By Innocent Mbunwe
But for old hands Tunisia who picked a point Wednesday against Saudi Arabia the other four African representatives, all greenhorns to the 2006 World Cup are yet to register a point.The Four, Ivory Coast, Angola, Ghana and Togo have all lost their first encounters in the ongoing competition.
However all is not lost as Ivory Coast, which is probably the strongest of the Africans, can count themselves unlucky to have lost 1-2 to Argentina. Public opinion holds that the Elephants Coach, French born Henry Michel is to blame for the defeat. Michel brought in playmakers, Arouna Dindane and Bakari Kone only when Ivory Coast were down by 0-2.
These are regulars who can change a game with the twinkle of an eye. Weak goalkeeping for the Elephants is another factor. But with the Netherlands and Serbia & Montenegro also in the group, progress is still a possibility.
The Palancas Negras of Angola performed wonders against Portugal when they conceded only one goal in their opening game. They eventually put up a fierce fight but for the lack of experience and confidence. Inferiority complex is another obstacle. Much still has to be done by the technical crew in the domain of tactics and purpose.
Black Stars of Ghana, four times African champions, finally made it to the World Cup after years of frustration with the ambition of making a breakthrough.Ghana played a good game to the amazement of its opponent in the opening encounter. Only Samuel Kuffour's error that gave the Italians their second goal made them to lose heart in a 2-0 defeat.
The Black Stars of Ghana have got a good team with the entire compartment very solid except the attack line that is void of strikers or finishers. The greatest surprises are the Hawks of Togo. With a ludicrous preparation marred by the hiring and firing and resignation of coaches, saw them blow a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 to South Korea.
That aside the team is suffering from tactical naivety and lack of confidence.
Tunisia came from behind to draw level at the last minute. They were being led by a robust Saudi side.
Brazilian soccer legend, Pele predicted in 1990 that an African team would soon win the World Cup. Pele made this claim after the Indomitable Lions reached the last eight in 1990 before losing to England after extra-time. Will his prediction come true?
THE EMANCIPATION OF SOUTHERN CAMEROONS - The Most Paramount Issue On The Table For All PATRIOTIC Southern Cameroonians.
...I don't deny the importance of the SDF to Cameroonians, neither do I not respect the views of SDF militans. However, there's a question. Do your conscience good by SINCERELY answering these questions...does SC deserve independence? Are Southern Cameroonians regarded as second class citizens in their own country? Whether you like to acknowldege it in the open or in hiding your answer is YES! I don't intend to re-visit the forces of arguments which are on the table cos I'm pretty cocksure that almost all the members in this house are very versed with these. Some argue that there're two options for Southern Cameroonians - separate using force or getting an "anglophone" president. This school of thougth goes ahead to proof that the latter is easy and readily attainable but they fail to think hard! Are they dreaming???
...We all know that the Southern Cameroons have got a legitimate claim. We all know how loath the Biya/France government feel about addressing the issues and why they feel loathe...they know they're harvesting even where they did not sow. We all seem to dream that one day an "anglophone" president'll give an ear to the cause EVEN as Chirac and other French presidents insist that Cameroon will never be ruled by an "anglophone". When asked to comment on the SCNC struggle and hopes of an anglophone president, hear what your colonial master says:"democracy is not important in places like that". Another question emanates...Can Southern Cameroons ever produce an "anglophone" president? The answer is a categorical NO! Why then should we continue dreaming?
My Dearest Southern Cameroonians,
Mindful of the fact that this forum consists of brains, big businessmen and convinced that when we collaboratively concentrate ALL our energies brainstorming on the possibilities of the liberation of our country peacefully or by force, we'll undoubtedly meet our dreams and aspirations soonest, I enjoin ALL in this forum notably WATESIH, KLEMENCEAU, FRITZANE KIKI, FON LAWRENCE, MUKI STONEHALL, CHE SUNDAY, ATANGHA, NJI PAUL, MUKETE, BENF, MBU B., TAYONG, VALLY, REXON, NDI O, DANGO TUMA, LANGAI etc to consider the liberation of Southern Cameroons of paramount interest.
I've always loved to read from Denis Atemkeng
of the liberation struggle. You could read his own suggestions and think hard about them.
I rest my case on a balance of probability though not in a convincing fashion!
Nerves Of Steel, Son Of Ako, LSE.
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Posted by: Akoson | Friday, 16 June 2006 at 01:14 AM
I don't expect anything positive from these African World Cup representatives.My only hope was Tunisia who managed a draw but for the rest they are just 'representatives' and not 'participants' so to speak.I can't imagine how my nerve was tortured with the luck-worm nature of their first matches.Ghana took his 2-0,Togo had his 3-0,IvoryCoast managed with a 2-1 while Angola never did better.
Cameroon is still the best ever.People still ask me of when Cameroon is playing her match.They don't believe Cameroon is not in the WC.Moreso,the teams representing Africa are all novices and only Tunisia can be considered as an experienced team reasons for her 2-2 draw in her first encounter.
I have no more hope for them.They are just representing Africa and having a taste of the WC cake period
Fritzane Kiki
Hong Kong
Posted by: Fritzane Kiki Hong Kong | Friday, 16 June 2006 at 12:09 PM
This world cup seems very strong for Africa, 2 points for the whole continent, it is really a disgrace.
Let us hope the future will be bright
Posted by: Jimboy | Saturday, 17 June 2006 at 12:03 PM
I'll not be suprise if no African team reaches second round in this world cup. How do you hire your opponent over so many qualified Africans to coach your team and expect to win? Man, Africa, while everyone is moving forward, we are moving backwards. What a shame! Is it that we are tired of being black and now want to be white by all means or what? I just don't get it. And what's up with that ghanian player holding a flag other than that of his country? God help us all.
Posted by: another slave like yourself | Wednesday, 21 June 2006 at 03:21 PM