What better day to make my blog debut than on the eve of what should be the most exciting African Nations Cup final ever.
Welcome, everyone, to this, my new-found world. After so many years of informal chit-chatting and fact-extracting (in the middle of the streets even), finally, we (you, my audience, are as much of this as anyone else) get a more civilized playing field, where debates can be carried out in a more orderly manner. Don’t hesitate to send me all your feedback, either directly on the blog, or on my e-mail (chienda.jeremiaha@hotmail.com).
Without further ado, let’s introduce the maiden topic: who will conquer in Ghana?
A lot of people will be quick to say: Ghana! Woo, wo, wait up, Ghana is a strong side, particularly in defense, and they are hosting this year’s tournament, but they don’t exactly have a world-renowned attacking force, and they will be missing their midfield kingpin Steven Appiah. Not only does the former Hearts of Oak star provide some presence in the middle of the park, forming a formidable partnership with the fan’s favorite, Michael Essien; Appiah inspires confidence in the Black Stars, being one of the longest serving members of the team and a general role-model to most of the young guns coming through the ranks. A big blow certainly.
My personal pick in terms of entertainment value is none other that Nigeria’s Super Eagles. The two-time African Champions have got an embarrassment of riches upfront: a mixture of strength, skill, and speed. Watching Berti Vogts’ men should be a something of a spectacle. My only reservation with the Nija’s is their brittle defense. Apart from goalkeeper Austin Ejide and Everton sweeper Joseph Yobo, I don’t see any other characters that can soak up the pressure, at a later stage off course, by, let’s say, the Ivorians. Nigeria’s full squad at the finals consists of only four midfielders against an incredible eight strikers, further highlighting their attack-centric-ness.
In recent years, there has always been a buzz about one team coming into the tournament: the Indomitable Lions. This year, they hasn’t. But that should not rule out the amount of experience and physique that the Cameroonians possess. Plus, I believe that any team that has Samuel Eto’o playing for them should never be ruled out, of anything!
My one concern in the past few days has been: why is no one talking about the North Africans? It seems the most common answer is: because they don’t travel very well. Excuse me, I find that a little too naïve in this day and age, to make such an inconclusive statement. Morocco has got one of the most impressive young squads at the tournament, nurtured by one of the best, in the name of former Ivory Coast mentor, Henri Michel, and their recent performances allow them to be feared. Tunisia boast the tournament’s qualifying round’s top scorer Issam Gonaa and Egypt are not defending champions and five-time winners for nothing.
I feel Mali can be enjoying to watch, with an array of well-statured, skillful players like Sevilla sorcerer Freddie Kanoute and Liverpool midfield-man Momo Sissokko. But a gold medal for them is a little too far-fetched, provided the permeability of their backline. Angola will be a revelation; Bafana Bafana will have something to prove two years before 2010. Sudan will add some authenticity to the tournament, while Benin, Guinea and Namibia will be happy just to be on the pitch.
But anyone with some sense in their head will have to fancy the Ivorians to come out victorious. They were unlucky last time, and I don’t think life’s as cruel as to deprive them another opportunity to put their names in the record books for the second time. Their squad is simply complete, they have the best players in all positions, and they seem to be all fit and ready to go as well. Ivory Coast should be somewhere around there come February the 10th.
What do you think?
Teaser: Did you notice one title-contender that I missed out?
Welcome, everyone, to this, my new-found world. After so many years of informal chit-chatting and fact-extracting (in the middle of the streets even), finally, we (you, my audience, are as much of this as anyone else) get a more civilized playing field, where debates can be carried out in a more orderly manner. Don’t hesitate to send me all your feedback, either directly on the blog, or on my e-mail (chienda.jeremiaha@hotmail.com).
Without further ado, let’s introduce the maiden topic: who will conquer in Ghana?
A lot of people will be quick to say: Ghana! Woo, wo, wait up, Ghana is a strong side, particularly in defense, and they are hosting this year’s tournament, but they don’t exactly have a world-renowned attacking force, and they will be missing their midfield kingpin Steven Appiah. Not only does the former Hearts of Oak star provide some presence in the middle of the park, forming a formidable partnership with the fan’s favorite, Michael Essien; Appiah inspires confidence in the Black Stars, being one of the longest serving members of the team and a general role-model to most of the young guns coming through the ranks. A big blow certainly.
My personal pick in terms of entertainment value is none other that Nigeria’s Super Eagles. The two-time African Champions have got an embarrassment of riches upfront: a mixture of strength, skill, and speed. Watching Berti Vogts’ men should be a something of a spectacle. My only reservation with the Nija’s is their brittle defense. Apart from goalkeeper Austin Ejide and Everton sweeper Joseph Yobo, I don’t see any other characters that can soak up the pressure, at a later stage off course, by, let’s say, the Ivorians. Nigeria’s full squad at the finals consists of only four midfielders against an incredible eight strikers, further highlighting their attack-centric-ness.
In recent years, there has always been a buzz about one team coming into the tournament: the Indomitable Lions. This year, they hasn’t. But that should not rule out the amount of experience and physique that the Cameroonians possess. Plus, I believe that any team that has Samuel Eto’o playing for them should never be ruled out, of anything!
My one concern in the past few days has been: why is no one talking about the North Africans? It seems the most common answer is: because they don’t travel very well. Excuse me, I find that a little too naïve in this day and age, to make such an inconclusive statement. Morocco has got one of the most impressive young squads at the tournament, nurtured by one of the best, in the name of former Ivory Coast mentor, Henri Michel, and their recent performances allow them to be feared. Tunisia boast the tournament’s qualifying round’s top scorer Issam Gonaa and Egypt are not defending champions and five-time winners for nothing.
I feel Mali can be enjoying to watch, with an array of well-statured, skillful players like Sevilla sorcerer Freddie Kanoute and Liverpool midfield-man Momo Sissokko. But a gold medal for them is a little too far-fetched, provided the permeability of their backline. Angola will be a revelation; Bafana Bafana will have something to prove two years before 2010. Sudan will add some authenticity to the tournament, while Benin, Guinea and Namibia will be happy just to be on the pitch.
But anyone with some sense in their head will have to fancy the Ivorians to come out victorious. They were unlucky last time, and I don’t think life’s as cruel as to deprive them another opportunity to put their names in the record books for the second time. Their squad is simply complete, they have the best players in all positions, and they seem to be all fit and ready to go as well. Ivory Coast should be somewhere around there come February the 10th.
What do you think?
Teaser: Did you notice one title-contender that I missed out?
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