View From Africa: Nations Cup Report

Ibrahima Fode Ndiaye

This was by far the best African Cup of Nations in terms of quality of play, goals as well and even atmosphere. The 26^th tournament was won by Egypt, the most accomplished collective team. We also saw the record for goals in one tournament broken 99 goals in 32 encounters with an average of 3.3 goals per game which is a fantastic figure. Let‘s look back at Ghana 2008 to see who made the headlines with great displays or their lack of

them.

Winners

Egypt came to the tournament as many people’s favourites, only second to Ivory Coast in the betting. But their intricate passing games surprised more than one team and got led them to the title, creating in the process a new record of six continental trophies. The North Africans turned to their rich professional local league for team selection and it paid off as their understanding and teamwork were too much for all their opponents.

The Youthful Revelation: Manucho

The Angolan striker was noticed with his mobility, jumping power and clinical finishing as well as his dribbling skills. The new Manchester United signing netted 4 sublime goals and won a place in the best eleven, even ahead of Drogba and Eto’o. A loan move to Panathinaikos will give him extra first team football and on his performances here he can surely make the grade at Old Trafford.

The Player of the Tournament: Hosni Abd Raboh

The Egyptian midfielder scored 4 goals and seduced the footballing world with his combative style, passing range and great shot. Many saw him as the Egypt’s catalyst and his skills were at times out of this world. His standing has shot up and it would not be a surprise to see a big European club move in for his signature.

The Hero: Mohamed Aboutrika

The Al Ahly attacking midfield was the hero of the final scoring the only goal, his fourth of the tournament. He created a wealth of problems for the Cameroon defence bringing out the very best in ‘keeper Kameni. He was certainly one of the most consistent players in the tournament and it was justice was served when he popped up to get the winner.

The Defensive Disappointments: Kolo Toure and Rigobert Song

The Arsenal centre back was at fault for two of the four goals Ivory Coast conceded during their semi final clash against Egypt and for a defender of his standards this is unacceptable. Song himself was below par in the final and the Cameroonian dinosaur made a series of pathetic mistakes, culminating in a terrible error that led to the goal on the biggest stage of the tournament. His (Song’s) big bad mistake allowed Egypt to claim their sixth title without having to dig deep and use their final reserves.

The Attacking Disappointments: Eto’o and Drogba

Despite the fact that Eto’o finished as top scorer (5goals) for the tournament and is now the all time Nations Cup leading scorer (16goals) it was courtesy of three penalties and two easy finishes. When Cameroon really needed their ace to step up he was dire and invisible. The same thing could be said of Drogba who lost three one on one battles against the Egyptian goalkeeper in their very important semi final show down. Overall these two African giants of the European game disappointed fans across the continent, who expected far far better.

Conclusion

As usual the Nations Cup has brought a new selection of names to the attention of millions. The tournament keeps getting better in terms of quality and the teams becoming more and more tactically aware. With the World Cup on African soil in 2010, what price Pele being proved right (albeit a little late) about an African side finally lifting the biggest prize of all.