Kanoute in Hot Water over T-Shirt

Sevilla striker and Mali international Frederic Kanoute is facing a fine from the Spanish football federation for revealing a T-shirt expressing support for Palestine during a match.

The Mali striker lifted his Sevilla kit over his head after scoring in the team's 2-1 Copa del Rey win over Deportivo La Coruna on Wednesday.

He displayed a black T-shirt on which the word "Palestine" was printed in several languages.

The federation's competition committee is to study the incident on Friday.

Kanoute, who was born in France but plays internationally for Mali, is a practicing Muslim.

Kanoute's action, which has been interpreted as a response to Israel's recent attacks on Gaza that have killed nearly 700 people, was met with a yellow card from referee Antonio Mateu Lahoz.

Lahoz said in his post-match report that he'd cautioned Kanoute for raising his shirt over his head in accordance with federation rules, while also noting the message of the striker's T-shirt.

Raphael Schultz, Israel's ambassador in Madrid, told Radio MARCA on Thursday that Kanoute's gesture "had gone beyond his profession and FIFA rules to this respect."

"I saw the match and the T-shirt bore nothing more than the name of Palestine. It was not an incitement against Israel. I don't think it extolled violence," Schultz said.

Meanwhile, Palestine embassy official Mahmoud Aluanen told the same station that Kanoute "has shown himself to be a very brave person to support our people at a public event."

"Sportsmen are human beings and cannot contain their feelings. They have all the right in the world to express their opinion about matters which contravene human rights. I'm sure that all Palestinian children, those who love football, will be happy about this gesture," Aluanen added.

The incident came a day before Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas paid a visit to Madrid for talks with Spanish Prime Minister Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero and King Juan Carlos.

UPDATE: Kanoute's been fined 3000 Euros, the most allowed by the Spanish Federation.

MY POV: While I'm of the opinion that sportsmen are human beings and obviously complex people, the sports arena isn't a place for these political displays, especially the club game.

It's just too tricky. Many people that support Sevilla might not agree with Kanoute's message.
Also, think about Israeli people who have nothing to do with the attacks.

How do you think they feel?

Football is a passionate sport and the people's game, but these political messages can only heighten hostility, not abate it.

The excellent Spanish football blog La Liga Talk talks clearly about the Kanoute incident, kind of siding on the other side ... what do you think?

There are certian things that never go together. If they are placed together, they could cause an explosion.

Aluminum and microwaves. Water and grease on fire.

Politics and football. These last two are redundant as they generate the same amount of passion and violence when the right ingredients are mixed.

Frederic Kanouté was excited after scored the first goal of the game in Wednedsday´s Copa del Rey matchup against Deportivo. There was a great deal of excitement in the air as Sevilla put themselves on the scoreboard. What came was the biggest sociopolitical that news that emerged so far this season in Spain.

When he lifted his jersey, a shirt expressing his support for Palestine emerged from under it. For many it riled up several political leanings, biases, and other predispositions regardless of which side of the conflict your allegiances stand on.

According to Spanish media he is supposed to receive a heavy fine from both the league and UEFA for making such a political statement, on top the booking he received. ¨This is a very important step. (Kanouté) showed a great deal of courage for supporting our cause in a public function,¨ said Palestinian Embassy counselor Mahmud Aluanen. Forums from all of the biggest dailies in Spain and in Andalucia express their support for the Mali international.

As far as Kanouté everyone knows where his allegiances stand. The Mali international is a French-born muslim that has been active with his religion in a positive fashion. Kanouté built a home for orphans in Mali and was able to help keep open a mosque in Sevilla by offering half a million dollars. His actions brought praise and criticism from both sides but for their own reasons and benefits.

Look this is not a political blog or a religious one, but Kanouté is one that understands his position as a person in the limelight. Based on his track record he is not a man that is trying to incite violence or to start an uprising. That is not what he is about. We can all be sure that the Sevilla star was not giving his thumbs-up to Hamas. He did show support for the people that have nothing to do with this tragic series of events that have seen thousands of innocent people caught in the middle of the crossfire. Kanouté is just showing those people support, God only knows those people (the innocent ones) need it.

Real Madrid's Diarra Out for Season

As if Real Madrid's luck isn't bad enough these days, word out of the Berbabeu today doesn't help things.

Mali midfielder Mahamadou Diarra will be sidelined for six to nine months after undergoing knee surgery, the club announced today.

Not good news ahead of this weekend's clash with arch-rivals FC Barcelona, who just whopped my favorite club's behind 4-0.

Diarra sustained the injury to his right knee while playing for Mali against Chad in October.

He was initially out of action for two weeks before returning for Real.

A month later, however, he aggravated the injury in a league game and an X-ray last week confirmed he would need arthroscopic surgery.

