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.

Nigeria: Enough is Enough Rally

Picture credit: Vanguard Newspaper, Nigeria

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

Pos.	Team	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