The performances of the North African national football sides in 2011 have reflected the political actions of the Arab Spring.

The failure of Egypt, the champions of the past three tournaments, to qualify for the 2012 African Cup of Nations (ACN), alongside the absence of regional heavyweights Cameroon and Nigeria, has thrown the tournament wide open.

Egypt’s campaign in particular was a shambles, with defeats to Sierra Leone, Niger and South Africa in the final qualification stage. But 2011 has not been an ordinary year in North Africa. With Egypt’s revolution beginning on January 25 2011 and the Arab Spring in full flow, one could be forgiven for thinking the instability in the country could not have helped its football team, particularly given the continuing uncertainties moving into 2012.

However, the list of qualifiers for the African Cup of Nations has thrown up a number of surprise names, not least Libya and Sudan, as well as (less surprisingly) Tunisia and Morocco. While Tunisia were tournament winners in 2004 after beating Morocco in the final, Sudan have made little impression on the tournament since they won the competition in 1970. Libya has hardly ever registered in African football consciousness, a runners-up spot in 1982 notwithstanding. Alongside Algeria (who just missed out of qualification), all these nations have had significant upheavals and protests during the Arab Spring and in the case of Tunisia, Libya and Egypt, regime change.

It seems implausible that national footballers can remain unaffected by such political turmoil. With national football teams so often projected as a symbol of the nation; and aggressively so in the case of some North African states, could there be a link between the nature of political action and performances on the football field? Is there a case to make that powerful nations can be rocked by revolutions, but smaller and weaker nations can be emboldened and united by them?

So how have these six North African nations fared since the outbreak of their particular versions of the Arab Spring in the past year?

By collating the results from all matches (both competitive and friendly) since the beginning of the Arab Spring political action in each nation and comparing these results against performances from the previous 12 months (or at least eight games in the case of Morocco and Libya to ensure a fair sample size), it seems abundantly clear that almost all of the North African sides, with the dramatic exception of Egypt, have improved their results in terms of average points per match (see table below).

Taken as a whole, these six nations have competed in 53 matches since the start of the Arab Spring, gaining 87 points, with a 45% win ration and an average of 1.64 points per match.

In the 12 months prior to the Arab Spring (or at least eight matches stretching back into 2009 for Libya and Morocco), these same six nations contested 60 matches, but only won 79 points, with only a 33% win ratio and just 1.32 points per match.

Whilst a trend is clear, it is important to look at each country more specifically.

Egypt appears to be the exception to the rule. The country was arguably, up until 2011, the most successful team in African football during the past decade with an unprecedented three straight ACN crowns, boasting seven titles overall and have qualified for every tournament since 1982.

Although the Pharaohs had not begun their qualification campaign well, in the 12 months between their 2010 African Cup of Nations victory and the Egyptian revolution, they were boasting an average of 2 points per match including five straight wins in January 2011. This is even discounting their January 2010 ACN success, which featured 7 straight wins against high quality opposition, and would raise their points per match to a phenomenal 2.39. Their evident fall from grace has been staggering.

Since January 25 2011, Egypt have picked up one solitary win and one draw from five matches, with defeats to South Africa and Sierra Leone ensuring they finished bottom of their qualification group.

The Egyptian revolution was notable for the unity of the population in throwing off the power of President Mubarak. Indeed there was apparent cooperation in protest organisation between the fans of the rival Egyptian teams Al-Ahly and Zamalek, with the latter long regarded as a pro-government club during the Mubarak era. The only public backing to the regime came from a few club managers and Egypt’s national coach Hassan Shehata rather than fans or players.

While the other North African nations move towards new democratic regimes or have gained significant concessions from government as a result of their protests, the future for Egypt appears more convoluted and strained, demonstrated by recent protests against the interim military rulers. The ensuing instability of the post-Mubarak Egyptian nation has been echoed by poor performance on the football field.

This however, is not the general trend. Morocco, Algeria, Sudan and Tunisia have witnessed significant performance improvements since the Arab Spring, while Libya has maintained its strength overall, but has improved dramatically in competitive qualification matches.

“This is for all Libyans, for our revolution”.

So said 39-year old goalkeeper Samir Aboud upon Libya’s astonishing qualification for the 2012 African Cup of Nations, after a draw against Zambia put them though as a best runner-up.

Despite a recent poor run of friendly results, the Libyans are unbeaten in competitive matches since the revolution against Col. Muammar Gaddafi, notching up two wins and two draws to round off a qualification campaign that saw them go unbeaten and concede only one goal.

For a team that was significantly affected by an ongoing civil war, it was an astonishing achievement. Playing on neutral territory with a new flag, strip and anthem, coach Marcos Paquetá summed the mood up by stating the team was now “not only playing for football success but for a new government and a new country”. Even more so when you consider Col Gaddafi’s son, Saadi, ran the Libyan Football Federation and was once captain of the national team. The team had been a symbol of the regime.

It has certainly not been smooth sailing. Former star playmaker Tariq Ibrahim al-Tayib was notably absent from recent matches, following pro-Gaddafi outbursts including reference to dead rebels as dogs and rats. During the conflict there were reports of 17 figures from Libyan football, including four who claimed to be members of the national side, turning up in a rebel-held town and announcing themselves as opponents of the regime.

One of them, Adel bin Issa, the coach of Tripoli’s top club al-Ahly where Saadi Gaddafi used to play, announced he had come “to send a message that Libya should be unified and free”, and he hoped “to wake up one morning to find that Gaddafi is no longer there.”

