United States of Africa

VIDEO Toure, Drogba, Gervinho, Gyan, Mensah & co on the Africa Cup of Nations

FourFourTwo Team — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 14:39:00 GMT

With the Africa Cup of Nations starting this weekend, here's a peek behind the scenes with two of the tournament's favourites: Ivory Coast and Ghana.

An open training session at Ghana's pre-tournament training camp in Abu Dhabi.

Ivory Coast talisman Yaya Touré on what the Africa Cup of Nations means to him.

Ghana's preparations for their friendly against Egypt: on the team bus, in the stadium dressing room, preparing for the game and motivating each other.

Ivory Coast stars Yaya Touré, Kolo Touré, Didier Drogba, Gervinho and Salomon Kalou discuss the Cup of Nations and what football means to Africans.

Ghana stars including Asamoah Gyan, Jonathan Mensah, Kwadwo Asamoah and John Paintsil discuss what makes the Cup of Nations so special.

Ivory Coast vs Senegal pick of the bunch as Africa prepares to dance again

Jonathan Fadugba — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 13:13:00 GMT

The final knock-out qualifiers for the Africa Cup of Nations start this weekend, so here's our Africa expert Jonathan Fadugba, editor of Just-Football.com..

Barely seven months after Zambia lifted their first ever Africa Cup of Nations crown in Libreville, African football is ready to jump back on the carousel and get going again, as qualification for ACoN 2013 enters its final phase this weekend.

Usually, common practice dictates that international tournaments are held every four years, or in Africa's case every two years – at least since 1968.

This time however, in an attempt to align itself with the international calendar and avoid the situation whereby Africa's flagship competition (one that pre-dates the European Championships) is considered little more than a pre-World Cup warm-up, the dates are changing. From 2013 onwards, the Cup of Nations switches from even to odd years.

As part of this structural reshuffling we are therefore left with a 2012 and 2013 tournament, with very little time to breathe in between. Certainly it feels slightly unfair on Zambia: denied adequate opportunity to bask in the glory of that historic and powerfully resonant win they also lose the usual ACoN victors' reward of direct entry to next year's Confederations Cup.

Bizarrely (and possibly uniquely), qualification for ACoN 2013 actually began before the 2012 edition had even started: Sao Tome and Principe's 1-0 preliminary round win over Lesotho took place before Equatorial Guinea's ACoN 2012 opening game defeat of Libya. Nevertheless, a sacrifice had to be made either way and while what we are left with is far from ideal, it does leave the spectator a fascinating last round of qualification games to observe and enjoy.

With South Africa already through as hosts, qualification has been rattled down to 15 two-legged ties involving all participants at ACoN 2012 and non-qualifiers that came through an earlier round of games in June. The pick of the ties is undoubtedly Ivory Coast vs Senegal – a heavyweight clash between two African football giants desperate to make amends for recent failures.

The draw for this final knock-out stage was seeded, based on performance at the last three ACoN tournaments. Senegal, whose recent results have been less than impressive, were unseeded – and unfortunately for them drew out one of the biggest opponents possible. A new, emerging team must therefore overcome the might of Didier Drogba & Co before even contemplating competing for honours in 2013.

Now under newly-appointed head coach Joseph Koto, Senegal travel to Abidjan this weekend before the return in Dakar next month. For Koto, the game is a revenge mission. The former Teranga Lions international recalls only too well the pain of being knocked out by the Elephants as a player in 1986, when a final group game defeat eliminated Senegal on goals scored.

“I was a member of that squad alongside the late Jules Bocande and we did great things for Senegal,” Koto remembered. "The whole nation was counting on us to win the 1986 Africa Cup of Nations, especially after defeating hosts Egypt in the opener.

“It was a very painful experience, but here comes an opportunity to correct history. Playing the Elephants gets me excited and we will be looking forward to take our revenge.”

Koto was hired after Senegal's dreadful 2012 campaign in which they were left winless, pointless and exasperated. At their first Olympics this summer he took Senegal's Under-23s to the quarter-finals, and he has been meticulous in his approach to the Ivory Coast tie: he even passed up the chance of an international friendly in August, instead travelling to Moscow in order to scout the Elephants in their friendly against Russia.

Young Lions: Senegal's Olympic U23s

Despite attempts to rejuvenate the squad in recent months, Senegal will rely largely on experienced pros for this key game. Demba Ba, Moussa Sow, Papiss Cisse and Kader Mangane all feature in the squad, but there is promise in Senegalese youth.

Moussa Konate is in – a revelation at the Olympics with five goals and author of consistently blistering, action-packed displays – alongside potential Lions of tomorrow like Pape Souare, Cheikhou Kouyate and Sadio Mane, none of whom did their international prospects any harm with fine performances in London.

Their opponents will soon need their own rejuvenation. Many said ACoN 2012 was the last chance for Ivory Coast's iconic but trophyless generation of Drogba and the Toure brothers, but 2013 really does represent, in all probability, the final chance of glory.

Already winding down his career in China – his club's financial questions notwithstanding – Drogba will be approaching 37 by ACoN 2015, while Yaya Toure for one has already recently cast doubt on his own international future: by ACoN 2015 he will be nearly 32, his brother Kolo nearly 34.

The Elephants were a missed penalty away from lifting the trophy earlier this year, but instead destiny smiled on Zambia. This, one senses, really is last orders.

A tough task awaits new coach Sabri Lamouchi, already the subject of scrutiny due to his complete novice status. It was a shame to see former coach Francois Zahoui sacked despite winning 16 of his 20 games in charge and going the entire tournament in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea without conceding a goal, before defeat to Zambia on penalties.

Zahoui instilled real discipline, concentration and tactical acumen into Ivory Coast's side and one could argue it would have been prudent for him to have his contract renewed – at least for 2013 and World Cup 2014 qualifying. But, alas, such is the administrative short-term thinking that continues to blight African football. Instead the Elephants must rely on Lamouchi: French-born but of Tunisian descent, with absolutely no coaching experience at this or any level.

Lamouchi in his playing days. Can't find any pics of him coaching…

Elsewhere, other noteworthy ties include holders Zambia against Uganda, 2012 absentees Cameroon against an up-and-coming Cape Verde side who will provide a far sterner test than is popularly perceived, Ghana vs Malawi, Gabon vs Togo, a Peter Odemwingie and John Obi Mikel-less Nigeria vs Liberia and Central African Republic – Egypt's conquerors in the first round – against another side to disappoint at ACoN 2012, Burkina Faso.

There is, to a certain extent, a feel-good factor surrounding African football at present. After the horror and tragedy involving Togo in 2010, a subdued ACoN followed. The Confederation of African Football's blundering treatment of Togo in the aftermath, banning them from the next two competitions, was both a major PR gaffe and a savage indictment of the administrative practices of African football's governing body. The ban was subsequently, sensibly, lifted.

Despite the scepticism about a 2012 tournament co-hosted by little Equatorial Guinea, ACoN 2012 proved a great success both on and off the field. The tournament was watched by more viewers than any other Cup of Nations and smashed records for both TV exposure and global reach – a key factor when it comes to attracting the cold, hard shilling of sponsors.

FIFA president Sepp Blatter praised the tournament's infrastructure and organisation, while CAF president Hayatou commented that in their capacity as hosts, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea "have set the bar high".

The format this time is undoubtedly rushed and in many ways unfortunate but – managers of foreign clubs with high African contingents aside – we should all welcome the prospect of two Africa Cup of Nations in two years.

Full fixture list: Mali vs Botswana, Zimbabwe vs Angola, Ghana vs Malawi, Liberia vs Nigeria, Zambia vs Uganda, Cape Verde Islands vs Cameroon, Mozambique vs Morocco, Sierra Leone vs Tunisia, Guinea vs Niger, Sudan vs Ethiopia, Libya vs Algeria, Ivory Coast vs Senegal, DR Congo vs Equatorial Guinea, Gabon vs Togo, Central African Republic vs Burkina Faso.

The country where watching football carries a death sentence – and the federation flouting it

Guest Writer — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 15:50:00 GMT

In Somalia, fundamental warlords have executed football players, administrators and even armchair fans. But it's not killing the sport, as Omar Almasri reports

For many years, Somalia has suffered turmoil, unrest, separation, devastation and divides within its people; it has been littered with violence, deaths, wars and a horrific drought. The country is now trying to revive the sport which has brought them back together and for moments, has helped them to forget their troubles: football.

Somalia has been affected by clan fundamentalism, the rule of warlords and government collapse since the late 1980s. The turmoil has affected the sport in the country, with young potential footballers being either recruited by these militant groups or being too frightened for their lives to play football.

The most infamous clan today is the Al Shabab. The group has dominated the headlines, not just for its crimes, but also for its stance on football. Al Shabab banned Somalis from playing the sport or watching it on TV, threatening to kill anyone who gets caught doing either.

It's not an idle threat. During the 2010 World Cup, two young Somalis were killed after being caught watching a match on television. Another sad example was the tragic killing of rising star Abdi Salaan Mohamed Ali in a car bombing which killed 10 others a few months ago; the group has also detained a 19-year-old Somali international player, Sa’ad Saleh Hussain.

Somalis gather to watch the 2010 World Cup

Local football club owners have also been detained and tortured on charges of misguiding the youth. Journalists have been targeted – one was killed in March of this year after covering a football match. Even the President of the Somali Football Federation suffered an assassination attempt, which he narrowly escaped.

Somalia’s situation has had a huge effect on the nation’s progress on the football stage. Although many Somalis are mad about the sport and the country has some excellent footballing talent, most of the best players have understandably left the country to further their careers and practice the sport without fearing for their lives.

The exports include Somalia’s all-time international top scorer and captain Issa Aden Abshir (also known as Cisse Aadan Abshir). Now a star forward for Norwegian side Eidsvold Turn, he is the only player to score over 30 goals with Somalia’s national side; in 2011 he was voted Somalia’s Player of the Decade.

There are others following his example: Liban Abdi plays for Hungarian side Ferencvaros; Juventus youth-teamer Ayub Daud is on loan with Serie B side Gubbio. Manchester City's Abisalam Ibrahim is currently on loan at NEC Nijmegen in Holland, but he became the first player of Somali/East African origin to play in the Premier League – although he is likely to play for Norway rather than Somalia internationally.

Despite the national side possessing such gifted and wonderful talent, the team languishes at 190th in the FIFA rankings and 49th amongst African nations. Somalia has never qualified to either the Africa Cup of Nations or the World Cup.

The Somali Football Federation, which was founded in 1951 and entered FIFA in 1962, has had trouble maintaining training and other football-related infrastructure due to the militant presence in the country. The capital Mogadishu’s stadium, which was once one of East Africa’s most impressive stadiums and can hold around 70,000 fans, is now an Islamic training and recruitment centre for Al Shabab while the national team trains and plays matches at the country’s police academy, dressed in mismatched attire on a goalpost-free pitch covered with mud, rocks and rusty cans.

But with military action forcing the fundamentalists out of Mogadishu, football is re-establishing itself. The Somali Federation have launched a campaign under the slogan “Put down the gun, pick up the ball”, to encourage young Somalis to take up football and to stay away from guns and violence. The Football For Peace tournament was organised to encourage the reopening of highways in the capital.

Football returns to Mogadishu beach

The federation has also appointed technical and administrative representatives in Europe and North America to promote the national side and to receive funds to rebuild football-related infrastructure and for new and better football attire.

New help is being sought to aid Somalia's football development. The federation has launched coaching courses to create young coaches. The first of the courses was launched in May and was held at the Somali Students Union in Mogadishu. At least 28 young Somali football coaches participated in this 12-day course, which the federation promises to hold once every six months.

Somalia will also return to international competition in November with the preliminary round of World Cup 2014 qualifiers against Ethiopia, followed by the annual Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) Senior Challenge Cup in Tanzania and the All Arab Games in Doha.

The Somali federation has worked hard to help the country progress in the sport. The hope is that the suffering of millions can be brought to an end.

Omar Almasri writes for O-Posts and thanks James Dorsey of The Turbulent World Of Middle East Soccer for help with this article.

Qualifiers reflect Africa's shifting powers

Jonathan Fadugba — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 14:55:00 GMT

When you think of African football, which teams spring to mind? The Black Stars of Ghana? Nigeria, resplendent in green and white? Perhaps you think of Cameroon and the sepia-tinted images of Roger Milla running jubilantly to make silent love to a corner flag. Or Egypt, the North African powerhouses that have dominated the continent for half a decade. Morocco, Tunisia and South Africa are others that have carved storylines and success into the rockface of African football's recent history.

That a reasonably high chance exists that not one of these countries will be present at the 2012 African Cup of Nations tells its own story about the shifting sands of the continent's international football landscape. Approaching the final round of African Cup of Nations 2012 qualifying fixtures this weekend, the winds of change currently whispering sweetly over the region's football now threaten to escalate into gale-force blusters.

Like various high-profile political regimes, dominant, established players in the football world also look like being toppled in 2011 as new nations challenge the status quo. A fascinating weekend's football is in store as qualifying reaches its doubtlessly dramatic denouement.

We already know one thing. Holders Egypt will not defend their crown in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon. Champions the last three tournaments running, Egypt, who some might argue have had more pressing concerns in 2011 than football, are last in their group. The Pharaohs sit below the likes of Sierra Leone and Niger and will stay there – a startling indicator of their rapid fall from grace.

Though there are mitigating circumstances – namely the fall of president Hosni Mubarak in February this year, ensuing political and social upheaval and its adverse effect on the country's football – it doesn't hide the fact Egypt have so far failed to win a single game in qualifying. Victory at home to Niger this weekend could restore some pride but also deny Group G's surprise leaders their shot at a first-ever Cup of Nations. Tied on eight points, South Africa and Sierra Leone wait in the wings hoping to capitalise on any slips.

With Botswana, Cote d'Ivoire, Senegal and Burkina Faso and Senegal already qualified alongside hosts Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, the African Cup of Nations 2012 has a refreshing look about it (although the Burkinanbes are being investigated over an alleged ineligible player, with a decision pending). Twenty-one teams will compete for the ten remaining places, with Cape Verde, Niger and Central African Republic all dreaming of joining Botswana in a maiden tournament.

There is an interesting parallel in African football between the development of sub-Saharan African countries both politically and economically, and the emergence of potential new powers in football.

In 2010 Steven Radelet, a senior fellow at the Center for Global Development, wrote Emerging Africa: How 17 Countries are Leading the Way. In it he performs a fascinating study that identifies 17 sub-Saharan countries as emerging economies in Africa.

Basing his study on the political and economic reforms brought about by, among other factors, more accountable and democratic governments, advances in technology, a new generation of leadership and the end of the debt crises, Radelet identifies a new class of emerging African powers. In each nation identified, GDP growth between 1996 and 2008 remained above 5%, averaging 3.2% per capita – for reference; the UK’s growth was 1.7% in 2008.

There lies an interesting correlation between the nations Radelet identifies and those now looking to take centre stage at Africa's flagship competition.

Of the 17 nations Radelet concludes lead the way in this renaissance of African economic development, nine are in line to take their place at the 2012 African Cup of Nations – Botswana, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ghana, Mali, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

Though not on the list, Niger are an example of this rapidly developing underclass. For such a true minnow to top their group is a quite remarkable feat. Ranked 154th in the world by FIFA when qualifying began last September – and third from bottom in the world according to the United Nations Development Programme's Human Development Index in 2010 – the Mena were given a snowball's chance in Hades of reaching the finals when placed in a group with Egypt and South Africa. Three wins from five games have shot Niger up to 93rd in the rankings and one win away from a guaranteed place at the finals.

The majority of Niger's players are scattered around African clubs, with a small number plying their trade in Europe. Spearheaded by their main man, CSKA Moscow's promising striker Moussa Maazou, the side need a result in Egypt this weekend to complete the fairytale and go down as one of the biggest shocks in African Cup of Nations qualifying history.

Botswana are a similarly inspirational tale – huge outsiders when grouped with traditional powerhouses Tunisia – but whose collective spirit, tenacity, and impressive performances have seen them reach their first ever finals with games to spare.

Several other underdogs from around Africa hope to draw inspiration from Niger and Botswana this weekend.

In Group A, Cape Verde and Zimbabwe wait in the wings hoping to pounce on any slip-up by Mali, who travel to Liberia knowing only a win will guarantee their place in Gabon/Equatorial Guinea.

The mind games have already begun in Group B as Nigeria host Guinea in a straight shootout to decide who qualifies. Guinea need only a draw in Abuja to eliminate the Super Eagles, and failure would be a humiliating blow for Nigeria, who last failed to qualify in 1986.

“The pressure is on the Nigerian side because they’ve not failed to qualify for a Nations Cup in over 25 years,” said Ibrahima Barry, Secretary General of the Guinean Football Federation. “They have no choice – they have to win.”

Super Eagles coach Samson Siasia has called on the Nigerian people to provide a raucous atmosphere to help the team secure the win they so desperately need.

Including Niger's group, five others are on a knife-edge, to be decided in what will effectively be do-or-die playoffs.

In Group C Zambia play Libya, another side with much-publicised political turmoil. In the midst of a citizen-led revolution, a win would see Libya reach the finals for only the third time, 30 years after finishing runners-up in 1982.

Group D is the most open, with all kinds of permutations for the four sides. Morocco and Central African Republic are in pole position with eight points each, but Algeria and Tanzania, both on five points, still have a minor chance of turning the group on its head. Morocco host Tanzania while Central African Republic travel to Algiers looking to reach their first ever finals.

Group I is another that promises drama as Ghana travel to Sudan with both sides tied on 13 points. Runners-up in Angola 2010, the Black Stars now face the possibility of missing out altogether should they lose, and Sudan coach Mohamed Abdallah was in confident mood ahead of the game in Khartoum.

“I think we have convinced people that we have a strong chance to win and that we deserve to go to the finals. We are not afraid of this match or the challenge.” Ghana coach Goran Stevanovic's decision to rest key player Andre Ayew has dumbfounded many, a situation he may regret should Ghana lose.

The big East African derby between neighbours Uganda and Kenya will likely decide Group J, though Angola between the pair in second with a chance of qualifying should they beat Guinea-Bissau away and group leaders Uganda lose. A win for Uganda would send the Cranes, coached by Scottish manager Bobby Williamson, to their first African Cup of Nations finals in 34 years.

“It means everything to me,” the former Chester City boss said. “I want it for the fans, they have supported us well the few years I have been here. I have seen a lot development in Uganda football. I know the transition period is going to happen. Hopefully we beat Kenya and this will be the catalyst for Uganda football to progress further in building a bright future.”

With Botswana already qualified in Group K, Tunisia and Malawi both have a chance to claim the runner-up spot in the only five-team group. Tied on 11 points, games against Togo and Chad respectively will decide their fate in a qualifying process full of potential shocks. Africa is changing.

The African All-Stars of 2010/11

Jonathan Fadugba — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 11:19:00 GMT

Being the maverick that I am – or like to think I am – and with plenty more attacking players worthy of consideration than defenders, I’ve opted for an adventurous 3-3-1-3 formation à la Chile under Marcelo Bielsa...

Goalkeeper: Vincent Enyeama (Hapoel Tel Aviv & Nigeria)
An Israeli Cup winner with Hapoel Tel Aviv, the Nigerian international had a solid season including commanding displays at the World Cup 2010 (ask Lionel Messi), earning him a summer move to French champions Lille. An excellent shotstopper, agile, physical and vocal, penalty-taking Enyeama also weighed in with two goals in the Champions League last season – as many as Didier Drogba and Fernando Torres combined. Not bad.

Centre-back: Kader Mangane (Rennes & Senegal)
Rennes finished sixth this season with the best defensive record in France, and towering centre-back Kader Mangane was a 6ft 3in, 12-and-a-half stone reason for that. Solid, dependable, strong in the air and good in the tackle, Mangane had a fine season for Rennes and was unfortunate not to be mentioned when accolades were dished out at the end of the Ligue 1 season.

Centre-back: Mehdi Benatia (Udinese & Morocco)
Good friends with former room-mate Samir Nasri, with whom he still keeps in touch via Blackberry Messenger, Mehdi Benatia has made an impressive transition from lower-league French football to Serie A. Classy centre-back Benatia appears to be as comfortable in north-east Italy as he is out on the pitch thwarting the league's best attackers. "I am very happy here and my wife Cecile is too," the Moroccan international commented after reports emerged that Nasri was trying to lure his mate to Arsenal. "I'd like to have a great career in Udine." Perceptive, strong and a good tackler, the 24-year-old should develop further during Udinese's Champions League campaign.

