To what extent are local football associations determining results by successive pay-dispute rows?

Introduction

Local football associations are the seedbeds for continental talent. Before we meet players at large tournaments like the Africa Cup of Nations and FIFA World Cup, the conditions that they are subjected to while within their localities actually determine their overall performance. Over the years, several teams have had pay disputes with their national associations. They have refused to board planes and have even threatened to boycott some matches without getting their pay. This article wants to dig deeper into this problem by analysing some of the underlying issues and what the implications of pay disputes are on African football. Before that, we will take a quick look at some countries that have fallen victim to this problem.

“By the time a whole team has agreed to boycott a game, it means the individual frustration that comes with being unpaid has mounted to a team level. Imagine how a group of frustrated players are supposed to train together, take each other’s mistakes and say their chants with high voices and joy. It is almost impossible.”

— Simiso Shabangu, FirstTouch Africa

Cameroon supporters cheer for their team ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group A football match between Cameroon and Guinea-Bissau at the Stade de l'Amitie Sino-Gabonaise in Libreville on January 18, 2017. / AFP / GABRIEL BOUYS

(Jan. 17, 2017 - Source: AFP)

 Cameroon

Cameroon came 24 hours after the deadline because the Cameroonian Football Federation had delayed to pay their salaries and bonuses. This is in spite of the fact that the tournament regulation stipulates that teams should arrive at the host country at least 5 days before their opening game. In light of that, Cameroon might have to pay a fine for that. Is that irresponsibility? Definitely, not. The team refused to board a plane to Egypt because they demanded their salaries to be doubled for playing in the tournament. This was one of the players’ last technic. They had agreed to only 25% on their salaries and bonuses and even paid for their plane tickets to training camps which were held in Madrid and Doha. Such sacrifices are a testament of how much the players are willing to do for their country if only that would be complemented by efforts from the government.

Nigeria

Nigeria almost missed their 2013 FIFA Confederation Cup campaign after they also refused to fly out of Nigeria without their bonuses being paid. The most daring one and my personal favourite was that of the Super Falcons who decided to stay in their hotels in France and not fly out unless their bonuses are paid. In 2016, they also protested after they won the African Women’s Cup of Nations. It is very hard to understand how a team that has demonstrated consistent excellence is not paid on time. There are countries that would kill to have teams that play like the Nigerian Women’s national team.

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe national team did go on the plane but refused to go for training while they were in Egypt as a way to express their grievances against the Zimbabwe Football Federation. They too had not been paid for some time. They also threatened to miss their first game if their accounts were not credited on time. Despite having a talented squad that looked quite promising, the Warriors were eventually eliminated from the group stages.

Where is the problem?

Guinea-Bissau's forward Piqueti advances with the ball past Cameroon's defender Collins Fai before scoring a goal during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group A football match between Cameroon and Guinea-Bissau at the Stade de l'Amitie Sino-Gabonaise in Libreville on January 18, 2017. / AFP / GABRIEL BOUYS

(Jan. 17, 2017 - Source: AFP)

For countries like Nigeria whose players have continuously done this to prove that this is not a one-time off problem but a challenge that is deeply engraved in the system, problems such as corruption and mismanagement of funds have been cited as some of the major causes for these pay disputes. Even when the money leaves the government coffers intended for the soccer players, for some reason it finds itself in the pockets of government officials who have perhaps not kicked a ball in decades. Corruption is such a rampant problem that has stifled many sectors of African governments. The bigger problem is that some African countries do not generally prioritise sports so much they are not given adequate funding. Private companies come in to sponsor local soccer leagues with the hope that the government will come in to take care of the national team. For example, in South Africa there is the ABSA Premiership and the MTN Super 8 which are sponsored by private companies. Instead, the government will give excuses about more pressing problems that need to be taken care of in the country. What makes things even worse is that some federations would not proactively communicate their challenges ahead of time. Sometimes, well-communicated disappointment is better than unkept promises. Some governments will go all the way to signing contracts with players only to go silent on them when it is time to pay. For example, Cameroon had a presidential decree in 2014 that stipulated that all salaries and bonuses will be paid at the commencement of any tournament. Was it ever upheld though? We told that story already.

Asisat Oshoala of Nigeria reacts after missing a breakaway attempt during the FIFA Women's U-20 Final against Germany at Olympic Stadium on August 24, 2014 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Photo by Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images)

(Aug. 23, 2014 - Source: Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images North America)

Setting a precedent

Under no circumstances is it ever justifiable for anybody to work with no compensation, but why is it important for governments to set the right precedent for national teams? Firstly, the amount of effort it takes to get into the national team just deserves the rightful amount of compensation. Most of the players that make it to the national teams are their local teams’ star players and some have become so good that they have been outsourced by teams outside of their countries. The saturation of unquestionable talent in most national teams across Africa should prompt governments to do the right thing.

 Sports has become the escape route from social ills for most African youths. In a continent with high unemployment rates and pressure to engage in crime and corruption, sports is the unifying factor for young people that helps them evade these things. Beyond the fitness benefits that soccer comes with, it is also a sport that requires dedication, discipline and focus. Playing at the highest level of this taxing soccer journey should be rewarded profusely so that other young people can be motivated to continue working hard. If you cannot give African youth jobs, then at least give them the motivation to work hard on something.

Impact on performances

We have already established that the ability to win a game is not just determined by the talent and skills displayed on the field. It is also determined by the players’ emotional and mental wellbeing. Compensation gives one the motivation and aspiration to do more. In the absence of that, the opposite can also be true. It is not a shock that Cameroon went into AFCON 2019 as champions but barely made it far in the tournament. They were eliminated by Nigeria at the round-of-16 stage.

Team Germany poses for a photo with the championship trophy and their gold medals during the FIFA Women's U-20 Final at Olympic Stadium on August 24, 2014 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Germany defeated Nigeria 1-0 in overtime.

(Aug. 23, 2014 - Source: Richard Wolowicz/Getty Images North America)

 It also destroys team morale. By the time a whole team has agreed to boycott a game, it means the individual frustration that comes with being unpaid has mounted to a team level. Imagine how a group of frustrated players are supposed to train together, take each other’s mistakes and say their chants with high voices and joy. It is almost impossible. There is only so much that a good coach can do for them when they are not intrinsically motivated.

 Conclusion

Before we blame players for not being focused or not training hard enough, it is important that we look at issues such as pay disputes that affect how much they can bring to the field. It has also transpired that the problem is with internal systems that do not prioritise or facilitate the timely payment for the players. Sadly, national teams which are meant to be countries’ pride are then not able to perform to their best levels due to factors that could be avoided. The lack of transparency also does not make it any better.

 With all that said, do you think teams are actually justified in boycotting matches and tournaments in order to get the attention of their governments?

FT's AFCON 2019 Ultimate XI

Many were called but eleven were chosen

Algeria are the champions of Africa. An underdog whom a few gave a chance but convinced all that they are worthy winners of the 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations when all was said and done. By virtue of their triumph, it becomes even easier to explain why four of our chosen best eleven players from the 2019 AFCON tournament are a part of the Desert Foxes. These eleven are what would form team Africa to challenge any other continent or galaxy, chosen solely based on their performances in Egypt.

So without further ado, let’s reveal who they are, knitted in a basic 4-2-3-1 formation.

“Who else to partner Gueye in our midfield than the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Best Player of the tournament. The 21-year-old box to box defensive midfielder otherwise known as a number 8 was a real nuisance to all the opposing players he came up against. The former Arsenal man looked obsessive, vicious and like he doesn’t tire in Algeria’s midfield set-up.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Aissa Mandi of Algeria celebrates after defeating South Korea 4-2 during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group H match between South Korea and Algeria at Estadio Beira-Rio on June 22, 2014 in Porto Alegre, Brazil.

(June 21, 2014 - Source: Vinicius Costa/Getty Images South America)

Mouez Hassen, Tunisia – Goalkeeper

The Tunisia goalkeeper’s main spotlight moment was probably not what he would have chosen. The 24-year-old OGC Nice shot-stopper almost recreated the Kepa-Maurizio Sari Chelsea scene when he was tactically substituted by Alain Giresse in the closing extra time minutes of their round of 16 clash against Ghana. Tunisia had played out to a thoroughly entertaining 1-1 draw and the more experienced Ben Mustapha was called upon to save penalties, which Mouez didn’t take so well, hesitating and eventually gesturing his frustrations as he left the pitch. The latter did actually save the day and the young goalkeeper later apologized to the Tunisians on twitter.

It goes without saying that the Carthage Eagles weren’t at their best despite reaching the last four of the 2019 AFCON. Mouez however was. He kept a total of 2 clean sheets in his 6 appearances, most remarkably pulling off some of the top breath-taking reflex saves in the tournament, to deny Madagascar a furtherance of their dream in the quarters and keeping Senegal at bay in the semi-finals. Just a small judgement mistake in extra-time ensured Tunisia’s Bronn scored an own goal that denied the 2004 champions a finals appearance.

If we are looking for the next exceptional shot stoppers on the continent, after the generation of the likes of Egypt’s El Hadary, surely North Africa has another one in Hassen.

Youcef Belaili, Algeria – Leftback

He is not a left-back and neither did he star as one in Algeria’s road to their second ever AFCON title, but his versatility and style of play allowed us to pick him as one for this list. Deployed mainly on the left-wing or midfield positions for the Desert Foxes, ahead of FC Porto’s Yacine Brahimi, Belaili emerged as one of the lesser known stars of the Egypt 2019 tournament. The 27-year-old Esperance Sportive de Tunis man was arguably Algeria’s best player of the tournament without being a subject of exceptionally spectacular moments. He slammed home the solitary goal in Algeria’s 1-0 win over Senegal in the group stages and was ever so consistent throughout the campaign, linking up well with Feghouli and doing the most basic things of passing, tackling and marking to absolute perfection.

Aissa Mandi, Algeria – Centre back

The champions conceded the least number of goals in the tournament, just once from open play in 7 matches and they majorly have Mandi and his partner Djamel Benlamri to thank for this. The 27-year-old Real Betis defender looked as sure as anyone can be in that Algerian back-line. Beating Senegal twice in the group stages and for the championship in the final, they calmly thwarted all of Mane’s threat, Ighalo and the highly rated Chukwueze in the semi-finals and many more that came calling. Comfortable on the ball, meticulous in tackling, winning in the air and bold in interceptions; the cool, calm and collected centre back was the best of them. He arguably bettered the performances of one of the world’s best defenders and his partner in this FirstTouch Africa XI setup whom we feature next.

Robert Lewandowski of Poland is challenged by Kalidou Koulibaly of Senegal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Poland and Senegal at Spartak Stadium on June 19, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

(June 18, 2018 - Source: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Europe)

Kalidou Koulibaly, Senegal – Centre back

Honestly, I might be getting tired writing about this man. The 28-year-old Napoli defender keeps making the news and the 2019 AFCON was no different, helping the Teranga Lions reach their second ever final berth and putting them in contention for a first ever Africa Cup of Nations title in their history. Working together with captain Cheikou Kouyate who was deployed as makeshift centre-back in replacing the injured Salif Sane, Kalidou erased all of the Crystal Palace midfielder’s mistakes, posing a stable physical presence when Aliou Cisse’s boys came up against Uganda and Benin in the knock-out stages. In total, Senegal kept 5 clean-sheets in all the 6 times they had Koulibaly guarding their goal. He missed out the final against Algeria for accumulation of yellow cards, with his teammates coming out to voice they were going to play for him, seeing just how central he had been to their 2019 AFCON conquest. Kalidou is effectively not just among the best in Africa, but the entire world.