The new Libyan side, made up from players from all parts of Libya, has the potential to become a powerful new unifying force post-revolution. Their performances thus far and qualification for the African Cup of Nations may represent a good focus for new beginnings as the new nation moves into 2012.

The statistics show that Tunisia, Morocco, Sudan and Algeria have all experienced far better results in 2011 since the beginning of their respective protests or in the case of Tunisia, regime change, as compared to the 12 months preceding the Arab Spring.

Algeria, where protests led to the lifting of a 19-year old state of emergency, had a forgettable 2010, losing 8 matches and achieving an average of 0.86 points per match. Yet in 2011 Algeria won three of five matches and ended qualification on a high, only losing out to Morocco.

Even Morocco, which experienced smaller protests but significant political concessions, saw their performances improve from 1.25 points per match in 2010 to 1.75 in 2011 and finish top of their qualification group.

Sudan, in a year when the country has experienced protest, violence and division with the breakaway of South Sudan, also qualified as a best runner-up behind Ghana in their ACN qualification group. Having played a large number of matches this year, a win ratio of 53% and a points per match of 1.79 is a huge improvement on 2010’s 25% win ratio and 1.13 points per match.

Finally Tunisia, the standout model of the Arab transition to democracy, also saw an improvement in performance from 1.27 points per match in 2010 to 1.75 in 2011 and a comfortable qualification behind Botswana.

“The events at home really stimulated our team and we believe that the players felt greatly liberated after what happened,” (Esperance coach Nabil Maaloul)

While the Tunisian national team were qualifying for international competition, leading Tunisian side Esperance were winning the African Champions League. Players were keen to invoke synergies between revolution and victory on the pitch, with defender Khalil Chammam stating: “One positive thing from the revolution was that, although we suffered a lot, those changes and the suffering made us stronger -mentally and physically.”

As in Egypt and Libya, Tunisian football suffered direct interference politicians before the revolutions. It was no surprise that in all three cases; national leagues were shut down upon the breakout of protests against the regimes. The majority of Libya’s squad was home-based, where league football was suspended in March, while six others play in neighbouring Tunisia, where the league has only recently resumed. It is impossible to separate the fate of national footballers from politics when the impact is so great.

The paths of the North African national sides have not been universally similar. Instead they have in fact tended to replicate the upheavals themselves. Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria have seen liberalising efforts or regime change. It could be argued a new sense of liberalisation and increased freedoms has been epitomised in the successes of these national teams. Certainly in the case of Libya and Tunisia it appears that the political changes have sparked a new found unity, inspiration and rallying call, factors that have seeped through to the national football sides.

Whilst the link may be casual and the statistics do not delve any deeper than top-line numbers, the North African national football teams seem to be reflecting the mood and progress of Arab Spring and their successes are symbolic of energised nations realising their potential. Only in Egypt has the national side not been a flag bearer for success. Rather than being freed from shackles, a powerful footballing nation appears to be more confused and unstable than it was prior to the revolution. In football as in politics, confusion can breed downfall.

You can follow me on Twitter: @matthewlbarrett.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

A Brazilian, a Frenchman, a Serbian, two Swedes and, finally, an Algerian.

At the 2010 World Cup – the pan-African showcase – there will be six teams representing the continent, but only one African trusted with coaching one of those sides to success.

And that’s Algerian coach, Rabah Saadane, who was also in charge of Algeria last time they qualified for the World Cup in Mexico in 1986. His captain for this summer’s return, Yazid Mansouri, said:

“We can feel that he trusts us and that’s very important for the players. It’s very important for a team to have a relationship with such a coach in order to progress. He’s great for human relations.”

Saadane would have been accompanied by another African coach, Nigerian Shaibu Amodu, but he was forced out of the Super Eagles dugout in February after failing to make the final of the Africa Cup of Nations. It was hardly a mutual split:

“It is unfortunate that somebody’s dislike for my guts ended up making a mockery of the whole team as if we were a bunch of school boys who lacked direction. The situation wasn’t that bad as the picture painted by my detractors sought to portray.”

On the shortlist to replace him – in Nigeria’s twenty-first change of head coach since 1989 – were Glenn Hoddle, who led England to the 1998 World Cup but has never managed a club side outside his homeland, and the man who got the job, Lars Lagerback. Lagerback, who ended nine years on the job by failing to qualify Sweden for this summer’s tournament, has no African experience on his CV either. Nonetheless, he’s on $1.7 million for a 5-month initial spell until the end of the tournament.

Fellow Swede Sven-Goran Eriksson will lead the Ivory Coast to the World Cup, his appointment confirmed in March 2010. Again, he’s only there for the duration of the tournament, and will take away a six-figure figure for his work. “I don’t think I am paid that well, but I’m happy”, the former England boss – most recently at lowly Notts County – wasquoted as saying.

After well-travelled favourite Guus Hiddink pulled out of the running, Eriksson beat off competition from former Wales and Manchester City gaffer Mark Hughes, and the German former Real Madrid coach Bernd Schuster. No Ivorians were shortlisted to replace Bosnian-French manager Vahid Halilhodzic. He left claiming “it’s purely political”, after only losing one of 24 games in charge, a 3-2 defeat to Algeria in the quarter-finals of this year’s Nations Cup. Before him was Uli Stielike, a German who said Africa was too dangerous to actually live in.

