floodlit tournament after edging out their opponents Impala and Kenya Commercial Bank in the semi-final on Saturday evening at Impala Club.

The black shirts edged out hosts Impala 16-15 in a gripping semi final which was not decided until in the final minute of the match. Quins survived a second half rally but ejected last year’s champions KCB 15-10.

In the schools category, last year’s champions Nairobi School also lost 6-7 to Alliance High School and earlier Mang’u reached the final by beating Lenana 10-3 to ensure that this year’s title gets custody in Central Province

Mwamba 16, Impala 15

Mwamba posted their first win over Impala in over eight years to reach the final. George Mbaye, a recent call up to the national seven-a-side rugby team scored a try in the 80th minute to take his tally to five and bring Mwamba to within one match of the title. Tito Oduk, who moved from Quins this season, kicked over a penalty for Mwamba in the eighth minute.

Oduk missed a massive penalty attempt from the halfway in the 15th minute before the Impala rally begun. Impala captain Nato Simiyu initiated and scored the first try in the 30th minute after combining well with Mitch Ocholla.

Felix Makori converted for the lead to change hands 7-3 in Impala’s favour. Oduk put over his second penalty in the 36th minute but Simiyu crossed over for his second try for Impala to lead 12-6 at half time.

Lavin Asego narrowed the gap 9-12 for Mwamba with a penalty in front of the posts in the 65th minute. Simiyu appeared to have sealed the game with a drop kick one minute later.

Impala forward Kevin Umbuge was yellow carded and Mwamba took advantage. Twice they came near scoring before Mbaye went over. All attention was on the decisive conversion by Asego who kept a cool head to kick Mwamba into the final.

Mwamba captain Steve Sewe said: “It is a new side who held up well,” said the scrum half. Man-of-the-match winner Simiyu said his team played well but Mwamba took their chances.

Quins 15, KCB 10

Champions KCB camped in the Kenya Harlequin FC half for the better part of the second half but failed to score. Bill Githinji, their new coach said they lost because they did not take their chances.

Edward Kinyany, the Quins’ head coach admitted this was a hard game. “We expected a tough match against the outgoing champions but the players kept a cook head especially when KCB appeared to have an edge,” he explained.

Harun Lubisia opened the scores for KCB in the seventh minute before Lewis Olaka levelled for Quins in the 22nd minute. Murunga restored KCB’s lead in the 37th minute but Tony Mutai levelled for Quins in the 40th minute and Innocent Simiyu converted for a 12-10 lead for Quins at half time. Simiyu put over a penalty in the 52nd minute. Olaka was yellow carded in the 58th minute but KCB failed to use the numerical advantage.

Kenya Rugby Union: Impala Floodlits in Semifinal Stage

Michael Kwambo — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 01:40:17 -0500

Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) have a mountain to climb as they face Harlequin during the semi-finals of the Impala Floodlit tournament on Sunday.

Quins dismissed Strathmore and KCB crushed Mean Machine last weekend to qualify for the semis. The two sides meet in a match that could determine the rulers of the 15s rugby on the local scene.

Both teams have superior packs in the Kenya Cup league and whoever wins the battles at the set pieces are likely to emerge the champions.

KCB plan to unveil their new signing Curtis Olago and this is likely to boost their backline this afternoon.

In such a hotly contested match the extra edge of a back in the squad might just prove essential.

Olago joins KCB from Nondies after a disappointing season with the white shirts.

"I opted to cross over to KCB because their training venue is close to my residence. It is also convenient for me, especially now that I am a student," Olago said.

"I have no hard feelings for Nondies. In fact, I wish them a successful season," the Kenya international said.

The acquisition of Olago by KCB could be a sign of things to come, especially after signing Lawrence Tesot and coach Bill Githinji, both backline experts.

KCB are known for their pack game, but this season, the bankers seem to be strengthening their backline, and with an all-round team, KCB are unstoppable in the title chase.

The other semi-final involves Impala and Mwamba. Both teams will be boosted by international players who pushed Kenya to the semis of the International Rugby Board Sevens World Series in San Diego last week.

Impala have Peter Ocholla and Naphtali Bondo and Mwamba bank on back brothers Humphrey Khayange and Collins Injera. Impala coach Charles Ngovi believes it’s up to the players to decide if they want to avail themselves for the tournament.

Impala’s game will be characterised by the backs, though both teams have an array of backline players. Impala boast of Paul Sadat and Nato Simiyu while Mwamba will rely on Lavin Asego, Stephen Nderitu and Horace Owiti.

Tournament director, Willy Ombisi, is optimistic of another action packed weekend.

