…finding a common reason that explains Africa’s disappointment is pointless. This was not a continental failure, rather a combination of mistakes on and off the field, difficult draws and a dose or two of bad luck, all wrapped up in a layer of unrealistic expectation. There was a hope that since this was the first World [...]
So much for this being an African World Cup. Few Africans from outside the host country have been able to make the trip south, while the South Africans who make their trade from football – the informal hawkers and trinket sellers – have been banned from within half a mile of the stadiums. The official World [...]
All 32 countries at the World Cup have this week announced their 30-man provisional squads for next month’s tournament. The coaches have until 1st June to pick their final 23. Algeria, drawn against England, USA and Slovenia, include seven home-based players in their squad but they will rely on those playing in Europe, in particular Portsmouth’s [...]
Africa’s World Cup hopefuls The Ivory Coast coaching circus is over. The last man standing is Sven Goran Eriksson, whose appointment was announced on Ivorian state television last night. Sven won’t find it easy. For a start, he doesn’t speak French. But at least he knows his opponents well. Portugal, who Ivory Coast play on 15th [...]
Africa’s World Cup teams are in trouble. Nigeria and Ivory Coast both sacked their coaches after disappointing performances in the Africa Cup of Nations. Cameroon didn’t sack Paul Le Guen but the team’s tepid performance in Angola hardly augured well for South Africa. Algeria reached the semi-finals but their complete loss of discipline in their [...]
On Sunday night we decided to go to the pub to watch the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. There are dozens of bars in Nairobi with big screens which show football. How hard could it be to find one showing Africa’s biggest football match? As it turned out, pretty much impossible. Ghana versus [...]
The favourites could be knocked out in the first round Ivory Coast are in trouble. Togo’s disqualification/withdrawal (see below) has left Group B with just three teams. Ivory Coast, the tournament favourites, drew their opening match with Burkina Faso meaning they need to beat Ghana tomorrow to guarantee a place in the quarter-finals. Anything less [...]
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