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AFCON 2021: A Zimbabwean in distress and stuck in Cameroon

A Zimbabwean sports consultant, Alvin Zhakata came to Cameroon for the 2021 African Cup of Nations in January. But the delegation with which he went to Cameroon left without him. Since then, the 35-year-old has been living in the Cameroonian capital.

 

"I'm exhausted. I'm getting depressed. God only knows if I will return to my country alive". On a chair behind the Arenah Hotel in Yaoundé where he was expelled for "unpaid bills", Alvin Zhakata clutches his rosary. For several days now, this Zimbabwean national has been squatting at the back of this establishment located in the Olembe district, not far from the stadium that hosted the opening and final of the 2021 African Cup of Nations in Cameroon. "The situation is very difficult. I feel my strength failing me. I pray every day to be able to go home," he says, as he clears his throat tight.

Between two sentences, the 35-year-old man pauses for a moment of silence, his eyes empty and his face downcast. He has been struggling to eat well for days. With time, he has learned to endure. Despite his precarious health: he has breathing problems. According to his medical booklet, Alvin Zhakata has a lung disease that has not been clearly indicated. He is afraid that he will never see his family again. The slender man sleeps under the stars in the cold. And his only companions are mosquitoes.

In the beginning was the 2021 African Cup of Nations
Alvin Zhakata is a freelance sports consultant from Zimbabwe. He arrived in Cameroon with a delegation from his country for the 2021 African Cup of Nations. The group led by the Secretary General of the Zimbabwean Ministry of Sports, Arts and Recreation took up residence at the Arenah Hotel in Yaounde on January 15. Zimbabwe who were in group B in Bafoussam were to play their last match at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde three days later. Despite the 2-1 victory over Guinea, the Warriors were eliminated in the first round. The Zimbabwean delegation left Cameroon on 22 January after paying all their hotel bills. But Alvin Zhakata chosed to stay on for the final scheduled for 6 February.

Penalties, unpaid bills...
But on 27 January, the sports consultant "disappeared from the hotel, leaving his luggage in the room. After investigations, he was spotted at the Yaounde Emergency Centre," said an employee of the Arenah Hotel. Unable to pay his hospital bills, the president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fécafoot) was called for help. Samuel Eto'o intervened and even agreed to pay for his plane ticket," says our source. Mr Zhakata was then due to leave Cameroon on 2 February. But once at the airport, the sauthorities said that a penalty of 254,000 CFA francs (€387) had to be paid first. As he did not have the funds, Mr Zhakata will return to the hotel.

Since then, the bills for accommodation and food have been piling up. Alvin Zhakata has a bill of just over one million (1,500 euros) at the Arenah Hotel. He also has to pay new penalties for his plane ticket. That is 310,000 CFA francs (472 euros). His family, whom he regularly contacts via WhatsApp, has not yet been able to collect the necessary funds. Given that Zimbabwe has no diplomatic representation in Cameroon, all requests to the Zimbabwean Ministry of Sports have gone unanswered. Alvin Zhakata is alone in Yaounde to face his fate.

Burkina Faso: Kamo Malou's sacking divides the Federation

The non-reappointment of the Burkinabe technician at the head of the Stallions is far from being unanimous within the Burkinabe Football Federation. Several members of the executive committee are strongly opposed to this decision.

Burkina Faso coach Kamo Malou has been dismissed from his post despite his fine performance at the African Cup of Nations. The Burkina Faso Football Federation (FBF) has decided not to renew the contract of the coach and his staff. Malou qualified the Stallions for the semi-finals of the continental competition. This decision is not going down well in the country of the Honest Men. It has even created a malaise within the federation. Nine members of the executive committee sent a letter to the president Lazare Banssé to oppose this decision. Banssé is said to have dismissed Malou without consulting them. They also denounce the "personalized governance of the president".