Achraf Hakimi, Morocco– Right back

It takes someone special with some guts to fish out someone who didn’t even reach the last 8 as one of the tournament’s best players. You can crucify me later, but I am not going to go back on this one. The Real Madrid player personifies fearlessness. At just 20-years of age, his reputation for running up and down the flank, tearing apart other defenders, going at goal or laying up assists on a silver platter is unparalleled. No wonder he was named the 2018 Africa’s Best Young Player at the CAF Awards. After starring in the group stages, the right-back was also a victim of Morocco’s early and surprising exit from the tournament at the hands of Benin on penalty shootouts in the round of 16. The Atlas Lions had achieved maximum points in the group stages and finished without conceding a single goal from open play.

Idrissa Gueye, Senegal – Left defensive midfielder

If you are a follower of the English Premier League and this blog, you’ll know that Idrissa Gana Gueye has consistently been the best defensive midfielder and tackler in the past three seasons. The 29-year-old PSG bound midfielder effectively came to the party for Senegal in their 3rd group stage match against Kenya, after missing out on the match-day two loss against Algeria. The diminutive midfielder was the spine of Teranga Lions’ midfield and perhaps for the first ever, we saw him appearing in a more advanced midfield role. He edged his name in Senegal’s history books by scoring the only goal that gave Aliou Cisse’s men passage into the semi-finals after seeing off a stubborn Benin. His proposed move to the French Ligue 1 champions couldn’t have come at a better time and the Everton man could be a key ingredient in ending PSG’s UEFA Champions League curse.

Achraf Hakimi of Morocco runs with the ball during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Morocco and Iran at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 15, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

(June 14, 2018 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)

Ismael Bennacer, Algeria – Right defensive midfielder

Who else to partner Gueye in our midfield than the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations Best Player of the tournament. The 21-year-old box to box defensive midfielder otherwise known as a number 8 was a real nuisance to all the opposing players he came up against. The former Arsenal man looked obsessive, vicious and like he doesn’t tire in Algeria’s midfield set-up. The Empoli midfielder who is reportedly set to join Italian Serie A giants, AC Milan boasted a passing accuracy of more than 87% and racked up more than two assists even though stats do not tell the complete story when it comes to him. He is definitely one of the most exciting young African players to look out for in the near future.

Alexander Iwobi, Nigeria – Central attacking midfielder

The Super Eagles weren’t the most impressive or convincing unit throughout the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and one of the players to thank for their 3rd place finish should be the Arsenal forward. Coming through the North London club’s academy, the 23-year-old forward’s potential has always been there for all to see, even earmarked to be as good as or even better the displays of the Nigerian legend and his uncle, Austin Jay Jay Okocha. After playing mostly as a central striker in his academy days, an attacking midfielder for Arsene Wenger and left-wing under Arsenal’s current head coach, Unai Emery; Iwobi’s search for his best position has always rendered him less effective than imaginable. However, in the Super Eagles’ charge to the semi-finals, Gernot Rohr deployed him as a number 10 and did a lot of heavy lifting in knitting the Nigerian team together. Even his criticized end-product was improved immensely, holding onto the ball to free wingers and wing-backs, linking up defense and attack. He scored that all important winner against the 2017 champions Cameroon in the round-of-16 and assisted a few others as well. After all, Emery could perhaps get the best out of Iwobi in that attacking midfielder position but given how he has options in Ozil, Mkhitaryan and now Ceballos; we ask if Arsenal is where Iwobi would craft a legendary career for himself.

Sadio Mane, Senegal – Left winger

When we talk of big name players who stepped up and showed their worthy, Sadio tops that list. The Liverpool forward surely took to the pitch and backed up his assertion that he would exchange his 2019 Champions League win for a maiden AFCON title with Senegal. After missing out on their 2-0 win over Tanzania, Mane came through very hungry in their 1-0 match-day two loss to Algeria. Always looking dangerous whenever in possession of the ball and keeping us all at the edge our seats, the 2018/19 Premier League golden boot winner was responsible for most of the tournament’s tasty dribbles. Fresh to the mind was how he wriggled and danced past two Benin defenders in a flash that set-up Gueye for Senegal’s quarter-final winner against the Squirrels. Even though he missed two penalties won from open play, Mane still managed to score 3 goals in 6 matches, just 2 shy of the golden boot winner, Odion Ighalo. One of Algeria’s highly successful strategies to win the 2019 AFCON gold involved throwing three or more players at Mane whenever he got the ball. Even then, he still proved difficult to contain.

Alexander Iwobi of Nigeria in action during the International Friendly match between Nigeria and Serbia at The Hive on March 27, 2018 in Barnet, England.

(March 26, 2018 - Source: Matthew Lewis/Getty Images Europe)

If Senegal had won the 2019 AFCON, surely, the 27-year-old would have been one of the favorites to win the 2019 FIFA Best Male Player Award and the Ballon d’Or. Now, we will have to wait and see.

Riyad Mahrez, Algeria – Right wing

The Manchester winger didn’t have the best of displays according to his standards, but how can you fault a big name player who comes through and captains his nation to a coveted Africa Cup of Nations title. The 2019 Premier League winner was targeted throughout the better part of the campaign and thus became a bit quiet on more than one occasions. However, when called upon to step up and carry the team, he did just that. Just like Mane, the Algerian play-maker scored a total of 3 goals, including the headlining injury time free-kick against Nigeria that proved the difference as the North Africans booked a finals appearance. He had just exhibited the hallmark of his role for Algeria, a few moments before that free-kick, carrying the ball from the right-wing, skipping past markers in a silky manner and denied by the finest of margins.

Overall, it was a real captain’s display by the 28-year-old for the champions.

Odion Ighalo, Nigeria – Centre forward

Who else to lead the line but the top goal scorer of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations tournament. The 29-year-old Chinese Super League based forward bagged a total of 5 goals as Nigeria registered a 3rd place finish. After topping the scoring charts during the qualifiers with 6 goals to his name, the former Watford man proved that he surely is the best in the business. All of headed, penalty and poacher goals, he scored – resembling the traits of a complete marksman. Now that he has hung up his international boots “to give room for other young players” to shine, the Super Eagles have a responsibility to find his successor. Factually, Ighalo’s Super Eagles career wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, even as he was criticized for poor showings at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. However, one thing is for sure, he finished well.

Mouez, Mandi, Koulibaly, Hakimi, Belaili, Bennacer, Gueye, Iwobi, Mane, Mahrez and Ighalo have been our best eleven from the 2019 Total Africa Cup of Nations. Who would you have in yours?

Winners and Losers from AFCON 19

The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations came to an end on Friday the 19th of July with Algeria defeating Senegal 1-0 to claim their first title since 1990 where they won it on home soil. As in any other tournament, there were different teams that were backed to win the tournament. Others were earmarked as potential surprise packages while others were unknown. All teams falling in these different categories slowly revealed themselves as the tourney progressed. The AFCON competition was characterized by all sorts of memorable events. From Nigeria's epic 3-2 win over 2017 winners Cameroon; to South Africa's shock win over disappointing hosts Egypt; and not forgetting Madagascar's epic penalty defeat of DR Congo; a tense quarter final face-off between Ivory Coast and Algeria; the magical last-gasp free kick from Riyad Mahrez that sent the latter into the final. The list of exciting moments in this year’s tournament is indeed, endless. Below we reflect on the winners and standout performers of the tournament, as well as those who fell short of expectations.

“Talk about a breath of fresh air! It is often said that every tournament needs a good underdog story: they surely don’t come much better than Madagascar. ”

— Siphosethu Thwala,FirstTouch Africa

Riyad Mahrez of Algeria leaves the team bus prior to the international friendly match between Algeria and Armenia at Estadio Tourbillon on May 31, 2014 in Sion, Switzerland.

(May 30, 2014 - Source: Philipp Schmidli/Getty Images Europe)

WINNERS

Algeria

Lifting the tournament trophy for only the second time, little or no one can feel that these guys were not worthy champions. They played their hearts out for the duration of the tourney. Yes, fortune did favor them along the way (Baghdad Bounedjah's early deflected goal is an example) but in all honesty, Algeria played very well. The frenzy celebrations at the end of the final whistle said it all. Having waited for such a moment for nearly three decades when the team last lifted the trophy, Algeria’s triumph was well worth the wait for the North African giants. They scored 13 goals in the tournament, five more than fellow finalists, Senegal. Their journey to the final was also nothing short of being memorable. Djamel Belmadi's side needed a sensational last-gasp Riyad Mahrez winner to beat Nigeria in the last four, having previously won a tense penalty shootout against Ivory Coast. Until their dramatic shootout win over Ivory Coast, Algeria's run through AFCON had been as sleek as they come. They did not concede a goal until Jonathan Kodjia's equalizer for Ivory Coast, and looked like the tournament's most complete team in all departments. It is hard to argue that they did not deserve to win the tournament. Their hard work paid off.

Nigeria

This pick is probably debatable, but I stand my ground. After almost forcing their way into the finals until they were stopped in their tracks by Riyad Mahrez’s sublime last minute free kick, one can argue that the Nigerians had a satisfactory tournament. They bounced back from their earlier shocking 2-0 defeat to surprise package Madagascar, and slowly exerted themselves as the tournament progressed, beating Cameroon in the round of 16. They further went on to beat South Africa’s Bafana Bafana to seal a place in the semi-finals. Taking into account the many problems faced by the team leading up to the tournament, including the goalkeeping headache faced by coach Gernot Rohr, the fact that the West African side made it to the semifinals cannot be wholly overlooked and as such, they deserve some credit as they walked away with the bronze after dispatching Tunisia to earn a record eighth third-place medal.

The Nigeria team warm up prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Croatia and Nigeria at Kaliningrad Stadium on June 16, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia.

(June 15, 2018 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)

Madagascar

Talk about a breath of fresh air! It is often said that every tournament needs a good underdog story: they surely don't come much better than Madagascar. Making their maiden appearance at the tournament, the team shocked many as they went as far as the quarter-finals stage. The manner of their progress was remarkable too: they suffered stage fright in the first half of their opener with Guinea, but from then on, it was as if a switch had flicked on. They drew their first game against Guinea, beat Burundi in their second, before they stunned Nigeria, convincingly beating them, 2-0. They did not stop there. They went on to the round of 16 where they further outgunned DR Congo before being put to the sword by a well alert Tunisian side in the last eight. Nevertheless, what is memorable about the journey of this Madagascar side is the manner in which they achieved this feat. They played an appetizing brand of attacking football that was pleasing to the eyes of many football fanatics, showing no fear, not even against the tried and tested so called big teams. They seemed to have a different tactical plan for each game and one must commend their charismatic coach Nicolas Dupuis for leading the team that far, especially considering the chaotic state the infrastructure of Madagascar football is in back on the island. It is without a doubt that Madagascar have been the romantic story of this tournament and one cannot help but wonder the growth they will have had in the next AFCON tournament.

“The ultimate flop of the tournament. As winners of three of four previous editions in Egypt, the hosts were expected to be chief contenders for a record-extending eighth title.”

— Siphosethu Thwala, FirstTouch Africa

LOSERS

Senegal

Aliou Cisse, Head coach of Senegal gives instructions to Cheikhou Kouyate and Sadio Mane of Senegal during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group H match between Senegal and Colombia at Samara Arena on June 28, 2018 in Samara, Russia.

(June 27, 2018 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)

Another debatable pick in this category, understandably so. Senegal are a perfect epitome of the adage “so near yet so far”. This Senegalese side rarely looked troubled throughout the whole tournament. Finishing off with a silver medal after a steady steely run to the final, they went home to a sizable crowd that praised their efforts despite the heartbreak of losing a second final. Boasting of a number of African stars, Senegal were one of the top two teams that were in the running to win the AFCON title but they choked when it mattered most. The team had an impressive run leading to the final, only losing ironically to their final opponents Algeria. Though some will feel the team was somewhat unfortunate to be without their reliable defender in Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly in the epic finale due to suspension. As such, the long wait to deliver a title that has for so long remained elusive, remains the primary objective for the Teranga Lions moving forward. Though they may endure this pain for a while, they can pride themselves in having a bright future, especially with a young coach like Cisse at the helm. It is only a matter of time now for the Senegalese, or is it?

