Wednesday, 27 January 2010
Photo Speak
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.
Egypt 3 Cameroon 1 (No thanks to bad officiating)
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 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.
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.
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