Centre-back: Christopher Samba (Blackburn Rovers & Congo)
Where, one wonders, would Blackburn be were it not for their Congolese man-o-war? The short answer is "in the Championship". Avoiding relegation by the hairs on Steve Kean's neck may just about suffice for Rovers' Indian owners this season, but with 59 goals conceded all the chickens in the world wouldn't have rescued Blackburn had they not been dancing to the Samba beat. One of the highlights of the season was watching him celebrate a goal-line clearance against Manchester City with all the passion of a man who has just scored the winner in a Champions League final.

Mangane, Benatia and Samba

Central midfield: Cheik Tioté (Newcastle United & Ivory Coast)
Surely one of the English top flight's signings of the season at a bargain £3.5 million. Tioté’s combative nature may have had its flaws (he was the Premier League's most booked player with 14 yellow cards), but his aggression brought much-needed steel to Newcastle's midfield. Tioté's passing, tackling and solidity stood out in an impressive debut season and his one goal in 26 appearances just so happened to be one of the season's most dramatic and enthralling, earning Newcastle a draw from four goals down against Arsenal. Alan Pardew has been suitably impressed, rewarding the Ivorian with a new six-and-a-half-year contract.

Central midfield: Yaya Touré (Manchester City & Ivory Coast)
At the start of the season I stated in a FourFourTwo feature that, with his grace, power, poise and will to win, Yaya Touré can take Manchester City to the next level. And that he did, helping the Eastlands billionaire boys' club reach the Champions League and win their first silverware in over 30 years. The all-action Ivorian was fundamental to their success, weighing in with 12 goals including the winners in the FA Cup semi-final and final, becoming an instant hero to City fans in the process.

Central midfield: Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese & Ghana)
A key component of the Udinese team that stunned Serie A with a series of scintillating displays, Asamoah had a fine season. Bringing texture and poise to the centre of midfield, the 22-year-old was ever-present for the Zebrette or “little zebras”, starting all but one league game in a side that qualified for the Champions League to the surprise of many.

Tiote, Toure and Asamoah

Attacking midfield: André Ayew (Olympique Marseille & Ghana)
Refreshed by a storybook World Cup journey and with his thirst for first-team football quenched by a loan spell at Arles-Avignon in 2009/10, 'Dede' Ayew's follow-up season could rightly be considered a breakthrough one. Following in the footsteps of his father Abedi Pele (without mention of whom no Ayew profile is apparently complete), the 21-year-old Ghanaian international has developed into a first-team regular at Marseille, making nearly 50 appearances in total in an illuminating season. Eleven goals and a nomination for Young Player of the Year in France attest to the forward's highly encouraging progress.

Attack: Gervinho (Lille & Ivory Coast)
At the start of the season, the uniquely-coiffed wing forward Gervinho stated his aims as follows: "to have a good season again, and to be part of key moments for the team" and "to concentrate on getting [Lille] in the top five." He should be pretty chuffed with the actual outcome – a historic league and cup double and, on a personal level, a quite wonderful campaign. Gervinho's penetrative dribbling, dazzling wing-play and incisive passing equipped Lille with an aggressive snarl in forward areas, and a season tally of 16 goals and 10 assists earned him a place in Ligue 1's Team of the Year. No wonder Arsenal are said to be interested.

Attack: Samuel Eto'o (Internazionale & Cameroon)
Pound-for-pound probably the best player in Serie A this season. At a club beset by a certain unease given the various incomings and outgoings at all levels, the one constant of Inter's season was that Samuel Eto'o would be there to score goals. And that he did. Thrity-seven times his name went onto the scoresheet, including one in the Club World Cup final and the opening two in the Coppa Italia final win over Palermo. The legendary Cameroonian was fundamental to any success Inter attained; hopelessly overlooked time and again by list-makers and so-called experts, but not here.

Attack: Moussa Sow (Lille & Senegal)
Between Moussa Sow and Papiss Demba Cissé it was tough – very tough – to choose a more deserving forward for this African XI. Ultimately I have opted for Sow because his transformation from the transfer scrapheap to Ligue 1's top scorer with 25 league goals was as startling as it was surprising. Discarded by former club Rennes, Sow, along with Gervinho & Co., went on to fire Lille to the French title in his first season at the club, bagging all manner of goals – lobs, headers, bicycle kicks and, of course, his share of the striker's staple: tap-ins. Ahead of his fellow Senegalese international Cissé by virtue of a slightly more cultivated all-round game over the season.

Gervinho, Eto'o and Sow

Substitutes: Carlos Kameni (Espanyol), Bruno Ecuele Manga (Lorient), Taye Taiwo (Marseille), Aurélian Chedjou (Lille), Kevin-Prince Boateng (AC Milan), Mamadou Niang (Fenerbahçe ), Emmanuel Emenike (Karabukspor), Peter Odemwingie (WBA), Papiss Demba Cissé (Freiburg).

England be warned - Ghana are looking to make history at Wembley

Jonathan Fadugba — Tue, 29 Mar 2011 10:56:00 GMT

“It’s going to be a massive moment in my career,” said Gareth Barry after it was announced that he will captain England against Ghana tonight.

The statement applies not only to Barry. It is also a massive moment for the entire West African nation, as Ghana prepare to face England for the first time ever at senior level.

On an historic occasion, Ghana will play their first match under the bright lights of Wembley. With it, the Black Stars will aim to become the first African nation to beat England, who remain unbeaten in sixteen games against African opposition ahead of their clash with the team ranked 16th in the world.

In terms of whetting the public’s appetite for what should be an intriguing game, Fabio Capello’s decision to release five players who would otherwise be considered important team members is not ideal. Conveniently, only after all tickets were sold was it announced that John Terry, Wayne Rooney, Ashley Cole, Frank Lampard and Michael Dawson would be omitted from the fixture.

But if anyone in the FA’s marketing department was concerned that would dampen enthusiasm for the game they needn’t have worried. 20,000 plus fans will cheer Ghana on regardless – the largest away following of any nation since the new Wembley opened.

"A lot of Ghanaians have travelled from America, Canada, from around the world,” said Ghana football great Stephen Appiah. “It's a dream come true. It's huge.”

The decision to rest Terry, Rooney and co. has if anything only heightened Ghana’s desire to triumph. "It's like they are underrating the game," stated Appiah. While it would be overstating it to suggest that the England game is considered more important than Ghana’s 3-0 African Cup of Nations qualifying win in Congo last weekend, when you consider for example that over 100 Ghanaian journalists applied for accreditation at Wembley, as opposed to less than 10 for the game in Brazzaville, one begins to get an idea as to where the perceived glamour lies.

This is partly down to old colonial associations that would require an entirely new column to discuss. But to put it simply, Ghana loves English football. The Premier League is the most watched league. Two Ghanaian Premier League clubs take their names from English teams – Berekum Arsenal and Berekum Chelsea, who currently top the table. From Accra to Sekondi, every week supporters tune in - and not just to see how the Ghanaian contingent is faring – five of whom are in the squad for Wembley.

There is therefore a huge desire amongst Ghanaians to see their Black Stars beat England.

Turning to matters on the pitch, it seems a curious quirk that England would rest so many stars against a team that, at face value, should be considered high profile. Lest we forget, these are World Cup quarter-finalists we’re talking about. One wonders if England v Argentina or England v Brazil would have elicited such an approach from Capello.

Ghana go into the game high on confidence. Despite the departure of Milovan Rajevac, the Serbian coach who pioneered them to within a whisker of a World Cup semi final, this is a youthful and vibrant Ghana side – a team very much on the up as their rise in the world rankings suggests.

Since defeat to Uruguay at Soccer City, Ghana have played six, won three, drawn two and lost one. The tactics are slightly different under new coach Goran Stevanovic – again a Serb. Greater emphasis is placed on attack than under Rajevac, whose tactical scrutiny and meticulous attention to detail produced a side that gave very little away defensively.

Stevanovic is fortunate however. The greatest strings in his bow have had little to do with his own coaching influence. Ghana are growing organically. Experiences both pleasurable and painful have created close bonds within the camp and a real sense of harmony reigns.

“The atmosphere in our camp is amazing,” said Sunderland’s John Mensah. “We all sing together, African music, songs from our childhood in Ghana. “We fought hard and worked hard as a team [at the World Cup], we played like brothers.”

Seven players in the squad to face England were also in Ghana’s Under-20 World Cup winning squad of 2009 (contrastingly, not one of the England U-20s from that tournament is involved here). The current Black Stars are enthusiastic and spirited, wide-eyed and optimistic. “Everybody is expecting something positive,” said Asamoah Gyan, a major personality himself.

Another aspect totally out of Stevanovic’s control but that benefits him directly is Ghana’s blossoming strike partnership of Prince Tagoe and Dominic Adiyiah. They currently play together at Partizan Belgrade and have contributed three goals in Ghana’s last two games.

Ghana have plenty to offer in midfield with the tenacity and craft of Anthony Annan, Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (keep an eye on this highly promising youngster), playmaker Kwadwo Asamoah, Sulley Muntari and Andre Ayew. Any combination of this quintet would cause England problems.

It is at the back however where the Black Stars may struggle – particularly in wide areas. For this reason Matt Jarvis’ England debut could come at just the right time, while Ashley Young – fresh from twisting the blood of a Welshman or two – will be a threat. In the meantime John Mensah won’t have too many fond memories of Andy Carroll while David Addy – if selected as he was against Congo – is still learning.

England have won 11 of 16 games against African opposition, but the game against Ghana is a real test for Capello’s side, especially if he experiments. A strong away support, huge incentive for victory and the feeling that England are ‘disrespecting’ their opponents, combined with what is an energetic, intelligent, skilful and charismatic side mean England must avoid getting complacent.

After all, the last time England played a Ghana side involving Adiyiah, Agyemang-Badu and Ayew was at the Under-20 World Cup in 2009. Ghana won 4-0.

The challenge has been set.

