African Cup of Nations
1950s-60s: Early growth of the ANC competition
The origins of the African Nations Cup date back to June 1956, when
the creation of the Confederation of African Football was proposed
during the third FIFA congress in Lisbon. There were immediate plans
for a continental nations tournament to be held, and in February
1957, the first African Cup of Nations took place in Khartoum, Sudan.
There was no qualification for this tournament, the field being
made up of the four founding nations of CAF (Sudan, Egypt, Ethiopia,
and South Africa). South Africa’s refusal to send a multi-racial
squad to the competition led to its disqualification and handed
Ethiopia a bye straight to the final.[1] As a result, only two matches
were played, with Egypt being crowned as the first continental champion
after defeating hosts Sudan in the semifinal and Ethiopia in the
final. Two years later, Egypt hosted the second ANC in Cairo with
the participation of these same three teams. Host and defending
champions Egypt repeated as cup winners, this time downing Sudan.
The field grew to include nine teams for the third ANC in 1962 in
Addis Ababa, and for the first time there was a qualification round
to determine which four teams would play for the title. Host Ethiopia
and reigning champion Egypt received automatic berths, and were
joined in the final four by Nigeria and Tunisia. Egypt made its
third consecutive final appearance, but it was Ethiopia that emerged
as victors, after first beating Tunisia and then downing Egypt in
extra time.
1960s: Ghanaian domination
In 1963, Ghana made its first appearance as it hosted the event,
and won the title after beating Sudan in the final. They repeated
as champions two years later in Tunisia – equalling Egypt
as two-time winners – with a squad that included only two
returning members from the 1963 team.[2]
The 1968 competition’s final tournament format expanded to
include eight of the 22 teams entered in the preliminary rounds.
The qualifying teams were distributed in two groups of four to play
single round-robin tournaments, with the top two teams of each group
advancing to semifinals, a system that remained in use for the finals
until 1992. The Democratic Republic of Congo won its first title,
beating Ghana in the final. Starting with the 1968 tournament, the
competition has been regularly held every two years in even numbered
years. Cote d’Ivoire forward Laurent Pokou led the 1968 and
1970 tournaments in scoring, with six and eight goals respectively,
and his total of 14 goals remains the all-time record for the event.
Play was covered for television for the first time during the 1970
tournament in Sudan,[2] as the hosts lifted the trophy after defeating
Ghana – who were playing their fourth consecutive final.
1970s: A decade of champions
Six different nations won titles from 1970 to 1980: Sudan, Congo-Brazzaville,
Zaire, Morocco, Ghana, and Nigeria. Zaire’s second title in
the 1974 edition (they won their first as the Democratic Republic
of Congo) came after facing Zambia in the final. For the first and
only time to date in the history of the competition, the match had
to be replayed as the first contest between the two sides ended
in a 2-2 draw after extra time. The final was re-staged two days
later with Zaire winning 2-0. Forward Mulamba Ndaye scored all four
of Zaire’s goals in these two matches: he was also the top
scorer of the tournament with nine goals, setting a single-tournament
record that so far remains unequalled. Three months earlier, Zaire
had become the first black African nation to qualify to the FIFA
World Cup. Morocco won their first title in the 1976 ANC held in
Ethiopia and Ghana took its third championship in 1978, becoming
the first nation to win three titles. In 1980, Nigeria hosted the
event and beat Algeria to capture its first honours.
1980s: Cameroonian and Nigerian domination
Ghana’s fourth continental title came in the 1982 cup tournament;
they beat Algeria in the semifinals in extra time, and faced host
Libya in the final. The match ended in a 1-1 draw after 120 minutes
and Ghana won the penalty shootout to become champions. Cameroon
won their first title two years later by beating Nigeria and in
the 1986 cup they faced Egypt – absent from the final since
1962 – with Egypt winning the title on penalty kicks. Cameroon
reached its third consecutive final in the 1988 tournament and won
their second championship by repeating their 1984 victory over Nigeria.
