22Diaries #39 - THINGS ARE HEATING UP

30/01/2024 - Motlatsi Qhena

January ends in the next two days, which has seen the African Cup of Nations keep me busy up until now. The possible narratives that have occurred in the tournament are out of this world, with mouthwatering clashes resulting in high-scoring affairs, to underdogs causing shocks and progressing as group leaders (never did I think I’d be speaking of Angola and Cape Verde in this light “no shade”).

This leads me to this question… Who will be crowned African Champions?

Looking at how Nigeria has bounced back from a scary slow start, they’ve managed to steady the ship and become the second team to qualify after Angola hammered Namibia in the first round of 16 clash. The two sides will face off in the first quarter-final on Friday. A true David and Goliath story is on the cards, but in this instance, it’s hard to predict who’s playing which role in this story.?

The vast improvement from many sides in this tournament has shown that Africa and its national football teams have made positive strides in ensuring that we’re becoming more competitive in major tournaments. I’ve had a tough deciding which will lift this trophy, but it’s a problem I welcome. The thought of not being able to predict who will come out on top has been an element that we’ve missed in African football.

In closing, I’d like to pose a question to whoever reads this. Who do you think will be the last team remaining? Now that my team of choice Namibia has been knocked out. I believe a win against Nigeria for Angola would give them a chance to go all the way, but I still hope Bafana Bafana continues to progress. A spot in the semi-finals for South Africa would be enough to motivate me to purchase the national team top.

Until next time. Mo signing out…..