West African rivals Ghana will be lead by Milovan Rajevac, a Serb whose first World Cup game will be against his homeland. He succeeded Frenchman Claude Le Roy in 2008.

Hosts South Africa will be lead by Carlos Alberto Parreira, who led his native Brazil to triumph in 1994. His predecessor was fellow Brazilian Joel Santana.

Cameroon will be lead by Frenchman Paul Le Guen, who rescued their qualifying campaign after early struggles under German Otto Pfister. Cameroon, who changed coach 16 times in 19 years from 1990, have never been lead by a native at the World Cup. In African teams’ 28 appearances at World Cups to date, only ten Africans have been head coaches. And this isn’t set to change just because the tournament is on its way to the continent.

But why do African federations not have faith in their countrymen to lead their national sides? African players’ worth has long been recognised, in top European leagues in particular, but coaches and tacticians are far from being considered hot property. Should African national coaches be African at all in 2010? Are there African coaches who aren’t being considered who should be?

The 23-man squad Sven-Goran Eriksson will take to South Africa could very conceivably contain not a single African-based player. The Swede recently cancelled plans to scout players in the Ivory Coast in favour of watching Ivorians in Europe. His captain will be Didier Drogba, the striker managed by an Italian at Chelsea. He greeted Eriksson’s appointment warmly: “There is no doubt Sven will succeed, I have every belief in his ability to take us far. This is like a wish come true for me and most of my colleagues”, only adding fuel to rumours that the appointment was all about player power.

Barcelona star Yaya Toure is also in the squad, while his brother Kolo – if rumours are to be believed – leads a rival faction against Drogba, undermining a talented squad’s performance. Eriksson’s name, reputation and experience in dealing with world class players are therefore important factors in his appointment. He can stand above such a conflict, in the same way that, in different circumstances, expatriate coaches are trusted to pick players ignorant of any ethnic tensions or rivalries.

Or, as the former Nigeria and Chelsea full-back Celestine Babayaro put it: “For us, it’s important the boss has a big car.”

This is quoted in Ian Hawkey’s Feet of the Chameleon: The Story of African Football, in a chapter focusing on ‘The White Witchdoctor’, Frenchman Philippe Troussier. Troussier’s record of five national African jobs is only trumped by Otto Pfister, and he tells a great story indicative of the way Europeans have been exalted by Africans soccer authorities. When he was asked to become the head coach of Ivorian side Asec Mimosas in the 1980s, they phoned him last minute to make sure he was the last person to leave the plane on landing. “Then it dawned on me. No one had any idea what I looked like.”

Hawkey asked outspoken former Cameroon goalkeeper Jo Jo Bell why he believed European coaches kept getting the nod. “I understand it perfectly. In Africa, there is a fear of progress. Africa has not dealt with colonialism.” The game was brought to Africa by European servicemen and missionaries in the nineteenth century, and a regard for the European as a superior knowledge in the game has not abated.

Bell continues: “You always have these foreign coaches on almost every touchline. They don’t offer or show anything. But usually one of them ends up winning, so it’s taken as proof we need foreign coaches.”

Even if the unfancied Algerians led by Rabah Saadane outperform the Nigerian and Ivory Coast sides stuffed with European names, managed by the two Swedes, Lagerback and Eriksson, it’s unlikely that African federations will start looking within when they look for their next national coaches…the day after the tournament ends.

Notes

Coaches salaries:

Sven-Goran Eriksson – Ivory Coast – $2 million (until end of World Cup)
Lars Lagerback – Nigeria – $1.75 million (until end of World Cup)
Carlos Alberto Parreira – South Africa – $1.25 million per year
Paul Le Guen – Cameroon – $960,000 per year
Milovan Rajevac – Ghana – $540,000 per year
Rabah Saadane – Algeria – $360,000 per year

Home-based players in previous tournaments:

Nigeria – 0 (at Cup of Nations)
Cameroon – 0 (at Cup of Nations)
Ivory Coast – 1 (at Cup of Nations)
Ghana – 3 (at Cup of Nations)
Algeria – 8 (at Cup of Nations)
South Africa – 14 (didn’t qualify for Cup of Nations, at Confederations Cup 2009)

Writte by Tom Sheldrick for Soccer Training Info and previously published here.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

The final whistle, on this cold Wembley night, was greeted with smiles and cheers from England supporters. A win and three second half goals could at least leave a warm, glowing feeling for the journey home. But as the feeling returns to those supporters fingers, so might memories of the first hour of England’s performance against Egypt. Memories that will leave them asking concerning questions to one another this close to the World Cup.

Fabio Capello’s attempts to reunite the squad dominated headlines before the game. It was clear he viewed winning this friendly as a sure way of helping this by his selection. Injuries and the surprise selection in Defoe and Walcott apart, this was the side that Cappello has tried and trusted over the recent months. The names of many of which would have been in the starting line up if it were the World Cup opener against USA.

Lampard should have opened the scoring in the fourth minute after good work and pace down the right hand side from Walcott. Lampard shot straight at El Hadari, in the Egypt goal. He had more time to pick his spot.

Despite this positive start and half chances England created after that, Egypt settled the quicker and better of the two sides. Their technical ability and passing on the ball was more consistent, leading to better possession. The type of keep ball England will fall short of in comparison to the continental sides this summer.