In 1990, Nigeria lost once again as they made their third final
appearance in four tournaments, this time falling to Algeria.
1990s: The arrival of South Africa
The 1992 Cup of Nations expanded the number of final tournament
participants to 12; the teams were divided into four groups of three,
with the top two teams of each group advancing to quarterfinals.
Ghanaian midfielder Abedi “Pelé” Ayew, who scored
three goals, was named the best player of the tournament after his
contributions helped Ghana reach the final; he was, however, suspended
for that match and Ghana lost to Cote d’Ivoire in a penalty
shootout that saw each side make 11 attempts to determine the winner.
Cote d’Ivoire set a record for the competition by holding
each of their opponents scoreless in the six matches of the final
tournament.
The 12-team, three-group format was used again two years later,
where hosts Tunisia were humiliated by their first round elimination.
Nigeria, who had just qualified to the World Cup for the first time
in their history, won the tournament, beating Zambia, who a year
before had been struck by disaster when most of their national squad
died in a plane crash while traveling to play a 1994 World Cup qualification
match. Nigerian forward Rashidi Yekini, who had led the 1992 tournament
with four goals, repeated as the top scorer with five goals.
South Africa hosted the 20th ANC competition in 1996, marking their
first ever appearance after a decades long ban was lifted with the
end of apartheid in the country and a failed attempt to qualify
in 1994. The number of final round participants in 1996 was expanded
to the current 16, split into four groups. However, the actual number
of teams playing in the final was only 15 as Nigeria withdrew from
the tournament at the final moment over security concerns.[3] The
Bafana Bafana won their first title on home soil, defeating Tunisia
in the final. South African captain Neil Tovey became the first
white player to raise the trophy.[4]
The South Africans would reach the final again two years later in
Burkina Faso, but were unable to defend their title, losing to Egypt
who claimed their fourth cup.
2000s: Cameroon’s consecutive titles
The 2000 edition was hosted jointly by Ghana and Nigeria, who replaced
the originally designated host Zimbabwe. Following a 2-2 draw after
extra time in the final, Cameroon defeated Nigeria on penalty kicks.
In 2002, the Indomitable Lions became the first nation to win consecutive
titles since Ghana had done it in the 1960s decade. Again via penalty
kicks, the Cameroonians beat first-time finalists Senegal, who also
debuted in the World Cup later that year. Both finalists were eliminated
in quarter finals two years later in Tunisia, where the hosts won
their first ever title, beating Morocco 2-1 in the final. The 2006
tournament was also won by the hosts, Egypt, who reached a continental-record
fifth title. The 2008 tournament will be hosted by Ghana.
Future
Ahead of the 2008 African Cup of Nations several Premier League
clubs have called for a rethink of the tournament structure. As
it takes place during the English Premier League season, players
who are involved miss crucial matches for their respective clubs.
Portsmouth midfielder Sulley Ali Muntari, Chelsea manager Avram
Grant and Portsmouth assistant manager Joe Jordan all are in favour
of the tournament to be changed to a summer date.[5]
Everton criticised Fifa and the South African Football Association
for insisting Steven Pienaar must report for international duty
immediately. Everton had wanted Pienaar to play in the Carling Cup
semi-final against Chelsea on 8 January 2008 before taking part
in the African Cup of Nations. Everton had argued they did not need
to release Pienaar until after the Chelsea game as South Africa’s
first game in the tournament against Angola was not until 23 January
2008. Fifa backed South Africa’s stance that the 14-day rule
for international players related to the tournament’s opening
game on 20 January 2008 between hosts Ghana and Guinea. Everton
secretary David Harrison said “There’s a distinct grey
area on this ruling - we’re disappointed this has only been
made clear at this late stage.” [6]
Format
Qualification
Since the 1962 tournament, qualification matches have been held
to determine the participants for the finals. From 1962 to 1990
the qualification matches were generally two-legged knockout ties,
with the number of rounds depending upon the number of participants.
From 1994 onwards teams attempting to qualify have been divided
into groups, with teams playing each other on a round robin basis.
