Sunday 31 January 2010

Perfect Pharaohs Beat Superb Black Stars

 By Hakeem Babalola
Egypt maintained their perfect record in the 2010 Nations Cup by defeating Ghana by a lone goal in the final at Estadio 11 Novembro in Luanda, Angola.

It seemed at some point that the match would go on to the extra-time until the 85th minutes when Gedo through a one touch pass netted home the winning goal in the 85th minute.

The Pharaohs have become the first nation to win the cup for three consecutive times having won it in 2008 and 2006 respectively.

Egypt who is unbeaten in the tournament has now lifted the trophy for the seventh time thus extend their record as the most successful nation.

Although Egypt did not qualify for the South Africa 2010 World Cup in June, the win is a solid consolation for the Pharaohs who defeated Algeria who had sealed their world cup hope - by 4-0 in the semi-final read more

Saturday 30 January 2010

CAF Decision To Suspend Togo Laughable

 By Hakeem Babalola                                     

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) have suspended Togo national team from participating in the next two nations cup.

In addition, CAF also fined the Hawks $50,000 for quitting the competition. 

The decision by CAF to suspend Togo is due to the latter's withdrawal from 2010 Angola Orange Cup.

CAF president Issa Hayatou told AFP the decision was based on "governmental interference", which led to the team's decision to pull out of this year's edition.

Meanwhile, the Togo government has protested the decision, threatening court action.

It could be recalled that three members of the team were killed when the rebels in the region attacked them a day before the competition on their way to the tournament arena. .  

The armed wing of the Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC) claimed responsibility for the attack.

CAF DECISION LAUGHABLE

Small Voice says Hayatou led CAF is not serious in their myopic and selfish decision to suspend a nation which suffered such tragedy. If there's anyone to be suspended, it should be Hayatou and his entire cabinet who seems to prefer business management to human safety. 

They should all be ashamed of themselves for such impaired thinking. Small Voice therefore urges CAF to rescind its decision immediately as it portrays them as people without sound judgement.

What should Togo have done? To take part in spite of the tragedy? This is sadistic expectation in its highest form. Will CAF have made the same decision if one of the dead players was a son of any members of CAF? So the one minute silence for the dead players during matches was hypocritical.

The ball is in Mr. Hayatou court to save CAF from embarrassment over the suspension of Togo. It is simply a callous way of management. Those guys lost their lives due to lack of security by the organisers of the tournament read more


Thursday 28 January 2010

Young Black Stars Beat Old Super Eagles

 By Hakeem Babalola


The Black Stars of Ghana defeated the Semi final specialists, the Super Eagles of Nigeria by a million lone goal in a match the latter had better possession.

The Super Eagles had many chances while the Black Stars converted only the chance they have. Ghanaian goal came in the 21st minute from a corner kick which was beautifully headed in by Asamoah Gyan.

The goal happens to be the only and the winning goal of the match for the young Black Stars who have won the tournament four times but have not since 1982.

The old Super Eagles however have won the cup twice but have since become the semi-final specialists ever since they won the cup in 1994. They have appeared in 13 semi-finals.

While the Super Eagles paraded most of their old players, the Black Stars made use of the team that won the Under-20.

Ghana will now meet Egypt who trashed Algeria 4-0 in the other semi-final in Sunday's final.

It will be recalled that Algeria had sealed Egypt hope of qualifying for the South Africa 2010 world cup last year. What a sweet revenge for the Pharaohs. 

Nigeria and Algeria will fight it out for the third position on Saturday.

Eurospot will show both matches live at 17.00 (Eastern European Time)



Wednesday 27 January 2010

Judge awards N100 million damages to Uzoma Okere, victim of Admiral Harry Arogundade's madness





Click here to read the judgment

Photo Speak


Why and how do things get to this death wish point in Nigeria? The country is said to be the 6th largest producer of oil, yet majority live in abject poverty. The former transport minister now foreign affairs minister, Ojo Madukwe, proposed the use of bicycle while he rode custom made series of cars made in other countries. Small Voice asks again, why this death trap mode of transportation?