The former Minister of Culture, Abdoul Karim Sango, also spoke out on the issue. He asked the federation to keep Kamou Malo in his post. "If I may be permitted an opinion that is that of a simple citizen, I would ask the president of the federation to keep Kamou Malo in his post. Beyond the coach, the backbone of the national team 2022 must be renewed without change. I am firmly convinced that this team has a better chance of bringing us the cup in 2023 by learning the real lessons from its past mistakes.''

The president of the Federation has also convened the Executive Committee on Monday 21 February to review the AFCON and discuss the national coaches. This last point was a request from the executive members who signed the letter. Coach Kamou Malo could be reinstated and lead the team to the 2023 AFCON in Côte d'Ivoire.

 

AFCON 2021: Top ten goals of the tournament - Highlights

The AFCON 2021 has come and gone yet memories of the competition will remain engraved in the minds of millions of followers around the world for as history will permit it.

From record breaking to first participations to the elimination of the top favorites, these and more especially some very fine, clinical and mouth watering goals can be outstandingly remembered.

Youssouf M'Changama's wonderful free kick scored against Cameroon in the round of 16 will be the best goal scored by a Comorian in the AFCON for decades to come. Precision, power and accuracy in execution could all be found in one kick.

Gabadinho Mhango's long range goal against Morocco is one that the Malawians will surely still be celebrating as we speak. The Orlando Pirates player's goal is arguably still the best in the AFCON 2021. In that same round of 16 game after Malawi drew level with Morocco, it needed a trade mark free kick from Morocco's right back Hakimi to send Morocco into the quarter finals. Hakimi had earlier in the group stages produced a jewel in a free kick against Gabon.

Youssef Msakni's beauty was all it needed to eliminate Nigeria at the round of 16. His goal saw Tunisia into the quarter finals.

Karl Toko Ekambi's second goal against Ethiopia in Cameroon's second group game against Ethiopia was a replica of the player's current scoring form in Europe. He messed with a majority of the Ethiopian backline before slotting home from a counter attack action which he had initiated.

Senegal who finished as champions earlier dispatched Burkina Faso in the quarter finals 3-1. Sadio Mane sealed the deal with an audacious chip for the third goal. His calmness in front of goal once again was called to action.

Clearly the goals department of the AFCON 2021 is still having difficult times to pronounce which of these is the goal of the tournament.

 

Philemon MBALE

 

 

 

 

AFCON 2021: XXL rewards for Senegalese heroes

The Senegalese national team was received on Tuesday at the presidential palace by President Macky Sall during a reception organized in honor of the African football champions. The Lions received the honors of the nation before being elevated to the rank of officers of the National Order of the Lion. Coach Aliou Cissé was promoted to the rank of Commander of the National Order.

The "Heroes" of the nation received the honors of the nation during a ceremony attended by all the members of the government, the executive committee of the Senegalese football federation (FSF), former internationals as well as artists and celebrities. After the unrealistic parade of Monday on their return from Cameroon, it is the turn of the state authorities to show their gratitude to the Lions for having written the name of Senegal in the history of the African Cup of Nations.

Lions elevated to the rank of officers of the National Order
"This February 6 will be forever marked in the collective memory of Senegalese," said President Macky Sall. Senegal's victory in the AFCON is one of the most beautiful things that have happened to this country. It is a historic achievement that definitely places Senegal among the great football countries in Africa. All the members of the delegation were decorated with the rank of officer of the National Order. As for coach Aliou Cissé, he was promoted to the rank of Commander of the National Order of the Lion. As well as the president of the FSF, Me Augustin Senghor, the Minister of Sports Matar Ba and seven other members of the FSF.

To reward such a feat, the Senegalese government did not skimp on resources. It granted each of the 52 members of the delegation, a sum of 50 million FCFA, a 200 square meters land in Dakar and another 500 square meters land "in the new city of Diamniadio to form the City of the Tanière, in memory of this first victory at the AFCON" revealed President Sall. Rewards worthy of this great achievement of Kalidou Koulibaly's teammates.

