Archived News - 5th Mar 2007

African Cup of Nations News

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Archived News

Drogba Already Aiming To Win Next Year's CAF Award

Didier Drogba told Samuel Eto'o not to be downhearted after missing out to the Ivorian in the polling to be named African Player of 2006 - but then warned the Cameroonian he already had ground to make up if he wanted to wrestle the trophy back off him next year.

Barcelona forward Eto'o placed second at the Accra gala, sandwiched in between Chelsea stars Drogba and Michael Essien in the voting for the prestigious prize.

Eto'o, only just recovered from a four-month injury lay-off, had won the trophy a record three consecutive years before narrowly missing out to the Elephants' captain for the 2006 title.

"I thought I worked so hard I deserved the award but if you looked at how tight it was, you would respect Eto's performance," Drogba said in his acceptance speech.

"It feels great to win and beating Eto makes it so special because the guy is a great player who also commands a lot of respect from the voters.

"I don’t want Eto'o to feel disappointed because it is sport and in sport you win some and you lose some.

"I am glad I won and I think that I am in the race for the 2007 title. It appears that the race for the 2007 title may also be between myself, Eto'o and Essien.

"This is the beginning of many more laurels for me and I will continue to work hard to remain in top shape."

Confirmed: Ghana to play Brazil on March 27

Ghana's Black Stars will play former world champions Brazil in Stockholm, Sweden on Tuesday, March 27, the GFA Vice Chairman Fred Pappoe has confirmed.

The football associations of Ghana and Brazil concluded the deal late Sunday (March 4) to enable the duo to meet in an international fixture for the second time in nine months.

The Stars will be on a revenge mission after their adventure at last year's World Cup in Germany was cut short by a 3-0 round of sixteen defeat that flattered the Brazilians.

Ghana shaded possession but the Brazilians proved a lot more clinical in front of goal back in Dortmund last summer.

Ghana have risen to an impressive 22nd place in the latest FIFA world rankings whilst Brazil only last month surrendered pole position to Italy.

Dunga's men now sit second but it goes without saying they will be formidable opposition for Claude LeRoy's team as they look to continue the good form shown over the last two years.

Aside from a disappointing African Cup of Nations campaign where the Black Stars were undermined by injuries, Ghana have enjoyed a brilliant last couple of years and are favourites to lift next year's ANC on home soil.

Pappoe has said the Brazil test will be ideal conditioning for the team as they continue to look for ways to improve ahead of next January’s showpiece.

Ghana will also play Austria in another international friendly later this month on March 24.

Vogts Vanishes To Embarrass NFA Once More

Berti Vogts, the prospective new coach of the Super Eagles, failed last week to turn up to face the media in Nigeria and to start work in the country as had been expected.

Explanations initially ranged from the German wanting to stay in Europe a little longer to assess some European based players to NFA sponsors Globacom failing to come through on a promise to pay Vogts his first three months salary up front.

Money worries would be a natural concern for the former Scotland, Qatar and Germany manager after his predecessor Austin Eguavoen claimed to have gone six months without remuneration last year.

However, Nigerian newspaper This Day claims blame for the no-show can actually be placed at the doors of the NFA themselves for failing to prepare a legally binding contract in time for Vogts' planned visit.

Vogts signed a contract in front of the watching media in London ahead of the Super Eagles' 4-1 defeat to neighbours Ghana last month, but it is thought this contract lacked some key clauses.

This Day claims to have spoken to Globacom officials distraught that "the FA failed to show up with the contract documents which would have facilitated bank procedure for Vogts' first payment."

Vogts is due to take charge of Nigeria for the first time in a Nations Cup qualifier against Uganda on March 24.

Please forward all press releases and feature ideas to Barney Cullum on barney@newafricansoccer.co.uk