2008 Africa Champions League Kicks Off

Michael Kwambo — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 01:36:49 -0500

Egyptian side Zamalek play APR of Rwanda in Kigali, despite missing their national team players who won the Africa Cup of Nations last Sunday.

Ghana's Hearts of Oak, winners of the Champions League in 2000, play in Gabon against FC105 Libreville.

FC105 are recovering after the death of midfielder Guy Tchingoma last Saturday who collapsed after a league game.

Nigeria's Enyimba, champions in 2003 and 2004, host Congo's Diables Noirs in Aba on Sunday.

Defending champions Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia have a bye into the second round.

They will play the winner of the tie between Senegal's AS Douanes and the Burkina Faso champions CF Ouagadougou.

Former champions FAR Rabat of Morocco, a major disappointment after reaching the group phase last year, host Sporting Praia of the Cape Verde Islands.

Club Africain, back after a 11-year absence, travel to newcomers Saloum of Senegal.

Mamelodi Sundowns, the last South African club to make an impression by finishing runners-up to Al Ahly of Egypt in 2001, play Miembeni on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar.

The second South African challengers, debutants Platinum Stars, entertain Correction Services of Lesotho.

Swaziland police outfit Royal Leopards host 1998 runners-up Dynamos of Zimbabwe in another regional showdown.

The Kenyan champions Tusker FC play host to Eritrea's Al Tahir in the first leg in Nairobi on Saturday.

Egypt's Homegrown Investment Reaps Dividends on African Stage

Michael Kwambo — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:04:53 -0500

Many predicted the battle for the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations would be between the stars who play in Europe and the foreign coaches in charge of the most-fancied teams.

Fans pinned their hopes on European-based players such as Ghana's Michael Essien, Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba, and Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o.

Twelve of the 16 coaches tasked with leading their side to the African crown were from outside the continent, with all but one of the favourites led by European bosses.

Some irony then that Egypt secured a defence of their 2006 title, and extended their haul of silverware as Africa's most successful side, with a squad largely consisting of domestic-based players led by Egyptian coach Hassan Shehata.

The Pharaohs' fans were worried by their team's form in qualifying, but Shehata remained resolute and forged a tight unit from the day his charges began their training camp on 25 December.

Whereas teams such as Nigeria allowed stars like Aiyegbeni Yakubu to join the squad late, and Mali let Mohammed Sissoko leave midway through the tournament to complete a transfer to Juventus, there were no such concessions from Shehata.

The Pharaohs' two Premier League stars, Middlesbrough's Mido and Derby County's Hossam Ghaly, were scratched from the plans when they missed the start of preparations because of injury and transfer complications.

Instead Shehata relied on talent playing in Egypt, with only two of the eleven players that started Sunday's final based outside the country.

It is questionable whether other African nations can loosen Egypt's stranglehold on the African title by providing enough lure to keep their top stars playing on home soil.

But Shehata's success may offer some encouragement to those who argue that the respective nations should employ home-based coaches.

As Ghana legend Abedi Pele said: "We learnt a lot from the way Egypt came here to win the tournament from day one," he said.

"Their courage, determination, preparation and hunger of their coach to win trophies has been a lesson to us all."

As Africa builds towards the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, Egypt's example is a reminder that rather than branching out, success may yet come from staying closer to home.

Tunisia Sack Manager Roger Lemerre

Michael Kwambo — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 18:01:30 -0500

Roger Lemerre's contract as coach of Tunisia will not be renewed after the team's exit in the last eight of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.

The country's football federation (FTF) said the 66-year-old's current deal will be allowed to expire in June.

Tunisia lost 3-2 to Cameroon after extra-time in the quarter-finals of the recent Nations Cup in Ghana.

A spokesman for the FTF said Lemerre could leave his Carthage Eagles' post as soon as a replacement is found.

Lemerre led France to the Euro 2000 title and had been in charge of the Tunisian team since 2002, winning the Africa Cup of Nations in 2004.

Tunisia start the first round of combined 2010 World Cup and African Nations Cup qualifiers in June, facing Burkina Faso, Burundi, and the Seychelles in Group Nine.

Egypt Crushes Ivory Coast to Reach ACN Final

Michael Kwambo — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 03:55:18 -0500

Defending champions Egypt crushed Ivory Coast 4-1 in the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals to set up a final showdown against Cameroon on Sunday.

Sunday's final will be a rematch of the teams' opening Group C clash in the competition which the Pharoahs won 4-2.

Egypt went ahead after 12 minutes through Ahmed Fathy, whose shot took a deflection.

Amr Zaky extended the lead in the 62nd minute before Kader Keita reduced the tally for the Ivorians a minute later.