Until 2006 the title holders and tournament hosts qualified for
the finals automatically; from 2008 only the hosts qualify automatically.
The nature of the qualification groups varies from tournament to
tournament. As of the 2008 tournament, qualification consists of
eleven groups of four teams and one group of three teams. Each group
winner qualifies, along with the three runners-up with the best
records.
Trophy
Throughout the history of the Nations Cup, three different trophies
have been awarded to the winners of the competition. The original
trophy, made of silver, was the “Abdelaziz Abdallah Salem
Trophy”, which was named after the first CAF president, the
Egyptian Abdelaziz Abdallah Salem. As the first winner of three
Nations Cup tournaments, Ghana obtained the right to permanently
hold the trophy in 1978.[7]
The second trophy was awarded from 1980 to 2000, and it was named
“Trophy of African Unity”[8] or “African Unity
Cup”.[7] It was given by the Supreme Council for Sports in
Africa to the CAF prior to the 1980 tournament and it was a cylindrical
piece with the Olympic rings over a map of the continent engraved
on it. It sat on a squared base and had stylized triangular handles.
Cameroon won the Unity Cup indefinitely after they became three-time
champions in 2000.
In 2001, the third trophy was revealed, a gold-plated cup designed
and made in Italy. Cameroon, permanent holders of the previous trophy,
were the first nation to be awarded the new trophy after they won
the 2002 edition.
English premier league’s African deserters
Nearly forty English premier league players have flown in to Ghana-Accra,
the venue to 2008 African nation’s cup final show down that
stays from 20, January to 10, February. The nation’s biggest
sport’s occasion brings together sixteen African soccer nations
with the tournament taking place in four groups in four different
venues.
Despite the English premier league clubs crying foul for the absurdity
of the event, the continent’s golden boys are coming to the
party in passion. However, only there premier league clubs that
are Aston Villa, Derby County and Manchester City are safe from
the rush hour departure of players. Of those that are serious contenders
of the premier league title the defending champion Manchester United
is the least in concern for only one player from the youth rank
Angolan Manucho to travel to Accra.
With Didier Drogba, John Obi Michael, Salomon Kalu and Michael Essein’s
absence Chelsea appeared to be in danger. Missing specially Drogba
and Essein, Avram Grant’s good run in the league is expected
to be in jeopardy. How ever, league leader Arsenal appears the most
to worry about the exodus. The Gunners solid defense faces not less
than six matches in the absence of Ivorian Kolo Toure. Emmanuel
Ebouye and Song are the other absentees from Arsene Wenger’s
squad. It is time to test the depth of Wenger’s squad. Malian
mid fielder Muhammed Sissoko and Nabil Zhar of Morocco are the only
two absentees for Liverpool.
The one to face the toughest challenge is Harry Redknapp’s
Portsmouth with five decisive players abandoning the side. With
out Bauba Diop of Senegal, John Otuka & Nwanku Kanu of Nigeria,
Sully Munturi of Ghana and Lauren of Cameroon, it is hard to imagine
how Portsmouth could survive in mid table. Together with Sam Alardice,
Geordies lose four players Senegalese Abdoulaye Faye and Habib Baye,
Geremi of Cameroon and Nigerian Obafemi Martin. New Castle is engaged
in a matter might appoint their hero Alan Shearer earlier than expected.
Everton and Reading sent three while Middlesbrough, Bolton, Tottenham,
West Ham, Wigan and Birmingham sent two players each. Sunderland
and Fulham loose one player each. The cup final kicks off 20, January
in Accra with the opening match between Ghana and Guinea.
EFF general assembly elects new executive
committee, Al Amoudi to chair board
The first since the down fall of Dr Asheber W/Giorgis, and his cabinet,
the Ethiopian Football federation general national assembly climaxed
in what is the most surprising ever move that is appointing
advisory board members in addition to electing new Ethiopian Football
Federation executive committee comprising eleven members. Ethiopian
business tycoon Sheik Mohammed Al-Amoudi is chairman of the board.
