Monday, February 11, 2008

African Nations Cup 08

So, the African Nations Cup ended. It's Egypt again.

Seriously, I have no real idea how did Egypt repeatedly defy the odds, and surprise much more fancied teams like Cote d'Ivoire, and Cameroon.

To be honest, this is how I rate the African teams.

(In order of merit)
Cote d'Ivoire
Nigeria
Ghana
Cameroon
South Africa
EGYPT
Angola
Tunisia
...

Of course, an Asian wouldn't rate African teams too well. However, Cote d'Ivoire seemed very strong to everyone. When they are the favourites to win the competition this and last edition, twice they failed, twice they fell to Egypt.

Ghana's coach said he found in the team a desire that can match the great Cameroon side in the 90s' under his charge. And they ended up 3rd. Cote d'Ivoire, with Didier Drogba and Kolo Toure, should do well both in front and at the back, but they ended up 4th. Cameroon perhaps had done above expectations, and we saw glimpses of Alex Song from Arsenal. Could be a good acquisition by Wenger yet again.

I think I shall just summarise things.

Egypt and Angola performed above expectations.
Cote d'Ivoire, South Africa, Senegal, Ghana performed below expectations.

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