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

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)

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.

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

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