The long over due EFF national general assembly that starts its
session on Saturday at Ghion Hotel at the presence of Her Excellency
sport and youth minister Aster Mamo and her deputy Ato Abdisa Yadeta
paved the way for the Wednesday historical assembly that is accepting
the resignation of three former EFF executive committee members
His Excellency Wordofa Bekele, Araya Tesfaye, and Ashenafi Ejigu
followed by the walk out of the remaining members Dr Asheber, Assistant
professor Sisay and Kassahun Teka then electing a provisional
committee members to prepare the plat form for the mid week assembly
at Sheraton Addis.
Wednesday was as good and bright day for many the participants who
came to the assembly after a long holyday vacation ready for new
adventure. What happened next was arguably the most promising move
in Ethiopian soccer history that is the election of the eleven members’
new executive committee followed by the appointment of an advisory
board with Sheik Mohammed Al Amoudi the chair person.
Popular among the sport’s family Ato Ahmed Yasin unanimously
elected as president of the executive committee to lead the federation
for the coming four years. The newly elected one woman ten men EFF
executive committee members are Abnet Girmay, Teka Asfaw, Said Damtew,
Tekleberhan Ambaye, Ahmed Yasin, Yesmashewa Seyoum, Daba debele,
Solomon Alemseged W/O Tiruwork Berhanu and Commander Seyoum Gofi.
The new executive committee faces many deep rooted problems inflamed
under the out going committee the one is that of what to do about
the nine week old Ethiopian premier league season.
The surprise move of appointing the advisory board brought together
high government officials as well as successful business owners.
The advisory board chaired by Al Amoudi comprises of Foreign ministry
and Trade and Industry state ministers Tekeda Alemu and Tadesse
Haile respectively, Inland revenue minister Tezera Wedajo, EEPCO
general manager Mehret Debebe the few to be mentioned.
The issue is systematic
The shortest yet the harshest era in the history of Ethiopian football
showed us how little known individual disguised in class and education
could turned out a monster in a mission to ruining every thing in
his path.
The obsession we have that is the ongoing with out serious consideration
of who is coming this time brought Dr Asheber W/Giorgis to EFF presidency
where he ruled the past three years in an iron fist dictatorship.
Forget the press and the fans for the very people closest to him
appeared in public to say he are a stubborn man …to work with.
I think the problem is not mainly with the person who some how grab
the hot seat then rule to his liking. The core problem in my opinion
is lack of a system or having wrongly tuned system is what makes
one a dictator hardly to listen his colleagues.
Dr Asheber was every thing in the federation to the extent of having
a power to hire and fire any one at EFF payroll. There was no system
to curb the power bestowed on him. I don’t think Dr Asheber
was such a man at the beginning of his notorious era. Lack
of well tuned system together with those persons surrounding him
looking for some crumbs in exchange to their soul made him grow
unto a monster no one to stop unless he destroyed any thing in his
custody. No one to stop him before gobbling up even those who feel
closer to him. He even did not know while destroying him self in
process. That is what happened under Dr Asheber’s cabinet.
Was it Napoleon’s fault to crown himself finding the crown
thrown on the dust?
Of course to the surprise of many there were some very loyal to
him ready to sink with the ship captain. An assistant professor
and instructor. Dr Asheber’s era was as messy as possible
since the very start for many the executive members were his hand
picked choices. Since there was no system to govern the federation
the probability of creating a monster out of a decent man was high.
That is how EFF thrown to the lions den and the feast so marveling.
There fore not to repeat history I think the first and biggest assignment
of for the newly elected executive body members should be the formulation
of a system. I hope the new comers are capable and willing to do
so.
To my understanding the newly elected executive members are better
as individuals than the previous ones.
I hope tackling the very most important priority that is setting
up well defined system for the federation will not be unbearable
task for them. ”Go for the task for it will be a monument
for you all” Amen!