Egypt and Salah

The ultimate flop of the tournament. As winners of three of four previous editions in Egypt, the hosts were expected to be chief contenders for a record-extending eighth title. Little did we know. Playing in their own backyard, the Egyptians were a disappointment to say the least. Worse, not even the presence of UEFA Champions League winner Mo Salah was enough to propel the Pharaohs to glory on home soil. Fresh from a memorable season with Liverpool, you could be forgiven for believing that Salah would be the central figure of this tournament. Though he did score twice in the group stages against DR Congo and Uganda respectively, Salah could not deliver when his country needed him the most during the painful 1-0 loss to South Africa in the last 16 which shocked the 75 000 scores of fans at the Cairo International Stadium. The seven-time champions’ exit cost coach Javier Aguirre his job as he was soon sacked by the Egyptian Football Association, becoming the first of many casualties, which also included the resignation of Egyptian FA president Hani Abou Rida.

Mohamed Salah of Egypt is consoled by team mate Shikabala the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Russia and Egypt at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 19, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

(June 18, 2018 - Source: Richard Heathcote/Getty Images Europe)

Morocco

There was no doubt in many people’s minds that when the Atlas Lions took a flight to Egypt, they would be counted among the pre-tournament favorites for AFCON 2019, but however suffered a shock penalty shootout defeat at the hands of Benin in the last 16. For a moment, one thought these guys would go all the way, and rightly so. They had won all three of their group stage matches with ease, conceding no goals. That was before they were put to the sword by a determined Benin outfit during a 4-1 decisive penalty shootout. The Moroccans began the group phase with a trio of 1-0 wins over Namibia, South Africa and the Ivory Coast but nobody would imagine what would befall them in the last 16 match. Boasting the presence of Ajax Amsterdam’s Hakim Ziyech who had set tongues wagging during the 2018/19 Champions League season, most Moroccan fans were hoping he would drive the team to glory. But Benin had other ideas. The 26-year-old did not sparkle at all in Egypt, which was worsened by a penalty miss in injury time against Benin. It came as no surprise that their coach, the renowned Herve Renard, too, was in good old fashion, sacked.

Cameroon

Being the defending champions, much was expected from the Cameroonian side, but they couldn’t deliver. There was just no real hint of class in the Indomitable Lions’ play. Not even the presence of celebrated football legends Clarence Seedorf and his assistant Patrick Kluivert could help their cause. Clarence Seedorf’s men failed dismally to live up to expectations and defend their trophy. They were painfully ousted by third place finishers, Nigeria in what was a five goal thriller, possibly the game of the tournament. As has become the norm in football, the big flop costed Seedorf his job.

 Other teams such as Ghana cannot be spared. The West African side appeared to lack energy and focus during the whole tournament and deserve to be mentioned among the other sides that flopped.

Herve Renard, Head coach of Morocco consoles Faycal Fajr of Morocco who looks dejected following his sides defeat, meaning his team are knocked out of the World Cup after the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Portugal and Morocco at Luzhniki Stadium on June 20, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

(June 19, 2018 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)

NOSTALGIC MOMENTS

Mahrez's sensational flourish aside, the tournament's bigger names were rather peripheral. Mohamed Salah did score two fine goals early on for Egypt, and Sadio Mane was on target three times for Senegal, also missing two penalties. But none of them really produced a performance for the ages, or one to define the tournament. The real heroes were players like Ismael Bennacer, Baghdad Bounedjah and Youcef Belaili, a trio that proved that the AFCON tournament still has the potential to unleash a breadth of new stars.

Overall, it was a fine tournament for bright, up-and-coming coaches and none more so than the victorious Djamel Belmadi. Algeria's tactical mastermind conducted himself with class throughout the tourney, building a team that could sweep opponents aside through sheer technical quality in one moment, while deriving a game shutting display the next. The same can be said for Aliou Cisse, his old friend and Senegalese counterpart, who guided his side with class to the narrow final defeat. On that note, it appears that perhaps we may begin to see more local coaches taking charge of their national teams, a realization that developing local coaches can be advantageous in the long run.

Group D, the “Group of Death” - Namibia, South Africa, Ivory Coast, Morocco

Dubbed “the group of death,” group D of AFCON 2019 is arguably the toughest one of the eight determined by CAF in April. Three teams, Morocco, South Africa and Ivory Coast, have the potential to make it to the round of 16. Namibia also makes their appearance in the group of death after qualifying for the showpiece, for the first time since 2008. South Africa make an AFCON comeback after failing to book a spot in the 2017 edition and also making his anticipated entry in group D is Africa’s favourite Frenchman, Morocco’s current coach Herve Renard. The gaffer has coached 5 African national teams, leading two of them to AFCON titles including including Ivory Coast who will go head to head against Morocco.

Herve Renard, Head coach of Morocco consoles Faycal Fajr of Morocco who looks dejected following his sides defeat, meaning his team are knocked out of the World Cup after the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Portugal and Morocco at Luzhniki Stadium on June 20, 2018 in Moscow, Russia.

(June 19, 2018 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images Europe)

The Elephants of Ivory Coast

Anchored by the talent pool of local based players, two-time AFCON champions Ivory Coast have more than fair odds of progressing to the knock out stage. Ivory Coast is synonymous for grooming world class players; this year is no different with a roster of experienced and highly skilled players.  The forward trio of Cornet, Zaha and Nicolas Pepe make up a must see combination that will likely give defenders a run for their money. The Elephants’ young talent represented by Pepe, Ibrahim Sangaré and ASEC defender Wonlo Coulibaly is exciting to watch and will usher in the new generation of household names to continue the legacy of the Ivorian greats. Ivory Coast generally has an advantage ​when it comes to the attacking part of play​.

Eric Bailly's injury is a bit of a knock for the Elephants on the backline but despite this setback; the Elephants still have Wonlo Coulibaly and Tottenham defender, Serge Aurier.  

South Africa’s Bafana Bafana

Bafana is hoping to make a strong come back to Africa’s biggest tournament after missing out in 2017. After qualifying alongside Nigeria in Group E, unbeaten if I may add, the Southern African giants are in form. Stuart Baxter has named a provisional 30-man squad where he chose to take the mostly young talent from the local ABSA Premier League to Egypt. ​Percy Tau​ is one of the biggest names on the team and Bafana’s star player. Missing from the squad is veteran goalkeeper Itumeleng Kune due to an injury, making the first choice for the goalkeeper a toss-up between Wits United goalie Darren Keet, Ronwen Williams of SuperSport and Kaizer Chiefs’ Bruce Bvuma.  

The Atlas Lions from Morocco

After making their world cup campaign where they ​exited in the group stages​, Morocco will attempt glory at the continental stage which they last tested in 1976. The Atlas Lions are a firm favourite to progress to the knock out round of the showpiece after qualifying with ease. As would be expected, Herve Renard stuck to his world cup squad in the provisional 27-man roster with the same players that held Spain to a 2-2 draw in Russia 2018​. The North African team is not short of powerhouse names — some of those featured are Saudi League top scorer Abderazzak Hamdallah, former Juventus defender Mehdi Benatia and the subject of major transfer speculation in Europe’s top leagues, Ajax midfielder Hakim Ziyech. 

Nicolas Pepe of the Ivory Coast in action during the International Friendly match between the Netherlands and Ivory Coast held at De Kuip or Stadion Feijenoord on June 4, 2017 in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

(June 3, 2017 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)

Namibia and their Brave Warriors

Namibia is the lowest ranked team in the group D line-up. The ​Brave Warriors qualified in​ the most dramatic fashion as a fortuitous fateful turn of events saw them added to the 24 team roster despite losing to Zambia 1- 4 on final match-day. Unfortunately for Namibia, they will come into AFCON after being knocked out in the first stage of COSAFA Cup, not the preferred momentum. They will begin their AFCON campaign against Morocco.

Fixtures not to miss

Morocco vs Ivory Coast 

Morocco and Ivory Coast are both former winners. The last time that the Elephants won, they were under the coaching of Herve Renard, Morocco's current coach. Ibrahim Kamara's men have the biggest challenge of the group against the Atlas Lions. Nicolas Pepe’s 22 league goals and 11 assists which helped Ligue 1 side, Lille OSC finish second and secure a Champions League qualification making him a star to watch. He has solidified himself as a critical player in the Ivorian squad.  Morocco will likely win their match-ups against Namibia and South Africa, while the Ivory Coast - South Africa game is still a coin toss. This match is the toughest one to predict because Morocco and Ivory Coast are on equal footing in most regards. It is a must watch of the group stage to see how Herve Renard will fare against his former employers.

 South Africa vs Namibia

Bafana Bafana will have better odds against Namibia. However, the Namibians will have to win this match to stand a chance of reaching the knockout stages. Overall, South Africa are the stronger side, Namibia will have to break through Stuart Baxter's defensive formation, which will not be an easy task for the Brave Warriors. A win for Bafana will rattle the qualifying race against Ivory Coast. 

Who are Burundi, Madagascar and Mauritania?

MANDELA’S CALL

“Sometimes it falls upon a generation to be great, you can be that generation.” Those are words in Madiba’s own handwriting. Independent South Africa’s first President, Nelson Mandela clearly had an insight and vision that transcended his time, domain or the politics of nations. No wonder he is regarded as one of the greatest persons to have ever lived, whose birthday is celebrated even long after he is gone. Of course, this note is not a Mandela refresher course, though that would also be pretty cool. The Barea of Madagascar, Intamba of Burundi and Al-Murabitun of Mauritania clearly took a leaf out of the late Pan-African’s book by choosing to be that great generation in the footballing history of their dear nations. Let’s explore how far they have come, how they made it, and assess their affinity to write even newer history as they make their debut appearance at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

“Some of the stars of the Burundi national team who have made rounds on the international scene and appearing in the English Premier League include 25-year-old midfielder, Gael Bigirimana who featured for a Newcastle side that made the top six in EPL. The controversial but highly talented Saido Berahino is another. The 25-year-old forward who last appeared for Stoke City is keen to represent Intamba in what he has labelled, “the biggest tournament” he will play in come June 2019.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Gael Bigirimana of Motherwell is seen prior to the Scottish Cup Final between Celtic and Motherwell at Hampden Park on May 19, 2018 in Glasgow, Scotland.

(May 18, 2018 - Source: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images Europe)

BURUNDI

Brief history

Nicknamed Intamba m’Urugamba in the local Kirundi language, which means the Swallows in the War, the Burundi men’s national football team fought the good fight by winning the East African nation their first ever AFCON finals appearance. With all due respect, the close to 11 million people nation is hardly recognisable as one of Africa’s 54 nations, let alone the world. They are a rich people with plenty to share with the rest of the world but assumes a status as one of the most introverted nations of the world.

The not so informed weren’t previously convinced that Burundi even had a national football team until they knocked out some hotshots to grab that elusive AFCON spot. Intamba actually first graced the football scene as early as 1964 in an international match against neighbors Uganda, a miserable affair in which they lost 7-0.  Just like any other developing team, they took even more knocks as the years went by, more pronounced being their heaviest defeat to date, an 8-0 thrashing at the hands of Congo in 1977. They had to wait for March of 2017 to get a 7-0 victory of their own against lowly ranked Djibouti. Over the years, they rarely did a lot that warranted recognition, failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup and only came close to qualifying for the 1994 AFCON tournament. Guinea crashed their hopes in the final playoff, winning on penalty shootouts. The Swallows have mostly been known in CECAFA, East & Central Africa’s organized football tourney, but remained adrift of a major tournament appearance let alone triumph, until now.

Egypt 2019 will be their first hunting ground and best believe that the Burundi people will flock in numbers and stop every other business to back their heroes to continue swallowing new victories and soar in unchartered territories.

How they made it?

Quite honestly, there had never been a better opportunity for Intamba to secure a historic AFCON finals appearance than now when the competition will pit 24 finalists for the first time, extended from the usual 16. However, doing the business on the pitch would always pose a far from easy challenge given the level of competition and growth of football across the African continent.

