African Cup of Nations

Forget Super Tuesday, what about Super Thursday?

By Ravin Sampat ⋅ February 7, 2008 ⋅  Print This Post ⋅ Post a comment

The world watched Super Tuesday with interest, but it should pay attention to Super Thursday too, writes Ravin Sampat

It was very interesting watching Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton headline Super Tuesday with some amazing political rhetoric. All the world’s eyes were on the US Presidential election nominations, but let’s not forget the other big day this week, in the world of football at least.

No not Capello’s first match in charge as England coach. Not even Sunday’s tie between Chelsea and Liverpool. Think harder. Despite its lack of significant press coverage, the semi-finals of the African Cup of Nations will no doubt mean that when the final is played on February 10th, it is guaranteed to be an amazing finish to a thoroughly enjoyable tournament.

The tournament has done well in many regards. There has only been two 0-0 bore draws in the tournament so far, emphasising that goals have been arriving in their numbers - 86 have been scored so far. They haven’t just been simple tap-ins either.

If the two free-kicks in the pulsating Cameroon-Tunisia match was anything to go by then clearly the quality of goals in this year’s competition has exceeded expectations. When the goal of the tournament panel meets up on the eve of Sunday’s final, they might want to wait until the final match is played out, with a stunner more than a possibility in the deciding encounter.

Like all good things though, the competition must come to the end. What a shame. Not only has the level of football considerably improved since the 2006 tournament, but the professionalism and attitude of all the African players has been fantastic. For many the African Cup of Nations is what they wait for. A chance to represent their country and their continent. For others, the tournament provides an opportunity to be recognised, and thus hope for a future transfer.

The tournament is now down to four sides, with two mouth-watering ties in prospect. Hosts Ghana will square off against Cameroon, whilst champions Egypt will face the favourites, Ivory Coast, in a re-run of the 2006 final.

The four nations each play a brand of attacking football. But each also has its own uniqueness that makes the prospect of a super final even better. Ghana has developed a quality team around Essien, Mensah and Muntari. They have come along extremely well since their exploits in the 2006 World Cup and as hosts, they have the slight advantage over their Cameroonian counterparts.

So what about Cameroon? 2002 champions Cameroon are probably the most recognisable African team, due largely to that amazing run in the 1990 World Cup. So many famous names are associated with the Cameroonians, but none so more then Barcelona striker Samuel Eto’o. Eto’o is now the record goalscorer of all time at the ACN with 16 goals. One of the best strikers on the globe, Cameroon’s position is greatly strengthened with the presence of the Barcelona hit man.

But then football is about a team and not individuals. This brings us onto the Ivory Coast. The White Elephants are still reeling from their defeat to Egypt in 2006, and will want to exact revenge. The Ivorians have one of the most balanced sides. The defence is led by Arsenal’s Kolo Toure; the midfield hub combines Spurs’ Zokora and Barça’s Yaya Toure, whilst the strike-force is led by Chelsea’s Didier Drogba, flanked by team-mate Salomon Kalou and Sevilla’s Arouna Kone. This is by far Africa’s most potent attack. All over for Egypt then?

Not so. Egypt are the only ‘team’ left in the competition. By team, Egypt’s performances have shown what teamwork means. There is no reliance on any one member but instead the Egyptian coaching staff have every player filling multiple roles.

Whilst Ghana are the home nation, Cameroon the most recognised, and the Ivory Coast the young pretenders, Egypt actually have the team, the mentality and excellent work ethic to win this year’s tournament. The Egyptians do not have superstars per se (apart, perhaps, from Mohammed Zidan), neither do they have individuals on the level of one Samuel Eto’o, but instead they are an organised outfit that play excellent one-touch football. Egypt have been impressive, not least because of the manner in which they kill games off. When they need to turn it on, they do (beating Cameroon 4-2 in the opening group match); when they must grind the result out, they do that well also (beating Angola 2-1 in the quarters). Eight players have more than 40 caps, demonstrating vast experience. Many write the Egyptians off but that might prove a foolish forecast.

The big question now is which two nations will progress. I would bet on an Egypt–Ghana final, but one thing is guaranteed: football fans are in for a treat come Thursday.

So as I end this piece with Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama’s results “too close to call”, this Thursday is guaranteed to be just as exciting as some election in some far away country. Whilst everyone is reflecting on Super Tuesday, just remember that Super Thursday is upon us – and that it is time to switch your attention.

TV coverage

Ivory Coast v Egypt & Ghana v Cameroon
Thursday, 5pm and 8pm

BBCi, BBC World Service, BBC Three
Eurosport

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