Most reports from Ghana at the African Nations Cup are effusive about the tournament, the country, and the fans enthusiasm at most games. Yet yesterday, it was a shame to read two separate stories lamenting the empty seats at many matches.
The common image of African football is of a dusty field, a rag ball, rickety wooden goalposts, and a bunch of shoeless kids playing for fun. But the early history of the game suggests that African football is more complex and sophisticated. It is a history of money, racism, tactics and magic. Jack Lord explains.
As the Africa Cup of Nations kicks-off today, do you share our enthusiasm for a tournament that’s seemingly lower on Sepp Blatter’s priorities than the tinpot Confederations Cup? Is the internet enthusiasm over it a sign of a renewed interest in African football, despite Fifa’s disdain? Share your views as the opening game takes place in Ghana.