England’s width only existed down the right through Walcot with Gerrard on the left pushing inside. Walcott’s buyout start disintegrated as his pace overwhelmed his logical thinking. Too many times he knocked the ball too far ahead of him like the age of a boy his shirt number suggested. His lack of games this season highlighted and his place in the squad is in real danger.

Rooney was dropping deep and defensively, and England was at times scrappy. Defoe cleared an effort off his goal line after Terry slipped in the penalty area after an Egypt corner but it was Upson’s slip in the twenty third minute that proved costly.

Zidan had caused England problems before the opening goal which he slotted past Green with net control and a cool finish. He did profit greatly from the slip but the signs where there when in the twentieth minute. Zidan’s pressure on Brown at right back, forced a loose pass which Egypt took advantage of. Zidan had the freedom to run through the line of England’s defence without getting picked up. When the ball came his way he shot wide but this sort of pressure rocked the home side in the early stages.

Lampard should have done better again with a chance just outside the six yard box. Defoe had an effort saved by the keeper but Rooney’s roar of frustration to team mates with ten minutes of the half left to go, told the story.

The cheers that greeted the final whistle were in sharp contrast to the boos that were heard at half time. Boos which echoed around Wembley louder than those even for John Terry before the game, and which greeted his first touch which resulted in his attempted pace to Wes Brown go straight out of play. The support, or lack of boos, improved for Terry in the second half (he even got a cheer at one point). As did England’s performance. Stern words from a certain Italian evidence again, not for the first time during the half time break.

It took until the hour mark for England to step up a gear but they did instantly through substitute Peter Crouch, on for Defoe at half time. He struck low and hard from a Barry assist after a delightful passing move started by Carrick. Who arrived with Crouch for Lampard. Crouch would finish the game with twenty England goals from his thirty seven appearances. Surely a good enough stat to get him on the plane this summer?

Carrick’s impressive passing display, linking defence up with the midfield and midfield to attack will again spark doubt to the effectiveness of Lampard and Gerard in the same team. Lampard didn’t impress. Gerrard, although playing inside still, did so in much more in a ‘Liverpool like fashion’ in the second half. Carrick sat deep allowing Barry to push further forward and went about his audition for Capello well.

Such can also be said to for Wright- Philips who replaced Walcott. He scored the goal that put England ahead after Milner’s effort was saved and his reaction was met by a weak hand from El Hadar and crossing the line. His one two with Brown and then cross from the right was met by Crouch who slotted home in the eightieth minute to round of the victory.

All smiles. A combination of tiredness from the opposition and much improvement impacted on England’s win. The average first hour display though will need to be a ghost by the time the heavy weights of world football are stood in front of England this summer. They won’t wait until the hour mark for us to get going.

Tactics down the left need to improve to increase the option when attacking more than the defensive element on this display. Ashley Cole will provide this but with no natural left winger could be exploited if the opposition break. England have two friendlies left (Mexico and Japan). Both after the provisional squad announced. Chances for Downing, Joe Cole or Milner in this area?

The Defoe and Rooney partnership is still awaiting a goal between them and as that didn’t happen despite another forty five minutes could be good news for Heskey if he can keep his Aston Villa place.

Capello stated back in September he knew his first choice goalkeeper and with Green playing all of this game would point the finger towards him. Most question marks arise from the back four with three out of the first choice injured in this game, fitness and form could cause Capello a selection headache.

The right hand side of midfield may give Capello a similar problem but to a lesser extent to one of the above.

It’s ‘squeaky bum time’ With United lifting the first trophy of the season at the end of last month, team and players alike will be getting to the stage where they can taste the of glory of success the end of season can bring. A season which has the added incentive of a World Cup places up for grabs. Baines and Milner will have impressed Capello against Egypt. For Walcot, Joe Cole and other players on the edge of the squad, they now have their last role of the dice to make it into his plans. No one who thinks they already have done enough may dare take their foot of the gas- ask John Terry how quick and decisive Capello can be with matters that don’t please him.

‘Team England’ isn’t quite there yet. Egypt has proven that. You expect a man like Capello to already be working on the improvement. His ability to make the necessary changes at the break to influence the second half has been vital and will be vital again but surely certain players have to up their club form so the performance of England’s first half displays mirror that of the last half and hour against Egypt.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

England 3-1 Egypt
International Friendly
3 March 2010

England started out slow but finished strong with three second half goals.

Egypt stunned the home crowd with a 23rd minute goal from Mohamed Zidan in the 23rd minute. England would come back in the second half with three unanswered goals.

The Egyptians proved to be a tough test at first but as the match continued the quality of the English showed through. The goals came from Shaun Wright-Phillips and two from Peter Crouch.

The win was expected for England and should add to the growing confidence shown by the side under manager Fabio Capello.

England 3-1 Egypt – Video Highlights

Zidan 23′ (0-1)

Crouch 56′ (1-1)

Wright-Phillips 75′ (2-1)

Crouch 80′ (3-1)

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Ahead of England and Egypt’s international friendly as a preparation for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. What is the most common thing that you see in a football crowd other than the flags and the weird hairstyles and wigs? Beer jugs!!

England fans might consider themselves the world leaders in beer and pubs but Egypt are not that easy a competition as far as beer is concerned at least. Egyptians aren’t just one of the earliest brewers but Cleopatra was the first ruler to introduce beer tax.