Monday 25 January 2010

Nations Cup: S/finals Debut

By Hakeem Babalola


The 27th African cup of nations which began last week has reached its crucial stage. Four nations have qualified for the semi-finals of the tournament that has produced intrigues, surprises, bad and good officiating and so forth. 


It is more interesting because the semi-finals are being shared by North and West African participants.

To qualify for this stage, Nigeria managed to beat Zambia by 5 goals to 4 on penalty kicks after a goalless draw at the end of the extra-time. 

Egypt defeated Cameroon by 3 goals to 1 through a controversial free-kick that should not have been a goal.

Earlier, Ghana had dashed the hope of the host nation by a lone goal while Algeria proved the analysts wrong by beating the tournament's favorite - Ivory Coast by 3-2 in a classic game   

The semi-final matches will be played on Thursday at 17. 00 and 20.30 CET respectively and to be shown on Eurosport. 

Ghana v Nigeria; Algeria v Egypt

Egypt vs Cameroon: Referee Spoilt It

 By Hakeem Babalola

 Egypt 3 Cameroon 1 (No thanks to bad officiating)


The South African referee spoilt what otherwise could have been one of the best matches played so far at the ongoing cup of nations in Angola when he hastily awarded a rebound shot to Egypt which gave the Pharaohs a two goal advantage.

Both teams displayed quality football with Cameroon coming stronger towards the end of the first half and even until the final whistle of the 90 minutes.

Although Cameroon dominated the game, it ended1-1 draw. The Indomitable Lions found the net first through a tricky corner while Egypt equalized through a long range shot that caught Cameroonian goalkeeper unaware.

The extra time started with a costly mistake from Geremi, the central defender whose short pass was capitalized on by the running Egyptian striker who made no mistake in giving his side the much needed second goal.

The referee helped the Pharaohs to incapacitate the Indomitable Lions claws by awarding a rebound free kick shot that did not cross the line as repeatedly shown by Eurosport.

It remains to be heard whether Cameroon will protest such grave mistake from the referee.

It seems the referees are spoiling the game of football with their silly errors on the field.

During the World Cup qualifying match between France and Ireland last year, Thiery Henry of France manipulated the ball with his hand which resulted into a goal for his side. The goal was counted despite the fact that the replay states otherwise.

In 1986 FIFA World Cup, Diego Maradonna of Argentina scored the first goal which is now known as the hands of God against England in the quarter final match. Argentina went on to win the tournament.

Small Voice believes that the most glamorous game in the world would soon lose its value if the referees continue to make silly mistakes on the pitch.

Sunday 24 January 2010

Nations Cup: Algeria Stun I/Coast


By Hakeem Babalola

Algeria came twice from behind and in fact from the brink of losing to defeat the tournament favorite, Ivory Coast by 3 goals to 2 in a classic-epic quarter final match.

Ivory Coast quickly settled down and scored in the 4th minute through Kalou's face to face with the goalkeeper. Algeria dominated the rest of the first half and got a deserving goal just five minutes from the end of the half. 

Both teams approached the second half with caution. Still 1-1 draw a minute from the end, Kaita struck with a thunderbolt shot and scored what appears to be the winning goal and probably the best goal of the tournament. Spectators and even analysts had thought that Ivory Coast have won the game but the resilient Algerians equalized through header at the dying minute.

And two minutes into the first half of the extra time, Algeria stole the winning ace with another header by Bouassa. Although Ivory Coast also scored their third goal, but the referee disallowed what could have been an equalizer. 

Meanwhile, Ghana beat the host nation, Angola by a lone goal in the other quarter final match.

photo credit: eurospot

EU: Xenophobic Parties Gaining Influence


Xenophobic parties are gaining influence both in parliament and government and in the media debate in many European Union member states. This was disclosed at the International Day Against Racism last Sunday at the Gödör Club, Erzsébet Square in Budapest.

Speaking at the Music Against Racism organized by ZARE and jointly sponsored by three foreign embassies here in Hungary, the Swedish ambassador, H.E. Cecilia Björner, told the gatherings that certain parties among EU member states are promoting the politics of fear and intolerance which represents a threat to the democratic society incompatible with the principle of which the European Union is founded. He reminded the participants that “racism is a significant threat to the principle of the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights” which must be fought with firm and united voice. “Fighting racism is about speaking up, singing up, playing up; something that ZARE (Music Against Racism) is doing very well” she said.