Seeded in pot 3 of 6, Burundi straight away earned a group stage qualifiers spot alongside the highly rated Mali, Gabon and the preliminary round winners, South Sudan. The odds were obviously in favor of Mali and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s Gabon to proceed to the Egypt 2019 finals. Intamba did not only steal Gabon’s assumed spot but finished the qualifiers unbeaten. They did what was expected of them by beating South Sudan home and away but caused a few upsets by holding Mali and the 2017 hosts, Gabon in the other 4 matches played over two legs. Even the 2018/19 English Premier League Golden Boot winner with his 22 goals for Arsenal, Aubameyang, could not rescue the Panthers past a stubborn Burundi side determined to write new history.

What makes their story even more compelling and this generation, undeniably Burundi’s best football generation, is that both the most capped and the highest goal scorer of all time are in the current squad. The 29-year-old Karim Nizigiyimana with record 52 caps and 26-year-old forward Fiston Abdul Razak on 17 international goals. The latter was even the second top goal scorer in the 2019 AFCON qualifiers after Nigeria’s Odion Ighalo with 6 goals in 6 matches.

Some of the stars of the Burundi national team who have made rounds on the international scene and appearing in the English Premier League include 25-year-old midfielder, Gael Bigirimana who featured for a Newcastle side that made the top six in EPL. The controversial but highly talented Saido Berahino is another. The 25-year-old forward who last appeared for Stoke City is keen to represent Intamba in what he has labelled, “the biggest tournament” he will play in come June 2019.

At a time when most African nations are hiring football coaches from abroad, Burundi made it to their first finals under the guidance of Oliver Niyungeko, only their second local coach in their history, which definitely adds a nice ring to the overall story.

Examining the prospects of new history

Well, Intamba has so far written a fairy-tale story which will unlikely continue in the next few weeks. Honestly, it’s enough reward for them and their fans that they will play in the biggest football tournament on the continent. The challenge doesn’t become any easier going forward.

Drawn in group B against tournament favorites Nigeria, dark horses Guinea who dominated 2015 AFCON winners Ivory Coast in the qualifiers as well fellow debutants, Madagascar – it’s a bloody affair.

Here is a list of their fixtures:

Nigeria vs Burundi, 22nd of June

Madagascar vs Burundi, 27th of June

Burundi vs Guinea, 30th of June

Verdict: If they can beat Madagascar and get a result against either Nigeria or Guinea, Intamba will most definitely set themselves up for a round of 16 spot, either as group runners up or one of the four best, third placed teams. They may be debutants with nothing to lose but their track record shows nothing is impossible for them Swallows.

MADAGASCAR

Brief history

In terms of area size or the population, the Island of Madagascar is not as small as Burundi but their football history has been just as unattractive. The vast Indian Ocean island nation first made rounds in the footballing world back in 1947, participating in the Triangulaire tournament organised for fellow islanders Mauritius and Reunion. Back then, Barea were still very much under the shadow of the now lowly ranked Mauritius, suffering the heaviest loss at their neighbor’s hands, a 7-0 humbling in July of 1952. They first played opposition outside the aforementioned nations in 1960, and in subsequent tournaments organised for French Speaking nations. It is through mingling with the likes of Burkina Faso, Chad and Benin, that they recorded their biggest win in history, a 8-0 thrashing of Congo Brazzaville. They began making strides up but never really became a threatening side. Unfamiliar with neither a FIFA World Cup nor an AFCON finals appearance, Barea’s height of glory ended in the COSAFA, Southern African nations football tournament, which they have never won since their debut appearance in 2002. Their highest achievement was a third-place finish in South Africa 2015 and their only silverware has come in the form of 2 triumphs at the Indian Ocean Island Games in 1990 and 1993, which don’t really count for a lot. It was during that period when they achieved their highest ever FIFA ranking of 74.

Madagascar may be ranked 104th in the world as of 4 April 2019 but what they have achieved by securing an AFCON finals ticket to Egypt 2019, surpasses all, its perhaps the realization of their wildest dreams. Adding to that, what better time to do it, than when the serving CAF President, Ahmad Ahmad is Malagasy. The close to 26 million people nation is definitely flying without wings!

How they made it?

Barea had to do the most amongst all the 24 AFCON finalists. Seeded in pot 5 of 6, the last pot of all nations entering the qualifiers, they had to play a preliminary round match against Sao Tome and Principe to earn a group stage spot. After handsomely dismissing them 4-2 on aggregate; Senegal, Equatorial Guinea and Sudan awaited them in group A of the qualifiers, a group in which most gave them no chance. A 2-2 home draw against favorites Senegal on match-day two raised eyebrows and the dream train was on its way.

Barea followed the miracle of Senegal with upsetting Equatorial Guinea, twice in three days with consecutive 1-0 victories. With two games to spare, the unheralded Madagascar together with Senegal became first nations to qualify for Egypt 2019 apart from the hosting nation.

Respectfully, Malagasy nationals’ names may seem like WiFi passwords to many, with little or unrecognizable involvement in some of the biggest tournaments or leagues in the world, but they have been more than impressive. All-time leading goal scorer, captain and veteran forward, Faneva Andriatsima is expected to continue leading the Barea further into dreamland. He may just well be the greatest footballer indeed the nation has ever seen.

“ Adding to that, what better time to do it, than when the serving CAF President, Ahmad Ahmad is Malagasy. The close to 26 million people nation is definitely flying without wings!”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Examining the prospects of new history

Just like all the debutants, with no experience at this level, Madagascar are more than content to have reached the finals. Anything above that is welcome luxury. Their greatest hope of getting a result will be against fellow debutants Burundi whereas matches against Guinea and Nigeria are but much needed experiences to play against the top sides on the continent.

The list of their fixtures is as follows:

Guinea vs Madagascar, 22nd of June

Madagascar vs Burundi, 27th of June

Madagascar vs Nigeria, 30th of June

Verdict: In my opinion, they will finish fourth in group A. Just like Panama who made a historic FIFA World Cup appearance in 2018 with the oldest average aged team and got outrun by younger opponents, Barea could have the same fate. They may not be the oldest team but could face numerous problems against the relatively younger Burundi, not mentioning favorites Nigeria and highly dangerous Guinea, captained by Liverpool midfielder in Naby Keita.

Saido Berahino of Stoke City during the Premier League match between Chelsea and Stoke City at Stamford Bridge on December 30, 2017 in London, England.

(Dec. 29, 2017 - Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe)

MAURITANIA

Brief history

You probably are familiar with the trend amongst all the three debutants. They will not only be making their first AFCON finals appearances in Egypt 2019, but also their first ever major tournament participation given the absence of any pleasant history with neither the FIFA World Cup nor Summer Olympics. The West African nation probably had the least interesting history among fellow debutants, Burundi and Madagascar.

The Lions of Chinguetti first played football in April 1963 after their independence from France, a 6-0 loss to Congo in Senegal as part of L’Amite tournament. What followed were a series of humiliating results without scoring amongst which included an 11-0 defeat to Mali and 14-0 annihilation by Guinea. Al-Murabitun first achieved competitive avoidance of defeat in 1976, 13 years after formation, when they drew 1-1 against Burkina Faso who were then called Upper Volta in the 1978 FIFA World Cup qualification matches. Their first ever win came 4 years later, a 2-1 home win against Mali in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

A 2019 Egypt AFCON finals appearance is by far their highest ever accolade and boy, did they achieve it in style? It was definitely worth the wait.

How they made it?

The Lions of Chinguetti never looked like a minnow from day one of the 2019 AFCON qualifiers. Two wins in their first two matches against Botswana and Burkina Faso earned them a reputation as the tournament’s most dangerous surprise package. The 2-0 win against Burkina Faso was most impressive. They made light-work of the 2013 AFCON runners-up, scoring two goals in 4 minutes of the first half.

They however capitulated in the ensuing match, losing 4-1 to Angola, perhaps the pressure and hype was catching up with them. Al-Murabitun did not take long and were at it again, getting one over Angola on home soil four days later, and secured a historic AFCON berth in the next match against the Zebras of Botswana. Burkina Faso restored pride with 1-0 win over their fellow West Africans on final match-day but it was all too little too late, the job was already done. They could have finished top of their group but an inferior goal difference to Angola stood in the way of that. That’s just how good they were.

Under French gaffer, Corentin Martins, Mauritania have earned a likeable reputation as one of the youngest, most thorough and hardworking teams. Amongst those to look out for is the 21-year-old midfielder, Hacen El Ide who plies his trade for Spanish side, Real Valladolid B. At that tender-age, El Ide is already the 5th most capped player and the 3rd highest scorer in Mauritania’s history. The most capped and highest scorer is obviously captain Moulaye Ahmed Khalil who will lead the line as the Lions of Chinguetti target further scalps of the big boys in Egypt.

Examining the prospects of new history

As a result of being drawn in Group E, alongside Tunisia, Mali and Angola; they once again kick off things in Egypt with the odds against them. Even though the 5 million people nation of Mauritania is over the moon because of their nation’s historic qualification, there could be a set of their fans who are intentionally targeting more. The potential of their young side is there for all too see and might be around the top circles for quite some time.

Here is the list of their group E fixtures:

Mali vs Mauritania, 24th of June

Mauritania vs Angola, 29th of June

Mauritania vs Tunisia, 2nd of July

Verdict: Al-Murabitun obviously know Angola very well from the qualifiers and could have some unfinished business with them. Being one of the most youthful and exciting sides to watch, I suspect they will reach the round of 16. It’s not very far from them to get a result against either Mali or Tunisia given they already dispatched the highly rated Burkina Faso out of the competition.

Who are the favorites: Senegal, Nigeria, and Egypt?

The 32nd edition of the biggest football tournament in Africa, the Africa Cup of Nations, is at our doorstep. Soon, 24 national teams will set foot in the land of Egypt to battle it out for the coveted cup. Amongst these teams, a number of powerhouses will be present, many of which are earmarked as favorites to win the tournament. These include amongst others, West African giants Senegal and Nigeria, as well as the host nation itself, Egypt. Below, we delve deeper into each of these three countries’ prospects and chances of winning the cup.

Sadio Mane of Senegal runs with the ball during the International Friendly match between Nigeria and Senegal at The Hive on March 23, 2017 in Barnet, England.

(March 22, 2017 - Source: Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe)

Senegal

Despite being one of the most consistent sides in Africa, one finds it hard to believe that Senegal have never lifted the AFCON trophy in 14 previous appearances at the tournament. Rather, the team’s best showing at the tournament was when they became runners-up to Cameroon during the 2002 finals. In the last edition of the tournament, the Teranga Lions went out at the quarter-final stage, having arrived at the tournament as favorites. However, this is expected to change as the Senegalese side has been able to rediscover their form over the qualifying stages of the AFCON tournament.  As such, they head to Egypt with their heads high and believing that they stand a good chance of winning the cup considering the quality of players at their disposal.

During the AFCON qualifying stages, the Teranga Lions maintained an unbeaten streak of six games in the qualifiers, winning 5 games and drawing one, and ultimately amassing the highest points gathered by a team in the qualifiers (16). While this may be a confidence booster on its own, it counts for nothing when the stage is set for the AFCON tournament. Nevertheless, Senegal will be counting on their big players to show up at the tourney.

The talent at Senegal’s disposal epitomizes little or no doubt that Senegal can go all the way and win the cup. Central to the Senegalese squad and ultimately the carrier of the team is Liverpool forward Sadio Mane. The 27-year old’s sizzling form in the recently ended 2018/2019 English Premier League season sent tongues wagging and ultimately put him in the conversation of being the best African player alongside his teammate Mo Salah and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. Mane scored a record 22 league goals in the English Premier League in what has been a season to remember for the Senegalese man who also happened to have just clinched the coveted UEFA Champions league with his Livepool side, which will likely put him in contention for the Ballon d'Or award. Senegal will be hoping Mane turns up for the national side and uses his silkiness on the left flank to terrorize opposition defenses and carry the team to glory.