Zaky restored the two-goal cushion in the 67th minute before Mohamed Aboutrika completed the rout in stoppage time when he smashed the ball into the roof of the net from a pass by substitute Mohamed Zidan.

This semifinal was a rematch of the 2006 final and it lived up to its billing with five goals and end-to-end action.

Ivory Coast created the first surprise of the night when they started Arsenal center-half Kolo Toure, who suffered a groin injury against Benin in a group game and was understood to have played his last match of the competition.

Egypt, on the hand, chose not take such a gamble on injury-troubled Mohamed Zidan and dropped him to the bench.

Ivory Coast had the first chance when Salomon Kalou failed to direct his header towards goal after seven minutes. Moments later, Didier Drogba raced into the box, but his final effort with his back to goal was collected easily by goalkeeper Esam El Hadary.

However, Egypt took the lead through Fathy on 12 minutes when he rifled home a shot from the edge of the box which took a slight deflection off a defender to fly past a bewildered Boubacar Barry in the Ivorian goal.

The problems for the Ivory Coast were compounded in the 38th minute when first-choice goalkeeper Barry limped out of the game after he collided with an Egyptian attacker to be replaced by Germany-based Stephan Lobue.

On the stroke of half-time, El Hadary fumbled Drogba's powerful header off a corner only for his defence to clear the danger and maintain Egypt's lead going into the interval.

The Ivorians siezed the attacking initiative at the restart. They would have been rewarded almost immediately but El Hadary made a superb goal-line save from a bullet header from Drogba.

The defending champions made it 2-0 in the 62nd minute when hard working Zaky headed home a corner taken by skipper Ahmed Hassan.

But a minute later Ivory Coast responded in fine style when Keita struck a thunderous drive from outside the box that beat a diving El Hadary.

Egypt came back and Zaky grabbed his second goal in the 67th minute when from the edge of the area he crashed the ball past Lobue.

The big striker would have completed his hat-trick soon after but his shot missed the target narrowly with the goalkeeper again well beaten.

Encouraged by the weaknesses of the second-choice Ivorian goalkeeper, the Egyptians began to shoot from every angle and Lobue was forced to tip an Emad Mohamed shot for a corner.

In stoppage time, Aboutrika completed the destruction of the Elephants when he slotted home from a counter attack initiated by Zidan.

Hosts eliminated

The earlier match saw a 70th-minute strike by substitute Alain Nkong silence the 45,000 Accra home crowd Thursday and sent Cameroon into Sunday's final of the African Cup of Nations, with a 1-0 win over Ghana.

Cameroon coached by German Otto Pfister will meet the winner of the other semi-final between Ivory Coast and Egypt being played later Thursday in Kumasi.

Cameroon dominated the first half but failed to produce real danger before goal, with their star Barcelona striker Samuel Eto'o rather muted.

Ghana, who saw their crossbar rattled by a Geremi free kick in the first half, had more of the action in the second period of play before the decisive goal ushered in a hectic final phase saw Cameroon's Andre Bikey sent off in the 90th minute.

Africa Cup of Nations: Ghana to Miss Team Captain in Semifinals

Michael Kwambo — Thu, 07 Feb 2008 02:09:39 -0500

For Ghana captain John Mensah, the nightmare of missing a crucial match may continue if his side is beaten.

It is not exactly the kind of situation a host team would love to encounter, but it is here and Ghana will be without Captain John Mensah after he was red-carded following a mishap in the quarterfinal win over Nigeria.

Ghana needs to reshuffle their defense to cope with the absence of the suspended captain, with midfielder Sulley Muntari saying, "It's a big blow but we have to get on with it. That's just how it is."

Ghana coach Claude Le Roy has admitted that it will be difficult to adjust the defense, but has hinted Michael Essien might be used at centre back against formidable Cameroon striker Samuel Eto'o.

Essien has scored twice in the last two games with his strong runs from the centre of midfield.

The tournament hosts also face the possibility of doing without striker Asamoah Gyan, injured in Sunday's match.

Le Roy, a Nations Cup winner with Cameroon 20 years ago, has already branded his team "heroes," but will need them to show even more determination against a combative Cameroon.

The Indomitable Lions were written off after a 4-2 defeat by Egypt in their opening group match, but have since stormed back with 11 goals in three games, including an extra-time winner against Tunisia in Monday's quarterfinal in Tamale.

Under German coach Otto Pfister, their playing style is more about physical power than finesse but it has been effective.

Striker Eto'o became the highest scorer in African Nations Cup history at this tournament although did not get a goal on Monday.

"It's not easy to play a team like Cameroon, they are physically very strong," Tunisia coach Roger Lemerre said after his side were knocked out by Pfister's men.