The Deputy Head of the British Embassy, Ms Dawn McKen highlighted the main reason for supporting the Music Against Racism. She said that music is a powerful tool which often generates broad street interest, adding that the British Embassy would always support Hungarian activist musicians who want to spread anti-racism message. It is important “to encourage young people to come together to get involved in combating racism”, she said. 

US ambassador, Eleni Tsakopoulos Kounalakis, in her own message used President Barack Obama as a metaphor of hope and true change that the world needs. She recounted the popular belief that America will never witness an African-American president. Commending ZARE and the organizers, Ms Kounalakis said that music is one of the most important catalysts of change which is why “I think what you are doing is fantastic”, she said.

ZARE (Music Against Racism) was founded last year August at the Budapest Ziget Festival to encourage the youths to shun discrimination of any kind so that we can live in a society not divided by hate.

Thursday 21 January 2010

Nations Cup: Q/Finalists Emerge


By Hakeem Babalola

Eight teams have qualified for the next round of the 27th African Cup of Nations which began in Sudan in 1957. The 2010 games have produced surprises, intrigues and what have you. The qualifying teams are: Angola, Algeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Egypt, Nigeria, Zambia and Cameroon.


In the opening match between the host nation and Mali, the tournament recorded the most amazing come back. Angola had led 4-0 until eleven minutes to the end of the game when Mali fought back and drew 4-4.  

Gabon has caused upset in the tournament so far by defeating African Football king, Cameroon by one goal in group D, which turns out to be the most interesting and difficult group as 3 teams have the same point.

In group A, Mali and Algeria have 4 points each. Although the Malians have more goals, Algerians move on because they beat Mali on head to head count. The latter has since protested.

Egypt, the defending champions and the most successful having won the cup 6 times, maintains a perfect record by winning all three matches. 

There are only three teams in group B as a result of Togo's withdrawal after the tragedy that befell the team on their way to Angola - the Nations Cup Arena -  when their players were ambushed at Capinda by the rebels in that region.

Angola will meet Ghana while Ivory Coast meet Algeria; Egypt meet Cameroon and Zambia meet Nigeria.  

Quarter Finals to be played on Sunday and Monday respectively at 17.00 cet (Central European Time). Don't miss the actions on Eurosport 1 and 2 

 Group Tables

Pl
W
D
L
Diff
Pts
Group A
1
Angola
3
1
2
0
2
5
2
Algeria
3
1
1
1
-2
4
3
Mali
3
1
1
1
1
4
4
Malawi
3
1
0
2
-1
3
Group B
1
Ivory Coast
2
1
1
0
2
4
2
Ghana
2
1
0
1
-1
3
3
Burkina Faso
2
0
1
1
-1
1
4
Togo
0
0
0
0
0
0
Group C
1
Egypt
3
3
0
0
6
9
2
Nigeria
3
2
0
1
2
6
3
Benin
3
0
1
2
-3
1
4
Mozambique
3
0
1
2
-5
1
Group D
1
Zambia
3
1
1
1
0
4
2
Cameroon
3
1
1
1
0
4
3
Gabon
3
1
1
1
0
4
4
Tunisia
3
0
3
0
0
3

Wednesday 13 January 2010

Nigerians Protest: Photo Speak



Prof. Wole Soyinka addressing the Save Nigeria Rally in Abuja
PHOTO: PHILIP OJISUA of Guardian 

 
Pix: The Nation

Monday 11 January 2010

Nigerian President: Dead? Alive?

                





usafricanpointblanknews.com has reported that president Umaru Musa Yar'Adua of Nigeria is dead while the Economic Confidential insists that he is alive. 
According to the Economic Confidential who quoted Yar'Adua's spokesperson and Senior Special Adviser on Communication, Mr. Olusegun Adeniyi, the Nigerian president who has been missing for more than two months, is alive and kicking.
Meanwhile Nigerian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Abdullah Aminchi told the Sun that President Umaru Yar’Adua was alive and that he was with the ailing number one citizen earlier on Monday.
“I was with the President earlier today (Monday). He is improving,” Aminchi said.
The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in its own version, reported that Mr. Yar'Adua had broken his silence by talking to the news outlet, promising to resume duty shortly.
The papers are full of speculation about the whereabouts of Mr. Yar'Adua since he left Nigeria last year November to attend to his failing health abroad. No one in particular could say for sure what exactly is going on. 
An international News agency recently reported that Mr. Yar'Adua is secretly dead. However, a Nigerian pastor, Primate Ayodele has predicted that Yar'Adua won't die. 
Small Voice at the moment cannot say whether Mr. Yar'Adua is dead or not, but certainly will keep you posted. 

