African Cup Of Nations, A Sad Beginning

African Cup Of Nations, A Sad Beginning

The African Cup of Nations is set to kick-off on January 10, 2010 in Angola. Instead of the excitement to watch the greatest African soccer players in action, the African Soccer Confederation and the world is mourning the unfortunate incident which occured during the Togo national team trip to Angola, two days prior. As the bus carrying the Togolese players crossed Congo into Angola, it was ambushed by a group of rebels.

 Among the players is Emmanuel Adebayor, who was not injured in the attack, but is one of the best strikers, from Africa, playing for Manchester City in England. The attack in the northern enclave of Cabinda killed an assistant coach, a press officer and the bus driver, and injured several other players, including goal keeper “Kodjovi Obilale” who is in intensive care in Johannesburg South Africa.  

The team flew back home as the Togo sport minister said: “We can’t be in a period of mourning and at the same time be in a festival of sport”. At the cup opening today, host Angola and Mali have observed a moment of silence to show their support towards the Togolese team. This game ended in a tie (4-4).

The tournament went on; Didier Drogba of Ivory Coast (club: Chelsea, England), Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon (club: Inter Milan, Italy), Michael Essien of Ghana (club: Chelsea, England), Freddie Kanoute of Mali (club: Seville, Spain) and Kolo Toure of Ivory Coast (club: Manchester City, England), are amongst the big names taking part in the tournament. Emmanuel Adebayor of Togo would have been part of the group.

Soccer is a game of peace and fraternity. No group is powerful enough to disturb the great spirit of the game.

For more information on the African Cup of Nations, visit: http://www.cafonline.com