Source:( Soccer World, African Soccer)
AFRICA BEATS EUROPE
Defeat in the first enter-continental clash and in
under 17, tournament leaves Europe's elite wondering what hit them.
Africa came out on top in two recent confrontions
with Europe. First an all-star African eleven beat a European
select team, and then the Nigerias Green Eaglets emerged
triumphant from an eight team under-17 tournament.
The games were organized jointly by CAF and
UEFA, the African and European football governing bodies,to
celebrate Europe's year against Racism,and to foster closer
footballing links between the two continents.
The first ever match between Europe and
Africa was played on January 29,at the stadium of Light in
Lisbon Portugal,the home of top portugues club Benefica.
Ghana's Abedi Pele,Africa's captain opened the scoring in the 14th,
minute with a perfectly placed chip over Dutch keeper, Edwin Van der
Sar.Just before half-time France's Vincent Gueris equalized,but Africa's
winner came in the 78th minute through Morocco's Mustapha Hadji.
Africa's four representatives in the undre-17 Meridian cup
also played in Portugal in early february, where Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea
and Cot d'lvoir.The European opposition, France, Spain, Portugal,
Greece were exceptionaly strong. Nigerians were the only Africans to
qualify to the semi-finals. Ghana shuold have joined them, but
squardered an early advantage against Portugal and just missed the
final. Guinea provided the tournament's biggest upset by beating
France,while Cot d'lvoire were unlucky to be held to a draw by
Portugal.Nigeria dismissed the hosts comfortably in the semi-
final,with two goals by 15 year old Alyiu Mohamed,but the final
against Spain was tougher. Twice the golden Eaglets went ahead
first through Hashimu Garba and then Bright Igbinadola and twice
the Spaniards drew level.Substitute Chijoke Nwankpa clinched the
trophy for Nigeria with an 82nd minute goal!!!!
Other news:
NWANKWO KANU, captain of the reigning Olympic football(soccer)
champions, the Super Eaglets of Nigeria has been named African Footballer
of the year,chosen from a galaxy of very talented players.Nwanko
recaperating after a heart operation is the third Nigerian to win this
prestigious award.The world football (soccer) governing body,FIFA
has voted him sixth best footballer in the world.
Liberia's George Weah has been awarded FIFA's silver trophy for
1996 player of the year in lavish ceremony in Barcelona Spain.
He recorded 140 points ,coming second to Brazilian Ronaldo who took
the gold with 329 points.Weah was also awarded FIFA's fair player
award for his personal assistance to the Liberian football team
which enabled them to take part in the world cup
qualifiers.Currently playing for AC- MILAN of Italy,Weah was last
year's FIFA'S, Europe and African player of the year.
FIFA's top ten world players of the year are as follows :
PLAYER COUNTRY CLUB POINTS
1. Ronaldo Brazil Barcelona 329
2. G.Weah Liberia AC-Milan 140
3. Alan Shearer England N.Castle U. 129
4. Mattias Sammer Germany Borussia D. 109
5. Jurgen Klinsman Germany Bayer Munic 54
6. Nwank Wo Kanu Nigeria Inter-Milan 32
7. Paulo Maldini Italy AC-Milan 25
8. Davir Suker Croatia Real-Madrid 24
9. Gabriel Batistuta Argentina Fiorentina 19
10. Romario Brazil Flamengo 13
BINIAM TEWELDE (TORONTO) CANADA.
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