 


Sunday 10 January 2010

Nation Cup Photo Speak

photo: AFP
Angola 4-Mali 4

A traditional dancer dressed in the national flag of Angola performs at the opening ceremony of the Cup soccer tournament in Luanda...
The tournament started on a high note with a stunning come back of all time. The host nation had led Mali 4-0 up until some eleven minutes to the end of the game. Small Voice hopes this is a warning for what to expect in the next 3 weeks. May the best team win...Watch the games on Eurosport 

Thursday 7 January 2010

African Afro-Hungarian Union Launched

 Reports by Archie Bonka
A new organization aimed to bridge the gap between Africans and Afro-Hungarians was recently re-launched at the Savannah African restaurant in Budapest.

Ebony, which was founded in 2003 is said to have in its agenda the need to find a common voice in order to be reckoned with as a minority group in Hungary. 

According to a member, there must be a formidable way to deal with difficulties encountered by both Africans and Afro-Hungarians most especially orientation and counseling which would help curb unnecessary embarrassment often faced from certain public sectors. 

Also important to the organization is, the identity crisis facing the Afro-Hungarians due to misinformation dished out to them by their mothers, who probably out of anger or revenge failed to see anything good about Africa. 

“The early Afro-Hungarians are the products of African students married to Hungarians but went back to Africa while their wives remained in Hungary because of many negative reports about Africa,” said Marian, co-owner of the Savannah African Restaurant.

Now in their twenties and late twenties and cut off from their fathers who are now living in Africa, the African and Afro-Hungarian Union would like to seriously address their plight. 

Small Voice gathered that the organization will also provide a platform that enables the Africans in Hungary to connect so as to act as a collective force; pool resources and proactively undertake initiatives for the promotion of African heritage, culture and universal values such as human and civil rights. 

In addition, the organization which is opened to the public may also function as an intellectual workshop for studying, researching including bridging and enhancing Hungarian-African relations, embracing the integration of Africans and other foreigners in Hungary. 

Written by Hakeem Babalola

Wednesday 6 January 2010

Chocolate Oxygen

By Manashantii
Emotional bond and in remembrance of my biological father


What an amazing voice you have,
your voice is friendly and embracing,
your voice is warm dry, honey,chocolate oxygen melt.

Divine consciousness of  love, peace wisdom,
You are enchanting Divine African nobility,
but the truth is you are Divine intelligence incarnate,
Divine intelligence that guides, protects and nurtures me that's
what you are.
Your words are,
gently entering my physical head,
delicately flowing into my ears,
pacifying my consciousness,
entrancing my mind subliminally with rhythmic waves,
that dances inside my blood.
Your voice is what plays the talking drum inside my heart.

You are the creator of my life force.
You are the wise ancestral one that I cherish, honour, and worship.
Instinctively my very being submits to your presence,
for I am in awe of you,
and I am experiencing the pleasure of your voice,
affirming me,
affirming my existence.


Manashantii wrote in from the United Kingdom



For more psychological poetry please visit her website:
manashantii.com

Sunday 3 January 2010

Hare Krishna Feed People


The camera lens of Small Voice caught this humanitarian gesture at Blaha Lujzer square in down town Budapest, where Hare Krishna set up a soup kitchen to feed people. 

But the question remains: to continue giving people fish or to teach them how to catch fish?
You may want to air your view...


Friday 1 January 2010

A Multicultural Night Welcomes 2010




By Hakeem Babalola

It was a night that carefully sent the message across: that our world depends on the survival of multicultural society. It was a night that reminds us about tolerance, a disposition to allow freedom of choice and behavior. read more