Troubled Toure turns to his three Fs: football, family and faith

Jonathan Fadugba — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 11:50:00 GMT

Kolo Toure's drugs-test troubles couldn't have happened to a less suitable player, says Just Football editor Jonathan Fadugba

Arsene Wenger has had a few surprises to deal with in the last week. But when asked about Kolo Touré’s failed drugs test, the look of Gallic bewilderment on his face told its own story. “It is a complete surprise,” said Wenger, who introduced Touré to English football when he signed him for Arsenal from ASEC Mimosas in 2002.

“He is a boy who has a clean life, very honest living, always at home, a family man, and I do not suspect him at all to have taken drugs to enhance his performances,” Wenger continued, leaping to Touré’s defence. The look of conviction in his eyes also told a tale – one of complete trust in the word of the Manchester City centre-back. "He wants to control his weight a little bit because that's where he has some problems and he took the product of his wife."

2005: Toure and Wenger celebrate Arsenal's last trophy win

All that said, it does nothing to lessen the gravity of the situation. "Manchester City confirm that the FA has informed Kolo Touré that an 'A-sample' provided by him has tested positive for a specified substance," the club said in a brief statement on Thursday. "As result of this, he has been suspended from participating in all first-team and non-first-team matches pending the outcome of the legal process."

NEWS, Fri 4 Mar: Shock Toure suspension stunts City trophy pursuit

The news came as a huge shock to the football world and could severely damage the career of a man who turns 30 in just over a fortnight. What outcome the legal process brings will be revealed in due course. But what is extremely difficult to doubt is the character of a man who is one of the most popular and respected figures within the Manchester City dressing room.

Far from the self-entitled celebrity bubble that surrounds many a modern-day footballer, the life of Kolo Touré is a humble one underpinned by three ‘F’s’ – football, family and faith. Son to a member of the Ivorian military, Kolo grew up in a big family with a disciplined background. The Touré clan is nine-strong – six brothers, two sisters and Kolo, the oldest of three professional footballers that include fellow City teammate Yaya.

Though Kolo was born in Bouaké, civil war in Cote d’Ivoire made travel tough. The Tourés eventually settled in Abidjan. At 12, Kolo announced his desire to become a footballer. His father Mory was less impressed, wishing for his son an altogether more ordinary career path. But before long, Touré was spotted by former France international Jean-Marc Guillou and signed to the academy at ASEC Mimosas.

Kolo himself was never the best player at ASEC’s academy. He wasn’t even the best player in his own household. That was Yaya, a supremely gifted talent who has come to be widely appreciated: you don’t play for Barcelona unless you’re something special. But Kolo possessed strength, hunger and a burning ambition to succeed and was prepared to make the sacrifices needed. He himself corroborates this.

“I wasn't the best player but, at the academy, I used my time the best,” Touré said. “I didn’t think about going to the cinema or going out to find a girl. I was always thinking about work, about my future.”

Those were the qualities that attracted Arsene Wenger to Touré when he first watched him play in a youth tournament at Feyenoord. After seven years, 326 appearances, one Premier League title, two FA Cups and a £16m outgoing fee, the £325,000 Arsenal paid to sign the powerful centre-back is still one of Wenger’s shrewdest moves.

Making an impression at Arsenal in 2002

As Wenger noted in his press conference, Touré is very much a family man. He would spend his ASEC bonuses on rice for the family and at Arsenal he became chief provider, buying a home for his entire family – nieces and nephews included – in Yopougon, Abidjan.

You won't find this player linked with prostitutes or air rifles. At Arsenal his favourite pastime was Pro Evolution Soccer. “I can beat Adebayor!” Touré exclaimed, before revealing his will to win: “But I haven’t beaten Thierry Henry yet.”

His warm spirit is famous in the dressing rooms of Highbury, the Emirates and Eastlands. Lee Dixon tells the story of a bright-eyed Ivorian new boy walking into the Arsenal dressing room on his first day and instantly winning everyone over with an affectionate smile. It comes from his mother’s side. Kolo was very close to his mother (now deceased) and wears a silver pendant with “I love my mum and wife” inscribed on the back.

Having Yaya around and playing with his brother week-in, week-out at Manchester City is a source of great pleasure for Kolo and indeed it will be interesting to see how any suspension affects his younger brother.

Yaya has been one of the revelations of the Premier League this season – driving City on with his energy, intelligent play and crisp passing. It has been suggested elsewhere that City’s billionaire owners might look to wash their hands of Kolo, not deeming him important enough a player to get their hands dirty in the media scrum and legal battles that might ensue.

This may be the case. But if true, City’s directors will need to be highly sensitive to the effect any swift judgements might have on Yaya, one of the club’s most valuable assets. Blood is thicker than oil, contracts and club image.

Kolo (left) and Yaya, together at City

While Kolo Touré walks through a valley of dietary-supplement-induced darkness, with a potentially lengthy ban pending, if one thing is certain it is that he will seek guidance from that final ‘F’ – his faith. Touré is a devout Muslim. A page from the Koran hangs between the framed shirts of Yaya and Kolo on the wall of his family home back in Abidjan. He prays regularly. He observes Ramadan. One of the first things he did upon signing for City was head into town to find a suitable mosque.

“My religion is most important for me,” Touré says. “It doesn’t matter where I go, I will still do my prayers because that’s my main thing. And I’m just really happy because in Manchester there is a big community of Muslims. Every Friday I go to the Mosque and for me it’s very, very important.”

He will need to draw upon this deep inner resolve to get through what could be a prolonged period on the sidelines.

Samuel Eto’o: The lionheart who conquered Europe

Jonathan Fadugba — Fri, 21 Jan 2011 17:21:00 GMT

FIFA. Mere mention of the word is enough to prompt many to jump out of their seat and start fist-waving and booing, faces contorted with rage. Like investment banks or coalition governments, FIFA are not currently the most popular of institutions.

For the most part, FIFA are in the dock for mysterious decision-making procedures and a lack of transparency that has led to allegations of corruption. Discussions on FIFA’s moral code are for a different column, but on a personal level and from an African point of view, I couldn’t help but do my own bit of aggrieved fist-waving at another recent, FIFA-sponsored decision – the 2010 Ballon D’Or awards.

Running through the Fifpro World XI, for the second year running the same question popped into my head: Where is Samuel Eto’o?

Where is the only man in the history of European football to win back-to-back trebles in two different countries? Where is the man who in 2010 became the first player ever to score in seven different competitions in one calendar year? Where is the man who sits in an elite list of four players to have won the Champions League two years running? Given these unique and astonishing achievements, where was Cameroon’s finest when accolades were handed out in Zurich?

Displacing the Barcelona trio of Xavi, Iniesta and Messi – Eto’o’s former colleagues – from the player awards was always going to be near impossible. But could the Cameroon international not expect a place in the World XI, where David Villa was elected in his place?

That Eto’o was excluded from the last two Fifpro World XIs can arguably be deemed unfortunate. The 2009 team had Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Fernando Torres upfront; the 2010 team Messi, Ronaldo and Villa. Statistically, however, Eto’o comfortably outperformed Torres in 2008/2009 and lifted more silverware than Villa in 09/10:

Torres 08/09 – 2 CL goals, 14 league goals
Eto’o 08/09 – 4 CL goals, 28 league goals
Eto’o 09/10 – 2 CL goals, 12 league goals, 2 WC goals
Villa 09/10 – n/a CL goals, 21 league goals, 5 WC goals

Despite this, FIFA’s glitzy ceremony made no special mention of Samuel Eto’o’s achievements, less so craft a personal award to reflect heights that could feasibly never again be reached. Nevertheless, though international recognition eluded Eto’o in Zurich, 2010 was a golden year for a man whose career is defined by the challenges of defying huge odds and proving critics wrong.

Raised in Douala, it was undoubtedly on the sinister, unforgiving streets of Cameroon’s largest city that Eto’o acquired the hard-headedness and sheer iron-willed determination to succeed that has underpinned his professional life. “In Douala, it is pure desperation," says Italian journalist and African football expert Filippo Ricci of the city. "Violence and poverty punches you in the face, a much less amiable vision of life.” “Very, very humble,” Eto’o says of his upbringing.

Eto’o grew up with his parents and five brothers and sisters. To feed the family after Eto’o’s father lost his job in accounting, his mother would get up every morning at 3am to buy fish at the seaside city’s port and resell it. So when the wide-eyed youngster’s big chance came at 12 years old, Eto’o snatched at it with the predatory striker’s instinct he has shown time and time again on the pitch.

“Professionally, I did not waste 'my chance', since I was ready, in the right place and at the right time to shine out in what I like most,” Eto’o proclaims on the front page of his foundation’s website. "I dreamed of experiencing what I am living now without calming my enthusiasm, because without it nothing is possible."

Within a matter of years Eto’o quickly rose from Douala-based academy l’Ecole de Football des Brasseries du Cameroun to Real Madrid, signed by the Spanish giants in 1997 after being scouted playing for Cameroon’s Under-16s.

This voracious appetite and sheer strength of character epitomises Eto’o’s career, but not without being sternly tested. Eto’o has been forced to prove himself repeatedly in the face of critics. Rejected by Real Madrid, the subject of persistent – and rather unfair - questioning of his attitude at Barcelona, and again scrutinised in the early days at Inter Milan for a supposedly poor goalscoring record, despite playing in an unfamiliar position from the right.

Add this to the frequent racism he has had to deal with both in Spain and Italy and you begin to grasp the character of a man whose desire to succeed has helped overcome obstacles that would prove too much for many.

In a sense, Eto’o’s snub at recent FIFA ceremonies can therefore be viewed as a microcosmic representation of his career: glorious achievement undimmed by a constant struggle for recognition and acceptance.

Barcelona was an example of this. In many respects Eto’o is a true son of Catalonia – rejected by the establishment (Real Madrid) before going on to prove the decision’s folly by rubbing it in their faces.

Eto’o rammed it down Madrid throats by scoring at the Bernabeu in four consecutive seasons for Mallorca then Barça, and in 2005 he was fined by Spanish football authorities for singing "Madrid, cabrón, saluda al campeón" ['Madrid, b*st*rds, salute the champions'] at a title-celebrating party.