The latter had previously thanked the Head of State for his unfailing support. "The speech of this day could not be long, but must just be expressive, translating our deep gratitude to you, your unfailing commitment to our side, your belief in our abilities and especially your support every day so that we achieve our goal which was to bring the cup home," said the captain of the Lions. A speech completed by this gesture of the players who decided to offer President Macky Sall a medal of African champion.

Previous generations magnified
A reception marked by solemnity and nostalgia and began with a minute's silence in memory of the three young people who died in the stampede at the reception of the Lions yesterday Monday. Those who followed in the presidium also did not fail to honor the memory of the precursors of this national team. Koulibaly was keen to pay a vibrant tribute "to all those people who have had the honor of wearing the jersey of the Senegalese national team.

The legendary Senegalese sports journalist Abdoulaye Diaw first recalled the reasons for this late coronation of Senegal, due, according to him, to the absence of Senegal in CAF between 1957 and 1965. He went back to the nebulous events (history of goal-average) that deprived the Lions of a first final during their first participation in the 1965 AFCON in favour of Tunisia. He ends by naming the great men who built Senegalese football. From Raoul Diagne, the first coach of Senegal, to Pape Diouf, the former president of OM, and those who reformed the game with Mawade Wade and Lamine Diack.

Going for the World Cup
This reception was also the place to see the ambitions of the State of Senegal and the federation for future events. "I am not asking you to win the World Cup, but to reach the semi-finals in Qatar 2022," said President Sall to the Lions. And the president of the FSF, Me Senghor had already mentioned the World Cup 2022. "The Lion has been patient, the Lion has tasted the flavor of the continental trophy, it will seek others,'' said Senghor. Why not, soon with this generation that can bring us more than a continental trophy, we qualify against the Pharaohs of Egypt in a month and go to conquer the world to try to give the Senegalese people results that no African team has ever achieved. Concludes Augustin Senghor.

The ceremony ended at about 7:30 pm after the decorations of all the members of the Senegalese delegation, winners of the first African Cup of Nations in the country's history. Only Edouard Mendy was missing. He had returned to his club to play in the World Club Championship in Saudi Arabia.

AFCON 2021: The highs and lows of the tournament

The AFCON 2021 has come to an end. There was entertainment and emotion. But all was not rosy. Here are the green (we liked it), yellow (we liked it a little) and red (we didn't like it at all) cards of the tournament.

Senegal is the African champion. The Lions of Teranga finally get the right to embroider a star on their jersey. The wait lasted forever. And the conquest has not been a long and quiet one. At the time of counting down to the 2021 African Cup of Nations, Sport News Africa, like an arbitrator, is holding up its cards. Green for our favorite. Yellow for our slight annoyance. And red for our big complaint.

Green card: the Comoros
They have captured the hearts of Africa, the whole (real) world and the virtual world. Not content with qualifying for the second round in their first AFCON, the Coelacanths honored the game. Decimated by Covid-19, the Comoros faced Cameroon in the round of 16 with many of their key players missing. Above all, without a professional goalkeeper. To protect their goal, they called on Chaker Alhadhur, a fullback.

The player from AC Ajaccio (French L2) was not ridiculous, despite the two goals he scored. On the contrary. He was heroic. He won most of his duels with the formidable Cameroonian strikers. Moreover, the captain of the Indomitable Lions, Vincent Aboubakar, top scorer of the tournament (8 goals), remained silent that day.

But the Comoros did not only defend. They managed to find the net and keep the score at 2-1. But they did not just defend, they managed to find the net and keep the score at 2-1, even though they were playing with ten men against eleven from the seventh minute onwards, in addition to the absence of a professional keeper.

Yellow card: the pitches
We were not under any illusions about the quality of the CAN pitches. We knew that, apart from a few rare exceptions, this detail is not the object of particular care in Africa. Most of our countries may build stadiums with modern architecture, but they forget that a football stadium is first and foremost a green rectangle where the ball rolls without obstacles. A proof: the Japoma stadium in Douala. A jewel, but only for the eyes. The footballers who have played there have experienced martyrdom. A real potato field. Their physical integrity was even threatened. The other venues in the competition are better than Japoma, but they did not allow for the best possible football either. This is a point worth reflecting on for future CAF competitions.

