ALL EYES ON AFRICA

 Writer: Ebenezer Zor (Ezee)

Africa will be the eye of the whole world as it prepares to stage the 28^th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (ACON) starting from January 21 to February 12, 2012 co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea at four stadia-  Libreville, Franceville both in Gabon whiles Bata and Malabo in Equatorial Guinea.

Though some of the stadia are being giving finishing touches, perhaps it might not have any bad omen on the tournament.

There will be pressure on the coaches to bring their technical brains on the table likewise the players to produce excellent results.

Surprisingly, the 2012 AFCON will be without some powerful Africa football power houses as; most successful Pharaohs of Egypt who has won seven titles, West Africa Super Eagles of Nigeria also claiming two trophies to their credit and the in dominatable of lions of Cameroon with four titles since the commencement of the competition.

Due to the absence of these countries not forget South Africa; who then conquer Africa?

Will it be the new converts; Niger, Botswana, one of the co-host countries or the crème de la crème elephants of Cote D’ivoire, the teranga lions of Senegal or the four times African champions, the Black Stars of Ghana.

Let us take a profile of the participating countries.

GROUP A.

Equatorial Guinea: Interim coach, Casto Nopo and Captain Javier Balboa of the Nzalang Nacional of Equatorial Guinea would have a lot to show their denizens and the world at large as they attempt to give a good run for their money. Equatorial Guinea currently ranked 151 on the FIFA Coca Cola stands and 42 in Africa is making its first appearance in AFCON since its inception.

Libya: Libya ranked 14 in Africa and 63 on the FIFA rankings is making its third appearances in the AFCON after serving as a runner up in the 1982 when they suffered their biggest defeat against Egypt by losing 10-2. The head coach of the Mediterranean Knights is Marcos Paqueta whiles Samir Aboud is the captain of the side.

Senegal: The Teranga Lions have made eleven appearances since 1965. Senegal, sixth in Africa and 44 on the world rankings did occupy the second place in the 2000 AFCON. Not only that, it was also a quarter finalist at the 2002 World Cup. Amara Traroe is their head coach.

Zambia: The chipolopolo boys of Zambia will be making their fifteenth appearances in the AFCON 2012 come next year. Out of the fourteen showcases, Zambia’s best assessment was runners up in 1974 and 1994. However Coach Herve Renard is the technical handler of the Zambians. Zambia is currently occupying 19 in Africa and 79 slot on the FIFA rankings.

GROUP B

Angola: The name of their national team is Palancas Negras with Lito Vidigal doubling up as their coach. Angola 84 on the FIFA rankings and twentieth in Africa made its first appearance at the Germany 2006 World Cup and served as best quarter-finalist in the 2008 and 2012 AFCON. Angola will be making its sixth appearances in a roll.

Burkina Faso: The Les Estalon (stallions) after seven appearances (first in 1978) will have a taste of the AFCON summing up to eight appearances. The Stallions ranked 13 in Africa and 62 on FIFA rankings best result was manifested when they took the fourth place during Burkina 1998 AFCON. Paulo Duarte is their head coach.

Cote D’Ivoire: Chelsea’s striker and captain of the elephants, Didier Drogba will lead their charges to upset the applecart for the upcoming AFCON. The Ivorians have made two appearances at the World Cup; first in Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010. Aside that they have appeared 19 times in the AFCON (first in 1965) and winners of 1992 Confederation Cup. Francois Zahoui heads the technical bench. Gabon and Equatorial will mark their twentieth appearances. They are currently Africa’s number one and 16 on the FIFA rankings.

Sudan: The falcons jediane of Sudan will also be making their eight appearances at the AFCON 2012 (first in 1957) with its best result in 1970. Head coach, Mohamed Abadall and Captain Haithim Mustapha will have a lot to show the entire world. Sudan is being ranked 112 on the FIFA rankings and 27 in Africa.

GROUP C.

Gabon: The Panthers of Gabon made their first appearance in the year 1994. In all, it has made four appearances since the inception of the Africa Cup of Nations. Within these appearances, Gabon’s best result was reaching the quarter-finals of the 1996 South Africa competition. Coach Gernot Rohr would lead his outfits to chance for continental silver during their fifth appearances in a few weeks time. Gabon is ranked 17 in Africa and 77 on the World rankings.