Yet Pep Guardiola never took to Eto’o, immediately stating the player could leave after becoming coach in 2008. Eto’o remained and scored 28 league goals in Barca’s all-conquering 2008/09 season. But while others from that extraordinary team received contracts for life, Eto’o was discarded.

At Barcelona Eto’o was regularly accused of being a troublesome disruption. But how can a team with bad eggs win everything? How can a player so well-liked in the dressing room be a bad influence?

“People think he is unprofessional and a bad teammate, as if he were a time bomb waiting to explode in the dressing room, but he is nothing of the sort,” said Xavi of Eto’o in 2008. "He is a fine example of professionalism. He surprises me with his enthusiasm and the sacrifice he makes in every game. He wants to be the best, and he is.”

Xavi was no less complimentary upon Eto’o’s departure. “The truth is that Eto’o has left such a mark on and off the field that it has become quite clear that we miss him. Samuel is part of this club’s history.”

Iniesta’s reference is equally glowing. “I do not know if there has ever been a striker like him before. What I do know is that Barça should build a statue in his honour.” Bad influence? His 152 goals in 232 games put Eto’o among the most prolific goalscorers in Barcelona’s history.

AND SO TO ITALY
A similar tale of doubt and disparagement befell Eto’o in the early days at Inter. A tally of just eight league goals up to March led to harsh criticism in Milan and the Cameroonian was quickly written off. Too quickly.

"Eto’o has lost it," proclaimed a Gazzetta dello Sport headline in March 2010. Days later, Eto’o hit the decisive strike against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge to book Inter’s place in the Champions League quarter finals. This season he has 24 goals to date, including this wonderful free-kick scored in a majestic recent performance against Bologna.

The 29-year-old has undoubtedly made some high-profile mistakes in his career, headbutting a Chievo player the most recent misdemeanour. But point to me a man who has never made mistakes and I will point to you a liar.

“I mean to run like a black man so I can live like a white one,” Eto’o famously remarked when he signed for Barcelona. Ignoring the crudity of the statement, this he has achieved. Eto’o now lives in luxury apartments and stays in boutique hotels whose nightly rates are greater than the average salaries of those in his hometown.

But it is Eto’o’s incredible hunger and extraordinary kind nature, not the number of zeros in his bank account, that define him as a player and a man.
Examples of his astounding generosity are numerous. Like the time he donated €30,000 to Real Mallorca supporters travelling to the 2003 Copa del Rey final for them to enjoy “a grand paella” together. Or the time he spent $1.3 million on designer watches for his international teammates after qualifying for the 2010 World Cup. The humanitarian work done by his foundation Fundacion Privada Samuel Eto’o, which helps social development in Africa through football, is further testament to his compassionate side.

Will Samuel Eto’o go down in history as the greatest African player of all time? In terms of honours won, almost definitely. The wiry Cameroonian recently won his fourth CAF African Footballer of the Year award, surpassing fellow greats Abedi Pele and George Weah. His trophy cabinet is more like a treasure chest.

Did he deserve to be in Fifpro’s 2010 World XI? The captains of Burundi and Sao Tome and Principe and a journalist from Central African Republic certainly thought so – Eto’o was their number one choice in the ballot for World Player of the Year.

Personally I’d have strongly advocated his choice in 2009, if not in 2010, given his reduced goal tally and Villa’s excellence. Then again, Eto’o sacrificed himself for the team in 2010 and Inter fully reaped the rewards. When asked about his new role under Jose Mourinho, Eto’o responded with typical selflessness and desire.

“It hasn’t been a problem,” Eto’o explained. “Because I’d do anything to realise such an important objective.”

FIFA awards may have eluded him lately. But when it comes to trophies, Eto’o’s unique double treble, alongside numerous other honours, highlights his place in the history of European and African football as dazzlingly brightly as the burning inner zeal that carved the name of a small boy from Douala’s humble backstreets into football folklore.

As Eto’o himself puts it, “Success is much more than a question of quality – it’s a question of heart.”

Jonathan Fadugba is the founder and editor of Just Football

Hand of God & all-powerful Engelbert - Champions League, Africa-style

Jonathan Fadugba — Fri, 12 Nov 2010 10:30:00 GMT

The Hand of God. One of the most iconic and controversial moments in the history of football. So resonant was the moment, you can utter those four words almost anywhere in the world and people will instinctively know what you’re talking about.

“It was the hand of a rascal. God had nothing to do with it,” quipped Sir Bobby Robson in anger. But the phrase is set in stone.

Fortunately the practice of naming dubious handballs after the body parts of the Almighty hasn’t quite taken off in Africa as of yet. Otherwise we’d be running out of expressions. ‘The upper right forearm of God’ doesn’t really have much of a ring to it.

The following clips are taken from the first and second legs of this season’s African Champions League semi-final between Tunisian giants Espérance and Al-Ahly of Egypt, the most successful club in the competition’s history.

The second clip shows Nigeria’s Michael Eneramo quite literally handing Espérance their place in this season’s CAF Champions League final, with a goal that eliminated Al-Ahly on away goals. In Espérance’s defence Al-Ahly also profited from a blatant handball in the first leg, so one could argue it all evened out in the end.

Nonetheless, the prevailing spirit of scandal encapsulates how the 2010 edition of Africa’s most prestigious club competition has played out.

The CAF Champions League has never been a stranger to unusual incident. This is after all a tournament whose third edition was handed over by the federation to one finalist after the other refused a deciding play-off, like a parent interjecting in a fight between two children over a lollipop and handing it to the one who’ll cry the least.

But the 2010 edition has been lively by anyone’s standards.

Unpredictable results, dodgy refereeing decisions, crowd trouble, fights and stadium violence have all been running themes this year particularly since the last eight group stage began in July (unlike the UEFA Champions League, Africa’s equivalent involves knockouts until the last eight before splitting into two groups of four. The top two then advance to the semi-finals whereupon knockouts resume).

And yet the end result will be the same as last year. Barring a major collapse, TP Mazembe, hailing from DR Congo will retain the title after they thrashed Espérance 5-0 in the first leg of the final. The second leg takes place in Tunisia this weekend.

CAF this week dished out a number of sanctions to leading African clubs after a Disciplinary Committee ruled on a string of misdemeanours that have blighted this season’s tournament.

Three of the four semi-finalists had their knuckles rapped. Espérance were fined a total of $65,000 USD after television images were beamed all around the continent showing their fans beating up stewards during their semi-final clash against Al-Ahly in Cairo. Nicknamed the ‘Blood and Gold’, Espérance were also fined for their fans lighting flares and clashing with Egyptian police, and for the “aggressive behaviour” of their players in their 5-0 final first leg defeat to TP Mazembe.

Algerian champions JS Kabylie were fined $20,000 and ordered to play their next game behind closed doors for the volley of projectiles that rained down during their semi-final defeat to TP Mazembe, a parade of flares that caused the game to be temporarily halted. The Congolese champions were also warned by CAF for “lack of proper security and organisational lapses during matches held in Lubumbashi,” while a number of other violent clashes and ugly incidents also went unpunished.

One of the major causes of all this trouble has been the renewing of long-standing international rivalries, wounds re-opened and picked at thanks to a last eight contingent that brought together several old foes.

Given the complex history and tense relations involved, games featuring Egyptian teams and those from certain parts of the Maghreb region of North Africa like Algeria and Tunisia are never the most amicable. Yet this season, five of the last eight were from one of these three nations. Supporters, players and authorities therefore had ample opportunities to renew hostilities.

For example, in a group stage match between Al-Ahly and JS Kabylie, the Cairo side’s team bus was stoned, the players had to wait in their dressing room for hours after the game for JS Kabylie’s fans to leave the stadium, and perceived dubious refereeing decisions prompted Al-Ahly’s Ahmed Hassan to claim he would “never visit Algeria again under any circumstances.”

Ahead of the Espérance vs Al-Ahly second leg (that of Eneramo’s handball infamy), Espérance president Hamdi Meddeb welcomed the Egyptian delegation at the airport to try and diffuse tensions. “Whether we win or lose, I will throw a dinner,” stated Meddeb. “We must exonerate ourselves from the harm caused to Cairo by some of our supporters.”

Sadly, Meddeb’s hospitable gestures fell on deaf ears. Eneramo’s punched goal stirred up all the old Maghreb-Egyptian tensions, causing Espérance coach Hossam al-Badri to lambast the referee and cry fix. "The match was over before the kickoff. I feel sorry because we play football in Africa where referees do whatever they want," al-Badri complained. He was infinitely quieter on the subject of his own side’s handled goal in the first leg.

Off-field outrage has littered this season’s CAF Champions League. The tournament’s denouement is missing TP Mazembe’s star and captain Tresor Mputu – voted Best player on the continent at the 2009 Glo-CAF Awards and described as “the treasure of Congolese football” by TP Mazembe team manager Frederick Kitengie.

Mputu received a one-year ban from FIFA for misconduct following his part in a brawl during a Cecafa Club Cup game – a relatively minor, unheralded competition for clubs from East and Central Africa. It is the equivalent of Lionel Messi being banned from football for a year for misbehaving in a Catalan-club friendly tournament. It wouldn’t happen. That said, the incident was disgraceful.

TP Mazembe’s 5-0 win over Espérance is made all the more remarkable by talisman Mputu’s absence. The Congolese club have a quirky and interesting history.

Created by Benedictin monks as a medium to provide relaxation and service for students of Saint-Boniface institute in Lubumashi, they were once named FC Engelbert after the brand of tyre that sponsored them, and then Tout-Puissant Engelbert or ‘all-powerful Engelbert’ after the team went a season unbeaten in 1944. Lubumbashi itself is a fairly non-descript mining city famous for two things - copper mining and home to the current continental champions.

Now named TP Mazembe, the club’s golden era came in the late 1960s when they reached the Champions League final four seasons running, winning it twice in a row in 1967 and 1968.

History now looks set to repeat itself with the all-powerful Congolese giants just one game away from retaining the trophy for the second time.

Or is there one last twist to this wildly unpredictable Champions League campaign?

A very unhappy anniversary for Nigeria

Jonathan Fadugba — Wed, 06 Oct 2010 15:27:00 GMT

Nigeria has been celebrating fifty years of independence over the last week. FIFA turned up late to the celebrations, but they did at least bring a present – indefinite suspension from all international competitions with immediate effect on account of government interference.

