AFCON 2021: No Place For “Under Dogs”

By Ngome Michael

With Nine goals scored in eight matches, most of which ended on a one goal margin, critics may be quick to condemn the quality of attackers in the tournament. The reality on ground is completely different.

Host Cameroon is the only team to score two goals thanks Vincent Aboubakar’s two spot kicks against Burkina Faso on January 09 in Yaoundé.

Little known football Nations on the continent have given big names and favorites a run for their money after Matcday1.

2019 finalist, Senegal were stretched out by Zimbabwe before finally securing a win thanks to an extra time penalty converted by Sadio Mané.

Still in Group B, the Flames of Malawi retuned to camp with hopes of burning more despite a 1-0 defeat to Guinea.

Conceding as early as the 16th minute, Malawi became more threatening throughout the encounter, asking questions from Aly Kieta who rescued the West Africans at every point.

The greatest shocker came in Group E opener between current holders, Algeria that was frustrated by 26 years absentee Sierra Leone in Douala.

Fennec Coach,Djamel Belmadi, team captain, Riyad Mahrez, Benrahma, Bendenka and a host of others will be haunted by clear cut chances saved by by Leone Star keeper, Mohamed Kamara.

Sierra Leone lacked that much needed finisher to punish the defending champions in the first half in which there recorded seven attempts with at least two on target.

John Keister had an impressive game overall as his players succeded in repelling scoring treats from Algeria.

Many equally voted Mohamed Salah and Egypt as favorites in group D’s fierce opener against Nigeria. The Super Eagles however changed the narrative completely.

Austin Eguavoen’s tactical know how neutralized their opponent recording more attempts on goal, shots on target which paid from the first half through Kelechi Iheanacho.

Sudan’s first AFCON clean sheet in almost 20years came against Guinea Bissau that constantly mounted pressure on the Falcons but never the found the back of the net even from the penalty spot.

Games continue in Group E and F with Ivory Coast taking on Equatorial Guinea while Mali and Tunisia face up in group F launcher followed by Mauritania against Gambia.

As Matchday2 sets in begining January 13, players, coaches and technical staff have surely received the message.