DECIDERS IN THE 2017 AFCON QUALIFIERS

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The race for Africa’s prestigious flag tournament continuous this week and has got some action which can virtually be the decider for which team gains the automatic top spot slots for Gabon 2017. Teams like Senegal, Algeria, Cameroon and Ghana seem to be in firm grip of their group’s top spot but most teams including the Ivory Coast need to do some extra work over two games to tilt their sails in favourable wind. Here are some key two legged ties teams cannot afford to loose.

GROUP A

TOGO VS TUNISIA

Group A has 3 teams; Togo, Tunisia and Liberia in contention for top spot. Tunisia is second in the group with 3 points from two games 3 behind group leaders Togo and tie on points with Liberia by virtue of a 6 goal difference gained from an expected 8-1 smashing of Djibouti on match day one. With the first leg in Rades, Tunisia have no choice but to grasp all three points in their home leg. Injury to Sunderland’s Wahbi Khazri could be a major dent to Henryk Kasperczak’s side. On the other hand Tom Siantfeit would be pleased to have Rivers United Yoavi Douhadji in his side which enhances a physical match up for the likes of dangerous Chikaouih and Ben Youssef. The loss of Floyd Ayittey to injury would mean the Hawks would have to be efficient to get at least an away goal. With the second leg in Kegue in a few days’ time, it would do the Hawks a lot of good if they don’t lose in Rades. Liberia could top the group as well if they should get back to back wins against Djibouti.

GROUP D

BURKINA FASO VS UGANDA

This is a game that would test Uganda’s verve once again. The Cranes came agonizingly close on just past previous occasions to qualifying for a nations cup since 1978. The notable one being the penalty shoot-out against then champions Zambia in the run up to the 2013 AFCON. In 2014, A 1-0 over favourites Ghana in Kampala meant the dream could be re-lived again only to loose the final and important game to Guinea in Morocco. This another make or break for the Cranes and Coach Micho can’t afford to pick less than 3 points over the two legs The loss of  striker Brain Umony to injury could be a major blow at this time. But the million dollar is to how Uganda can stand in the time when real character is needed. With Paulo Duarte’s men battle ready The stallions can only hope to wear down the Cranes who has had a resolute renaissance after avenging Togo in spectacular home and away 5-1 fashion and gaining some cohesion in the just ended CHAN. Though the presence of on form Chelsea man Traore and Kabore is key, the Stallions seem to have lost their trademark high strength football which accounted for a poor showing with their most successful coach Paul Put at the 2015 nation’s cup.  They were deflated by a 1-0 away loss to lowly Botswana.

 

GROUP E

CONGO BRAZAVILLE VS ZAMBIA

Zambia hosts the first leg of a regional rivalry of some sort. Both teams recovered from match day 1 draws at home with fantastic wins away. Zambia came back from a goal down to win 2-1 against Kenya whiles Congo Brazzaville rounded up Guinea Bissau 4-2 at home. Congo danger men Fode Dore and Bifouma would seek to spoil the party for the Chipolopolo who seem to be at ease with the fixture. The Congo team has been forged into one of the rising sides by former coach Claude Le Roy and would certainly carry the mentality into the game. Zambia on the other hand are raving about the efficiency of Winstone Kalengo and David Mbesuma in front of goal. With a new FA president Kamanga elected a few days ago, a new life  is expected to be breathed into Zambian football.

 

GROUP F

CAPE VERDE VS MOROCCO

The fixture might not be one of the sumptuous on paper but everything you would need in an exciting fixture is in this game. Ranging from good pitches, wonderful atmosphere and flare, expect this to be one of the best games. With both teams beating the C.A.R and Lybia, It could be certain that this group might present the slot for one of the 3 best second placed teams but loosing over two legs could be game over so expect a tactical approach by an outstanding Moroccan outfit who missed last year’s tournament after a ban by CAF and a Cape Verde side which seem to have lost some spark after the exit of Lucio Antunes but are grinding out wonderful results.