Morocco: The 1976 AFCON winners, the Atlas Lions of Morocco will battle for the ultimate in their fourteen appearances come January where the tournament kicks off. Already, the Moroccans have made four appearances at the topflight FIFA World Cup. Morocco on the African standings is 11 and 60 on the FIFA rankings.

Niger: The senior national team of Niger, Mena,  ranked 98 in the world, 24 in Africa would under the sway of Coach Harouna Doula Gbade will also not live any stone unturned as they make their first ever appearance for Gabon and Equatorial Guinea showpiece.

Tunisia: The Carthage Eagles is the pseudonym of the Tunisian senior national team. The Tunis ranked seventh in Africa and 59 on world standings has made fourteen appearances and won the 1978 phase of the Africa Cup of nations. Meanwhile, it  has made four appearances in the FIFA World Cup. Would Coach Samir Trabelsi and Captain Aymen Mathouthi shock Africa?

GROUP D.

Ghana: The four times African supernova headed by Coach Goran Stevanovic, Captained by John Mensah will be in contention for their fifth Africa penultimate with some weeks ahead of the 28^th edition of AFCON. Ghana ranked 27 on the world rankings and second in Africa made its first appearance in 1963 equaling seventeenth participations in all. The senior national team, the Black Stars of Ghana is making their eighteenth appearance. The Black Stars participated in both 2006 and 2010 World Cup respectively.

Botswana: Aside Niger, Equatorial Guinea, the Zebras of Bostwana will participate in the AFCON for their first time in so many years. Botswana, during the Glo Awards in Accra, Ghana, was crowned as the best national team of the year. It means that Coach Stanley Tshosane and Captain Mompati Thuma would not rest till they get the ultimate. Bostwana is currently occupying 96 slots on the FIFA rankings and 23 positions in Africa.

Guinea: Would head coach Michel Dussuyer guide the National Elephants of Guinea to their first ever title after making nine appearances so far in the tournament since its introduction? Guinea is 18 in Africa and 79 on the FIFA rankings.

Guinea’s best result was the second place it booked at the 1976 edition.

Mali: The Eagles, as the nickname of the Malian senior national team under the auspices of Coach Alain Giresse and captained by Mahamadou Diarra after the country placing second in the 1972 phase and making sixth appearances so far, might change the terrain as they prepare for their seventh participation in grand style. Mali occupies the 67 slot on the FIFA standings and 15 positions in Africa.

MY QUEEN (POEM)

 By Ebenezer Zor (Ezee)

My queen is like a shadow

 It follows me everywhere i go
 My queen is like a light
 Which always bright my path.
  My queen is like a shining clouds

There forever     

My queen is like a red rose
 Filled with sweet fragrance.
   My queen is like a news
  That i listen to always     

My queen is like a judge                                             

That keeps me in her love prison.

NSS - GOOD OR BAD

“We can make our own plans, but the Lord gives the right answer” Proverbs 16:9 NLT.



Mr. Zor



Being a temporarily bachelor for the rest of ones life is not worthy of emulation, not say a psychological trauma for most men. If one could not understand him or her self, how can such person comprehend the dealings of nature?

Never did I thought of going to the interior part of this our peaceful country, Ghana for a mission.

I have always being optimistic about spending all the moments right in the nation’s number one city, Accra.

On the contrary, when I checked the placements on the internet, at a spot my optimism was truncated.

I was posted to Wa, the regional capital of the Upper West Region to undergo a voluntary patriotic national assignment as the National Service Scheme as being called for all graduates from the tertiary and willingly applicants across the country.

In fact the posting made me asked this multiple million dollar questions- Do I deserve it. Why Me? Is the NSS being subhuman towards me, and many more.

My mind progressively casted me back to a saying that;”To be successful in life, one must expect the best and prepared for the worst” , made me blanked out the above questions.



Mr. Zor



However my posting to the Nadowli Sampina Junior High School (JHS) in Wa on the National Service Scheme catapulted me as pupils’ teacher.

I had no choice than to kowtow to the demands of the secretariat since it general serves as the heaven gate towards employment in the years ahead.

JOURNEY.

At exactly 9:00 pm on Monday, October 3, 2011, I boarded an O.A travel and tour air condition coach with a 14 inches plasma television from circle-Accra to Wa, Upper West.

On the way to the said geographical location, the coach with passengers was given a police escort with the notion of cracking down the antics of criminals when it springs up.

For me, it was a thirteen hours voyage to Wa. My journey to Wa highlighted some sceneries, places like Techiman, Nkwakwa, Mole park and several hidden towns and tourist sites.