Happy 50th anniversary everyone!

FIFA’s statement read as follows: “The FIFA Emergency Committee decided today, 4 October 2010, to suspend the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) with immediate effect on account of government interference.”

“This decision follows the latest events linked to the NFF, such as the court actions against elected members of the NFF Executive Committee preventing them from exercising their functions and duties, the stepping down of the acting NFF General Secretary on the instructions of the National Sports Commission, the decision of the Minister of Sports to have the Nigerian League start without relegation from the previous season, and the fact that the NFF Executive Committee cannot work properly due to this interference.”

“The suspension will be maintained until the court actions have ceased and the duly elected NFF Executive Committee is able to work without any interference.”

Since a dismal set of World Cup performances saw the Super Eagles eliminated at the group stage, Nigerian football has been in turmoil.

The thrilling beauty of World Cups, and the reason they continue to retain such dramatic weight, is because of their unique capacity to shape or permanently alter football’s landscape. World Cups ingrain themselves in our minds so deeply, their spotlight so intense, that any resulting repercussions are forcefully accentuated.

We saw it with France, where the national team’s antics prompted a seismic shift in the perception of football and footballers by an outraged French public.

France’s World Cup debacle prompted serious soul-searching - not just in football terms but also socially and culturally. In the Netherlands, aggressive World Cup final tactics against Spain provoked a complete identity crisis, leading renowned figures like Johan Cruyff to question the very essence of what Dutch football is supposed to stand for. World Cups can shape and alter national identities.

The Yak's miss against Korea proved costly

In Nigeria the same applies. If Yakubu was not so negligent in his finishing, the Super Eagles would have qualified for the second round (undeservedly so, but still…), none of this would have happened and I wouldn’t be here writing this column. But all this did happen and here we are. Cause and effect.

So what happened, exactly?

When Nigeria were eliminated from the World Cup, Nigeria’s president Goodluck Jonathan, to the sound of worldwide sniggering, announced the withdrawal of his nation from international competition for two years. As the statement read, this was done “to enable the country to put its house in order.”

The statement also announced an audit of the World Cup’s organising committee after Rotimi Amaechi, head of a special presidential task force on the World Cup campaign, commented, “We went to the World Cup and found all sorts of problems.”

Among those problems, the payment of allowances of $800,000 to 220 delegates to the World Cup in South Africa, only 47 of which were authorised Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) officials, mismanagement of N900million (US$6million) World Cup funds, the purchase of unnecessarily luxurious buses, the incurring of a $125,000 fine in South Africa for booking a hotel unapproved by FIFA, mismanagement of $250,000 used to charter a faulty aircraft for the Super Eagles from London to South Africa and the $400,000 spent on a friendly match between Colombia and Nigeria in London.

All these were charges brought against NFF officials including former President Sani Lulu by Nigeria’s anti-corruption body, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a court case in September. The same body of officials who, in FIFA’s words, are being “prevented from exercising their functions and duties,” by the government’s court orders.

Following Jonathan’s bold decision, Lulu and three other members of NFF’s board were sacked, pending a general assembly to appoint a new board to take Nigerian football forward. After years of inefficient, wasteful management of Nigerian talent, this was perceived as a move aimed at sweeping out the old and ushering in a new, transparent era for Nigerian football at administrative level.

The players were left to reflect on a disappointing summer

In Nigeria, many are of the opinion that serious structural reform is desperately needed. Jonathan’s actions were seen as drastic but necessary to facilitate root and branch reform. Jonathan came into power with electoral reform and the fight against corruption high on the ticket. Here he was showing that the fight extends to corruption in Nigeria’s football administration.

The only cloud on Jonathan’s horizon is FIFA. Government interference into football matters is strictly forbidden by football’s international governing body. FIFA’s threat of further sanctions – the exclusion of Nigerian referees and Nigerian teams from the African Champions League and no guarantee of re-entry into FIFA after two years are served - prompted Jonathan to go back on his decision.

FIFA’s blanket rule on government interference however is both draconian and ill-thought-out. For a start, the NFF is government funded. Unlike the FA in England, which is self-sustaining and only receives a small percentage of government funding for grassroots projects, the NFF relies heavily on government grants. Surely a government should be free to investigate how its own money is being spent without fear of sanction from people whose job is to organise football matches? Not according to FIFA.

In the three months since the World Cup ended, Nigerian football has seen a board sacked, elections held and then suspended, new board members elected and then refused position, committees established and then put on hold, claims and counter-claims, litigations, accusations, complaints and enough sniping, back-biting and bureaucratic posturing to fill another ten seasons of low-budget American political drama.

The people in power don’t want to give it up. The people out of power complain that their paths are being unfairly blocked. It is, quite simply, a complete and utter mess.

FIFA’s one size fits all stance does not help. Their announcement rebukes Nigeria’s government for not allowing the NFF Executive Committee to “work properly” and cites “the stepping down of the acting NFF General Secretary on the instructions of the National Sports Commission” as reason for Nigeria’s suspension.

But that acting general secretary, Musa Amadu, was summoned for contempt of court, alleged to have defied a court order to stop the processes leading to the NFF board elections. And the body FIFA scolded the Nigerian government for “not allowing to work properly” is currently under investigation for a series of corruption charges. How’s that for rough justice?

Ultimately, it'll be Nigeria's fans that suffer

Unravelling this web of corruption and deceit is a process that requires hours, weeks and months of investigation. In July, the EFCC froze three NFF bank accounts as part of its investigation into the alleged N1.3 billion fraud.

When Glenn Hoddle was interviewed for the Nigeria job before the World Cup, he alleged that having agreed a US$1m contract, he was told it would be announced at US$1.5m with the rest as kickback for an official. The plumes and plumes of smoke make it hard to believe there is no fire.

FIFA’s blanket policy on ‘government interference’ is fundamentally flawed as it fails to take into account cases where government is the only body powerful enough to investigate those suspected of mishandling public funds.

Imagine running a factory that supplies milk and discovering that vast amounts of your produce is going to waste, only to be told you’re not allowed to investigate the cows’ milking area.

President Jonathan’s hands have effectively been tied by FIFA, while suspending Nigeria only brings us back to where we were in the first place – attempting to put the country’s house in order.

Hopefully FIFA’s suspension provides Nigeria with the catalyst it needs to carry out comprehensive structural reform. Things need to move fast. Nigeria are supposed to play Guinea in an African Cup of Nations qualifier this weekend.

However all the accusations, investigations and recriminations since the Super Eagles’s mismanaged World Cup campaign only shines a torch on the suggestions of corruption that have blighted Nigerian football for years.

Sadly, the spilt milk here is a generation of Nigerian footballers and football fans whose love for the game has been let down badly by poor administration.

African stars find home from home

Jonathan Fadugba — Fri, 17 Sep 2010 08:00:00 GMT

After an international break that saw the beginning of the qualifying phase for the 2012 African Cup of Nations it was back to the more familiar surroundings of domestic football for African players this week.

One of the interesting paradoxes of the modern, globalised game, in which bright-eyed aspiring football players are plucked up at ever younger ages by eager scouts, clubs looking for bargain deals and pay-cheque seeking agents, lies in the definition of home.

Case in point - the aftermath of the tragic bus attack on the Togo national team in Angola earlier this year. Manchester City’s Emmanuel Adebayor, perhaps unwittingly, provided a noteworthy example of this revision of the boundary lines that define where ‘home’ is for African and indeed other players in foreign leagues nowadays, albeit in saddening circumstances.

After the attacks Adebayor, clearly absolutely distraught, repeatedly spoke about wanting to go back home; back to familiar surroundings in England with family and friends.

There is a paradox here. Adebayor uttered these words in Angola - far closer to ‘home’ than England. From Lome, Adebayor’s place of birth in Togo, Angola is roughly 2000 kilometres away. Lome to Manchester is 5000 kilometres away.

The Togo bus attack had Adebayor pining for Manchester

Of course ‘home’ in the nomadic existence of a professional footballer can be almost anywhere. Players migrating to foreign climes are par for the course nowadays. They go, begin new lives, establish bonds, friendships, relationships and ultimately forge their own, new family ties.

‘Home’ no longer refers strictly to birthplace or where you grew up but, increasingly, where you feel most comfortable.

Whether certain African players now see England as ‘home’ or not, the continent was certainly well represented in the latest round of Premier League action.

Nine of the 29 goals scored in English football’s top flight last weekend were either scored or assisted by African players. A striking figure, and one that truly highlights the growing influence of African players in England’s top flight.

Steven Pienaar, Marouane Chamakh, Asamoah Gyan, Michael Essien, Salomon Kalou and Alexandre Song are the players with gold stars by their names for their goal scoring exploits during last weekend’s Premier League action, with all seven on the scoresheet (Essien twice).

Add assists from Peter Odemwingie and Didier Drogba (silver stars for them) to the mix and it all tallies up to a meaty contribution.

Essien and Kalou celebrate putting West Ham to the sword

Just a week after I described Asamoah Gyan’s move as the right one at the right time for the striker on this very blog, the Ghanaian did the business, scoring an impressive goal on his debut for Sunderland at Wigan Athletic (thanks, Baby Jet).

Pienaar, Kalou, Odemwingie, Gyan and Chamakh all made an impact only days after making the long journeys to represent their respective nations in AFCON 2012 qualifiers. Chelsea striker Kalou was on target for both the Blues and the Elephants, helping his teams down West Ham and Rwanda.

Meanwhile, perhaps the two most recognisable figures in African football of the eight – Drogba and Essien – sat the international qualifiers out.

Overall, five out of the eight players who made a mark for club also had the good grace to turn up and play for their countries, Song, Drogba and Essien the absentees.

Drogba still does not feel quite ready to play for Ivory Coast again yet, with whispers the 32-year-old is pondering international retirement growing ever louder.

Essien meanwhile is taking a mini-break from Ghana duty (he was not missed, Ghana waltzed to a 3-0 win in Swaziland) and Alex Song was left out of Cameroon’s squad for the game in Mauritius, reportedly for being a naughty boy in South Africa. It is thought Song the younger was one of a handful of troublemakers disrupting team morale at the World Cup.

