The Africans Who Will Decide Today’s Game
1 comment December 26th, 2007
Next month the African Cup of Nations will see some of the continent’s best talent compete. Tomorrow, at Fratton Park, we will be able to witness a microcosm of this tournament, as some of the most celebrated African players around face off in a full-blooded Premiership clash.
NIGERIA:
Former Gunner Kanu and flying winger John Utaka make up Portsmouth’s Nigerian contingent, and it’s possible the pair of them could link up if Harry Redknapp deploys his dangerous 4-3-3 formation. Kanu’s skill and Utaka’s pace make that a fearsome prospect.
IVORY COAST:
Ivorian pair Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue will both be eager to secure three points on one of their last performances before disppearing to the tournament in…
GHANA:
The home nation of the CAN 2008 are represented by Sulley Ali Muntari, who along with the likes of Michael Essien and Asamoah Gyan, is one of the reasons that Ghana are a big favourite to follow up their impressive World Cup performances by winning the tournament.
CAMEROON:
Although born in Spain, Lauren is one of the Cameroon’s most heralded internationals. To be frank, I have no idea whether he’s currently retired from international football or not. He seems to change his mind more often than a particularly indecisive schizophrenic. Alex Song, whose recent form has seen him linked with a call up for the CAN, would be a surprise starter. However, with rotation paramount in the Christmas period, you never know…
TOGO:
Is Emmanuel Adebayor the most talented player not to have qualified for the African Cup of Nations? With Robin van Persie still strugging with a muscle problem, the pressure is again on him tomorrow to be our match-winner.
ZIMBABWE:
Whilst his country have not qualified for the tournament, Benjani Mwaruwari won’t be too down. An astonishing turn around in his goalscoring fortunes have seen him net nine Premiership strikes so far this season. A player that Redknapp originally signed on Arsene’s recommendation, it would be just typical for him to net a vital goal tomorrow.
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Of course, having done all this, it’s almost guaranteed that a European player will prove to be the matchwinner.
Hope your Christmas was good. Come on Arsenal.
