Over (in Africa) and out

I think the biggest problem with the Africa Cup of Nations is neither the half-empty stadiums or the dreadful football on display (this year Côte d’Ivoire versus Burkina Faso, for example, was not merely boring but the technique on display from gifted players was appalling).  Nor is it the fact that this year it is being hosted by one of the most repressive dictatorships in the world in the form of Equatorial Guinea, with Gabon not far behind in being a kleptomaniac hereditary ‘republic’.  Also, that it is played in winter can be discounted since anywhere north of the equator would have be played in stifling, life-threatening heat – ever since the death of Marc-Vivien Foé in 2003 during the Confederations Cup, these matters have to be taken with the utmost seriousness.  No, my beef is that, unlike the World Cup and European Championships, it is played every two years and so on a biennial basis European clubs are stripped of such players as these .  Quadrennially, it would be understandable that Africa has certain strictures placed upon it, both from the natural and political climates and holding it every two years also diminishes the value of actually winning the tournament, but my reasons are largely club-motivated selfishness.  I can't deny it.

Newcastle United losing Demba Ba and Cheik Tiote, whilst also signing Papa Demba Cissé, it has been a grievous blow to a small squad.  Players of the highest calibre have been replaced with willing tryers who no longer make the cut or never really have done.  Then again, when the team puts in a listless performance for 75 minutes until they concede a goal, they deserve all the brickbats they will receive and even the best strikers could only staunch the bleeding, instead of curing outright.  This was a great year for the FA Cup with both Manchesters and a fair few other Premier League teams out but as NUFC.com said, the club has a reputation for footballing self-harm.  Brighton and Hove Albion were abysmal against tiny Wrexham AFC over two matches but when they were no longer the giants but the underdogs they suddenly gained extra vigour.  Newcastle by contrast, without an away win in the FA Cup since 2006, failed to rise above the risible.  Ba and Cissé are urgently required and will soon be back in club harness but Tiote completes the picture as much as he dominates midfield and, despite ‘playing within themselves’ against Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire are most probably going to be in action for another three and a half weeks.  I, meanwhile, am depressed for the second Saturday running.