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.