 The showdown in Egypt provides a chance for Senegal to avenge the injustices of the past and finally bring home the AFCON title that has very much been elusive for the Senegalese. The Teranga Lions will begin their campaign against the Taifa Stars of Tanzania on June 23rd, later wrapping up their group fixtures against Algeria and Kenya on June 27 and July 1 respectively.

Mohamed Salah of Egypt has a drink during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Saudia Arabia and Egypt at Volgograd Arena on June 25, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia.

(June 24, 2018 - Source: Catherine Ivill/Getty Images Europe)

Egypt

It will be the fifth time record Africa Cup of Nations tournament that Egypt have hosted and being on home soil will be enough to propel the Egyptians to go all out to try and win the tournament. Egypt edged South Africa and replaced Cameroon as the hosts of the tournament. Having won a record seven AFCON tournaments, it comes as no surprise that Egypt are one of the favorites to grab the tournament prize. The Pharaohs were beaten finalists in 2017 as Cameroon won 2-1.

Egypt will be looking to rise above the disappointing display at last year’s FIFA world cup where the team failed to win a single match in the campaign. Their short participation at the world cup also saw the team waving goodbye to their long-serving goalkeeper Essam El Hadary who has been a pivotal player for the team over the years. Egypt’s AFCON qualifying journey proved to be rather shaky by their standards as they finished second below Tunisia. The team won four games including both home and away games against eSwatini, drawing one against Niger and losing the other against North African rivals Tunisia to finish second in the group with 13 points.

Many expect that the presence of Mohammed Salah is likely to lead the Egyptians to glory. Many would argue that Salah and his teammate Sadio Mane were easily the continent’s two best during the 2018/2019 season across the whole of Europe. Salah has been in hot form all season long, becoming the first African ever to clinch back-to-back Golden Boot accolades in the English Premier League alongside fellow Africans, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and teammate Mane. Egypt have produced several players of the highest quality over the years but Salah has reached uncharted territory by proving his worth at the highest level when it mattered the most. His impact however, has been somewhat criticized for failing to replicate his club form at national level. Be that as it may, his electrifying pace on the right flank, his skillful dribbling as well as his sharp eye for goal make him the go-to attacker in a team favored to tear apart the whole of Africa at home. Apart from Salah, forgotten Arsenal midfielder Mohammed Elneny could also be the difference maker at the belly of the park for the Egyptians as he will be hoping to make a name for himself in order to revive his footballing career.

Worth noting is that Egypt has won the AFCON tournament three out of the four times the country has hosted the tournament, a phenomenal feat if you ask me, one that should surely send a message about the threat posed by the Pharaohs particularly in their own backyard. It will be interesting to see whether home court advantage will be a significant factor even this time around considering the increase in the number of teams gunning for glory.

“Many would argue that Salah and his teammate Sadio Mane were easily the continent’s two best during the 2018/2019 season across the whole of Europe. Salah has been in hot form all season long, becoming the first African ever to clinch back-to-back Golden Boot accolades in the English Premier League alongside fellow Africans, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and teammate Mane.”

— Siphosethu Thwala, FirstTouch Africa

Ahmed Musa of Nigeria celebrates victory following the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group D match between Nigeria and Iceland at Volgograd Arena on June 22, 2018 in Volgograd, Russia.

(June 21, 2018 - Source: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images Europe)

Nigeria

After missing the last two editions, Nigeria make a return to the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019. Coach Gernot Rohr recently led the Super Eagles to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, though the team could not proceed beyond the group stages.

Boasting the most youthful squad of the world cup teams, Nigeria’s world cup performance was a matter of “so near yet so far” as they bowed out of the tournament at the hands of Argentina. Nonetheless, the team was able to secure a win against Iceland in one of their group matches. This dismal performance however, did not deter the Super Eagles from securing a ticket to take part in the biennial African Cup of Nations in Egypt.

The Super Eagles had a somewhat smooth run to the biennial football showpiece despite making a false start in the qualifying series. The team kicked off their qualifying campaign on the wrong foot by losing 2-0 at home to South Africa. That defeat woke the three-time Africans champions’ slumber as they won their next three matches against Seychelles and Libya before once again drawing against a resilient South African side. The Nigerians capped off their qualifying campaign with a win against the Seychelles, finishing as Group winners with 13 points.

The old adage “age is nothing but a number” might well be relevant during this year’s AFCON showpiece, in as far as Villarreal winger Samuel Chukwueze is concerned. The 2015 U/17 World Cup Winner has enjoyed an impressive debut season with Villarreal since breaking into the club’s first team, scoring ten goals in 46 appearances as well as chipping in with four assists. The 20-year-old is one of the most exciting young talents in Spanish football and he’s enjoyed an excellent campaign with Villarreal where he’s now considered to be an important first team player having progressed through the club’s youth ranks. Still, some may point to Chukwueze’s lack of international experience as his likely downside and something that may find him wanting when it matters the most. However, the presence of experienced players like Obi Mikel and Ahmed Musa should be able to guide Chukuweze and make him comfortable enough to do what he does best on the field: run at defenders.

Sadio Mane of Senegal makes his way onto the pitch prior to the International Friendly match between the Ivory Coast and Senegal at the Stade Charlety on March 27, 2017 in Paris, France.

(March 26, 2017 - Source: Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe)

However, despite qualifying for the AFCON, one could not say, emphatically that the Super Eagles are indeed a team to beat at the forthcoming finals in Egypt. The team is faced with different challenges such as injuries to some of its key players that include seasoned striker Odion Ighalo, who was the leading scorer during the qualifiers with six goals. Not only that, the team has had some of its experienced players opting to resign, such as Victor Moses who decided to focus on club football. These predicaments may haunt the Super Eagles especially if the team goes deeper into the knockout stages. Nonetheless, the return of trusted servant John Obi Mikel will be a key factor for Nigeria’s youthful side. Count the Nigerians out at your own peril, they might be the surprise package of all the usual powerhouses.

Nigeria start their campaign with a tie against Burundi on June 22 before taking on Guinea and Madagascar on June 26 and 30 respectively.

The AFCON tournament looks to be a firecracker and is expected to keep football lovers glued at the edge of their seats between June and July. While the above teams are some of the teams expected to compete for the top honors, be rest assured that drama will unfold during the course of the tournament and football being football, the unexpected can and will happen. Who are you vouching for in this AFCON tournament?

Why the 2019 AFCON Draw seems not to be making a lot of sense?

“ For instance, group A which comprises of hosts Egypt, DR Congo, Uganda and Zimbabwe had three of the four nations that topped their respective groups. Ideally and more sensibly, the groups should have an equal balance of those who finished first and second – at least as a reward for the exploits of those who topped their groups. ”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

The wait is over, the 24 finalists of this year’s Total Africa Cup of Nations were grouped last night in Egypt at a special event, held in the beautiful open space with a scenic view of the Sphinx and the historic pyramid of Giza. Battle lines were drawn long ago at the dawning of the qualifiers and now the chasing pack have learnt of their next opponents. However, there is something less interesting about the outcome of the draw, at least in my eyes.

Referencing the UEFA Champions League competition for example, there are rules that are factored in deciding fixtures and opponents, which include the club’s country of origin, final position in the group stages and popularly the seeding or in other words the ranking of the club. For example, in a typical UCL round of 16 draw, no two teams that faced each other in the preceding group stages can be drawn together, neither can two clubs from the same country and teams that finished first can only play those that were second as reward for getting pole position. Now, it all seems different for the first AFCON finals tournament to host 24 nations.

In seeding the finalists, the most recent FIFA World rankings were employed. A case can be made to use such a ranking but it may be less specific to the African continent thus have seemingly failed to incorporate the performance of the teams in the qualifiers or any other factors that make the competition more diverse. For instance, group A which comprises of hosts Egypt, DR Congo, Uganda and Zimbabwe had three of the four nations that topped their respective groups. Ideally and more sensibly, the groups should have an equal balance of those who finished first and second – at least as a reward for the exploits of those who topped their groups. Even worse, DR Congo and Zimbabwe faced each other in the qualifiers group stage and have do battle all over again whereas the competition and experience would have been more diverse and rich if the opponents were shuffled well with 22 other finalists. DR Congo who finished second behind Zimbabwe in their group even got a higher seeding than table topping Zimbabwe. One would be justified, should their question the importance of the qualifiers themselves. The same applies with the resultant group D that features one team that finished first in the qualifier groups, that is Morocco and then Namibia, Ivory Coast and South Africa who were all second. I obviously have more reservations about the resulting groups and the procedure of the draw of which time may not permit me to explore. Furthermore, the UEFA draw procedures are by no means a perfect standard but have indeed travelled some distance in promoting fairness and overall competition of the game.

Egyptian players celebrate winning after the Africa Cup of Nations final match between Ghana and Egypt from Universitaria Stadium on January 31, 2010 in Luanda, Angola.

(Jan. 30, 2010 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)

After all is said and done, all this will not make the competition less interesting but might take a little bit of fun out it. Rest assured, all the 24 nations will arrive in Egypt with a simple goal of conquering the continent and as we have seen in times past, they are no really underdogs in Africa.

The first and the second place finishers in the group stages are guaranteed round of 16 knock-out spots as well as four other best third-placed teams.

Here are the complete groups of the 2019 AFCON to run from the 21st of June – 19th of July in Egypt.

Group A: Egypt, DR Congo, Uganda, Zimbabwe

Group B: Nigeria, Guinea, Madagascar, Burundi

Group C: Senegal, Algeria, Kenya, Tanzania

Group D: Morocco, Ivory Coast, South Africa, Namibia

Group E: Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Angola

Group F: Cameroon, Ghana, Benin, Guinea-Bissau

The recurring and disturbing horror of footballers’ relatives kidnapped for ransom

“A footballer’s salary is often an upwards of 5 figures every week, added to it, the fact that their earnings are made public, they will continue to be at risk of being victims of thieves and criminals. ”

— Margaret Mandeya, FirstTouch Africa

It’s difficult to imagine the horror of receiving a phone call from home informing you that your loved one has been kidnapped while you are halfway across the world. This is fast becoming the reality for some of Nigeria’s most prominent footballers. The latest case in a series of organised kidnappings of the relatives of Nigerian players is that of Bordeaux winger, Samuel Kalu’s mother.

Kalu’s mother was abducted on the 27th of February in Abia and released after 6 days. Ozuruonye Juliet Kalu’s gun-wielding kidnappers ambushed her whilst she was driving home and demanded a ransom of USD 138,000 when they found out about her son’s professional footballer status. The 21-year-old who joined Bordeaux in August 2018, on a five-year contract with the Ligue 1 team paid the ransom to ensure the safe return of his mother.

Joseph Yobo of Nigeria is dejected after the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa Group B match between Greece and Nigeria at the Free State Stadium on June 17, 2010 in Mangaung/Bloemfontein, South Africa.

(June 16, 2010 - Source: Stuart Franklin/Getty Images Europe)

Abia State Police have announced that investigations are being made to identify the kidnappers and bring them to justice. Sadly, kidnappings are becoming more frequent in Nigeria and the phenomenon has spread more than can be accidental. John Mikel Obi’s father has been the victim of kidnapping twice. The first incident occurred in 2011 after which he was released safely from his captures. In June 2018, in what can only be described as a nightmare, Mr Michael Obi was kidnapped for the second time in seven years.

The Nigerian captain received the news of his father’s abduction moments before the Super Eagles faced Argentina in the group stages in Russia, during the 2018 World Cup, news he said he kept from his teammates. Fortunately, Mikel Obi’s father was rescued by the Enugu State Police during which the police and the kidnappers engaged in a gun battle.

Former Everton player, Joseph Yobo's brother was kidnapped by gunmen in July 2008 and was released two weeks later. It turned out that the people who had organised the abduction of Norum Yobo were close family friends. According to Yobo, the ordeal was frightening. He stated in a 2009 interview, "I was terrified the police would get involved. I had to make them understand that sometimes you have to let other people deal with it another way.”