Here are a few important facts about beer, England and Egypt:

• The pyramids were built on beer – the slaves who built them, were entitled by law to a daily ration of beer.
• Egyptians used a beer as a currency to pay slaves, tradesmen, priests and public officials alike, which means that every Egyptian was entitled to a certain amount of daily beer.
• Beer became so popular in ancient Egypt that no ruler dared to put a tax. However, in the middle of the last Century BC, Cleopatra invented the world’s first beer tax. It’s been with us ever since.
• The Egyptians did not invent beer – that was the Sumerians – but they were the world’s earliest brewers.
• In Egypt, beer was regarded as food.
• The god of dead, Osiris, was hailed as the guardian of beer.
• Beer was considered as the nectar of the gods.
• The pharaohs turned brewing into a state monopoly and strictly licensed brewing rights to entrepreneurs and priests.
• Many temples opened their own breweries and pubs, all in the service of the gods.
• Rich Egyptian’s frequently went out accompanied by two slaves and a hammock, so they could be carried home after a heavy night in the pub.

Source

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

England v Egypt
International Friendly
3 March 2010 – 20:00 GMT

England will continue their preparation for the 2010 World Cup Finals with a friendly match against African qualifier Egypt.

England v Egypt Preview

Egypt will have tough test to face the Three Lions in front of a sold out crowd at Wembley Stadium. England qualified for the 2010 World Cup by winning UEFA Group 6 while Egypt was knocked out by Algeria in a CAF Group 6 Play-off.

England was impressive in qualifying and many agree it is their best shot in decades to challenge for the World Cup trophy in South Africa. There are the usual players on the roster including Lampard, Gerrard, Terry, and Rooney. The question mark for England remains on defense and in goal.

David James has been the starting goalkeeper but Robert Green could get a chance. On the defense, Rio Ferdinand and Ashley Cole are injured and unavailable for the match. The Egyptian roster has a lot of domestic players along with a few playing in various European leagues. The top goalscorer for Egypt is Amr Zaki who has 29 goals in 56 appearances.

The match is a chance for England to tweak their line-up and try some different options. They will more than likely win the match and most fans will probably expect a two or three goal victory. Egypt has nothing to lose and will be playing with no pressure.

England v Egypt Prediction

England will cruise to a 3-1 victory at Wembley.

Watch England v Egypt Live Online

You can watch England v Egypt live online as well as dozens of other International and World Cup games. Read our live World Cup page for more details.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

It’s the final day of the winter transfer window, and many clubs are thanking the calendar for January 31 falling on a Sunday, as it will allow a number of last-minute deals to be ironed out that might not otherwise be.

At this point, don’t expect to see many, or perhaps even any, notable names added to the January transfer lists, but who knows what surprises the rest of the day could bring. But whether big names or small, rest assured we’ll bring all the latest to you, and along with updates on all of the latest confirmed signings, I’ll be back later with another roundup to recap the deadline day action and say goodbye to another transfer window.

England

City Ga-Ga Over Gago Over Johnson

Manchester City are set to make a £20m bid for Real Madrid midfielder Fernando Gago, according to The Mirror.

Analysis: If you can fetch £20m for someone who’s warming the bench for you, I’d call that good business. Real might see fit to keep him with a need for quality depth over the long haul in mind, but a £20m offer might be hard to turn down when it’d represent a profit for a player whose present and future don’t seem to be in Madrid.

The same report says that City are working hard to do a £6m deal for Middlesbrough winger Adam Johnson.

Analysis: Overpaying for Gago, underpaying for Johnson? Sounds about right. Of course, Johnson’s value is hurt by his club’s current status, but that’s another argument for another time.

Spurs Or Stoke For James?

By this time tomorrow, the chances are high that David James will somewhere other than Fratton Park, but will he be in Stoke or in London?

According to the Daily Mail, Tottenham could be in for him after missing out on another Portsmouth keeper in Stoke-bound Asmir Begovic.

However, according to The Mirror, Stoke’s Begovic deal is anything but a foregone conclusion, and it could be set to fall through. And if that does indeed happen, then Stoke could be back in for James, who they were trying to land before turning their attention to Begovic.

Analysis: Well, whatever happens, it looks like both Stoke and Tottenham could have a Portsmouth keeper on their books come tomorrow.

Birmingham Jump On Janko

After missing out on most of the Premier League’s available forwards, Alex McLeish could be set for a last-minute swoop for a previous target in Red Bull Salzburg striker Marc Janko. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Perhaps some good fortune could come Birmingham’s way today, even if they can’t land Janko, if Roman Pavlyuchenko’s begging doesn’t fall on deaf ears at White Hart Lane. Jesus, put the man out of his misery already!

Sunderland Set Sights On Beattie

It looked like Tottenham’s Robbie Keane was bound for Sunderland, but neither Keane (too expensive) nor Manchester City’s Benjani (contract stalemate) will be making the switch to the Stadium of Light.

Instead, Sunderland could settle on Stoke City’s James Beattie, as talks are currently ongoing over a £3m deal for the former Southampton star. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: Beattie’s not a bad backup option. He’s experienced, he’s proven his worth in the top flight, and he’s also cheap, which doesn’t hurt.

Along with the front line, the back line is a priority for Sunderland, and that same piece says that the Black Cats are trying to push through a £3.5m deal for Tottenham’s Alan Hutton.

