This is why you should watch AFCON
Egyptians thought they'd found their Moses in Mostafa Mohamed, who scored a last-gasp goal that almost made the angels sing.
There is soccer (okay super bowl) in America. There is football in Europe. There is cricket in India. Then, there is AFCON in Africa. Forget your predictable favorites – this tournament is all about underdogs biting, giants toppling, and enough last-minute twists to leave you breathless.
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This is African. Cup. of. Nations (AFCON). Welcome!
Ghana, the mighty Black Stars, appeared destined for victory against Mozambique's Mambas until a dramatic turn of events in the 91st minute. Andre Ayew's inadvertent handball paved the way for Mozambique's redemption. Two goals up against Mozambique, victory was practically in their grasp. Then, in a cruel twist of fate, a handball, a penalty, and two late goals by the Mambas turned the joyous dancefloor into a mosh pit of fury. The Black Stars, were cruising towards the next stage, swaggering like Beyonce before a concert, only to have Mozambique stick a banana peel under their boots and watch them tumble into oblivion. Fans went from victory dances to throwing shade faster than a desert viper, pelting the team bus with rocks like angry hail. Ghanaian journalists were left in despair, wanting to vent off their 'questions' to the players. At home, fans couldn't believe. They questioned the loyalty of the players to their highly coveted badge. Demoralised and enraged, they silently stood up from their hot seats and dispersed unceremoniously.
Ivory Coast, the proud host, got trampled by the tiny Equatorial Guinea, leaving their own fans wondering if they'd bought the wrong tickets. The Elephants' fate had to be decided by the match between Morocco and Zambia. Yesterday, Ivorian fans had already adorned the Moroccan Jerseys and poured all their hearts out like they had won a lottery ticket to Casablanca. For them, the Atlas Lions were like Elephants. They share the same jungle and they don't prey on each other.
Gambia, the Scorpions and the plucky underdogs, fresh off a near-death plane experience (due to insufficient oxygen) and stung the mighty Indomitable Lions of Cameroon with a late lead, only to be cruelly snatched back in the final gasp of extra time. An electrifying comeback at the 72nd and 85th minutes, only to be thwarted in the 91st minute of extra time, left hearts pounding and shattered hopes. Their journey was a testament to the indomitable human spirit, even if it left them with a bittersweet taste of "what could have been."
Angola and Mauritania defied description. Dala, the Angolan scissor-kick maestro, scored a brace, only to be matched by the Mauritanian magician Sidi Bouna Amar, who weaved through defenders like smoke through reeds. The scoreline swung back and forth like a pendulum in a hurricane, ending in a thrilling 3-2 victory for Angola. However, later Mauritania, the perpetual underdogs, revenged with a triumph over reigning champions Algeria, breaking free from their winless curse with a gritty victory, leaving Algeria languishing at the bottom of their group with just 2 points.
Egypt's rollercoaster against Cape Verde kept fans on the edge. Egyptians thought they'd found their Moses in Mostafa Mohamed, who scored a last-gasp goal that almost made the angels sing. But then VAR, the ultimate party pooper, intervened, and Cape Verde scored a nonchalant equaliser that tasted sweeter than baklava. With tears rolling off the cheek of some players, the spirit of the pharaohs had deserted them. Thanks to the black magic of the Black Stars, the Pharaohs now have a chance to escape from Egypt, cross the red sea, and reach Israel, the promised land (though I don't know if Netanyahu will welcome them for reasons that we all know).
Tanzania, popularly known as Taifa Stars, remained the subject of the venomous mockery from their neighbors, Kenyans, for being mauled mercilessly by the Atlas Lions of Morocco and running aimlessly around the field like headless chickens. Super Eagles of Nigeria, managed, by the grace of juju, to snatch only 3 goals (with an own goal that they celebrated wildly) from the group stage and proceed to the knockout phase. For Tunisia, the Carthage Eagles, I don't know if their angry fans will ever forgive them for crushing out of the tournament and being the last in their group with only 2 points. The stewards had to separate them from the irate supporters.
So far, the Lions of Teranga, Senegal, are safe in their den. No threats. No loss. Just wins. They keep preying. Will they eat grass? I don't know. Let's wait.
AFCON 2023 isn't just about football; it is a rollercoaster of emotions. One minute you're screaming in joy, the next you're clutching your chest in despair. It is unpredictable, exhilarating, and will be etched in our memories forever.
Now, hold your popcorn and let's wait for the knockout stage.
Which game have you watched? Or which team do you know? Or which one do you intend to know?
I don't generally watch sports of any kind, and I don't know any of these teams, but Edwin - your blow by blow descriptions read like a fantastic suspense adventure! Ever think about becoming a sports announcer? Everything you write has this natural gift you have as a storyteller and educator woven into it. I enjoyed the read.
BJJ and MMA have ruined team sports forever for me. This was good, though!