Reports suggest that kidnapping is a big business in Nigeria with some prominent politicians and businessmen involved in ransom kidnappings. Wealthy people are a target for these kidnapping rings and football players are at great risk of having their family members abducted because of their financial capabilities. The problem is very big and the kidnappings of  famous football players’ family members are bringing attention to the extent of this crisis. The police have been trying to crack down on the kidnapping rings in the country and particularly in the southern part of Nigeria but the people behind these activities are still at large.

A footballer’s salary is often an upwards of 5 figures every week, added to it, the fact that their earnings are made public, they will continue to be at risk of being victims of thieves and criminals.

Samuel Kalu who is currently injured will miss Nigeria’s two matches against Seychelles and Egypt. He is set to be replaced by Ikouwen Udoh when the Super Eagles take on Seychelles in an African Cup of Nations qualifier and a friendly against Egypt in Abasa on the 22nd and 26th of March.

The Ivorian attack can give anyone a run for their money at AFCON 2019

Maxwel Cornet of Olympique Lyonnais celebrates as he scores his team's second goal during the UEFA Champions League Group F match between Olympique Lyonnais and Manchester City at Groupama Stadium on November 27, 2018 in Lyon, France.

(Nov. 26, 2018 - Source: Shaun Botterill/Getty Images Europe)

The 32nd edition of the Total Africa Cup of Nations is now just a few months away and it wouldn’t be premature for the battling nations to start oiling their machines nor is too early to start talking about it. Before the Egypt, June finals there are still some elusive AFCON spots up for grabs as the qualifiers come to a conclusion in March 2019. Of major interest to us right now, is the potential Ivorian forward line. It’s just something to behold.

The Elephants of Ivory Coast have already confirmed their place among the June 2019 finalists after an impressive qualifying campaign that have them lying second in Group H, three points behind Guinea. Of course the two-time AFCON champions have quality players in every position in their squad with the likes of Manchester United’s Eric Bailly, Tottenham’s Serge Aurier, Franck Kessie of AC Milan, Jean Seri of Premier League’s Fulham among many others. Quite notably, is their front line, thronged with individuals who have been grabbing headlines everywhere.

Wilfried Zaha

Mr. Crystal Palace needs no introduction. Zaha has overtime become the Premier League side’s most important player and the dread of any defender in the English top flight. The 26-year-old has since scored 25 goals and assisted 16 others from wide positions ever since joining the Selhurst park residents in the 2014/15 season, helping them stay alive in the Premier League. He actually became the record-scorer for Palace in the English top flight league when he banged his 24th goal for the club against Watford back in 2018. Endowed with great lower and upper body strength, quick feet and sizzling dribbles; Zaha is unplayable on his day. No wonder, Liverpool and English international, Trent Alexander Arnold, labelled him, the most difficult opponent, ahead of even Cristiano Ronaldo or Lionel Messi.

“On the day, I’d say Zaha was the hardest. Just his athleticism. You can’t get the ball off him, hard to tackle, fast, skilful, can score goals, set them up, a match-winner. With Neymar and Ronaldo, you can see they are very intelligent players, people who know their trade, different movements, but they never got much of the ball against us. Obviously Zaha is not at a level of Ronaldo and Neymar, but for me on the day Zaha was probably the hardest.”

— Trent-Alexander Anorld, Liverpool and England Defender

He has even been a subject of big money transfers rumors to the likes of Borussia Dortmund and Tottenham before penning a new deal with Crystal Palace in 2018. With only 2 international goals to his name since switching allegiance from England to Ivory Coast, you can be assured that Zaha will be hungry whenever he puts on that orange Elephants shirt.

Nicolas Pepe of the Ivory Coast controls the ball during the International Friendly match between the Ivory Coast and Senegal at the Stade Charlety on March 27, 2017 in Paris, France.

(March 26, 2017 - Source: Dan Mullan/Getty Images Europe)

Nicolas Pepe

The 23-year-old is my personal favorite. The Lille forward is one of the hottest names around in world of football today. He has become the French Ligue 1 side’s wildcard in their unlikely Champions League qualification spot pursuit. Pepe has already scored 13 league goals and assisted 7 others so far in the 2018/19 season for LOSC Lille. He is actually just one goal shy of top scorer, PSG’s Kylian Mbappe and very much in the race for the league’s award to the most prolific player. Pepe also boasts of the highest tally of 52 shots with 33 of them hitting the target. Even in the January transfer window, his name has carried a price tag as high as €100 million with the likes of Arsenal rumored to have been interested in the winger. As Ghanaians would say, Nicolas will surely “score you and put pepe(chilli) in your eyes”.

Maxwell Cornet

This particular one is less popular but just as lethal. The 22-year-old used  2018 to cement his position in the young Lyon team that has been devastating and with an equally entertaining style of play. Cornet made major headlines after banging a crucial goal that helped Lyon upset Manchester City, 2-1 at the Etihad on matchday 1 of the 2018/19 UEFA Champions League group stage. As luck would have it, his two other goals in the European competition came at home in the return leg against City, helping Lyon secure an important 2-2 draw. Cornet is that physically built wide man who is able to cut inside, score both from close and long range and more similar to Zaha than he is different.

Now, being individually brilliant is one thing and jellying together as a unit is an entirely different story. These three actually have attributes that make them naturally intertwined and an infallible force when they play together. Zaha and Cornet on either wing and Pepe leading the frontline, its need for speed and goals galore regardless of who they play. The real question is will Ibrahima Kamara play them together? Would you?

FT 2019 Preview: AFCON19 is on the way!

“Think about it for a second, all those young and old mesmerisers who continue to dominate the game on a global scale from the La Liga, Bundesliga, Premier League, Chinese Super League, ABSA etc. will come home to Africa and go at each other for the continent’s biggest prize.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

Even though the host nation is yet to be confirmed this January after Cameroon was stripped of that right late in 2018 courtesy of infrastructure readiness and security concerns, a few other things are pretty certain. This will be the first time for the Africa Cup of Nations finals to feature 24 finalists, with more faces and flags bearing more hearts and an equal prospect of heartbreaks given the winner will always be one. Mean as it sounds, this is actually what makes a tournament go off the charts. The final 2019 qualification spots are yet to be filled with a heated final match day of the qualifiers coming to our screens from the 22nd to 26th of March 2019. The finals will run from the 7th of June up to the 30th, actually colliding with the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France. Spectators of the game, have never been more captivated.

Morocco's forward Aziz Bouhaddouz (2nd-L) celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group C football match between Morocco and Togo in Oyem on January 20, 2017. / AFP / ISSOUF SANOGO

(Jan. 19, 2017 - Source: AFP)

Your Sadio Mane, Mo Salah and Naby Keita who are inspiring Liverpool’s premier league title charge will be there and perhaps as English champions by then. Heavyweights such as Ivory Coast, Morocco, Nigeria and defending champions Cameroon have already confirmed their place bringing with them global stars such as Dutch Eredivisie’s Hakim Ziyech, Wilfried Zaha, Alexander Iwobi and PSG’s Eric-Maxim Choupo Moting. Homebred stars will also be in the hunt with Uganda’s Cranes being an instance of a squad adorned with such players, captained by Mamelodi Sundowns’ Denis Onyango who has the chance to enter the finals without conceding a single goal. Exciting debutants such as Madagascar are bound to have say. Think about it for a second, all those young and old mesmerisers who continue to dominate the game on a global scale from the La Liga, Bundesliga, Premier League, Chinese Super League, ABSA etc. will come home to Africa and go at each other for the continent’s biggest prize. This time, with no club commitments at the back of their minds given most domestic leagues would have ended. There will be nothing but fireworks.

FirstTouch will be there and we will share the entire experience with you all.

2019 AFCON Qualifiers: Zambia out, Mauritania in, Ghana revived & complete round-up

Perhaps the biggest piece of news coming out from the 2019 AFCON qualifiers matchday 5 is that the 2012 champions, Zambia, are out of contention. But there is more, a whole lot more.

Algeria's forward Riyad Mahrez (C) celebrates with Algeria's midfielder Yacine Brahimi (R) and Algeria's forward Islam Slimani after scoring a second goal during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group B football match between Algeria and Zimbabwe in Franceville on January 15, 2017. / AFP / KHALED DESOUKI

(Jan. 14, 2017 - Source: AFP)

Morocco 2 - 0 Cameroon

The Lions of the Atlas tamed the Indomitable Lions in Casablanca courtesy of two super goals by the inform, Hakim Ziyech. Firstly from the penalty spot and then a super sweeper shot from outside the box to once again beat his Ajax Amsterdam teammate, Andre Onana. Even before the victory, Morocco had joined Cameroon among the list of the qualified teams after Comoros beat Malawi 2-1.

Mauritania 2 - 1 Botswana

Madagascar will not be the only debutants at the June 2019 Africa Cup of Nations finals scheduled to take place in Cameroon. The high flying Al-Murabitun secured their first ever qualification in AFCON history after dismissing the Zebras of Botswana. The 2013 finalists, Burkina Faso and Angola will have to battle it out for the next qualification place in the group, counting on favors from others.

Mozambique 1 - 0 Zambia

Chipolopolo’s worst nightmare invited itself into their home as the 2012 Champions bowed out of the tournament at the hands of Mozambique, who narrowly edged them 1-0 in Maputo. Namibia is powering up a rare AFCON appearance but will have to go past the dejected Copper Bullets to realise their dream.

Seychelles 1 - 8 Libya

The Mediterranean Knights made lightwork of the Islanders away from home to send a message to Bafana Bafana. Libya will have to beat South Africa in the final group game at home to qualify for the finals. It’s obviously easier said than done.

Liberia 1 - 0 Zimbabwe

Uganda supporters cheer ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group D football match between Egypt and Uganda in Port-Gentil on January 21, 2017. / AFP / Justin TALLIS

(Jan. 20, 2017 - Source: AFP)

The Warriors of Zimbabwe gave President Weah’s nation a lifeline after conceding a late goal that suspended their qualification to matchday 6. The group is as close as they can be with all the four teams on 5, 6, 7 and 8 points. Only two of DR Congo, Congo Brazzaville, Liberia and Zimbabwe will qualify for the 24-team tournament.

Ethiopia 0 - 2 Ghana

Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew grabbed a brace as the Black Stars of Ghana returned to continental football as well as to winning ways. With Sierra Leone still suspended, its almost impossible for Ghana not to qualify right now. They will play first placed Kenya in March 2019.

Gabon 0 - 1 Mali

The Eagles of Mali left Gabon in a precarious position after the narrow defeat as they booked their spot at the finals. Burundi’s 5-2 win over South Sudan mean that they need only a point to qualify when they meet Gabon on matchday 6. Gabon were without Arsenal starman, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Togo 1 - 4 Algeria

Manchester City’s Riyad Mahrez bagged a brace as the Desert Foxes booked their own spot after bullying Togo away from home.

Guinea 1 - 1 Ivory Coast

The battle of the West African heavy weights ended in a stalemate, with a point apiece enough to send both through to the finals.

Uganda 1 - 0 Cape Verde

Jordan Ayew of Ghana controls the ball during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil Group G match between Ghana and the United States at Estadio das Dunas on June 16, 2014 in Natal, Brazil.

(June 15, 2014 - Source: Michael Steele/Getty Images South America)

The Cranes of Uganda sealed qualification in the easiest of fashion after beating the Islanders 1-0 at home. The Cranes are still unbeaten and the only team yet to concede a goal so far in this tournament.

Egypt 3 - 2 Tunisia

In a “dead rubber” North African contest were both nations had already sealed qualification from matchday 4, the Pharaohs got their revenge. Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah scored the winner in the dying minutes of the match.