They have already completed one deal to strengthen the defense, landing a long-time target in Egyptian star Ahmed Al-Muhammadi for a fee of around £2m. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Sunderland are a-hurtin’ at the back right now, having shipped in 18 goals in their last six league matches and 11 in their last three overall matches, so perhaps it would be worth it to play both Hutton and Al-Muhammadi at right back at the same time. Can’t hurt to try, especially when what you’re trying isn’t working.

Hammers Still Searching For Strikers

West Ham have landed Blackburn’s Benni McCarthy for £2.2m, but they’re still in the hunt for more firepower. St. Etienne striker Ilan could be set to arrive before the window closes, and the Hammers are also hoping to persuade Tottenham to let Keane go on loan. (Daily Mail)

However, money could get in the way of the Keane deal getting done. As per The Mirror, West Ham will have to fork over £1m and pay Keane’s £70k per week salary for the deal to get done.

Analysis: Even though West Ham’s financial situation is improved thanks to the recent takeover, it might not be in their best interests right now to add that sizable salary to the wage bill. On the other hand, the goals that he’d get to keep them up and keep that Premier League money flowing in would make it worth it. That might be a moot point though, if Birmingham can land Pavlyuchenko, because it’s hard to see Harry Redknapp letting both go (even if he doesn’t really intend on playing Pavlyuchenko much if he stayed).

Will Persistence Pay Off For Wolves?

Wolves aren’t giving up on Hull City’s Stephen Hunt without a fight, as they’re set to make a £5m bid for the winger before the window closes. Wolves are also looking to land Everton striker James Vaughan on loan. (Daily Mail)

Analysis: £5m isn’t enough to sell away your best performer to a survival rival. Even £10m might not be, especially with so little time to find reinforcements.

Scotland

Celtic Close On Braafheid

Celtic are leading the race to land Bayern Munich left back Edson Braafheid on loan. (Sky Sports)

Analysis: Braafheid has made all of one appearance for Bayern since November, and he needs the regular football in order to assure his place in Holland’s World Cup squad. Perfect opportunity at the perfect time, with Celtic selling Danny Fox to Burnley a few days ago.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Though there are a number of European managers who would much rather not be reminded, the 2010 African Cup of Nations is a little more than a month away.

Egypt followed up winning in 2006 as hosts by defeating Cameroon to win the final in Ghana in 2008, and they’ll be looking to make history this time around in Angola and be the first country to win three titles in a row.

However, there are several other teams who will be more than a little hungry to knock the Egyptians off of their perch as African champions.

How do I see things shaking out in Angola? Keep reading to get my group-by-group breakdowns and complete competition predictions.

Group A – Algeria, Angola, Mali, Malawi

The odds certainly favor Angola here, as the last time a host failed to make the quarterfinals was Tunisia in 1992, and the last time a host failed to make at least the semifinals was in 2000, when co-host Ghana lost in the quarters.

First-timers Malawi won’t figure into the picture as more than a potential spoiler, if that much, which leaves it to Angola, Algeria, and Mali.

Angola made a surprise appearance in the in the quarterfinals in 2008, and they’ll be expected to go at least that far, if not one or two better, as hosts. Former Manchester United striker Manucho was one of the tournament’s stars in Ghana with his four-goal haul, and he’ll be counted on to produce once again.

Mali have quality in midfield in Mahamadou Diarra, Momo Sissoko, and Seydou Keita, and up front in Fredi Kanoute, but what will be different this time after they were eliminated in the group stage last time around with the same stars?

After keeping Egypt from the World Cup, you’d have to expect Algeria to be eager to prove their worth even more so in Angola, and their two Bundesliga-based Karims (midfielders Matmour and Ziani) will be key to their efforts.

Group Winners: Angola
Group Runners-Up: Algeria

Group B – Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Togo

Group B includes two of Africa’s World Cup qualifiers in Ghana and Ivory Coast, and they are undoubtedly the favorites to progress to the quarterfinals.

There’s not much to say about the Ivory Coast and Ghana’s level of talent that most European football fans don’t know already. You know they’re good, and with both carrying memories of semifinal heartbreak in 2008, watch out.

But Burkina Faso came in a more than respectable second to the Ivory Coast in their qualification group, and Togo have a top-class striker (well, when he wants to be) in Emmanuel Adebayor.

However, it must be mentioned that the Ivory Coast disposed of Burkina Faso 3-2 away and 5-0 at home in qualifying, and Togo’s never advanced past the first round in any of its previous six African Cup of Nations appearances.

I see at least one of the Group B favorites being in the final (and perhaps both, but you’ll have to wait for that), but as for who will have the more favorable path, I like the Ivorians to top the group. They swept through qualifying unbeaten, and if Didier Drogba carries his sizzling form to Angola, well, good luck and deepest sympathies to those who have to face him.

Group B Winner: Ivory Coast
Group B Runners-Up: Ghana

Group C – Benin, Egypt, Nigeria, Mozambique

Fear the angry Egyptians? Without a trip to the World Cup to look forward to, you can bet on the Egyptians to be motivated, as if a quest to be the first team to three-peat wasn’t going to be enough of a motivator.

Egypt don’t have a bevy of Europe-based stars, but 2006 and 2008 show that they have more than enough quality to get it done, and the likes of Aboutrika, Zaki, Moteab, Zidan, and several more will play integral roles once again.

Nigeria had a disappointing quarterfinal exit in 2008, but even the luck of the draw can’t be used as an excuse for such a talented team missing out on at least the semis this time around. It’ll be all the better for their hopes if Yakubu can find his rediscover his scoring touch in time to be the difference maker he can be.