Then in the next day I was in Wa around 10:00 am. As it has been structured, I went to the regional national service secretariat to fill some requirements.

IN WA.

Meanwhile there were over two-hundred national service personnel from other part of the country to undergo the registration. I must confess that it was a tiring and unprofessional on the part of workers as the place was totally disorganized.

The national service personnel have to queue for several hours for the appointment letter to be endorsed by the regional director due to insufficient work force.

In spite of such a welcoming frustration, I passed through the mill to have my letter of appointment stamped and a photography snapped for identification cards (ID).

Fortunately and unfortunately, being a stranger coupled with the fact that there was no chance for me to get a vehicle to Sampina, through  a friends effort in Bolgatanga, i passed out the night with his friends in a hostel.

These good Samaritans were Eric and Yaw both students of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Wa.

The next morning, I boarded a cabby to the Wa lorry station and join a bus popularly known in the national circuit as ‘kuffour bus to Nadowli where I have been posted to practice the service.

Initially I am supposed to visit Sampina JHS to have my forms stamped by the headmaster before handing over to the district for another registration. In any case I did the reverse.

By so doing, I registered again at the Nadowli district service secretariat when I bought a fuel in the sum of 7GH¢ for a motor cyclist to ride me to and fro Sampina JHS to have the forms endorsed by the headmaster.

Suddenly, I came into contact with the assistant headmaster, Mr. Timothy Anchiihe Balee who assigned his signature on my documents in place of the headmaster. That day was Wednesday, October 5, 2011.

Again I confess that it was a hectic moment for me when I did not know whom to turn to immediately after the registration at the district.

Coincidentally the Lord revealed five angels to take me to the said place. They were the driver, conductor, the assemblyman and two P.T.A executive members.

Dramatically the conductor did not spared me as he commanded to pay 10GH¢ for my luggage. I must say that the presence of these denizens of Sampina inspired and instilled into some spectrum of confidence as a practicing pupils’ teacher.

ARRIVAL

Upon my arrival at the town, I was taken to the Sampina Naa (chief) where after series of verbal salvo I was given an accommodation.

After spending some weeks as a temporarily bachelor, I went to the Wa market to purchase some foodstuffs to put my culinary skills to test.

I fully started teaching forms one to three classes Social Studies and English on Monday, October, 10.

With somw pupls'

Apart from my teaching onus, I was their chaplain and Physical Education (PE) master.

Aside this, the saying ‘God time is the best’ materialize on October, 24 when  another national service personnel from the University of Ghana Legon, Mr. Ebenezer Nana Okyere Akrofi joined me as room mates at Sampina.

We used part of our time to visit the Black Volta which separates Ghana from Burkina Faso.

Black Volta

I was on the rest of the waves as I did expect such moments to transpire.

PROFILE OF SAMPINA-SAAN

Sampina is a town under the charikpong community with its distict as Nadowli. Nadowli is made up of twenty-five communities. Sampina consist of six towns. Namely Saan, Naribu, Base, Kuo, Ka kala including Sampina.

SAMPINA-SAAN CHPs ZONE

Sampina-Saan CHPs zone ling between charikpong as a sub district to the south and to the east boarded by the Black Volta. The communities are linked by feeder roads and footpaths.

LANGUAGE

Their tribal mark on the tommy

The main languages spoken are Dagaare and Wale.

OCCUPATION

The natives of Sampina mostly farmers, fishermen and pito brewers. The dominant crops cultivated are millet, maize, rice, bambara beans and groundnuts.

RELIGION

The people are mainly traditional believers, Christians and few of them Muslims.

BUILDINGS

All buildings in the communities are put up with either mud bricls and roofted with zinc and wood.

HEALTH FACILITY

There are two health facilities; charikpong health center and Saan-Samlina Community Health Protection Services (CHPs) zone managed by trained health persons.

SCHOOLS

There are three (3) day care centers, two (2) primary schools, two (2) Junior High Schools (JHS) and one (1) vocational school.

RESOURCES

Sampina-Saan communities have the following resources like gold, diamond and others.

WATER

Sampina has got more one bore holes supplying the denizens with water.

CHALLENGES

The biggest challenge there is the poor lighting system. The town has no electricity power when wire cables have been laid through out the place. Again there are less recreational facilities and this is not auguring well for them. The roads are poor in nature. Moreover, the interior part of Ghana, Wa specifically records the highest hotness and coldness as far as humidity is concerned.