Here is a complete list of all the qualified teams

1. Cameroon

2. Mali

3. Guinea

4. Ivory Coast

5. Algeria

6. Uganda

7. Mauritania

8. Senegal

9. Madagascar

10. Nigeria

11. Egypt

12. Tunisia

13. Ivory Coast

How are your heroes faring?

2019 AFCON Qualifiers: Ghana resume campaign, North African derby, Zambia must win & more

Okay fine, the 2019 AFCON qualifiers have been fun but almost dragging at the same time. From the get go, we all have been eager to find out who the 24 finalists will be for the June 2019 Africa Cup of Nations scheduled to be held in Cameroon. As matchday 5 of 6 comes to our screens from Friday the 16th November all through the entire weekend, it’s inevitable that a couple more nations could be confirm their booking for the finals. It obviously goes both ways, many will have their hopes and dreams crushed as well. Here is a pick of the weekend matchups you don’t want to miss.

Itumeleng Khune, goal keeper of South Africa, makes a save during the 2013 African Cup of Nations Quarter-Final match between South Africa and Mali at Moses Mahbida Stadium on February 02, 2013 in Durban, South Africa.

(Feb. 1, 2013 - Source: Steve Haag/Getty Images Europe)

Egypt vs Tunisia (Friday, 16 November 2018)

Both the Pharaohs and the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia already booked early tickets to the 2019 Cameroon finals after seeing off the kingdom of eSwatini and Niger in group J. Typically, this match would be what they call a dead rubber, but not this time, especially not for the North Africans. Tunisia won the bragging rights in the first leg and Mo Salah together with his teammates will surely turn up to restore pride and fight for the elusive top spot in the group.

South Africa vs Nigeria (Saturday, 17 November 2018)

You guessed right, we couldn’t miss mentioning this one. Arguably the most anticipated match of the weekend where everything is at stake in group E. All of Nigeria, South Africa and Libya are still pretty much in the running for only two spots to qualify for the finals. Bafana are yet to concede a goal so far in this tournament and welcome the free-scoring Super Eagles who missed out on the 2017 AFCON finals in Gabon. With a point separating the two and a defeat giving more hope to third placed Libya, no one will be planning to lose this one. Boosted by the return of controversial Thulani Serero, Bafana are clearly not entertaining the idea of losing at home and with the qualifiers’ top scorer, Odion Ighalo, among the visitors - they will have to do what it takes to avoid home and away defeats at the hands the Southern African boys.

Ghana's forward Andre Ayew (L) celebrates with Ghana's midfielder Mubarak Wakaso and Ghana's forward Asamoah Gyan (R) after scoring a goal during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group D football match between Ghana and Uganda in Port-Gentil on January 17, 2017. / AFP / Justin TALLIS

(Jan. 16, 2017 - Source: AFP)

Morocco vs Cameroon (Saturday, 17 November 2018)

There are matches you just cannot afford to ignore and the above encounter is such a one. Cameroon have already qualified by virtue of being hosts and visit second-placed Lions of the Atlas who still have to ward off convincing interest from third placed Malawi who visit Comoros. When two such highly rated nations meet; blood, sweat and tears are obviously shed. The Dutch Eredivisie’s best player, Hakim Ziyech will be on show in his Moroccan colors to welcome Clarence Seedorf’s Indomitable Lions.

Ethiopia vs Ghana (Sunday, 18 November 2018)

The AFCON 2017 semi-finalists find themselves on the back foot, off the qualifying places with only two matches remaining. The Blacks Stars are in this position as a result of suffering a shock defeat in Kenya and having their third and fourth matches postponed by reason of their opponent, Sierra Leone’s ban by CAF. Their fixtures against Sierra Leone could be reinstated but in the short-term, they will have to beat second placed Ethiopia in Addis Ababa to avoid missing out on the tournament finals for what would be the second time since 1992.

The Morocco players pose for a team photo prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group B match between Spain and Morocco at Kaliningrad Stadium on June 25, 2018 in Kaliningrad, Russia.

(June 24, 2018 - Source: Francois Nel/Getty Images Europe)

Mozambique vs Zambia (Sunday, 18 November 2018)

Now, the permutations of group K are super interesting. The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations champions, Zambia, are sitting not so pretty on the foot of the table, three points behind first and second placed, Guinea-Bissau and Namibia respectively. The Brave Warriors of Namibia who have appeared only twice in the history of the tournament are so close to a rare third appearance and will obviously mount a stronghold when they welcome first placed Guinea-Bissau on Saturday. Justin Shonga’s Zambia will have just to win all their remaining matches beginning with a tricky tie away at third placed Os Mambas of Mozambique. Of all teams in this group, I kid you not, the Zambian fans are not prepared to sit out an AFCON - the fight is obviously on.

Which match will you be watching and how are the chances looking like for your favorite team? Here is the full list of the fixtures.

Is South Africa's Ligue 1-based, Lebo Mothiba underrated?

“At only 22 years of age, with his ice-cold calmness in front of goal, agility and physique to back him up - I am reminded of South Africa’s living and playing scoring legend, Katlego “Killer” Mphela. Nicknamed killer for obvious reasons in front of goal.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

As far as South African football is concerned, Percy Tau has been inarguably the hottest name floating around for quite some time now. The former Mamelodi Sundowns stole the spotlight with his pacey style of play coupled with a solid eye for goal. The 24-year-old has been heralded for his exploits in helping Sundowns to numerous ABSA premiership titles as well as the much coveted CAF Champions League trophy. He eventually got rewarded with a move away to English Premier League side, Brighton & Hove Albion though currently on loan in Belgium. One name that slipped under the radar which has become impossible to ignore is, Lebogang Mothiba.

Ashley Williams of Everton FC (L) vies with Lebo Mothiba of LOSC Lille (R) for the ball possession during the match between Everton FC and LOSC Lille for Algarve Football Cup 2018 at Estadio do Algarve on July 21, 2018 in Faro, Portugal.

(July 20, 2018 - Source: Carlos Rodrigues/Getty Images Europe)

The 22-year-old forward was absolutely brilliant in South Africa’s recent AFCON qualifier at home against Seychelles. He scored a banger and assisted Percy Tau in a completely dominant 6-0 win by Bafana Bafana. This was just Lebo’s third appearance for the South African national side and scored his third goal for the country. He has been just as good since he moved to France in 2016 from the Senegalese Academy, Diambars. He had also played for Kempton Park and Mamelodi Sundowns in the early stages of his career. Mothiba is currently rocking the RC Strasbourg colors in the French Ligue 1 after being sold by Lille OSC in August 2018, in a deal reported to be €4 million. Lille desperately needed the funds to ease a tough financial situation hence the decision to sell the talented Mothiba to a rival, though the deal was sealed with a buy-back clause inserted into the sale.

Mothiba has been in redhot form since then, scoring 5 goals and assisting one other in 7 appearances for Strasbourg. His latest goal came over the course of the weekend against 2016/17 Ligue 1 champions, AS Monaco. Mothiba doubled Strasbourg’s lead in the second half by neatly lobbying the goalkeeper in an one on one situation to deny Thierry Henry’ and his troops, a debut managerial win. At only 22 years of age, with his ice-cold calmness in front of goal, agility and physique to back him up - I am reminded of South Africa’s living and playing scoring legend, Katlego “Killer” Mphela. Nicknamed killer for obvious reasons in front of goal.

With Tau, Mothiba, Bongani Zungu and many others, the future is looking quite alright for Bafana. As for Lebogang Mothiba, brace yourself to hear more of him in the time to come. This boy is really what I say he is. Take my word for it!

Nations In Focus Series: DR Congo, the unsung hero of African football

Whether you are African or not, you probably have come across the fact the continent is richly endowed with vast natural resources. It’s almost the singular biggest reservoir for the world’s oil and minerals. What’s also true is that the Democratic Republic of Congo in particular is a major powerhouse if not “the powerhouse” of everything. Put aside the cobalt mines providing the mineral for global smartphone manufacturers such as Apple, the Central African country is also a rich pool for footballing talent. They are a nation still figuring out their democratic identity but way ahead in its football one. Now, why is this so?

DR Congo, the personification of consistency in the game

A Democratic Republic of the Congo supporter cheers during the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group C football match between DR Congo and Morocco in Oyem on January 16, 2017. / AFP / ISSOUF SANOGO

(Jan. 15, 2017 - Source: AFP)

It is an undeniable fact that West African nations such as Ghana, Nigeria and Ivory Coast together with North Africans ones in Egypt, Morocco, Algeria and the likes of Tunisia are hugely celebrated for their successes in the football and quite rightly so if you ask me. In fact, the Pharaohs of Egypt is the most successful men’s football team in Africa with a record seven AFCON titles while Nigeria’s Super Falcons have won the most titles in the Women’s African Cup of Nations history with ten. The Leopards of DR Congo might have won the tournament just twice, but have really been the most consistent and stable performer on that stage in recent times. They have hardly missed an AFCON tournament since 1994 while the above big guns have gone AWOL on a number of occasions. You might hardly see them on trophy podiums or the biggest of tournaments like the FIFA World Cup, but it will definitely won’t be a lack of talent issue. Their current 40th place ranking on the Coca-Cola FIFA rankings, and third in Africa behind Tunisia and Senegal just further tells the story of how good they are. They were even the highest scorers of the 2018 World Cup qualifier games for Africa, with Egypt slightly pipping them to a spot in Russia. Despite DR Congo’s political and social challenges as a country, football has not stopped progressing and filling out some socio-economic gaps. For instance, at club level, DR Congo’s domestic clubs have won the second highest number of continental titles, that is the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederations Cup. They have a combined eight titles, six shy of the leaders Egypt. TP Mazembe, a club from Lubumbashi is one of the most feared clubs on the continent and a dream destination for many even though it still has to compete with carefully funded clubs such as those in the South African  Absa Premiership. It’s not only at home, the Congolese footballers shine abroad as well.

A good number of global talents today are from DR Congo

Yannick Bolasie of Everton on the ball as referee Andre Marriner takes a tumble during the Premier League match between Everton and Manchester United at Goodison Park on January 1, 2018 in Liverpool, England.

(Dec. 31, 2017 - Source: Tony McArdle - Everton FC/Everton FC)

Forget the likes of the Lingala speaking Romelu Menama Bolingoli Lukaku, the Belgian record-scorer born to Congolese parents in the European country and made his mark on the world from there. In fact, there is an interesting relationship with the Belgians and DR Congo with Monaco’s 21-year-old considered to be one of the world’s bright talents, Youri Tielemans, Watford’s Christian Kabasele and Crystal Palace’s Christian Benteke all having some Congolese roots. The second-most expensive African footballer in history, Cedric Bakambu who switched Villareal for a Chinese Super League club after rocking the Spanish La Liga with a bag full of goals is Congolese. Some other notable talents in the game today who are Congolese include West Ham United’s left winger/wingback in Arthur Masuaku, a born dribbler, super comfortable on the ball and my personal favorite, Yannick Bolasie. Before Zaha, Bolasie was kind of Crystal Palace’s Zaha or maybe we should we say Zaha is now Palace’s Bolasie? The 29-year-old who is currently an Everton player on loan at Aston Villa is such a joy to watch. He can dribble blind-eyed or sweep the pitch with his arm as he dribbles. Great great talent. Time will not allow me to mention the likes of Stoke City forward, Benik Afobe and many more.

The 2019 AFCON Qualifiers are currently ongoing with the Leopards being one of the favorites to qualify and to be once again dark horses with the capability to win the tournament in June next year. They are currently second behind Zimbabwe with both teams tied on four points in group G, a group also occupied by Liberia and the other Congo, Congo Brazzaville.

They might be an “introverted” nation but really a host to many things we love and need in the world. Football talent is no exception.

Do you have a favorite DR Congo footballer?

“Despite DR Congo’s political and social challenges as a country, football has not stopped progressing and filling out some socio-economic gaps. For instance, at club level, DR Congo’s domestic clubs have won the second highest number of continental titles, that is the CAF Champions League and the CAF Confederations Cup. They have a combined eight titles, six shy of the leaders, Egypt.”

— Dennis Takaendesa, FirstTouch Africa

2019 AFCON Qualifiers: Three things we learned from Matchday 2

Matchday two of six 2019 AFCON qualifiers fixtures is done and dusted. Yes, as anticipated, we were not robbed of thrills and spills. With 48 of the 54 African countries in action this past weekend, you would bet that millions had a chance to raise their flag and back their heroes. Here is what we picked up from the action, three things we made sure no one would miss.

They are actually no favorites; AFCON is as tough as it gets!

“Our goal is to reach the finals, even if we’re now in a tough group. Along with Burkina Faso, we also face Angola, who are a great football nation. And I also rate Botswana as one of Africa’s better teams, even if we beat them on their own soil. My goal as a coach is to get my team in shape to win as many games as possible and why not qualify for the tournament as well?”

— Corentin Martins, Former Auxerre Player and Head coach of Mauritania

Time and time again, we continue to see proof of why the CAF Africa Cup of Nations is perhaps the most interesting and fiercely contested tournament in the whole world. Take nothing away from the FIFA World Cup or the mighty English Premier League, there is just something unique about the passion and voices of a populace from less known communities being given a chance to be heard on a grand stage. Something about millions of people momentarily forgetting about the tough and seemingly impossible journey of building stronger public institutions, a journey that started in the colonial era dating back to the 1960s, to focus on football.

Uganda's goalkeeper Denis Onyango (R) congratulates Egypt's goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary at the end of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations group D football match between Egypt and Uganda in Port-Gentil on January 21, 2017. / AFP / Justin TALLIS

(Jan. 20, 2017 - Source: AFP)

Here is a static for you, 14 of the 24 matches played over the weekend ended in a stalemate. That is 28 nations holding down their own and refusing to lose. That’s a lot of blood, sweat and tears shed to grind a result. More interestingly, the highly ranked nations who would be easily considered favorites weren’t having it easy. Clarence Seedorf’s debut as Cameroonian coach got off to a scary start as the defending AFCON champions scored a last minute equaliser to draw 1-1 away at Islanders, Comoros to save their blushes.The star studded black stars of Ghana look to continue their downward spiral after losing out 1-0 to Kenya in a famous match whose result sent tongues wagging, everywhere. The 2018 FIFA World Cup boys, Senegal learnt a tough lesson in Antananarivo as they drew 2-2 with lowly ranked Madagascar. Yes, Egypt did have it easy with a 6-0 thrashing of Niger and so did Morocco and Nigeria both winning 3-0 against Malawi and Seychelles, but it should be mentioned that all these three lost their opening matches and were in desperate mode to save their 2019 AFCON hopes heading into the weekend. It's not as easy as it seems.

Do not count anyone out yet, surprises are the order of the day whenever the African nations go to battle for the most coveted prize on the continent.

Home support is actually a thing

Now, home crowds cheering on their mates matters everywhere and it seems to be the key ingredient to all the upsets and “what on earth!” moments we witnessed over the weekend. The victories that headlined the weekend were all recorded on home soil, including some astonishing stalemates. Kenya saw off Atletico Madrid’s Thomas Partey and his Ghanaian teammates in Nairobi, Mauritania cruised to a 2-0 triumph over the 2013 finalists, Burkina Faso on home turf and so did the other guns who held onto unlikely draws against teams considered to be “favorites.” We are talking about Comoros, Madagascar, Namibia against 2012 AFCON Champions, Zambia and the list goes on and on to the Gambia and Lesotho. The unfortunate incident were at least one person died and 32 others injured in Madagascar as a result of a stampede prior to the Senegal match when supporters rushed to grab seats in an already full stadium further proves the point on how much people invest to back their heroes. You would be perfectly justified for suggesting that home crowds played a key role in deciding the matchday 2 fixtures.

Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu (front) of Ghana and Jonathan Pitroipa of Burkina Fuso compete during the Africa Cup of Nations Group B match between Burkina Fuso and Ghana, from the November 11 Stadium on January 19, 2010 in Luanda, Angola.

(Jan. 18, 2010 - Source: Gallo Images/Getty Images Europe)

Mauritania in dreamland

Not many people have had about the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, the eleventh largest country in Africa in terms of physical size in North West Africa partly bordered by the Atlantic Ocean and the Sahara Desert ( interesting tourist destination if you ask me). There is another African country called Mauritius in the Indian Ocean which on the contrary happens to be the tiniest. The Les Mourabitones reached an all time high of 81st on the FIFA rankings in August 2017, climbing up a dizzying 23 places. They have not looked back ever since and the hard work seem to be paying off as they keenly look to secure their first ever AFCON finals qualification. Even their gaffer, Corentin Martins speaking to FIFA.com, hardly gave his team a chance heading into the tournament but have now won all their opening two matches, sitting pretty at the top of a group also occupied by Angola, Botswana, and the Stallions of Burkina Faso.

"Our goal is to reach the finals, even if we're now in a tough group. Along with Burkina Faso, we also face Angola, who are a great football nation. And I also rate Botswana as one of Africa's better teams, even if we beat them on their own soil. My goal as a coach is to get my team in shape to win as many games as possible and why not qualify for the tournament as well?" - Corentin Martins, Former Auxerre Player and Head coach of Mauritania

Here is a full list of the results and tables from matchday 2. What did you also learn? Let us know in the comment box below.

Mo Salah: The conundrums of the Egyptian's "King" status

“Salah’s power is rooted outside government control, which makes him stronger than the government. Salah will continue to win his battles unless the government decides to take him on and accuse him of cooperating with the opposition.”

— Hassan Nafaa, Political Analyst

In Merseyside, they know him as the Egyptian king that runs down the wing or the pharaoh that fell from heaven wearing number 11. The past one-year has been a revelation for both Mohamed Salah and the entire world, not just the footballing world. The 26-year-old returned to the English Premier League in Liverpool colors after being an unwanted child at Chelsea. As they say, the rest is history. Salah scooped countless individual accolades on the continent and abroad, broke all sorts of records including the most goals scored in a single EPL season, with 32 to his name and 44 in all competitions. He may have finished trophyless but the Egyptian was instrumental in leading the Reds to their first UEFA Champions League final in as many years and Egypt’s sorry 2018 world cup campaign could be attributed to the lack of him, both psychologically and tactically. The climax of all his achievements on the pitch, is his nomination for the FIFA World’s Best Footballer of the Year together with the five-time winner in Cristiano Ronaldo and Croatia’s captain fantastic, Luka Modric. The first African player to be nominated for the award since the days of the currently serving Liberia’s President, George Weah. But there’s more, perhaps not so pleasing events surrounding the pacey forward’s personal life and career.

The other story kinda starts with a photo

Mohamed Salah of Egypt kisses the ball before scoring from the penalty spot during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Russia and Egypt at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 19, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

(June 18, 2018 - Source: Francois Nel/Getty Images Europe)

Off the pitch, Salah is currently embroidered in a less than ideal relationship with the Egyptian federation that started with a fight over image rights. Salah was not pleased with his photo decorated on the Egyptian team’s Russia plane by the official sponsor of the team, WE as he was in a sponsorship deal with the rival, Vodafone. He eventually won that spat but the wheels had already started coming off. Next up, was the Russia incident which drove the Liverpool forward to consider early retirement from international football. The story is narrated as one in which Mohamed was used as political capital by Russia’s controversial Chenchya leader who took pictures with the forward and claimed he had given the Egyptian international an honorary citizenship in the Russian province. There are numerous reports that also cited other incidents that involved a delegation of celebrities disrupting the Egyptian team in training which are rumored to have strained Salah’s relationship with the Egyptian FA.

“You tried to portray me as someone who hates his country. Rest assured, people won’t believe you. This is 2018, you cannot keep shouting Colombian! Colombian! Colombian! about my agent ... you keep saying his attitude is not good. But, look, we have a problem, so forget his attitude and just solve the problem.”

— Mohamed Salah, Egypt and Liverpool

The recent not-so-cool exchanges

As the 2019 AFCON qualifiers resume on the weekend of 8-9 September, it has been reported that Salah had demands for improved security and discipline in the Pharaohs camp building up to the qualifiers. No one in the country is in better position to make such demands other than Salaha, because of his populist power. Local political commentators even mention that Salah is more powerful than the government:

Mohamed Salah is Awarded the EA SPORTS Player of the Month for November at Melwood Training Ground on December 14, 2017 in Liverpool, England.

(Dec. 13, 2017 - Source: Jan Kruger/Getty Images Europe)

"Salah's power is rooted outside government control, which makes him stronger than the government. Salah will continue to win his battles unless the government decides to take him on and accuse him of cooperating with the opposition"- Hassan Nafaa, Political Analyst

Based on the political analyst’s assertion, no one can touch Salah. In light of this perceived “truth,” reports claim that the federation tried to severe Salah’s relationship with the masses by going for his Colombian agent and mentioning that Salah’s stardom changed him, making him less loyal to the country. The 26-year-old has since rubbished the comments in a video post saying:

"You tried to portray me as someone who hates his country. Rest assured, people won't believe you. This is 2018, you cannot keep shouting Colombian! Colombian! Colombian! about my agent ... you keep saying his attitude is not good. But, look, we have a problem, so forget his attitude and just solve the problem." - Mohamed Salah, Liverpool and Egypt.

Egypt’s history with stars

Some local commentators have begun fearing for Salah’s personal life and career given his take-ons with not only defenders on the pitch but now with officials. Discussions revolve around Salah’s possibility of eventually getting the same fate as his exiled mentor and ex-footballer, Mohamed Abu-treka who allegedly conspired with an Islamist group against the government and placed on a terrorists list or the comedian Bassem Youssef, dubbed Arab World’s Jon Stewart, who hosted the most watched weekly show in the history of Arabic television. Youssef was allegedly labelled a foreign agent and now lives in exile.

Mohamed Salah is yet to complete a compulsory military service which could be more than two years in the country and some of his family members still reside in the country. What do you think the future holds for perhaps the world’s most loved Egyptian?

Mohamed Salah of Egypt scores his team's first goal from the penalty spot past Igor Akinfeev of Russia during the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia group A match between Russia and Egypt at Saint Petersburg Stadium on June 19, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia.

(June 18, 2018 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)

Guinea: Football Federation ties down three exciting talents

Guinea Football Federation (Feguifoot) has announced that the midfield trio of Amadou Diawara, Abdoulaye Traore and Ibrahima Cisse have committed their international football careers to the National Elephants (Syli Nationale). The 20 year-old Diawara who plies his trade with Napoli had won the attention of Italy’s youth teams while Traore, 24, had played for French youth teams by virtue of being born in that country. Whether or not he would have made it into the star studded Les Blues squad is debatable but the West African nation is more than delighted to have the FC Nantes 2017/18 season’s breakout player in their ranks. The former Belgian youth international and Fulham’s Ibrahima Cisse, 24, has also joined the two most recent Guinea loyalties.

The trio will team up with Liverpool bound, Naby Keita and the Belgian gaffer, Paul Put as they eye to get a ticket to Africa’s biggest soccer showcase, AFCON 2019, in Cameroon.

Internationals: Choupo-Moting and Kameni in Cameroon’s squad for Kuwait friendly

Stoke City forward, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Fenerbahce’s goalkeeper, Carlos Kameni are among the 23 man squad of familiar faces that have been called up by caretaker coach, Alexandre Belinga. Choupo-Moting previously refused to honor the call to represent the Indomitable Lions at the AFCON finals in Gabon 2017 after announcing retirement from international football. The duo will join the likes of Porto’s Vincent Aboubakar and captain Benjamin Moukandjo for the Kuwait friendly on the 25th of  March, which is a step towards preparation for the AFCON 2019 qualifiers against Malawi, Comoros and Morocco though they have automatically qualified by the virtue of being hosts. On the other hand, Liverpool defender, Joel Matip remains defiant on rejoining Cameroon after snubbing them in last year’s finals.