Benin lost all three group matches in their first appearance in 2008, while Mozambique has an all-time 0-8-1 record in three previous appearances. Suffice it to say that not much will change there, but it will at least be worth a watch to see Benin’s Nigerian-born star Razak Omotoyossi face off against the country of his birth.

Group Winners: Egypt
Group Runners-Up: Nigeria

Group D – Cameroon, Gabon, Tunisia, Zambia

Cameroon fell short last time around, but they’re well equipped to make another run at their fifth African Cup of Nations title. Samuel Eto’o can still scor goals by the bushel, and he’ll spearhead their efforts as he did in 2008, when his tournament-leading five goals helped fire them to the final.

A loss to Mozambique on the final matchday cost Tunisia a World Cup place, but I’ve certainly got them penciled in to make the quarterfinals in Angola. Tunisia have made at least the quarterfinals in each of the last three tournaments, including a win in 2004, and that track record and experience will drive them to a place in the final eight.

Zambia don’t look to pose a real threat, and the same goes for Gabon, so which of the two contenders will take top honors? It looks like it could come down to the Cameroon-Tunisia match on the final matchday of group action, and I’ve got them edging out the Tunisians to earn the more favorable (if you can call Nigeria such) quarterfinal matchup.

Group Winners: Cameroon
Group Runners-Up: Tunisia

Quarterfinals

Ghana over Angola
Cameroon over Nigeria

Ivory Coast over Algeria
Egypt over Tunisia

Semifinals

Cameroon over Ghana
Ivory Coast over Egypt

Final

Ivory Coast over Cameroon

Also See:

• Detailed Angola 2010 Preview
• Angola 2010 Fixtures
• How will Angola 2010 affect Ligue 1? (all Angloa 2010 news here).
• Angola 2010 Shirts
• Premier League stars going to Angola 2010

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

Watch the 2010 African Cup of Nations Live Online.

The 2010 African Cup of Nations begins on 10 January in Angola, with the hosts kicking off the tournament against Mali.

That will be the first of 32 matches that will be played in Angola over a three-week period, culminating in the final in the capital city of Luanda on 31 January.

The complete list of 2010 African Cup of Nations fixtures is listed below, and when the competition starts, you can check back here for results and reports.

Group Stage

Group A – Algeria, Angola, Malawi, Mali

Sunday, 10 January 2010
Angola v. Mali

Monday, 11 January 2010
Malawi v. Algeria

Thursday, 14 January 2010
Mali v. Algeria
Angola v. Malawi

Monday, 18 January 2010
Angola v. Algeria
Mali v. Malawi

Group B – Burkina Faso, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Togo

Monday, 11 January 2010
Ivory Coast v. Burkina Faso
Ghana v. Togo

Friday, 15 January 2010
Ivory Coast v. Ghana
Burkina Faso v. Togo

Tuesday, 19 January 2010
Burkina Faso v. Ghana
Ivory Coast v. Togo

Group C – Benin, Egypt, Mozambique, Nigeria

Tuesday, 12 January 2010
Egypt v. Nigeria
Mozambique v. Benin

Saturday, 16 January 2010
Nigeria v. Benin
Mozambique v. Egypt

Wednesday, 20 January 2010
Egypt v. Benin
Nigeria v. Mozambique

Group D – Cameroon, Gabon, Tunisia, Zambia

Wednesday, 13 January 2010
Cameroon v. Gabon
Zambia v. Tunisia

Sunday, 17 January 2010
Gabon v. Tunisia
Cameroon v. Zambia

Thursday, 21 January 2010
Gabon v. Zambia
Cameroon v. Tunisia

Quarterfinals

Sunday, 24 January 2010
QF 1 – Group A winners v. Group B runners-up
QF 2 – Group B winners v. Group A runners-up

Monday, 25 January 2010
QF 3 – Group C winners v. Group D runners-up
QF 4 – Group D winners v. Group C runners-up

Semifinals

Thursday, 28 January 2010
QF 1 winners v. QF 4 winners
QF 2 winners v. QF 3 winners

Third-Place Playoff

Saturday, 30 January 2010
SF 1 losers v. SF 2 losers

Final

Sunday, 31 January 2010
SF 1 winners v. SF 2 winners

From Soccerlens.com - Football News

It has developed into some kind of a tradition that every year, when the African Cup of Nations takes place in January, Chelsea come out moaning about the effect it will have on their team with a number of players leaving their club duty to represent their countries in it’s continent’s most important competition.

But surely this was taken into account when people like Didier Drogba and John Obi Mikel were signed. It looks even more pathetic considering the amount of African players who play in France, but have the French clubs ever moaned about it?

The big clubs (Bordeaux, Marseille, Lyon, PSG) have approached this matter very smartly. Whilst Bordeaux might have missed their best goalscorer Maroune Chamakh, to their luck the Moroccan side did make it to Angola 2010.

Marseille can also count themselves lucky. Senegal haven’t managed to build on their World Cup debut success of 2002 as they missed out on South Africa 2010 and also didn’t make it to the African Cup of Nations finals. Otherwise, Mamadou Niang, who recently caused havoc for AC Milan in the Champions League, remains at his club, alongside one of the league’s best centre-backs Souleymane Diawara. Bakari Kone (Ivory Coast) and Stephane M’Bia (Cameroon) will be the only notable absentees.

