Over here in Africa, the thoughts are firmly towards the Africa cup of nations (AFCON) qualifiers with the 3rd and 4th round of matches to contest over the next week.
The Ghana
versus Sierra Leone game earlier scheduled for today (Thursday) was cancelled
by the world football governing body, FIFA, due to governmental interference in
football affairs in Sierra Leone which is against FIFA rules and always
attracts a ban, The government of Sierra Leone refuses to reinstate two
officials who were removed from office and Ghana will gain a walkover as a
result. This is very shameful and unheard of in top class competition but such
situations arise with regularity in the African game and you just wonder when such
acts of unprofessionalism and lack of competitiveness could ever be eradicated,
the spirit of the game-and any game for that matter- should always be
respected.
Defending champions Cameroon and new coach Clarence Seedorf welcome Malawi on Friday looking to keep their top spot in group B, Gabon and South Sudan also lock horns with both teams hoping to stay alive in their group. Ivory Coast face The Central African Republic with Guinea’s place atop the table firmly in their sights. Algeria and The Republic of Benin will battle at the top of the table in Group D.
Saturday has my beloved Nigeria go head-to-head with coach-less Libya at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, by 4PM Nigeria time with Gernot Rohr’s men hoping to wrestle first place from the Libyans, Libya are very beatable by this youthful Nigeria side but have to be cautious of the Libyans whose place at the top of the table tells you all you need to know about them. I am personally aggrieved that Nigeria have not been able to defend the title we won back in 2013 due to failing to qualify for the two subsequent editions, Could we have two ‘defending champs’ at Cameroon 2019? Elsewhere in group E, South Africa take on Seychelles at FNB stadium with the South Africans looking to consolidate their shared first position by beating the group minnows.
Defending champions Cameroon and new coach Clarence Seedorf welcome Malawi on Friday looking to keep their top spot in group B, Gabon and South Sudan also lock horns with both teams hoping to stay alive in their group. Ivory Coast face The Central African Republic with Guinea’s place atop the table firmly in their sights. Algeria and The Republic of Benin will battle at the top of the table in Group D.
Saturday has my beloved Nigeria go head-to-head with coach-less Libya at Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo, by 4PM Nigeria time with Gernot Rohr’s men hoping to wrestle first place from the Libyans, Libya are very beatable by this youthful Nigeria side but have to be cautious of the Libyans whose place at the top of the table tells you all you need to know about them. I am personally aggrieved that Nigeria have not been able to defend the title we won back in 2013 due to failing to qualify for the two subsequent editions, Could we have two ‘defending champs’ at Cameroon 2019? Elsewhere in group E, South Africa take on Seychelles at FNB stadium with the South Africans looking to consolidate their shared first position by beating the group minnows.
In the UEFA Nations League, Poland face a Ronaldo-less Portugal on Thursday, the world’s highest ranked national team, Belgium, take on Switzerland on Friday with Croatia and England facing off on the same day and England looking to avenge their 2018 World Cup Semi final loss to the Croatians. Saturday has The Netherlands hosting former world Champions Germany. Wales will be without superstar and captain Gareth Bale for their friendly against Spain tonight but they’re hoping he makes a return in the UEFA Nations league game against the republic of Ireland next Tuesday.
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