Monday, 19 January 2015

With love, from Senegal.

   For doubting Thomases, it was very clear today that Mame Diouf have developed from that tough but timed boy who came to Manchester United many years ago, to a ganging forward. I wished that his overhead kick that the Ghana goalkeeper caught had found the back of the net. That would have underlined my argument for a place in the list of emerging greats for the Senegalese hit man.
   Ghana started the game on the front foot with Andre Ayew, Christian Atsu and Jordan Ayew pulling the strings. They strung defence splitting passes together that eventually broke down the not - so - quick Senegal back line. Fact is that no defender any where in the world loves to defend facing his goal post which was exactly what the Black Stars made the Teranga Lions do in the opening exchanges. Therefore when those passes kept coming it was a matter of time before something came of it. Eventually the Senegal Goal tender brought down Atsu for the penalty which was well taken by Andre Ayew. Senegal came back in to the second half the better side. They kept the tempo coming. Ndong  making sure the defence line was kept safe and neutralising Christian Atsu who was eventually substituted. John Mensah was the greatest victim in the Ghana defence line. He took upon himself the responsibilities of shoring up the Teranga Lions but it was a responsibility a little too much for him. Turkey based Moussa Sow eventually came on for Ndong and was assisted by Mame Diouf for the winner. Avram Grant received his baptism into African football and I am sure that he must have noted the fact that African football is beyond just mere playing. It's extended passion. A life.
   The stadium was filled to capacity. Fans drumming and dancing in the stands is a reminder to what football is, in Africa. Again, life. In a continent ravaged by political and civil issues, football has served as a faithful bridge, bringing consolation to the millions of disturbed African souls.
   The other nation I look forward to getting a brilliant game from in AFCON 2015 and see as favourites is Algeria.
From the game just concluded it's 'we came to win. With love, from Senegal'.

4 comments:

  1. All I can say is, may the best team win.

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    1. And the cup goes to Ivory Coast..........back to West Africa! Congrats to the Ivoriens.

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    2. And the cup goes to Ivory Coast...........back to West Africa! Congrats to the newest champion

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