Angola and for that matter Africa was put in a state of confusion when the Angolan Rebel or Gunmen of the oil-rich territory of Cabinda attacked the Togolese National team at Angola during their road trip by bus from the Republic of Congo into Cabinda- Angola.
As expected, most of the European Clubs were quick to capitalize on the unfortunate shooting by making their usual selfish request to have their players abandon the tournament and return to Europe for security reasons. But we all know their main goal was to strengthen their squads in their various leagues and to also make Africa look weak in the eyes of World Soccer fans in terms of Africa’s ability to host a world tournament.
Upon Consultation with the Soccer officials of Togo, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Burkina Faso as well as the willingness of the Angolan Government to step up security at Cabinda and other parts of the Country, CAF decided to go ahead with the tournament despite criticism from most soccer fans and the withdrawal of the Togolese National team from the tournament.
Thanks to the support from FIFA and the Angolan Government’s readiness to provide solid Security, CAF and Africa have proven to the World that what happened at Cabinda could have happened at any country around the world and that Angola was no exception.
Fortunately, the tournament continued smoothly and ended with a great game between Ghana and Egypt with Egypt emerging as the champions of Africa.
The question most Soccer fans around Africa and the world kept asking themselves was what next? Or how will CAF console Togo? But to the astonishment of Soccer fans around the world, CAF made a heartless decision to ban Togo from participating in the next, two African Cup of Nations. To add salt to injury, CAF also fined the Federation of Togolese Football US$50,000.
Many soccer fans around the world have called for the firing of the CAF president. The president of Ghana has also added his voice to the millions of soccer loving people around the world by telling the president of CAF to reconsider his decision to ban Togo.
I believe strongly that CAF is currently at a lost as to how to retract their stupid decision to ban Togo. I therefore want to remind CAF that it is not too late to reverse their stupid decision on Togo. They can regain the respect of Soccer fans around Africa and the world by organizing a charity game between the national team of Togo and the best eleven players of Africa. This game should be played at Togo and funds generated from the game should be used to support the family members of the dead. This will also give CAF the best platform to renounce their decision at Togo after the game. It will also send a strong message to the terrorist that Soccer fans around the world are united against terrorism. The people of Togo, Africa, the world and most importantly, the dead are waiting for CAF to reverse their heartless decision. God bless Africa.
By: Nick Amuna – USA Email: nicamuna@yahoo.com
