Andrew Muchineripi Soccer
The first round of the African Cup of Nations delivered 21 goals, seven enjoyable matches, more highs and lows than normally found on a weather chart, and further proof that the only certainty in football is uncertainty.
Ghana and Cameroon set a lively pace in the opening match and it has barely slackened except for the drab goalless stalemate between Algeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Excitement comes from individual brilliance and unexpected results, and Nigerian midfielder Augustine “Jay Jay” Okocha staked an early claim for the player-of- the-tournament award with a superb display against Tunisia.
This match also demonstrated how fallible footballers can be, with 35-year-old Tunisian goalkeeper Chokri al-Ouaer allowing a shot struck without any great venom to slip between his legs into the net.
The goal put Nigeria ahead for the second time just when the technically gifted North Africans appeared to be getting on top before a colourful and vibrant capacity crowd at Surulere Stadium.
Nigeria triumphed 4-2 to confirm the belief of many that the African Unity Cup is going to remain in Lagos after the final on February 13, with title-holders Egypt the next most impressive team.
After preparations rocked by poor results, technical changes and debates over whether French coach Gerard Gili is worth R210E000 a month, the Pharaohs sent a strong signal that they are determined to defy history.
No country has successfully defended the rocket-shaped trophy since Ghana in 1965, when the finals attracted just six teams and Europe-based African footballers were virtually unknown.
Emmanuel Maradas, editor of African Soccer magazine and widely respected as the best football journalist on the continent, felt Zambia would finish among the top three.
But Chipolopolo (Copper Bullets) were often chasing shadows in the first half against Egypt and when captain Hossam Hassan scored a second goal after half-time, the North Africans drew behind a defensive curtain.
One often senses in Africa that attack is the only art appreciated by the millions who follow the game. Well, watching the Egyptians defend can be an equally satisfying experience.
Zambia pinned them inside their own half for long periods, but goalkeeper Nader al- Sayed and central defender Abdelzaher al- Sakka stood out during a magnificent rearguard action.
Nations Cup-winning teams are built from the back – Egypt conceded only one goal in 570 minutes two years ago – and no team protected its goal better in the eight first-round matches.
If Egypt have been the immovable object, Nigeria have been the irresistible force, eventually ripping apart a Tunisian defence normally meaner than Ebenezer Scrooge when it comes to conceding goals.
The calm authority of deep-lying midfielder Sunday Oliseh, the exuberance of shoot-on- sight Okocha, the delicate flicks of African Footballer of the Year Nwankwo Kanu and the predatory instincts of Victor Ikpeba are a potent mix and one Bafana Bafana will have to defuse should they reach the semi-finals.
Kanu, Okocha and Ikpeba against Lucas Radebe, Pierre Issa and Eric Tinkler. What a thrilling prospect.
While Nigeria, Egypt and South Africa should be satisfied with their first appearances, Cameroon, Cte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Morocco and Tunisia have considerable room for improvement.
Cameroon wasted more chances against defensively vulnerable Ghana than some teams will create in the tournament, Cte d’Ivoire looked good only until Togo attacked them, and Morocco were fortunate to overcome Congo.
Tunisia, at times technically superb as they pushed the ball around during the first half against Nigeria, fell apart once Al-Ouaer blundered and must defeat Morocco on Saturday to stay in contention.
The second series of matches began on Thursday and continues on Friday when Nigeria face Congo, Egypt tackle Senegal in a top-of-the-table Group C clash, and Cameroon meet Cte d’Ivoire in a potentially explosive Group A game.
After Morocco and Tunisia on Saturday come Burkina Faso versus Zambia and Algeria versus Gabon, whose striker Shiva Nzigou (16) became the youngest footballer to play and score in the tournament (in the game against South Africa).
Other unknown or unsung players to impress include defenders Abdellilah Saber (Morocco) and Abdelaziz Benhamlet (Algeria), and midfielders Lantame Ouadja (Togo) and Daniel Cousin (Gabon).
On the negative side, some of the shooting would embarrass amateurs, some teams do not understand what running off the ball means, and the quality of passing in a few matches left much to be desired.
ENDS