The Africa Cup of Nations ( AFCON ), the football tournament featuring teams from the African Continent, was played in Cameroon last month. Senegal, the Teranga Lions as they are called won their first title beating Egypt in the Final, which was decided in a penalty shoot out and established themselves as the Champions of Africa. The glory swept the west African nation, with the President Macky Sall declaring a public holiday to celebrate the victory and even curtailing a diplomatic trip to meet his victorious team in Dakar, the country’s capital.
Africa is a treasure trove of talent when it comes to football and though they have given excellent players who play in the best leagues of Europe, the African teams have not made much headway on the World stage and till date no African Team has reached the Semi Finals in a World Cup. Barring some good performances from Cameroon in 1990, Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010, it has been an inconsistent affair on most occasions. So what actually plagues African Football has to be understood and can there be a way forward, is the point of focus in my blog today.
There is no dearth of talent in Africa to which we all agree. The brilliant sublime football has been showcased by African Teams time and again. Cameroon, Nigeria ( known as the Super Eagles), Ghana, Morocco, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia and of course Senegal have shown lot of potential, however when it comes to the big games they just seem to falter. After some research, I was able to zero in on some factors which probably affect African Football and are in a way hindering their progress.
The African continent has had a history of an unstable polity which has resulted in severe socio – economic problems and unfortunately the African nations are amongst the most lowly ranked when it comes to literacy, nutrition, per capita income, life expectancy and overall human development . With several problems facing the countries there is a lack of resource to build a strong and robust sports infrastructure. So inspite of the massive talent available, it is not getting honed the way it should be and surely not to the standards required for competing on the world stage.
There is also a massive talent drain and exodus of good players to Europe and America in search of better opportunities and a much better life. The best players do not turn up for domestic competitions, which remain weak and disorganised, thus hindering grooming of other players. This is an existing viscous circle, from which it is difficult to come out. But can this continue, is the question to be asked and being a fan of African Football, I think there is surely a way out.
Football itself is such a unifying factor for Africa. It brings people together. So why can’t Football be used as a catalyst to spur national interest. Football can be a tool to push education, employment, eradicate poverty and generate resources which can be ploughed back into football. Though it is easier said than done and would require detailed preparation and seamless execution, it is the way forward and Senegal in my opinion has to show the way. A progressive secular country Senegal is seemingly less affected with problems of Africa and has a decent sports infrastructure too.
The World Cup in Qatar this year is going to be an acid test and how the countries fare will determine Africa’s progress in Football. Amongst 48 nations in Africa only 5 are allowed to play in the World Cup after a gruelling qualifying system. With a better showing in the World Cup, the African countries can push for more participation from Africa, which in the long run will only benefit these countries and help them develop and prosper. Only a Sadio Mane from Senegal, a Mo Salah from Egypt or a Riyad Mahrez from Algeria will not help. Africa needs a horde of players who can make a difference and lift a continent.
Like the great Pele, and millions of football fans, I am waiting too for a World Champion from Africa. I hope the wait is not endless.
Keep going Lions and keep flying Eagles !!