Sports
2013 AFCON: Let The Excitement Begin
The 2013 African Cup of Nations will finally kick off tomorrow in South Africa amidst excitement and expectations.
It is the 29th edition and the first time the African mundial will be held in an odd year, a design by the Confederation of African football, CAF, to avoid the championship being held in the same year as the FIFA World Cup.
After an expected elaborate opening ceremony, hosts, the Bafana Bafana of South Africa and debutants, Cape Verde Islands will take to the pitch for the opening match of the Championship.
Johannesburg will host the opening and final matches while other centres are in Rustenburg. Nelsprint and Port Elizabeth.
Having successfully hosted the 2010 World Cup, South Africa has what it takes to bring back the sparkle to the Nations Cup, which it is hosting after Libya, the initial host was swopped.
Only a year ago the continent and beyond was thrilled by the crème dela crème of African football in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, which threw up Zambia as eventual champions.
Already, pundits are creating their favourites. Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Ghana seem to be high on the lists of predicators of eventual winners.
But with returnees after 31 years of absence, Ethiopia, First timers, Cape Verde, who stopped the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, the hosts and the North African contingents fancying their chances for glory, it may be fool hardy for any one to stick his neck out too much on predictions.
Certainly, which ever country that lifts the trophy will be making history with the coronation of the odd years. And if Zambia fails to mount successful defence of their title, they will make history as the only champions to have reigned for one odd year only.
Indeed, all 16 nations in South Africa have cause to feel the hand of history on their shoulders.
Overall, the AFCON is a festival of friendly rivalries. It is a pan-African funfair, one of the most colourful football tournaments on planet Earth. The fans are expected to make all the difference even when teams falter. They drum, they sing, they dance, they celebrate in flamboyant costumes and drama.
The plurality, diversity and uniformity of African culture finds its fullest and most passionate expression at one and the same time.
For Nigeria’s Super Eagles, the aging golden generation of Cote d’ Ivoire, Black Stars of Ghana and perhaps, the north African teams, it is an opportunity to taste success again.
But the AFCON is a people’s affair, far more than a love for trophies. It touches almost every home through out the continent. And from tomorrow to 10th February will be action time.
Let the excitement begin, let the Vuvuzelas sound and let the talents of Africa shine through from South Africa.
Port Harcourt the capital city of Rivers State will be at the centre stage in Nigeria as Port Harcourt Arsenal Community will hold her maiden edition of Football Fans Fiesta (FFF).
The Fiesta scheduled to hold on the 13th December, 2025, at Eddiz wine bar GRA, promises to be all football fans carnival in the State , as there will be a lot of fanfares.
The Coordinator of Port Harcourt Arsenal Community (PHAC), Ugochukwu Oputa has said that the forthcoming Football Fans Fiesta was basically to promote peace, unity and love among football fans in irrespective of the cub.
He stated that sports is a catalyst to bring peace, love and Unity in any given society, hence the occasion was initiated.
Oputa said this in an interview with sports journalists in Port Harcourt yesterday, saying that arrangements are on top gear for a successful programme.
” This event is for all football fans irrespective of your club. It is basically to promote peace, love and Unity among fans.
“It is like stating the obvious that football is the catalyst of peace and unity in the world. So the Port Harcourt Arsenal Community want to use this avenue to bring people together and foster friendship.
“There is no gate fee, but it is expected to put on jersey of your club as to make the event look unique” Oputa said.
The Coordinator used the forum to advice football fans in the world to love one another, and equally urged fans that will attend the occasion to be of good conduct and behaviour.
Tonye Orabere
Liverpool’s season of abject misery worsened as they were beaten with embarrassing ease by a hugely impressive Nottingham Forest at Anfield.
Arne Slot’s Premier League champions were looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat at Manchester City, but instead ran into a Forest side revitalised under new manager Sean Dyche and looking back to their best.
Liverpool head coach Slot gave £125m British record signing Alexander Isak a start, but he was totally anonymous once more and only lasted 67 minutes.
Forest went ahead after 33 minutes when defender Murillo shot powerfully past fit-again Liverpool keeper Alisson to subdue an already anxious Anfield.
Igor Jesus had a second ruled out for handball, but Forest doubled their advantage 39 seconds after the break when former Liverpool defender Neco Williams set up Nicola Savona for a crisp finish in front of The Kop.
Liverpool could barely raise a response in a desperate display, Forest increasing their lead 12 minutes from time when Morgan Gibbs-White scored after Alisson saved from Omari Hutchinson.
It means Liverpool, who lie 11th before Saturday’s late fixture, have now lost six of their past seven Premier League games as Slot’s near £450m summer spending spree comes under further scrutiny.
Forest, meanwhile, are surging away from the relegation zone and are up to 16th.
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