No bother though, as Song got on the scoresheet in Arsenal’s 4-1 win against Bolton, Drogba grabbed an assist at Upton Park and Essien was rampant, scoring two goals and following it up with a goal in Slovakia against MSK Zilina in the Champions League.

A good weekend for the Premier League’s African contingent then, the week after the stars came back home from...home.

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Rating Africa's Magnificent Seven

Jonathan Fadugba — Fri, 10 Sep 2010 16:37:00 GMT

With the transfer window having 'slammed shut', Just Football editor and FFT.com blogger Jonathan Fadugba casts his eye over the biggest transfers involving African players this summer...

"Nigerians for sale! Nigerians for sale!"

David Moyes is not a 19th century boot shine carrying out suspiciously shady backdoor activities. But if he was, (and after this let us never consider this disturbingly grim prospect again), he might well have been found outside Goodison Park, flatcap in hand, bellowing those exact words in the summer.

For Everton’s manager did his best to rid the club of all three senior Nigerian talents on the blue half of Merseyside, shipping one – Joseph Yobo to Fenerbahce – while inviting offers for the other two, Victor Anichebe and Yakubu.

As it transpired, Moyes could only flip one of the three, but that did not stop what was the merriest of merry go-rounds for African players in the summer transfer market. In this column let’s assess some of the bigger moves, and analyse the outlook for player and club in kind:

1, Asamoah Gyan – Stade Rennais to Sunderland, £13 million

Arguably the highest profile move of the summer from an African perspective involved the player who most rose to prominence during the World Cup, albeit by way of being the central figure behind one of the tournament’s most extraordinarily dramatic moments.

Asamoah Gyan - hero, then villain, then quasi-martyr figure - completed a lucrative move to the Premier League, joining Sunderland for a club record fee ìin excess of £13 millionî according to his new employers.

While some World Cup signings tend to be more out of impulse than anything else, I do think the move comes at the right time for the player. Gyan is 24, has experienced life in Serie A and latterly France’s Ligue 1, without really making his mark in either country, and is now both experienced and mature enough to be able to really sink his teeth into a new environment and advance his career at club level.

Gyan was criticised for the penalty miss that would have taken Ghana past Uruguay and into the World Cup semi finals in South Africa, but to me such condemnation misses the point completely. Anyone can miss a penalty. But few have the strength of mind to then proceed to take the first spot kick of an ensuing penalty shootout and find the top corner.

Such inner strength should hold Gyan in good stead on Wearside, where his price tag and World Cup track record mean he will be expected to make an impact almost immediately.

Compatibility rating / likeliness to succeed: 7/10

2, Yaya Toure – FC Barcelona to Manchester City, £24 million

An interesting move for the Ivorian, who found himself surplus to requirements at the Camp Nou and so headed to Eastlands for an eye-watering £24 million fee plus a wage amounting to £220,000 per week.

Having lost his place in the Barca team to Sergio Busquets, (Toure completed 90 minutes only nine times in 38 league games for his club last season), Manchester City were only too willing to supply the cash needed to unite Toure junior with big brother Kolo.

While clearly an extortionate transfer, Toure will definitely improve City. His polished touch and technique tell the tale of a man refined by the elegance of Barcelona’s coaching methods, and his sheer physical power and strength will further tighten an already athletic midfield. In short, Yaya Toure is the kind of player that can take City to the next level.

Compatibility rating: 8.5/10

3, Mamadou Niang – Olympique Marseille to Fenerbahce, £7 million

The eighth highest scorer in the history of Olympique Marseille and top scorer in Ligue 1 last season, Mamadou Niang was absolutely fundamental to Marseille’s league and cup double of 2009/2010, contributing 18 goals as captain.

Niang is perhaps lesser known when compared to higher profile African strikers like Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba and Emmanuel Adebayor, but as top African centre forwards go he can certainly hold his own in such illustrious company.

A traditionall No.9, Niang is predominantly right-footed but adept with his left, strong in the air and likes to play on the shoulder of defences. He also has that poacher’s knack of popping up in the right place at the right time. In the last three seasons, nobody in France scored more than his 49 goals.

Scorer of 100 goals in five seasons for Marseille, Niang’s move to Turkey became inevitable after the Senegalese striker hinted at a move in the summer. Marseille were reluctant to let him go, but at nearly 31 and with the player’s future uncertain he was allowed to leave. Niang wanted a move to England, but has landed at Fenerbahce where he has already hit two in two games. He will do well there.

Compatibility rating: 8/10

4, Marouane Chamakh – Girondins Bordeaux to Arsenal, free transfer

Unlike Niang, Marouane Chamakh did get his desired move to the Premier League, pitching up at Arsenal on a free transfer after running down his contract at Bordeaux.

An important component of Laurent Blanc’s league title winning team of 2008/09, Chamakh is however not quite the prolific striker some have made out. The Moroccan managed a 1 in 4 strike rate in France, hitting 56 goals in 230 Ligue 1 matches. The challenge for him in North London will be to up that ratio.

Nonetheless, Chamakh gives Arsenal a dimension they have lacked since Adebayor’s departure – that of a powerful target man who leads the line with authority and can dominate any aerial battles. A better Bendtner if you will.

It will be intriguing to see how the Moroccan fares in England, a league his game seems naturally suited to.

Compatibility rating: 7.5/10

5, Kevin Prince Boateng – Portsmouth to Genoa to AC Milan, £5 million

Arguably the best performing African footballer at the World Cup, Kevin Prince Boateng completed a move from Portsmouth to Genoa, before heading straight out on loan to AC Milan.

A strange move this. Boateng would have been an excellent signing for Genoa, but they have merely acted like friendly neighbours in the deal, footing the bill for the dynamic midfielder while Milan unwrap themselves from the financial burden of a number of players with one year left on their contracts.

Milan then pulled a fast one on their Serie A colleagues by going off and splurging millions on Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Robinho. For Genoa it must be akin to lending your poverty-pleading next door neighbour twenty pounds to buy groceries, only for them to turn up the next day in a brand new Ferrari.

For the player too, the move now looks untimely as Boateng will struggle to fit into a team packed with Hollywood names. A shame, as he desperately needs to carry the momentum of an excellent World Cup into his thus far nomadic, unsettled club career.

Compatibility rating: 5/10

6, Ahmed El Mohamady – ENPPI to Sunderland, £500,000 initial deal

Another shrewd signing by Steve Bruce, who has a habit of picking up highly promising players from untapped markets for very reasonable fees (think Wilson Palacios, Maynor Figueroa etc).

El Mohamady is a player I picked out at the African Cup of Nations 2010 (http://www.just-football.com/2010/02/african-cup-of-nations-2010-team-of/) after he excelled down the right hand side as wingback in Egypt’s 3-5-2 system, and the former ENPPI right-back-***-winger’s stamina and versatility mark him out as a player with a very bright future.

It also appears his transition to English football has been seamless – El Mohamady was named man of the match on Sunderland’s official website for the 1-0 win over Manchester City. A great signing.

Compatibility rating: 8.5/10

7, Peter Odemwingie – Lokomotiv Moscow to West Bromwich Albion, undisclosed fee

Sadly most of the talk about this move was less about the player and more the racist banner unveiled by Lokomotiv fans to celebrate Odemwingie’s departure (though any racist connotations have been denied by many in Russia – ahem, yeah right).

That aside, the move is an intriguing one for an enigmatic player who, when the mood takes him, can be quite dazzling.

I remember being there to see him play for Lille against Manchester United in 2007 and he was excellent; vibrant upfront and unlucky to have a goal disallowed by a dubious offside call. Odemwingie was an important part of the Lille side that qualified for the Champions League three times in five seasons under Claude Puel.

A star turn for Nigeria (when not having run-ins with the coach), Odemwingie has won over 50 caps for the Super Eagles, and will add to Roberto Di Matteo’s options through sheer flexibility. He can play as a lone striker, off a target man in a 4-4-2, either side of a 4-3-3 attacking trident or as an advanced wide forward.

A big move for the player, whose career has drifted somewhat over the last three years in Russia. At 29 this is a handsome opportunity.

Compatibility rating: 7/10

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Essien forever in Appiah's shadow

Jonathan Fadugba — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 16:38:00 GMT

Founder and editor of Just Football Jonathan Fadugba on two of the finest midfielders Western Africa has ever seen

What is a legend? What does the word mean? What does it signify when you describe someone as legendary?

In the modern day lexicon, legend has passed into regular usage. For people under a certain age it is thrown around casually. Indeed the axiom, “Legend is a word thrown around all too casually these days, but…” is one of the most overused phrases around today, which pretty much exemplifies my point.

In England, a million and one legends are crowned every day. Someone might ask you the time, and you respond accordingly. “10.30.”

“Thanks mate, you’re a legend.” There you go. Legend. Done.

The term’s resonance has been watered down in recent times, but in a sport that creates as many heroic characters as football, room still exists for the word in its truer sense, somewhere.

Defining a legend is an issue Ghana has had cause to contemplate of late, after two fairly major pieces of national team news emerged neatly at around the same time.

First, news broke of the decision by Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien to temporarily put his international career on hold.

"I think I will be taking a break,” Essien was reported to have said. “Not retiring, just not playing all the time. I have to take the right decision for myself. “I don't know whether they will be disappointed because they have done fine without me."

After fighting back from a long-term injury sustained on international duty with Ghana at the African Cup of Nations in Angola earlier this year, Essien announced he would be ruling himself out of international duty for the foreseeable future in order to concentrate on maintaining form and fitness for club.

Then, only days later Stephen Appiah, captain and Black Stars stalwart, announced his own permanent retirement from international football.

“I have thought long and hard over this decision with my family, the Ghana FA and my friends. I think that this is the right moment for me to make way for the younger ones to take over the mantle because I believe they are capable.

“Ghana football has given me a lot and for that I am grateful to the people of my country for giving me the noble opportunity to represent them. It is now time for me to concentrate on my club career but I am available in any capacity to help my country if my country needs my experience and knowledge.”

For one of these subjects, the announcement provoked renewed nostalgia, pride and eternal admiration in the hearts and minds of Ghanaian people. For the other, it led to barely concealed contempt.

In Ghana, Stephen Appiah always has been and likely always will be a national treasure. He is their icon, their leader, their David Beckham – if Beckham possessed the heart of a lion and the charisma and unifying powers of a statesman.