Red card: the drama of Olembe
A stampede at the Olembe stadium before the Cameroon vs Comoros round of 16 match (2-1) left at least eight people dead and dozens injured. The tragedy occurred at the time of the control of health passes. Faced with a large number of fans, the police opened the gate at the southern entrance of the stadium. This caused a deadly crowd movement. The Cameroonian authorities conducted an investigation which concluded that it was "human error". Olembe has been suspended for the quarter-finals. CAF, after receiving a report on the circumstances of the tragedy and the safety measures to be taken, will reopen it. It will host a semi-final (Cameroon-Egypt) and the final of the tournament (Senegal-Egypt). This tragic event is the big black spot of the AFCON 2021.

 

AFCON 2021: The revelation of African coaches

The last two AFCONs won by so-called local coaches and the recent results of several technicians trained in Africa are reshuffling the cards within African federations. More and more local technicians are being given a chance to coach their national team or a club.

A number: 15. 15 of the 24 nations that took part in the 2021 African Cup of Nations had a local coach. And it was one of them, Aliou Cissé, who lifted the trophy with Senegal against the suspended Egypt of Carlos Queiroz. A figure that confirms a trend already observed during the 2019 edition, the first with 24 teams, when there were 9 technicians on the benches. It was once again a so-called local coach, Djamel Belmadi, who had enabled Algeria to win the second continental title in its history, against... Aliou Cissé already.

Add to that the recent performances of Burkina Faso with Kamou Malo, the rise of Mali with Mohamed Magassouba, not to mention the attractive Comoros with Amir Abou, and you can see that the balance has shifted in favor of local technicians in the national teams. In the recent past, the African Cup of Nations was more the business of the famous white wizards, whose powers seem to be less effective with each passing edition. And this emergence of local coaches at the head of national teams, some even make it an ideological battle.

Kamou Malo: "We must be allowed to develop''
Kamou Malo did not hide it before the semi-final between Burkina Faso and Senegal. "Aliou Cissé and I have the same fight for a lot of visibility on African coaches. Not long ago, each country was looking for its "wizard". I am not going to pronounce a color. It is to tell you that we are hungry and we can achieve our goals, "said the technician of the Stallions, before continuing: "It is necessary that African leaders trust this African expertise and especially this support. The others have developed to such an extent that they are invading us. So we must be allowed to develop.''

This has given ideas to certain federations, which have noticed that local coaches can have interesting results, or at least equivalent to certain technicians who come from elsewhere and are recruited at a high price. And to do this, they had to invest in training. This is a gamble taken by several countries, including Burkina Faso, where the national technical director, Pascal Yougbare, indicated in an interview with Deutsche Welle that for the past ten years or so the country of honest men "has been emphasizing the training of local coaches, notably with the support of FIFA and CAF. There has also been an "awareness of the country's own potential and the need to develop what the various countries have as local resources.

Awareness and training of local coaches
"Africa has made a leap in training over the last ten years," explained Mohamed Magassouba, the Malian coach, to go along with this. With a new generation of coaches trained locally, even if most of them then went on to train in European schools to perfect their knowledge, the technical level has risen considerably. To the point where, for certain calls for applications, the federations now give preference to the profiles of local technicians. This is a rebalancing of the chances of everyone to obtain a position, where national coaches were at a serious disadvantage until recently.

This is undoubtedly the beginning of the emergence of new profiles labelled "local", but not only at the level of national teams. The clubs are also following this trend to put more trust in local technicians, following the example of Al Ahly, which has successfully bet on the South African Pitso Mosimane. This is proof that a real change of mentality is taking place and that the myth of the white wizard is taking a big hit.

