earn ranking points. The added bonus was the fact that most European clubs and other leagues around the world sent in their agents after it was accorded the “A” status.
Zimbabwe Warriors Boycott Threat
The biggest near shock of the tournament came on the final day of the championships when Zimbabwe threatened to boycott their third place playoff against Nigeria over the nonpayment of bonuses and allowances.
The players missed training on Friday and put their national association, Zimbabwe Football Association (Zifa) under the limelight for the wrong reasons after it emerged that they were yet to get their bonuses and allowances that they were promised if they did well at the tournament.
Zimbabwe qualified for the semi finals but lost 5-4 on penalties to Libya and in the third place match put up an uninspired performance against the Super Eagles. Masimba Mambare was shown a red card in the match giving the Warriors the wooden spoon as they succumbed to a late 1-0 defeat.
Biggest Comeback in Africa’s History
In a fairytale come back that has the same script as the 2005 UEFA Champions League classic, when Liverpool came back from behind against an unforgiving AC Milan outfit, Nigeria shown why they are the brightest prospect in African Football for years to come.
The Super Eagles quarter final comeback against Morocco was just a sheer miraculous affair and testified to the notion as to why they are considered the best nation on the continent. It was the biggest and best comeback yet at these tournament.
The Super Eagles went into the break trailing the Atlas Lions 3-0 but with a quartet of goals from Ugonna Uzochukwu, Rabiu Ali, Ejike Uzoenyi and Aliyu Ibrahim they their place in the last four with a 4-3 win.
Stars Were Born
A large number of untapped vessels found themselves sailing to the world of global fame. Africa’s next Jay Jay Okocha, Peter Ndlovu, Didier Drogba, Roger Milla and Samuel Eto’o were unearthed in a tournament that was filled to the brim with abundant talent.
One to note was Zimbabwe’s midfield magician Kuda Mahachi who is now being chased by a string of clubs including the likes of Monaco of France. Mahachi is gifted with a right cultured foot and has the ability to maneuver past defenders’ with ease. He was eventually signed up by South Africa’s Absa Premiership cash rich Mamelodi Sundowns which is owned by mining magnate Patrice Motsepe.
Another youngster with a bright future is Libya’s Mohammed Elgady. Elgady is a real gem with his attacking style and it won’t be long until he squeezes his way into the