You may have noticed that our coverage of the A.C.O.N has been a bit sparse recently. Thats for two reasons, firstly I don’t have Sky and secondly the group games were soo dull that they didn’t warrant the trip to the pub and the inevitable cost of drinking to starve off the boredom!
Ghana 1-0 Nigeria: I’m going to keep this summary short and sweet because that was easily the dullest game of the tournament so far (and that its saying something!). Despite it being the first semi-final of the competition neither the black stars or the super eagles impressed.
The only goal of the game came on 21minutes as Asamoah Gyan rose above his defender to nod a Kwadwo Asamoah corner past the wayward Vincent Enyeama.
Match winner Asamoah Gyan was ecstatic after the game after assuring his country’s first final appearance since 1992. He said: “It’s unbelievable, we are a young team and not many people gave us a chance of making the final.” He might be happy but I’m not! That was possibly the worst 90minutes I have ever endured – boring ‘el!
Algeria 0-4 Egypt – Well firstly I have to report that the first 35 minutes was another dire affair that I’ve already discarded from my memory. How can these teams be in the last four of one of Fifa’s main International competitions – it’s a joke.
Anyway things got better for the last ten minutes of the half. Emad Motaeb (wearing Nike CTR 360 Maestri football boots.) raced away towards to Algerian goal but was brought down by Rafik Halliche who was subsequently shown his second yellow card and departed the field.
The penalty was controversially taken by Hosni Abd Rabou as he stopped during his run up which infuriated the Algerian goalkeeper, Faouzi Chaouchi. Whilst all the Egyptians celebrated by carrying out their customary prayers, Chaouchi chased the referee up the field and head butted the official. I’ve never seen anything like this before and somehow the stopper escaped with just a yellow card. I think Fifa may take their own view on this however.
Half Time – phew!
Into the second half, and Egypt all but secured their place in the final by doubling their lead. Borussia Dortmund’s Mohamed Zidan (wearing: Puma V1.10’s) picked up the ball 25 yards out and following a couple of twists and turns fired a left footed shot past Chaouchi. Game Over! With 20 minutes left, Nadir Belhadj compounded Algeria’s misery as he scythed down one of the Egyptians and was shown a straight red card.
Egypt put gloss on their performance by adding a third with substitute Mohamed Abdelshafy scoring with his first touch from a narrow angle. This means Egypt scored 13 goals in just five games during the tournament.
A crazy game was given a crazy end as Algeria were reduced to nine men. Chaouchi who was extremely lucky to escape with only a caution after dropping the nut on the referee was sent for an early shower after kicking out at an Egyptian forward. What an idiot! I don’t envisage England having any problems against Algeria in the summer.
That wasn’t it though. The game was reduced to walking pace before Egypt decided to go for one last attack. It became six on three and Egypt passed around the hapless Algerian’s before Lounes Gaouaoui slid the ball past the substitute goalkeeper for Algeria.
Yes at last a game with some excitement and action albeit it being three red cards. The four goals were good and there was some controversy to get us talking as well. Happy Days!
So all this means that the final of the African cup of nations on Sunday afternoon will be contested by Ghana and Egypt. It promises to be an ‘interesting’ game as all these African games tend to be.
Nigeria and England’s World Cup group opponents Algeria will play out for third place on Saturday
Check back on Sunday evening for a round up of the tournament featuring our tournament awards.
Other Recommended Reading
- Boot Watch: Cameroon Vs. Gabon
- Boot Watch: Egypt vs. Nigeria
- Boot Watch: Ivory Coast vs. Ghana
- Boot Watch: Ivory Coast vs. Burkina Faso
- Boot Watch: Mali vs. Algeria
About the author
I'm James Fielden and I'm one of Ransacker.co.uk's football boot bloggers. I’m a huge Wolverhampton Wanderers fan and have been a wearer of Nike T90’s for over five years - other boot makes are available ;). You can also follow me on Twitter (James_Fielden).
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I thought you’d gone quite! You’re absolutely right about the ACON. Don’t think there will be too many Premiership managers getting their cheque books out. There is a complete lack of creativity. Bring back Okocha from Japan or wherever he is now!