Cameroon are in their first Nations Cup semifinal since winning the tournament in 2002, while Ghana are through to the last four for the first time since 1996.

Both countries have won four previous Nations Cup titles, one less than record-holders Egypt.

Egypt meets the Ivory Coast in Thursday's other semifinal in Kumasi in what will be a repeat of the 2006 final in Cairo.

African Cup of Nations: Cameroon Needs a Hero, Ivory Coast Seeks Revenge

Michael Kwambo — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 02:41:16 -0500

Host Ghana paved the way to the semi-finals of the 2008 African Cup of Nations with a deserved 2-1 win against the over-confident Super Eagles of Nigeria.

They next face the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon who have reclaimed their claws since edging out Tunisia 3-2 in overtime.

The Ivory Coast is still the favorite for the Championship. Their composure and all-round talent were emphatically successful in a quarter-final annihilation of Guinea, 5-0. They will play Egypt, the defending champions, on Thursday at the Kumasi grounds.

The Pharaohs recently edged a determined Angola 2-1, who had a revelation in Manucho, a free scoring spirit set for Old Trafford after signing with Alex Fergusson.

The Ghana–Cameroon encounter is once again billed as the final before the final, although both teams need to polish up on their acts. They both have scraped through to this stage with performances well below their capabilities, and both teams must dramatically improve their games.

With just three days before the semi-final showdown, Cameroon will be hard-pressed to recover from the grueling quarter-final against Tunisia. Plus, Cameroon will be competing against a team who not only benefited from an additional day of rest, but also had the privilege of watching the Lions play.

This is one time the Lions will need a hero.

Etoo looked tired and legless in the last quarter, and who could blame him. The Barca sensation lifted Cameroon from the brink of disaster, scoring a record 16 goals in the process.

Etoo could certainly use some support up front, which has yet to kick in. This is something for veteran coach Otto Pfister to ponder.

Cameroon’s defense has been less than impressive, with Captain Rigobert Song showing signs of aging and having caused a few costly blunders—especially the one allowing Tunisia to equalize. He dilly-dallied with an easy, unfettered clearance and conceded a corner. From this rebound Chikhaoui pounced to send the game into extra time.

The second semi between holders Egypt and the Ivory Coast will be another match to watch, as both teams have shown a thirst for goals.

Judging by play up to now, my money is on the Ivorian Elephants. Plus, they have a score to settle, having lost the championship two years ago to the Pharaohs in Cairo.

What a sweet revenge it could be.

African Cup of Nations Reaches Semifinal Stage

Michael Kwambo — Tue, 05 Feb 2008 18:19:49 -0500

Hosts Ghana rode to the semi-finals of the 2008 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations with a deserved 2-1 win over the over-confident Super Eagles of Nigeria.

But they will face the Indomitable Lions, who have gotten their claws back after edging Tunisia 3-2 in extra time.

The favourites Ivory Coast—so far the most composed team with almost an all-round capability—were emphatic in their quarter-final annihilation of Guinea, hitting them 5-0. They will play defending champions Egypt on Thursday, in the second match played at the Kumasi grounds.

The Pharaohs edged a determined Angola, 2-1. Angola had a revelation this tournament in Manucho—a free-scoring spirit who is set for Old Trafford after being signed by Manchester United's Alex Fergusson.

The Ghana–Cameroon encounter is once again being billed as the final before the final, although both teams need to polish up their act. They both have scrapped through to this stage with performances well below their capability, and both must raise their game.

Cameroon will be hard-pressed, having played a gruelling quarterfinal against Tunisia that went into extra-time just three days before the semifinal—a showdown with a team that has the advantage of an extra a day off. This is one game in which the Lions will need a hero.

Etoo looked tired and legless in the last match, and who could blame him? The Barca sensation has had to lift the Lions from the brink of disaster numerous times, scoring a record 16 goals to get them where they are now. He definitely needs a lot of support up front which so far has not manifested—something for veteran coach Otto Pfister to ponder.

The Cameroon defence has not been very impressive, with captain Rigobert Song showing signs of aging. Song can be held responsible for quite a few costly blunders—especially the one that let Tunisia equalise. He dilly-dallied with an easy clearance, not even under pressure, and conceded a corner upon whose rebound Chikhaoui pounced—to send the game into extra time.

The second semi between holders Egypt and Ivory Coast will be another match to watch, as both teams have shown a thirst for goals, and definitely need a match-winner to carry the day. Pundits favor the Ivorian Elephants, judging them by their play so far and given that they have a score to settle, having lost the championship two years ago to the Egyptian Pharaohs in Cairo.

The action kicks off Thursday from 1700hrs GMT.