African Champions crowned

By Mohau Ramashidja

Winning the orange Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals both as captain and coach of the Super Eagles certainly proved that Stephen Keshi was the right man for the job. This followed his bold decision of leaving out some of Nigeria’s gifted key players such as Peter Odwemingie in his squad leading to this year’s tournament.

Although there where many sceptics surrounding his decisions on his squad, the young side did not disappoint as they poured out their hearts and souls in every match they played leading into the finals. It was in the remaining last 5 minutes of the first half where Mba embraced the back of the net with a strike after teammate Victor Moses’ shot was deflected onto his path. A 1–0 win was enough for the Super Eagles to end Burkina Faso’s spirited campaign, as they relived their 1994 glory days.

Ghana's Asamoah Gyan

Given the fact that the stallions came in the tournament in search for a single win, they bowed out of the tournament being proud of what they managed to achieve. The campaign which resulted into Burkina Faso making its debut into the AFCON finals surfaced as they outplayed Ethiopia in the group stages. This was then followed by when they demolished Togo in the knockout stages and then clashing head-on with Ghana in the semi-finals for a spot in the main event.

However securing a spot in to the finals was not an easy run for the stallions. Having entered into the semis as underdogs and being undermined by their very opponents, the Black Stars sought to make use of every slight glimpse of insecurity to punish their opponents. And it was in the 13^th minute that Ghana capitalised on their opponents’ error, securing a lead thanks to Wakaso’s well-placed penalty. But the night was still young for the Black Stars to be ordained as the shining starts for that particular night. And it was Ghana’s captain Gyan who was adamant to increase the lead with his thunder bolt strike but his efforts came to nought as his shot was deflected.

Stallion's Striker Bance celebrates a return goal

Determined for a comeback it was Burkina Faso’s midfield who displayed a sheer grace of accurate passes but the Black Stars were quick to respond to their tactics. Aware of the potential threat Ghana unleashed the hungry Gyan with a spectacular pass from the midfield, only to find Daouda Diakite well positioned to make a comfortable save. Another golden opportunity was put to waste in the 38^th minute as Ghana’s Solomon Asante missed the top corner by inches.

The first half certainly proved that the Stallions’ striking force was having a hard day in the office. Little did the Ghanaian’s defence know that Burkina Faso’s striking elite had already adapted into their opponents defensive style of play. Forcing their way through behind enemy lines it was’ Stallions’ striker Bance who netted home an equalizer after his header was denied in the 51^st minute.

With matters now being even, the Stallions defended in their numbers and launched counter attacks every now and then in pursuit for a win. Feeling the pressure, both sides committed unnecessary fouls in no go areas but both failed to capitalise on each of those. Dragging themselves into extra time both squads continued to make visits to each other’s goal posts, but efforts came to nought. 

After an exhausting 120 minutes of play time, it was Bance who did the honours of sealing a 3–2 penalty shootout win over Ghana. This comes after Vorsah missed the first shot for the Black stars penalty spots.    

Looking at how Nigeria made it into the finals. The only way to describe it is: with sheer grace. The Super Eagles entered into the semi-finals hungry for a win while Mali played as if they were obligated to and not out of their self-will. Wasting no time it was Nigeria’s Eckiejile who hammered home a brilliant header thanks to a spectacular cross from the right flank in the 25^th minute. Aware of Mali’s loophole in the left side of defence, it was Emmanuel Emanike who cruised through the right flank to see Brown Ideye netting home the second goal for Nigeria.
 

Trailing with two goals behind, Mali maintained their composure and knocked the ball around as if they were the ones in the lead. Adding to the contrary, the Super Eagles continued to stretch every ligament they had in pursuit of increasing the lead. Hungry for his third goal of the tournament, Ideye’s second attempt at goal was kept at bay.
 

But that did not deter the Super Eagles. It was Emmanuel Emanike who proved himself not only to be a brilliant assistant to Nigeria’s striking force, as he netted home a set piece which was deflected by Mali’s defence into the back of the net.

Entering into the second half both managers made tactical changes, each hoping it would lead to making it into the finals. And it was Nigeria’s Stephen Keshi who came up on top when his super-sub Ahmed Musa clobbered in Nigeria’s 4^th goal between the legs of the Eagles’ keeper.  Managing to score a conciliation goal in the 74^th minute thanks to Mali’s Cheik, it was all too late for the Eagles to make it for a comeback.

Being crowned the deserved African champions, Nigeria is set to represent Africa in the Confederations cup scheduled to take place in Brazil later this year.