Africa Cup of Nations in Full Swing

Saturday January 28, 2006

Egypt is currently hosting Africa's most prestigious football (soccer) championship, the Africa Cup of Nations. Given that most Africans are extremely passionate about their soccer, emotions are running high throughout this tournament. The South Africans have been embarrassed by their team's poor performance and are out of the running as are the Libyans whose fans expressed their disappointment by wrecking part of a stadium.

The Egyptians sealed a place in the Quarter Finals and were joined by the Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Guinea, DRC, Cameroon, Nigeria and Senegal. The host nation was still reeling from a ferry disaster that claimed hundreds of lives when their team did them proud with an easy quarter final win over the DRC. Senegal, Nigeria and the Ivory Coast all won their matches and met in the Semi-finals which were held on the 6th and 7th of February (2006).

Egypt's Pharaohs sealed their spot in the finals with a good win over Senegal and will meet the Ivorians who beat Nigeria's Super Eagles. The finals will be held on Friday, 10 February (2006).

This is a very entertaining tournament where the team names are as flamboyant as players' hairstyles. The Moroccans are The Atlas Lions; the Egyptians are The Pharaohs; Senegal are The Lions of Teranga; and my favorite African team, Cameroon are The Indomitable Lions. The BBC has recently put up some wonderful shots of fans in the stands.

The soccer is as good as you will see in any world tournament given that a third of all players are professionals in the European Leagues. Scouts from the European Leagues are out in full force to sign up any talent that hasn't been snapped up yet.

If you are planning a trip to Egypt and the Pharaoh's are playing you may get the bazaars to yourself. The following dates are important: