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A selection of FirstTouch's best football writing, brought to you by emerging journalists, collaborators, and fans.
FT's 10 Best Moments of 2018: #3 Morocco 'bullied' opponents
What the Lions of the Atlas did at the 2018 FIFA World Cup can never be forgotten. Absolutely amazing football style even against the fiercest of opponents in the global game.
At FirstTouch, we have a saying that goes like, “a year is never over until we close it.” In the spirit of that ideal, we took our time to look back at the ten most defining moments of 2018, as far as African football is concerned. Could you guess what they are? Here is number 3.
Mehdi Benatia of Morocco leads his team on the pitch prior to 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: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)
The 2018 FIFA World Cup group game pitting Morocco and their neighbors Spain, underlined interesting changes which happen to be the order of the day for modern African football. On paper, it was what they call, “a dead rubber” match given that Morocco’s elimination was already confirmed after suffering two painful defeats in their opening group matches against Iran and Portugal. Defeats that came about by conceding late goals even though they had put up impressive performances.
“It was not only Morocco, but Nigeria at times played some great football especially against Iceland and Argentina signalling the re-writing of a narrative that described African teams as just “physical” without a cool enough head to exhibit entertaining passage of play.”
With Spain and many other European teams largely viewed to be more tactical and flowery in their style of play, they were not the only ones to enjoy great passage of play. Morocco bowed out of the FIFA World Cup with a well fought 2-2 draw against Spain exhibiting nothing that suggests Africans as being less flowery in their style of play. Nordin Amrabat and Ajax’s Hakim Ziyech were a constant menace for the likes of Pique and Sergio Ramos. It was the kind of performance they put up against Portugal who grabbed the lead through a Cristiano Ronaldo header early in the match. The Lions of the Atlas literally had Ronaldo and his teammates on the ropes for the rest of the match though they nervily held onto the 1-0 win.
Iran was no exception, with the Asians getting a fortunate 1-0 win through an own goal even though they had been dominated by Herve Renard’s men in the 90 minutes. It was not only Morocco, but Nigeria at times played some great football especially against Iceland and Argentina signalling the re-writing of a narrative that described African teams as just “physical” without a cool enough head to exhibit entertaining passage of play. With the AFCON 2019 on the horizon, fans everywhere would be delighted with the development of the game on the continent and would surely be convinced that the best is yet to come.
FT's 10 Best Moments of 2018: #8 The world's brightest talent still rooted in Africa
All doubters of Africa’s potential and impact on the global game were hushed in 2018. Do you remember how?
At FirstTouch, we have a saying that goes like, “a year is never over until we close it.” In the spirit of that ideal, we took our time to look back at the ten most defining moments of 2018, as far as African football is concerned. Could you guess what they are? We are now on number 8.
The year 2018 happened to be one of the most exciting ones in this decade as far as talent is concerned. In many ways than one, we were reminded of why Africa is the number one unending source of the biggest and the brightest football talent in the whole world.
“The timeless fact of globalization and its benefits was rehashed and Africans consistently seen in places of glory.”
Kylian Mbappe of Paris Saint-Germain arrives on the Green Carpet ahead of The Best FIFA Football Awards at Royal Festival Hall on September 24, 2018 in London, England.
(Sept. 23, 2018 - Source: Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe)
It’s with pride that we recall the exploits of one Kylian Mbappe for example. A world cup winning teenager, even scoring in the final thereby earning the FIFA Young Player Of The Tournament Award, just some of the achievements and accolades bestowed on the young lad. Of course he is French but you can never takeaway his African roots after being born to a Cameroonian father and a French mother. Ousmane Dembele is similarly a French player of African descent who made the news both positively and negatively just like any other story of a young, growing and top talented player. Even closer to home are the likes of Ivorian Nicolas Pepe who has been leading the charge for Lille OSC in the French Ligue 1, scoring ten goals in sixteen games so far in the league. Pepe has had Europe’s clubs such as Arsenal on high alert for the prospect of securing his coveted services.
Furthermore, more than the dominance of Africa in the talent pool, immigrants everywhere were gifted with a big win after France’s 2018 FIFA World Cup triumph. With five of Les Blues’ starting XI in the world cup being players of African heritage, the world was once again reminded of how much we can do, together – not separated by racial lines or differing identities. Even the likes of Belgium who made it all the way through to the semi-finals, eventually finishing 3rd in Russia had a decent amount of children of immigrant parents in their ranks to stir their campaign. Notable mentions go to the likes of Belgium’s historic leading goal scorer in Romelu Lukaku, Nacer Chadli and Vincent Kompany. Even England was boosted by the likes of Dele Alli born to a Nigerian father and so did other not so celebrated participants such as Denmark who had Uganda born Pione Sisto adding some wings to their attack.
The timeless fact of globalization and its benefits was rehashed and Africans persistently seen in places of glory.
FT's 10 Best Moments of 2018: #9 Oh hail, King Hakim
The year 2018 introduced us to the Moroccan king who rules not with an iron rod but a left-foot. After winning the Dutch Footballer of the year, Ziyech has dazzled for Ajax in the Eredivisie and Champions League, while leading his nation to AFCON 2019 qualification.
At FirstTouch, we have a saying that goes like, “a year is never over until we close it.” In the spirit of that ideal, we took our time to look back at the ten most defining moments of 2018, as far as African football is concerned. Could you guess what they are? We are already on number 9.
“The 25-year-old effectively became one of the hottest playmakers in the modern game. With an arm like left foot, eagle eye for goal and horse-like work rate, Ziyech entered the class of the likes of Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, Lionel Messi or Juan Mata.”
Hakim Ziyech of Ajax is challenged by Ljubomir Fejsa of Benfica (L) and Gedson of Benfica during the Group E match of the UEFA Champions League between Ajax and SL Benfica at Johan Cruyff Arena on October 23, 2018 in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
(Oct. 22, 2018 - Source: Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images Europe)
By now it’s almost an undisputable fact that every football fan no matter which part of the world, have heard the names Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mane. Liverpool’s literally high flying wing men who are arguably the best there is as far as African football is concerned and very much leading the charge as the Merseyside club soars higher. Not the same can be said about Morocco’s star man.
The year 2018 is one that Hakim Ziyech reached a level where beyond reasonable doubt, football fans everywhere would agree that he is a talent to adore. The 25-year-old effectively became one of the hottest playmakers in the modern game. With an arm like left foot, eagle eye for goal and horse-like work rate, Ziyech entered the class of the likes of Arsenal’s Mesut Ozil, Manchester City’s Kevin De Bruyne, Lionel Messi or Juan Mata. How far he falls in that list is a debate for another day but he is definitely a player that increasingly deserved a mention as the year went by.
The Dutch Eredivisie player is the reigning top player in the league after winning the most recent award to celebrate his greatness. Even in the running year, he is already on seven goals and four assists in just 12 appearances for Ajax. Adding cream and extra toppings to the cake was his world cup performance for the Lions of the Atlas in Russia, though bowing out in the group stages but recognizable in his approach and football wit. Consistence became one his key attributes as the impressive showings continued even in the UEFA Champions League, leading Ajax to the knockout stages of the 2018/19 tournament. His nation loves him, bagging Morocco’s recent two goals as they sunk Cameroon in the 2019 AFCON Qualifiers to secure a place in next year’s finals.
With such talent, loads of consistence – only one can imagine how far Hakim will go in the coming year. Indeed, Oh Hail, King Hakim!
FT World Cup 2018: Live From Russia - Messi vs Iceland
Messi Day, Thunderclaps, and the ultimate trolls. Game 2 had it all!
I don’t think my fanatical appreciation of Lionel Messi appears as a surprise to anyone in my immediate life at this point. When it comes to athletes, I have a high level of respect for plenty, but only a couple would really make me feel some type of way if I met them in real life. The list goes Lionel Messi, Serena Williams, and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (who I actually got to see him during the Mexico 🇲🇽 vs Germany 🇩🇪 game, and lost it for a good 30 seconds).
Like many football fans, i’ve been in awe of Messi since he was 17-18, breaking onto the scene with a then, Ronaldinho-led Barcelona squad after a ridiculously dominant U-17 World Cup performance with Argentina. I’ve watched his squad number change from 30, to 19, to the eventual legendary 10 he now effortlessly dons today. I’ve watched him take the torch from Ronaldinho and grow into the best player in the world, gifting two separate coaches Treble honors with the Catalan club (Pep Guardiola and Luis Enrique). I even have gotten to witness him live during a football trip of my own to Barcelona with The Ohio State University’s Men’s Soccer team in 2010. But June 16th 2018 would mark my first time seeing Messi in live action for his nation Argentina. Admittedly, being a childhood Brazil 🇧🇷 fan, I more or less loathe Argentina 🇦🇷. I am in no way a stranger to rooting against them, but am definitely unfamiliar with the notion of rooting for them. Tel est le pouvoir de Lionel Messi. Similar to LeBron James in the NBA Finals, knowing the battle that lies ahead of him whilst considering who is at his side going to battle with him, these GOAT-level players are enjoying a certain level of empathy they may never have received until this unique juncture in their respective careers.
“Oh lawd I can’t wait to see Messi embarrass someone today” I thought at breakfast. 2010 feels like so long ago, and I was too hype to see Messi boss the game in only a manner he knows how (more on this shortly). Who would his victims be you ask? Iceland. Iceland 🇮🇸are definitely a nation that are just happy to have been a part of the tournament, but similar to South Korea 🇰🇷, they were about to embark on a World Cup group stage performance from both players and fans that would earn them much deserved respect in the footballing world. Watching the team warm up, one thing was clear to me. Argentina will
not have it easy. From the blow of the first whistle, everyone and their mum could see Iceland were not only up for the fight, they were prepared for it. Their tactics seemed to be relentless pressure supported by the tactical acumen and maturity to surround Lionel with multiple bodies in the midfield, while allowing him to find his teammates who were then placed in situations where they were being dared to be the decisive ones instead of Messi. Definitely a gamble, but a rewarding one if your team possesses the fitness and discipline to carry this out for 90 minutes.
Argentina struck early in the game through Sergio “Kun” Aguero in the 19th minute. Even though La Albiceleste were 1-0 up, there was a certain calm amongst the Icelandic players. They didn’t panic or abandon their tactics and were rewarded with an equalizing goal in the 23rd, within the infamous “first five minutes” after a team scored a goal but is the most prone to mistakes due to a momentary lapse in focus. Iceland striker Finnbogason found himself in the right place and the right time in Argentina’s box to tuck in Iceland’s first ever World Cup goal at the expense of Messi and Co. As you all know by now, both teams went into the break level and Messi once again failed to convert a potential game winning penalty kick, something he has done 4 out the last 7 times he has attempted a pk for club or country. The rest of the game would go on to be an all too similar narrative for Argentina during the Messi era as none of his teammates looked to be able to conjure up genuine scoring chances in a match that begged them to. Iceland ended with a tie, a much deserved one at that, and Argentina were already thrust on the back foot for the tournament. After all was said and done during the matchday, two things really stood out to your boy.
One. This Messi guy really is a genius. By far the smartest footballer I have witnessed play. Yes you can see this when you watch his matches on television, but the experience is heightened in live time. Even in a game where he may have let down a lot of spoiled Argentinian fans (yeah I said it), he was still playing at a speed and frequency separate from everyone else on the pitch, including his teammates. Which is why I think Portugal have done a much better job supporting their own GOAT Cristiano Ronaldo in my opinion. It was pretty breathtaking watching a player who was quadruply marked at times, continue to lose defenders and create space and opportunities for himself and teammates. Even those in Spartak Stadium who were rooting against him were given plenty of moments where their trolling was legitimately replaced with a gasp at something Messi did to impact the game. This leads me to my second thing that stood out to me.
My fellow Brazil fans. Why were there Brazil fans at this match between Argentina and Iceland you ask? Because that’s how deep the rivalry goes. Yeah yeah I know El Clasico turns everyone on these days, but Brazil vs Argentina is my favorite in football, only further confirmed today. Brazil fans are fully aware of Argentina’s seeming and recent propensity to choke in international competition and were genuinely excited at the chance embarrassment of Argentina during their tournament opener. For the 90 minutes in their entirety, the Brazilians taunted Messi and the stadium full of Argentina fans after every time he lost the ball or one of his teammates failed to do anything with it once Messi passed it to them. Iceland may have gotten the result, but no one left Spartak happier than the Brazilians.
Overall, a Messi goal would have been great, but I was more than satisfied with the match, having gotten to witness with my brother and family in what was our second out of six games scheduled to be seen live in Moscow. Thank you Iceland for the performance and the Thunder Clap. Onto the next one!
FirstTouch World Cup 2018 Trailer
Check out our new World Cup 2018 Trailer on our homepage and let us know what you think!
Opening Day is finally here! If you can’t tell by now, we are REALLY excited for this year’s World Cup 🏆 and are hype to be following each of the 5 African nations as they compete in Russia.
The World Cup is one of the few events across the globe that unifies each and every single one of us. As the tournament starts tomorrow, good luck to all of the teams competing. I hope all of you have been saving up your vacation days 😎.
Check out our new World Cup 2018 Trailer on our homepage and let us know what you think!
🎥: @casperjnr
🎶: nostra 🇨🇮- ela não me quer mais
World Cup Rush: Boost for Nigeria as Onyekuru returns from injury
"I have to prove that I'm able and worthy to go and play"
The Super Eagles’ attacking bluntness was exposed in their 2-0 loss to Serbia over the International break. The return of Everton’s Henry Onyekuru after a long spell on the sidelines, dating back to December 2017, will give Gernot Rohr a much needed headache in choosing who to put in his final 23 man squad for the FIFA world cup finals in June.
Onyekuru, 20, who is currently on loan at Belgian side, Anderlecht scored nine goals in 19 matches this season, making four appearances in the Uefa Champions League before his knee injury. In the prior to this one, Onyekuru found the back of the net, 22 times for Belgian side, Eupen which allowed for him to feature for the Super Eagles in their final world cup qualifying match against Algeria.
The young forward is ready to put shoulder to the wheel in the next two months for a place in Rohr’s charges.
“I have to prove that I’m able and worthy to go and play - once I do that - it’s up to the manager to select the team.”
Coach Rohr has also made it clear that the door is still open for any player to impress and earn their stripes.
“Coach Rohr says the World Cup door has not been shut against any player and is happy that Onyekuru is back.”
Countdown to Russia 2018
100 days until the big occasion. At least we have Champions League to hold us over right?
The buzz of the World’s most popular soccer tournament has already started with only a century of sleeps left before the tournament commences as the hosts, Russia face Saudi Arabia in a match from Group A. Talk has already begun on who looks set to get a call up to the squads. Fringe players have started to mount pressure on their managers and those that were not happy with their clubs have already pushed for moves in the January transfer window. England fans are already dreaming of winning the tournament which has evaded them for the longest time. About 16 teams from the 32 that are competing in this year’s World Cup have already released their kits. What about the famous VAR? Is this technology ready to be implemented in such a tournament?
Africans Dismiss Racism Fears in Russia Ahead of the 2018 World Cup Finals
Africans currently residing in Russia have brushed aside racism prevalence in Russia in an interview with BBC.
Africans currently residing in Russia have brushed aside racism prevalence in Russia in an interview with BBC. As racism in Russia has been a seemingly consistent issue in the football, we commend these Africans for pioneering a new country for their families and following their dreams and goals. For more, watch this short video about African excitement for The 2018 World Cup in Russia.