Since Stephen Appiah first donned national colours in 1996, at sixteen, Ghana has been on an upward curve that culminated in the West African nation becoming one of the best eight teams in the world. You might argue Appiah’s presence and Ghana’s rise are not coincidental.

Football connoisseurs in Ghana will tell you that, while the current generation of Black Stars made it to two World Cups, it was the team of Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah that was truly Ghana’s most brilliant. Problem was, internal rifts were widespread. The Pele/Yeboah fallout is infamous. The two just could not get along. The resulting fractured team spirit ultimately and sadly caused the downfall of a potentially great Ghana team.

Then Stephen Appiah came along. Unifier of the people, bringer of peace, Appiah used his diplomatic skills, charisma and immense leadership qualities to patch up, if not totally heal, internal rifts within a notoriously divided Ghana camp. The spirit Appiah created was absolutely fundamental in Ghana becoming a united front, and as captain his presence was vital in leading Ghana to their first ever World Cup in 2006.

His passion, commitment and dedication to the Black Stars shirt is also the stuff of legend. When Ghana needed their captain at the 2004 Olympics, Stephen Appiah was there, diverting his attention away from Juventus in the middle of an excellent first season in Turin.

When his world was turned cold by a serious, infected knee injury that would have ended the careers of lesser men, and his club Fenerbahce turned it’s back on him and offered no support, Appiah was there, dragging himself around the world for country, travelling to the 2008 African Cup of Nations just to help out where needed.

And, in an incident that will probably come to define Stephen Appiah in a Ghana shirt, when handed the responsibility of a decisive penalty to advance his side through to the knockout stages of World Cup 2006 in Nuremberg, the Black Stars’ number 10 was there, elevating his countrymen to new heights.

Contrastingly, there is Michael Essien. To date, Essien’s international career has, unfortunately, failed to really take off. Three times he has been injured while on international duty. Consequently Chelsea’s midfield machine has often been absent for Ghana’s milestone moments.

When Ghana played their second round World Cup match against Brazil in 2006, Essien was not there, ruled out through suspension. When a youthful Black Stars team unexpectedly advanced to the final of the 2010 African Cup of Nations, Essien was not there, injured after playing just a handful of minutes. Indeed, that same injury meant Essien was also not there for the greatest achievement in Ghana’s football history in South Africa.

And while bad luck has unquestionably played a part in Essien’s rocky relationship with country, so too have some dubious decisions. In 2006 ‘the Bison’ missed the African Cup of Nations through an injury sustained with Chelsea. Ghana suffered badly in his absence and were eliminated at the group stage. Days later, Essien played in the Premier League. People were livid. To this day, some still accuse him of faking injury in order to dodge national duty.

“I want Essien to know that we are tired of his antics. When the great Abedi Pele played for us, he was an even a better player yet Abedi never turned his back on his nation,” wrote one Ghanaian journalist regarding Essien’s recent choice. The stream of disapproving articles in the Ghanaian media since has been telling.

For football supporters in Ghana, remaining humble and mindful of your roots is valued as importantly, if not more so, than raw talent. Stephen Appiah possessed both in abundance. Thus, he has earned legendary status.

"For us Stephen Appiah has become a symbol of our football history as he proudly represented the badge,” Ghana’s FA stated in an announcement of their intention to honour Appiah’s contribution to Ghana with a testimonial later this year. “He is an example for all, for the youth and future generations. We are very proud to have had the honour of having worked with such a true leader.”

In terms of ability Michael Essien is one of the most gifted midfielders in the world, let alone Africa. But doubts about his commitment to country, exacerbated by other off-field issues that have clouded his reputation, and now this quasi-international retirement, mean Essien is a long way from becoming a legend.

In the eyes of the Ghanaian people, rightly or wrongly, Essien may never be considered with the love, warmth and admiration of their legendary number 10.

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2010: Africa's annus mirabilis

Jonathan Fadugba — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 06:30:00 GMT

Welcome to a new blog all about African football. And who better to write it than Just Football founder and editor Jonathan Fadugba?

It has been a big year for Africa. Everyone knows about FIFA entrusting South Africa with the World Cup, but beyond that the continent in fact provided the stage for the football world’s major showpiece events for almost a calendar year.

First, Egypt hosted the Under-20s World Cup back in October 2009. Nigeria then entertained guests at the U-17s World Cup. Angola staged the increasingly prominent African Cup of Nations at the turn of the year. Finally, to culminate Africa’s year in the spotlight, South Africa invited the entire world round for a month long party with the World Cup in June.

The party was eventful. There was plenty of singing and dancing. A few scuffles broke out, some major (France). A drunken uncle staggered about wearily before embarrassing himself (England). There was romance (Ghana), swiftly followed by heartbreak (Uruguay). And, predictably, the best looker in the house got the girl in the end (Spain), though not without a brutal showdown with the playground bully (Netherlands).

Now all that remains are fond memories and an almighty hangover. "How do we live without 2010?" asked one South African journalist, not knowing where to turn. Like a child lost in a supermarket, the sense of missing purpose and post-euphoric emptiness epitomised the sentiments of a nation.

Rough as they are, hangover days are often the best times for reflection. So after the single biggest sporting event in the continent’s history it's worth taking a moment to assess the current state of African football.

CHANGING PERCEPTIONS
This year brought about a complete turnaround in the perception of African football in the international community. Previously, playing up the harmless underdog role of African teams at World Cups was de rigeur, taken to an extent that at times bordered patronising.

Since 1970, when Africa first gained a permanent qualifying spot for the world’s biggest football competition, it has almost always been cast in the quirky sub-plot role, not quite taken seriously. African teams are there to add colour and entertainment – a soothing early tonic prior to the grown-up stuff. If international football was a Scooby-Doo cartoon, Africa would undoubtedly be Shaggy.

Think of every major African talking point in the history of the World Cup pre-2010 and most conjure either humour (Roger Milla by the corner flag), irreverence (Zaire 1974) or light-hearted, pat-on-the-head praise (Cameroon ’90, Senegal ’02). Like that awkwardly eccentric but funny friend of yours; great to have around, but you wouldn’t ask him to plan your wedding.

South Africa’s World Cup therefore represents a sea change in perception for the continent at large (I group the continent’s perception collectively because so many fail to disassociate the 54 vastly different countries).

While normally fun to have around, this time, South Africa and Ghana apart, the African contingent, at least from a playing perspective, really weren’t. In fact they were quite dull.

Five of six sides failed to make it past the first group phase. African teams won only four of their 20 games. Cameroon were the first of all 32 nations to be eliminated. And genuinely memorable moments were few and far between; stifled either by limited talent or the failings of coaches who neglected to take chances.

Ghana come home heroes – but they were the exception

When Yakubu missing an open goal is one of the memories of the tournament from an African perspective, you know there was little to get excited about. Ghana’s refreshing swagger and astonishingly dramatic downfall thankfully punctuated the malaise, but the more reflective reader will recognise that on the pitch this was scarcely Africa’s year.

The flipside to this however is an upside that far outweighs the relative trivialities any on-pitch success could ever hope to deliver. For this was the year that Africa gave the world a glimpse of its vast potential, a month-long demonstration of all that is possible.

Yes, this message has been mentioned a thousand times over by press and pundits alike, to an extent that may dilute as much as emphasise its significance. But South Africa staging a successful World Cup is such a giant leap forwards in terms of Africa’s status in the eyes of the wider international community that it really cannot be overstated.

STAB-PROOF VESTS, GOING CHEAP
Take the pre-tournament words of Bayern Munich president Uli Hoeness, a hugely influential figure in German football: "I was never a friend of a World Cup in South Africa and Africa as long is the security issue is not 100 percent solved. I always considered it wrong... I am convinced that deep down Mr Blatter has realised that giving the World Cup to South Africa was one of the biggest wrong decisions he ever made."

SA2010 proved beyond doubt just how narrow-minded such archaic views really are. No one was kidnapped. The machete-wielding gangs and poisonous snakes we were informed would be rampaging the streets looking for tourists never materialised. And those cute St George’s flag-bearing England stab-proof vests were shown to be about as useful as a vuvuzela in a library.

The specially-created World Cup courts did slow business, with only 100 people convicted. Games kicked off on time. There were no floodlight failures. The stadiums are truly breathtaking – any list of the world’s best stadia must now sit Cape Town’s Green Point Stadium, Durban’s Moses Mabhida and Soccer City alongside the likes of Camp Nou, Old Trafford and the Azteca.

Arch-itecture: the Moses Mabhida

The transport infrastructure is enriched and will benefit the lives of ordinary South Africans for years to come. The South African government announced a 1% rise in annual growth, far higher than pre-tournament forecasts of 0.4%. And of the 500,000-odd foreign visitors to South Africa, a post-tournament survey showed 92% would recommend it as a holiday destination to friends or family.

The economic implications of such a boost to tourism could be worth billions of Rand. Economic consequences can be counted. But the overwhelming joy of the South African people and the unifying effect of a World Cup on a nation scarred by a history of division are immeasurable.

The tangible sense of pan-African unity embodied by the near unanimous backing of Ghana in their run to within a penalty kick of the semi-finals also reflected wonderfully the genuine, wholly innocent feeling among Africans that this really was their World Cup.

It says a lot for the power of sport that a simple month long football tournament can have such profound consequences for the image of an entire continent. But the naysayers have been silenced. Jacob Zuma mentioned a bid for the Olympics and no-one bats an eyelid. The IOC will encourage African bids for the 2020 Games. Previously they wouldn’t have even contemplated it. "Of all the 19 World Cups, dating back to Uruguay in 1930, none has left such a legacy as South Africa 2010," wrote Henry Winter in The Daily Telegraph.

Performance-wise Africa offered little at World Cup 2010, Ghana aside (and I’ll be assessing the reasons why in future blogs). But in climbing its way onto the same platform as the rest of the world by proving it possesses the organisational and logistical skills required to stage an event of such magnitude, June 11th – July 11th 2010 was by far the most important and successful month in the history of African football.

Uli Hoeness might not like it. But chief organiser Danny Jordaan had a message for the Afro-pessimists post-World Cup, and he put it better than anyone: "Just stand in the corner and sulk. We'll just leave you in the corner."

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