AFCON 2021: Competition's individual award list

The 2021 AFCON hosts Cameroon got some consolation as they defeated Burkina Faso to cling on to third place, significant of a bronze medal that was on Saturday night. In the finals, Senegal lifted the trophy after sailing through Egypt. One that was stretched into extra time and then shootouts.

The Egyptians could not found solace finishing second after they played their fourth game into extra time in this year's competition.

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Their goalkeeper Mohamed Gabal who has been outstanding throughout this competition was rewarded with the man of the match award which he very much deserved.

Senegal's keeper Edouard Mendy confirmed his supremacy in world and African football as he was decorated with the best goalkeeper award. Mendy only conceded two goals through out the competition and uncharacteristically saved a penalty in the finals.

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Sadio Mane who missed an opener from 12 yards in the finals found a way to make up as it was his final penalty kick that swayed victory for Senegal. The Senegalese captain and number 10 finished the competition as the most valuable player.

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Cameroon's Vincent Aboubakar finishes on a high as the striker and captain scored eight goals in total finishing as the competition's top scorer by a margin. Another Cameroonian Karl Toko Ekambi was second with five goals.

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Senegal should equally finish the competition with the best backline, conceding just  two goals while Cameroon was best attack scoring fourteen times from just three different scorers.

Other awards are still to be determined such as the best goal of the competition as well as the overall best 11

AFCON 2021: Senegal beat Egypt to lift first title - Highlights

For the first time in its history, Senegal is champion of Africa. The Lions beat Egypt in their favourite game, the penalty shootout (0-0, tab 4-2). Sadio Mané scored the decisive penalty after missing one early in the game.

Finally! Senegal has won its first continental star. On Sunday, February 6, it becomes the 15th nation to win the cup. The 16th conquest will have been the right one for the Lions of Teranga. As a sign, Cameroon who broke the hearts of Senegalese in Senegal 92, Bamako 2002 and Gabon 2017 has finally been the witness of this union that will last at least until July 2023 in Côte d'Ivoire. Sadio Mané and his teammates have succeeded where their glorious predecessors of Asmara 68, Cairo 86 and Generation 2002 failed.

Senegalese star Mane kept his promise to bring the Cup back home after his failure in Egypt three years ago. After the failure against Algeria, his photo holding the Cup as if to say "I will get you one day" went viral. It has resurfaced in recent days. To certainly make his farewell and leave the place to much more cheerful photos. Because yes, Senegal did ward off fate.

Missed penalty
After two AFCON finals lost in the senior category and three in a row in the junior category, the green-yellow-red flag with the green star in the middle is flying on the roof of Africa. Senegal was rightly criticized for its mediocre games in the first round, but it improved and grew in strength in the second phase. It is at the end of the suspense that they made the difference, after 120 minutes without goal.

The Senegalese could have been ahead of the game after only five minutes when they were awarded a penalty (5th). It was the first time that Saliou Ciss, who has been playing on the left side of the pitch since the start of the tournament, got the better of the Egyptian full-back Abdelmonem, who stopped him in an irregular manner. Sadio Mané's attempt was blocked by the towering Egyptian goalkeeper Gabaski (7'). The number 10 missed the chance to become the first Senegalese to score in an African Cup of Nations final.

The Lions dominated the game without creating any huge chances, but they were still dangerous with Ismaila Sarr (17th), Famara Diédhiou (37th) and Cheikhou Kouyate (45th). The Egyptians defended well during the first 45 minutes. The Egyptians had a lot to play for in the first 45 minutes, but Mohamed Salah was able to make a great save just before the break. MS10's left-footed shot went straight into the top corner.

Sadio Mané makes amends
The second half did not see the scoreboard go up either. There were fewer chances in the second half. In extra time, Bamba Dieng (100th and 115th) and Abdou Diallo (101st) were both denied by the great Gabaski. It is finally in the penalty shootout that the decision will be made. Egypt, which has not lost in this exercise since 1984, will lose by missing two attempts. Senegal scored four, including the decisive shot by Sadio Mané. The number 10 of the Lions redeems himself and sends all 16 million Senegalese to the firmament.