Rafa for Liverpool
First of all, to those who want Rafa Benitez to leave, I say you’re
ignorant of the accomplishments he has achieved for the club. Having
said that, you’re probably not even a Liverpool fan to begin
with. The time when Liverpool won the Champion’s League, no
one wanted him to leave then. No one said “I don’t like
Rafa Benitez”. Why is that? Why suddenly you want Rafa to
leave now? Oh, I know. Because Liverpool is going through tough
times. So, you’re calling yourself a supporter but you’re
not willing to hang in when tough times come. I think you better
support Chelski. Anyways, Liverpool not winning the games they should
have may have been contributed by the fact that some key players’
performance have not been consistent enough like last season’s.
I think you know who they are. Also, long injury recovery time for
Agger and Alonso is another factor (Agger and Alonso have been consistent
players throughout). Although Alonso is trying his best to play
his usual game, it’s not there yet for him. So, we have to
wait and while we wait, Gerrard busts his guts so much on the pitch
that he himself has gotten sick. So, I am saying, Liverpool players
have to buck up. Football is a twelve-man game. You, the “fan”,
can’t keep blaming the manager if players display performance
like a twelve year-old who just started playing football. Strikers
especially need to be creative and “play better” (verb
(v): to pass the ball with high accuracy; look for players to pass
the ball and not empty kick it; and support fellow players in the
defense when they need it the most). I like what Rafa has brought
to the club so far. Although I do not necessarily agree with his
rotating policy, I think he’s one of the best managers around,
and he has proven it. Remember when we beat Barcelona at Nou Camp
last season? Remember we beat Porto and Marseille this season? Rafa
should stay and finish his job. And he should be supported in his
decision-making.
Sham Mahmood
Sport Round up 2007
Biggest ever Ethiopian athletics meet-Nov 18, 2007
Ethiopian Coffee wins Union Cup-Nov 18, 2007
Olympic team makes qualification –April 1, 2007
Women’s First run a success- April 8, 2007
Saint stay on course, Defense nose dives- April 15, 2007
Askale takes spotlight in Paris Marathon-April 22, 2007
Christiano Rolando crowned double – April 29, 2007
Saint Kaka sends the ‘devils’ to hell- May 6, 2007
Ethiopian soccer gears for a free fall- May 13, 2007
Meseret bent on breaking world record- May 27, 2007
Ac Milan crowned new European champions- May 27, 2007
Back on track legendary Haile - June 3, 2007
Trunesh soars high in New York- June 10, 2007
Dawit crowned Awasa rally champ- July 1, 2007
Awasa are controversial champions- July 8, 2007
Union chairman Abnet banned for three years- July 15, 2007
Ethiopian women’s squad shine bright in Algiers- July 29,
2007
European women’s side lose to Black Queens- August 5, 2007
Haile wins New York marathon , Meseret Deffar on top of the world-
August 12, 2007
National tennis squad returns-Sep 9, 2007
European national women side walks out of Beijing- August 19, 2007
Opposition demo against EFF-August 26, 2007
Bezunesh Bekele wins Sendaffa- August 26, 2007
Ethopia lose final place after humiliating defeat- Sep 2, 2007
Banks win millenniums mini soccer-Sep 30, 2007
Baher Dar enjoys millennium, Berhane wins Chicago-Oct 23, 2007
Haile joins world marathon giants- Oct 21, 2007
Mitsubishi-Mercedes tennis tournament- Nov 4, 2007
Gete hailed first world marathon, Harar Brewery crowned - Nov
11, 2007
Kenenisa weds in style- Nov 25, 2007
Meseret crowned IAAF world- Dec 2, 2007
Great Ethiopian Run sky rockets- Dec 2, 2007
Kaka takes France foot ball award- Dec 9, 2007
Tanzania hosts 31st CECAFA-Dec 9, 2007
Tesfaye Anbesse wins Honolulu- Dec 16, 2007
Haile’s new millennium new record- Oct 7, 2007
Ethiopian Motor Association powers forward- Oct 7, 2007
Germany wins world soccer title Oct 7, 2007
Ethiopia wins 4th place with four medals-Sep 2, 2007
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