                                                                                                  

To be continued.

I THINK (POEM).

By Ebenezer Zor

I think of your kisses while you are away,
I think of your smile every seconds
I can not forget the first day i met you,
You appeared in my life as an angel,
I think of the day you will be my wife.

I think of the day we will all sleep on the same bed,
I think of the day I can say I do.
To be your husdand,
To be together for life,
Is a moment I always expect,
All the time.

Preview: Ebenezer Zor (Ezee).

As the 2011/2012 Glo Premier League gets underway this year, would premiership returnee side, Tema Youth, or debutantes, Bechem United and Wassaman United follow the footprint of their predecessors,(Berekum Chelsea, Aduana Stars) as they enter their first round of matches slated on October 9?

Or old folks, Glorious Accra Hearts of Oak, Kumasi Asante Kotoko, Ash Gold, Liberty Professionals, and sensational Meademe FC prepare to take what is theirs after being brushed off of the title two seasons ago.

Premiership returnee, Tema Youth will open their campaign against a very compact and twenty-one times league champions,Kumasi Asante Kotoko side in their first round of matches at Tema artificial turf which predicted to be the top fixture for the week.

Dethroned league leaders, Aduana Stars from Dorman Ahenkro after having played in the maiden edition of the GHALCA top G8 will play as visitors to the scientific soccer lads, Liberty Professionals at Carl Reindorf Park, Dansoman.

A win for Liberty will be a promising start for them whereas for Aduna it will not bode well for the title chase.

Coach Bashiru Hayford’s side, Meademe FC after losing to Berekum Chelsea in the grand finale of the G8 tournament would like to stage a come back as they welcome Kwesi Nyantakyi’s Wa All Stars at Sunyani. A win for both clubs will be a moral booster for their subsequent encounters.

At the Accra Sports Stadium, Tudu Mighty Jet will host defending champions, Berekum Chelsea in a match fit for the gods. A loss to Jets could begin their campaign on a terrible note.

Newly promoted side to the top flight, Bechem United will square it up with Edubiase at Bechem Park. Bechem will need a win at all cost to stage their presence in league.

At the Berekum Golden City Park, the Gunners, Berekum Arsenal will come to face Accra Hearts of Oak in a duel which promises to be fireworks. A loss to both clubs could be nightmare for them.

And yet to be baptized debutante, Wassaman United will travel to the den of lions to play as visitors to Kpando Hearts of Lions. A loss to lions will bode ill for them

LA TOWN LIFTS TROPHY

Story and picture by Ebenezer Zor (Ezee).

Kuffour received the trophy from Rev. Cartenor

Former Accra Hearts of Oak and Ebusua Dwarfs playmaker, Emmanuel Osei Kuffour last Saturday led the La Town XI to inflict a painful 1-0 victory over nemesis Osu Town XI to clinch the maiden edition of ‘special’ T.T Carternor La Homowo Cup with assorted items played at the La community town park, Accra.

Emmanuel Osei Kuffour, “the general” popular known among his admirers was a delight to watch as he kept the park ablaze with his skills and passes though over weighted.

Both teams created  lots of chances in the first half but failed to put the ball behind their opponent net ending the half in goalless.

However, George Obodai’s 47^th minutes free-kick pass Osu’s goalkeeper, Stephen Odai broke the deadlock and the separated both teams at the end of 90 minutes.

Ben Fadi from Osu and Michael Annang were adjudged best players with the former being the over all best player and the latter a defender.

 Aside that there was a dramatic scene  where the Ghana Prison Service women engaged the towns men folk in tag of war battle with the women wining a two straight pulls over the men when the match was on recess.

The Assemblyman and organizer of the event, Honourable Rev. Kelvin Tetteh lauded the teams and townsfolk for showing their bravura towards the competition.

Briefing the Lead Sports, he said: “The competition was organized not only to foster unity but also to unearth talents that could help in nation building especially in the area of security services”.

Mr. Tetteh branded the Homowo Cup as ‘special’ because such feat has never been underscored by the residents of La for fifteen years now.

Doubling up as reverend minister for Action Chapel International, spintex road, he assured the people of an annually event and also include nearby towns- Teshie and Nungua in subsequent activities.

“As individuals at a reputable place, it is society that has made us what are today. Therefore we must cultivate the habitual reciprocity by giving to develop the community” he added.

Present were the traditional chiefs and several other dignitaries.

