Bright Stars of Africa

18.02.2008

LAMA-(Angola)-The Petro Atletico goalkeeper was on striker’s firing line and emerged a hero of many battles. Not only this, he inspired his mates with attacking goal shots which caused commotion in opponents’goalmuoths.

WAEL GOMAA (Egypt)-As a Member of the Pharaohs’ winning team two years ago, Gomaa battled hard to keep the title in the land of the Pharaohs.His tussles with Ivorien captain, Didier Drogba, is one of the talking points of the second semi-final game in Kumasi.

ARTHUR BOKA(Ivory Coast)-Petit but muscular,Bokar made the Ivorian left-back a no-go area for opponents.Lack of wing play allowed the Germany-based defender to run through opposing defences with his low crosses. JOHN MENSAH(Ghana)-The Ghanaian captain was impeccabble until his unprofessional foul against Nigeria’s Osaze Odemwingie earned him a red card in the quarter final.Nevertheless, his reputation as one of the best stoppers on the continent was enhanced by spectacular play at the Nations Cup.

DANNY SHITTU (Nigeria)-Fans say the Eagles need three of him to return to glory days. Shittu challenged passionately and distinguish himself among his more celebrated teammates. He is regarded as one of the real Super Eagles in the Nigerian team.

TAWFIK EL HADARY(Egypt)-At a time at the second semifinal of Ghana 2008, it was the Egyptian goalkeeper against tournament’s favourites, the Elephants of Ivory Coast.

El Hadary was not fearful of Drogba’s reputation and denied the Ivory Coast’s captain on three different occasions the tide might have favoured the Ivorians.

TIMOTEE ATOUBA (Cameroun)-Unbelievable work rate and imposing figure of the left back make up for his rigidity. As the Lions progressed, Atouba upped his game and was prominent in the road to glory most especially from the quarter final stage.

ZE KALANGA (Angola)-The Palanca Negras had an able replacement for their retired hero, Fabrice Akwa in the flambuoyant Kalanga . Either from the midfield or the right wing,he orchestrated Angola’s onslaught at the competition. Fans doffed their hats for Egyptian coach,Hassan Shehata for realising the threat Kalanga posed by setting about three Pharaohs on him in their quarter-final clash.

MICHAEL ESSIEN-(Ghana)-Bore the hosts burden in the absence of captain Stephen Appiah.Versatile as ever, Essien’s timely equaliser against Nigeria at the quarter-final stage propelled the Black Stars and sent Ghanaian fans to raptures.

DIDIER DROGBA(Cote d’Ivoire)-Question arose about his fitness but Drogba was the soul of the Elephants.He showed a skipper’s example, communicating with the entire team all through the game and does his share of goalscoring business.

MANUCHO (Angola) Four goals in four games for a beginner at this level is an impressive ratio.Manucho scored with his head, from goalmouth and far range to underscore his status as a potential complete striker.Kudos to those who scouted him for Man United.

SULLEY MUNTARI(Ghana)-Shoulder additional responsibilites for injury-prone Black Stars, planned and scored crucial goals and he is one of the players who made the event spectacular.