Sunday, June 20, 2010

Reflections on the 2010 FIFA World Cup in Johannesburg, South Africa

The euphoria of the first ever FIFA World Cup in Africa is wearing a bit of a pall due to the less than satisfactory performance of the six African teams in the tournament.

I am personally torn between fatalistic optimism and reality. Cameroon virtually bought a one-way ticket out of the tournament with a loss to Denmark last night. Nigeria has lost in it's last two matches to Argentina and Greece respectively. The Nigerian and Cameroonian teams and indeed majority of the African teams boast world class players who play in prominent international teams, they are experienced players of considerable talent. What then is the problem here one might ask? I don't have a clue quite frankly!!

Ghana thankfully recorded a win in its first game against Serbia, its second game against Australia ended in a draw but at least they have their 3 points, which is more than I can say for the other African teams. For Bafana Bafana and Nigeria it is most likely curtains that's 3 African teams gone with the wind!! And Algeria, not looking very promising either. 

So the hopes of the continent hinge on Ghana and Ivory Coast, what a shame!! But I haven't given up hope totally, I remain optimistic that the tide will turn for the better for Africa.

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