WHAT IS GOING ON WITH AFRICAN SOCCER ?

written by Sidy Bangoura

In the recent years, African soccer was dominated by a few countries (Nigeria, Cameroon, Egypt South Africa, etc......) and some great players emerged from The Eagles 94 olympic campaign, Cameroon 1986, or Senegal 2002.....
However, the dynamics of the game have changed and many of those teams aren't even making it to the continental championship anymore.

What's the matter? Well, the soccer BUSINESS blew up in africa in the mid 90s mainly triggered by the olympic success of the Nigerian National team in the 94' Olympics.
The so-called bigger teams have been mined by financial poblems that disturbed the harmony and performance of the teams; some federations were rightfully taken hostage for not paying players on time !! YOU CANNOT BE SUCCESFULL IN THOSE CONDITIONS !!!

While some players such as Senegalese El Hadji Diouf would rather argue for weeks on the amount of their compensations, others such as Cameroonian Samuel Eto'o don't hesitate to take a cut so that local players and other teammates would get fully paid.

One cannot take away the merit and talent of all the emerging young teams such as Ivory Coast, Togo, or Angola but the big teams need to get rid of the egos, and be where people are expecting them to be !!

GENIO!!!!!!!!!!!!

AL-AHLY WINS THE TOP COMPETITION !!!

A 2-2 draw in the second leg of the final in Garoua, Cameroon ensured success for the Cairo team after their 2-0 victory in the first leg two weeks ago. Al Ahly, competing in the final for a fourth successive year, held off a second half comeback from their hosts to book a place at next month’s World Club Cup in Japan. They set up a handy lead when veteran midfielder, Ahmed Hassan scored the opening goal, flicking home the ball with the outside of his right foot seven minutes from half-time at the end of a short corner routine.

On one hand, Al Ahly had previously held the record of five Champions League wins jointly with fellow Egyptian side, Zamalek. In contrast, Coton Sport were competing in the final for the first time, hoping to become the first side from Cameroon to win Africa’s top club prize in 28 years.

Jo Tsonga , the new "Mohamed Ali" !

Written by Babacar Niang

This is the revelation of French tennis this year and he is African !
Jo Wilfried Tsonga has had a formidable year where he reached the finals of the Australian Open and has made a name for himself in the Tennis galaxy!
Born and raised in France , with a Congolese dad, the young revelation has caught the attention of the media partly because of his incredible resemblance with another great sportsman "Mohamed Ali".
"Tsunami Tsonga" as he is nicknamed, has yet to obtain more regular results, but he is promised to a great future !

Bazooka Benzema !!

written by Babacar Niang

The speedy Algerian born striker represents the future of French football and has already been adopted by "Les Bleus " supporters.

A season ended with a 7th French Championship title with FC Lyon, a selection in the national team for the European Championship, and the center of interests of many European clubs, 2008 was Benzema's consecration.
The French striker has been linked to multiple transfer deals but is currently under contract with FC LYON.

SPORTS: Drogba , the class above !!

Written By Babacar Niang

Chelsea's striker Didier Drogba grew to become one of the best footballers of his era. Starting a few years ago in the french championship, and after two brilliant seasons with the French club FC Marseilles, the Ivorian felon has conquered the English premiere league.


What is so stunning about Drogba's career is his exponential progression, which led him to an undisputed spot in the FC Chelsea first squad.


Leader of the brilliant Ivorian selection, Didier Drogba is an example of patriotism ( he has repeatedly called for peace in his country ), sportsmanship, and on and off the pitch charity actions.

Salute Sir Drogba !!!!!!