 

GROUP G

EGYPT VS NIGERIA

This is arguably the pick of this round of qualifiers. Twelve years ago, this clash would have been a fixture fit for the finals of the AFCON but nothing takes away the shine from the game though the two teams failed to make it to last year’s AFCON. Egypt is in firm grip of the group on 6 points while the Super Eagles are 2 points short of the Pharoahs after a hard fought goaless draw in Tanzania. The Eagles may look frail after issues with the administration and coaching might be their undoing but trust SIasia to present a descent side with emergence of players like Inheanacho and Iwobi of Arsenal. Egypt on the other hand are desperate for qualification since being champions in 2010. The Pharoah’s seem to be gaing the form that made them ruthless on the continent from 2006 to 2010 but always seem to falter against the continent West African giants. Nigeria simply need a win to expedite their hopes of not missing out on the nations cup again after they won in 2013

BIG GUNS CLASH WITH LESS FANCIED SIDES FOR A PLACE IN THE GROUP STAGE

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The second stage of the African qualifiers for Russia 2018 1st leg generated some shock results with some big guns falling short of expectations. Egypt succumbed to a 71st minute Ezechiel N’Douassel header, a venue where they virtually tore Chad apart two months ago to the dismay of the teaming home support. The Pharoahs have it all to do this time in Alexandria. However injury concerns and fitness levels of four players including Mohammed Salah looks to have taken a sting of the Egyptians and considering how qualification to recent tournaments had fizzled out, Hector Cuper and his lads have to take the game with a no mercy approach today.

Nigeria were also held to a goaless draw in front of an impressed home side at the Somholo National Stadium. Super Eagles of recent times have difficulty in scoring more than two goals in a game. Swaziland looked quick moving forward and a goal in Nigeria could make the contest tougher for Oliseh’s men.

Ghana were lucky to draw blank in Moroni as a legitimate goal scored by the Islanders was disallowed. Ball control was difficult on the day and the Les Coelecantes stalwartness in defense brought a different mood about the second leg clash in Kumasi. Gabon, Zambia,Uganda, Morocco and Guinea have booked their places in the final phase of the qualifiers. Cameroon looks certain to join them. The Ivory Coast and Senegal have destiny in their hands.

Are we going to see any shocks on the Road to Russia 2018? Will the big guns rise to the occasion or will the composed supposed minnows of African football cause an upset?

 

THE SIMPLE THINGS CAN BE HELPFUL- AN ADVICE TO CHRISTIAN ATSU

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Everyone including you can’t help but remain baffled as a fully fit Christian Atsu is failing to make an EPL debut after eight match days. Eddie Howe’s charges have won and drawn 2 matches each, losing four. Bournemouth lie 15th on the EPL log and surely need some more attacking bite to their force to ease a relegation struggle and if possible gain a Europa spot.

Christian Atsu

Some funs of the EPL speculated a possible rift between Christian Atsu and his manager. But that claim can never be substantiated as Atsu had similar problems of irregular feature at Everton and Porto (two top flight clubs). It could certainly not be a dive in his form as he made a good show on national duty on the back of his return from injury and also had a good game in the Capital One Cup. His wonderful talent can also not be in doubt as he took the Cup of African Nations by storm. Then what could be the reason for a player of Atsu’s caliber finding the EPL quite difficult.

In a long sport chat and argument with Michel Oduro a friend whiles we waited for a ship at the port, Christian Atsu’s issue poped in. I didn’t miss my usual jibes against Eddie Howe and the Bournemouth management and even wished Atsu never signed for the Cherries. But Mike made me understand an issue I thought could make Atsu an improved attacker and even put him in stardom at the Liberty Stadium. He told me about the simple requirements of the EPL thus just do what is expected of your role. There is no doubt of Atsu’s ability of taking on opponents on and having a good shot at goal. But he could fast become an indispensible player when he improves his final passing and through balls and being able to put strikes beyond goalies especially on the edge of the18 yard box. If per match such a player is able to be involved in creating chances and even scoring, why would such a skill be left on the bench? His far side compatriot during national duty Andre Ayew make the headlines day in day out in the EPL. Ayew hasn’t got the pace of this wonderkid but he does the simple thing – lay the final pass or score with a half chance if possible. Thus what the EPL is all about- score more, win the 3 points at stake and get out home and dry.

Christian is a good player. Did I just say ‘good player’? He is the best player from our continent but he just got to do what the EPL requires. He’s got more than that.