GHANA NEEDS COMPETITION

The focal point with Ebenezer Zor.

In spite of the 1-0 loss suffered by Ghana at the hands of Brazil in their last  international friendly played at the Craven Cottage Park a home side of Engtlish premiership side Fulham, the stars gave a good account of themselves.

Though reduced to ten players after Daniel Opare was given the early shower before the game went on recess, their performance was second to none.

If you should ask me, it was a memorable encounter as some crop of players were been assessed to know their capabilities and to prepare them for competitive matches ahead.

Notwistanding, the said match did exposed some weakness facing the current Black Stars squad if whether there are or not big names.

The Black Stars have failed to present an effective left and right foot back, a gifted and creative midfielder or ball juggler, a clinical finisher and an orthodox number ten player that could pull surprises even when the going gets tough.

Gone were the days when Ghana used to have such caliber of players like, the maestro Abedi Ayew Pele, Mohammed Polo, the dribbling magician, Anthony ‘Yegola’ Yeboah, Awudu Issaka, the disco dancer and several others who fought for the nation and even gave spectators value for their money during their youthful moments.

Today, our stars with their fascinating gaits, stylish haircuts, and appearance are always comfortable with the least they do than going beyond the limit hence sending signals to other countries which would want to engage them.

As a coin has two sides, permit me to comment generally about the output of the Black Stars players who featured in that particular crunchy duel against the Samba Boys of Brazil at Craven Cottage Park in England.

Roughly speaking two players to me distinguished themselves whilst the others were shadows of themselves. They are the new safest pair of hands, Adam Larsen Kwarasey and most reliable defender, Jonathan ‘Junior Rock’ Mensah.

Both proved their prowess in the absence of veteran goalkeeper, Richard Kingston and defender John Mensah, the rock of gilbrator. But I believe Kingston and John are not done yet.

Larsen in his second debut for Ghana gradually gained confidence and within the last few minutes of the second half, thwarted a very curling header and well constructed free kick from both Alexander Pato and Ronaldinho in their bid to increase the tally.

Whereas Isaac Vorsah, John Panstil  were in a state of dilemma likewise midfielders, Emmanuel Agyemeng Badu, Derek Boateng, Kwadzo Asamoah and worse of it all Sulley Ali Muntari were all Missing In Action (MIA).

Dilating on our goal-poachers, the inability of Asamoah Gyan and Andre Dede Ayew was a big chance for both Jordan Ayew and Prince Tagoe to silence their critics. However, they gave a wild good chance for the ball during that encounter.

Having said that, the introduction of Rabi Mohammed, Dominic Adiyah, Patrick Adomah, and Lee Addy was not strong to reverse the tempo of the game.

On the whole, they also did their best by taking the game to the Brazilians and prevented them from scoring more to humiliate the stars.

It is about time the management of the Stars instill into the players that the team does not belong to any individual, but to whoever meets the standard of the senior national team. In fact there should be competition among the players to strive for position.

I do not want to believe that neither some players lobby for position in stars squad nor their ‘agents’ act behind the scene to pave way for their favourite players which majority are ricketier to play for the stars.  

Indeed if this attitude exists, then what sort of niche is the team carving whiles there are fantastic players locally and internationally who could don the jerseys of the stars and make the nation proud?

Surely in one way or the other, some soccer lovers would like to attribute the 1-0 defeat to Brazilians to the poor tactics of Goran Stevanovic for such rickety output.

In this case I will not support the aversion against the coach because he has proven beyond reasonable doubts that without big names in the team the less-fancied side or crop of individual players could make his game plan materialize.

Meanwhile, Coach Goran’s sense of reasoning and boldness has made him unearth replaceable goalkeeper, Larsen, and today if Kingston should call it quit, it would not be a neither be a headache nor disease that could affect the team.

There are  lotS of weaknesses in the team. But I believe if more competitive matches are organized- playing the likes of Holland, Argentina, Spain, Germany or Portugal could definitely prepare the team to defeat any unproductive nation in their subsequent early matches.

As Ghana prepares for the next international friendly against West African arch-rivals, the Super Eagles of Nigeria on October 11 this year in London, I entreat the management to scout for players who can manned such weakening positions in the team and galvanized any opponents that come their way starting with Nigeria.

I would end by expressing my condolence to the family of late Alhaji Sly Tetteh, president of premier club side, Liberty Professionals whose sudden death has been a big blow to the sports fraternity. Farewell Sly!