The party in Dakar
This Sunday, Dakar and the 13 other regions of Senegal will not sleep. The party has already started and will certainly continue until the early hours. The fans will be waiting impatiently for the arrival of their heroes. In 2019, despite the big disappointment in Cairo, they welcomed them and escorted them to the presidential palace, singing "Amoul décourager" (don't get discouraged). "Jerejef, Sénégal Jerejef" (thank you) and "Gacce Ngalama" (you have been valiant), they will surely tell them this time.

AFCON 2021 - Cameroon: Choupo denounces Conceiçao walks out of team

In the list of eleven starters for Cameroon before the game on Saturday, the name of Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting then disappeared from the game sheet. The Bayern Munich striker chose not to play against Burkina Faso. The striker believes that the coach has disrespected him.

Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting, what's your reaction after tonight's win?

I'm very happy. It was a difficult match, we saw it. For the Cameroonian people, we had to get this victory. We had to win this match to take this third place. I think that all the Cameroonian people are happy. This is the most important thing today. I am happy that the team was able to achieve such a match.

Cameroon were 3-0 down, but managed to come back and finally win on penalties. What do you think made the difference in this match?

I think it was the mental aspect, the desire to really win for the country. The beginning was difficult, but then the team showed a better face. I think tonight's result is down to determination, the desire to give everything and that's what they did on the pitch. Well done to the whole team.

You were in the Cameroonian starting line-up, but a few minutes before the match, your name disappeared from the game sheet. What really happened?

In fact I spoke with the coach. I told him that for the match I was not feeling well psychologically, because of everything that happened in the last few days. I am very disappointed and frustrated because I came to help the team win the AFCON. And I deserve respect. The coach showed me that he doesn't count on me 100%. I made this remark for a while, especially in the quarter-finals and semi-finals. For me, it's a lack of respect.

I had to tell him the truth. Not even being able to play in a difficult 120-minute match like the one against Egypt (in the semi-final) was not normal for me. It really hurt me. I told the coach that today we had to win this match and to do so, we had to put in players who were good in the head. I was 100% with the team, but I couldn't play.

Will Choupo-Moting continue to defend the colors of Cameroon?

I love my country Cameroon. But I told the coach that with him, it is difficult for me. I love playing in front of the Cameroonian public, I love representing the colors of Cameroon. But really, at some point, you can't keep your mouth shut. I am sad and disappointed for what happened. I respect the coach's choices, but you also have to respect the emotions of the players. I don't have a problem with my country Cameroon. But with this coach, it is not possible for me anymore.

AFCON 2021: Clinton Njie apologizes for penalty miss 

Indomitable Lions forward Clinton Njie through his social media handle has apologized for his penalty miss in the semifinals against Egypt in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, in Cameroon.
The Dynamo Moscow forward was part of the three players who missed the penalty at the Olembe Stadium on Thursday, February 3, 2022, against Egypt.
Although Njie was the last of the three to miss the penalty after Harold Moukoudi and James Siliki had already missed for Cameroon, Njie has come under serious bashing from fans on social media.
Njie's penalty went beyond the goal post after he sent the Egyptian keeper Gabaski in the wrong direction.
In reaction to this after Cameroon's 3-1 loss to Egypt after post-match penalties, Njie took to social media to apologize.
Hear him: "I am short of words and I am still trying to come to terms with everything that happened yesterday.
” My biggest fear became a reality when I had a vital responsibility towards my beloved motherland and I sadly dashed the hopes of more than 26 million Cameroonians, home and abroad. It wasn’t my intention and I sincerely apologize for that."
He also pointed out that the sad incident has taught him lessons.
‘"They say disappointment is the nurse of wisdom and through this life, disappointment has come opportunities for me to learn how to become a better player and person”, Njie said.
Cameroon will face Burkina Faso today in the game for the third position in the ongoing AFCON while Egypt will take on Senegal tomorrow in the final.