Lyon will also strengthen the Cameroon side. Jean Makoun is a key player for the Indomitable Lions. But with recent attitions to the squad in Miralem Pjanic and Michel Bastos, the midfield should be able to cope without him.

From the top teams, The African Cup of Nation’s will hit PSG the hardest. Their, and one of the league’s star players, Stephane Sessegnon is even a bigger star for Benin.

Smaller clubs can’t afford to build a big squad and take into account players nationality, so this is where it gets interesting.

Moussa Nary, who has been one of the keys to this season’s success for Auxerre, has been in and around the Ghana team, and might be called up for Angola 2010. Defender Adema Coulibaly looks certain to get a call from Mali, while Amadou Sidibe also made his debut for his nation last year and has since then picked up 8 caps. Amara Morike Kalle made his debu this year and might be rewarded for his development with a call up.

Injuries aside, Boulogne‘s Bakary Soumare has been ever present for the, at the moment second from bottom, team and also made his first games for Mali this year, after finding out he won’t be eligible for US citizenship for at least two years. The players moved to America at a young age and played for Chicago Fire, before making his move to Boulogne past summer.

Alaixys Romao, who plays for Grenoble, who picked up their first win of the season last weekend versus Toulouse, has part of  Togo’s World Cup squad 2006 and might get the nod again for a finals squad.

Le Mans will provide Gabon their nr.1 goalkeeper, Didier Ovono. The 26 year old has also been nr.1 for his club side, though two other keepers, Rodolphe Roche and Georgian Giorgi Makaridze, have also got 2 league matches behind them.

Lens central defender Ala Eddine Yahia has shown great from for his team this season and that might also see him picked for Tunisia. Goalkeeper Hamdi Kasraoui in Tunisia’s nr.1, but he plays second fiddle at his club to Croatian Vedran Runje. Stiker Issam Jemaa is also more than likely to be part on the Tunisian side for the tournament taking place 10-31 January. Talented midfielder, 20 year old Samba Sow recently made his debut for Mali. Kanga Akale is in frame for a place in the Ivory Coast squad.

Lille‘s Pierre Aubameyang, who’s on loan from AC Milan, scored on his debut for Gabon pack in March. A very talented young striker. He looks certain to get a call up, with not much to choose from for Gabon. Teammate Aurelien Chedjou has been part of recent Cameroon squads, while winger Gervinho recently bombarded down the flanks for Ivory Coast in a friendly against Germany.

Lorient‘s Yazid Mansouri is ever present for his club and Algeria. Jonas Sakuwaha is one of the few Zambian’s playing in Europe. Whilst he’s not a regular at his club, he could be missed when injuries hit.

Monaco‘s Nicolas N’Koulous started for Cameroon in a recent match versus Morocco. Jean-Jacques Gosso played for Ivory Coast in the 2:2 draw with Germany. Same with Igor Lolo, even though the defender doesn’t get regular action for his club.

Montpellier, this season’s surprise package in Ligue 1, currently sitting second, is a another club who’ll strenghen Tunisia. Midfielder Jamel Saihi has been a regular in the squad after making his debut this year.

Alongside Bordeaux, Nancy are another side, who can count themselves lucky, that Morocco didn’t make it to Angola 2010, with a number of key players part of the squad, including Youssouf Hadji, one of the league’s most prolific scorers. Only absentee might be striker Paul Alo’ Efoulou, who made his debut this year for Cameroon.

Nice‘s central defender Onyekachi Apam is most likely going to be selected by Nigeria, while striker Mickael Pote is one of the few Benin players playing at a high level. Eric Mouloungui is a key player for Gabon. He hasn’t featured much for Nice, but he will be missed. Midfielder Emerse Fae was part of the Ivory Coast squad in 2008 African Cup of Nations. Chaouki Ben Saada is in frame for Tunisia. Mamadou Bagayoko is a experienced Malian stiker, who recently has made his come-back to the international side. Habib Bamogo made his debut for Burkina Faso this year. Defender Drissa Diakite is in frame for a place in the Mali squad

Sochaux, Rennes and Saint-Etienne are one of the few sides in France that doesn’t rely on African players so much. Each most likely only to provide one player for the Africa’s most important tournament. Rennes star Asamoah Gyan is also starring for Ghana. Saint-Etienne‘s stiker Boubacar Sanogo has an impressive international rate for Ivory Coast with 12 caps and 8 goals. Sochaux‘s Yassin Mikari is an important member of the Tunesian team.

Tunisia also gets a valuable member from Valencienne in Fahid Ben Khalfallah. The club, who currently are 3rd in the League 1 table, will also give up Siaka Tiene, who’s one of the most experienced players in Ivory Coast’s squad.

Toulouse are the only team in Ligue 1, alongside the title challengers Bordeaux, Lyon and Marseille, who doesn’t rely at all on African players and will have nothing to worry about in January, when the 2010 African Cup of Nations takes place in Angola.

African Cup of Nations 2010 groups:

Group A: Angola, Mali, Algeria, Malawi.

Group B: Ivory Coast, Ghana, Togo, Burkina Faso.

Group C: Egypt, Nigeria, Benin, Mozambique.

Group D: Cameroon, Tunisia, Zambia, Gabon.

You can follow the latest ACN 2010 updates on Soccerlens.com.

From Soccerlens.com - Football News