Diarra will be missed by the Spanish champions and also by Mali, as he will be absent for the opening matches of their final round of qualifiers for the 2010 World Cup and African Cup of Nations, which begin in March.

MY POV: Having Diarra on the squad probably wouldn't help Madrid all that much against the FC Barca juggernaut, who look unstoppable at this point in the season. Still, major blow for the Spanish capital's team and for Mali, who will miss the midfielder greatly ...

African Player of the Season

I found this interesting article on my goal.com mobile service.

I can't find it online, but you can click the above link and read the article anyways.

I think it's a fascinating look at 20 players around Europe of African descent who've shown their talent and set the continent ablaze!

Goal.com's African correspondent Awenlimobor Sylvester is wittling the list down from 20 to 5 later this week.

What do you think? Who is the African Player of the Season? Check out the article above and have your say ... Here's a sampling of what Sylvester has to say.

Emmanuel Adebayor Arsenal FC (England) Togo

The Togolese striker has undoubtedly been the main threat up front for the Gunners this season, scoring some “unbelievable” goals from truly “unbelievable” positions. He is the presently the second-highest goalscorer in the English Premiership with 24 strikes so far. Surely Adebayor has shown character and consistency despite being in an underachieving Arsenal team.

MY POV: I wouldn't say he's consistent, but then again 24 goals is nothing to sneeze at.

Didier Drogba Chelsea FC (England) Ivory Coast

The big Ivorian was able to silence his critics - Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez the biggest one of them - with killer influence in Chelsea’s 3-2 UEFA Champions League victory over Liverpool. In truth, “the Drog” has not been as prolific upfront for the Blues as he was last season, but he surely is still as lethal as ever. Just ask Rafa.
MY POV: I love the guy but he's proven to be hot and cold this season. A move away from England after this season will surely fire up his engines once again.

Taye Taiwo OLM Marseille (France) Nigeria

The 23 year old Nigerian stopper became a prominent figure in the Nigerian Soccer scene during the 2005 WYC held in the Netherlands, and has not let down his followers since then. He has shown his trademark consistency with his French club this season, helping his team to some important wins this season with his equally famous long range strikes and great headers.

MY POV: I'll be honest and say I don't know much about Taiwo. But he sure sounds like a good player ...

Frederic Kanoute Sevilla (Spain) Mali

The Sevilla front man is currently Africa’s reigning king according to CAF, and he is also presently Africa’s leading striker in the Primera Liga: a position he has held for the past two years. This season isn't his best, but he's still cutting a mean figure in Andalucía.
MY POV: Here's another guy I think would benefit from a move away from his current club. He's been rumored to be seeking a move back to his old club Tottenham. With the Spurs approach for Valencia striker David Villa rebuffed, maybe Kanoute could return a saviour.

Yaya Toure Barcelona (Spain) Ivory Coast

He is another of the few bright sparks that can be picked out from the Catalan giants' almost awful season. Toure has been a solid force in the middle of the team, helping out with several incisive tackles and putting through fantastic passes as well.

MY POV: Awful season? I guess that's what 3rd place in Spain and a Champions League semifinal berth gets you these days. Still, he has been a bright spot in an otherwise lackluster season. Much was expected of Barca. They delivered little. But awful??

Nigeria Survives, But What Was Mali Thinking??

Nigeria survives to live another day, although it may be a short-lived experience.

With their 2-0 drubbing of Benin and Mali's inexcusable 3-0 loss to Ivory Coast (more on that later), Nigeria's Super Eagles scraped into the quarterfinals, where they'll meet hosts Ghana.

Nigerian midfielder Jon Obi Mikel, who plays for Chelsea said the team should savor today's victory some before thinking of their mega-encounter with Ghana's Black Stars.

"We are now all very happy and we want to enjoy the moment. Then we will have a good night and we'll think about this quarter-final clash against Ghana first thing in the morning."

Miracle? Some might say.

"We asked for something of a miracle and it happened," said forward Osaze Odemwingie, who is suspended for Sunday's match.

"We showed great mental strength. Rule us out at your own risk."

The victory for Nigeria sparked scenes of celebrations in the Super Eagles camp as the west African nation avoided elimination at the group stage for the first time since 1982.

Their goals today, scored by Mikel and striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni, were their first in the tournament.

I don't know about you, but their offense looks mighty anemic. They're going to have a very tough time with the host nation.

Bu what's up with Mali? They seem to have succumbed to the pressure and caved at the worst possible moment.

What was with their strange substitution at half-time of striker Frederic Kanoute for holding midfielder Momo Sissoko? They obviously weren't thinking Nigeria would score. Or were they settling for a draw (which would have sent them through), thinking if they didn't concede any goals, that would be good enough? Poor management, in my opinion. Mali's FA will have to re-think the job of coach Jean-Francois Jodar, who coached tentatively against a weak Ivory Coast side. The Elephants had already qualified for the quarters and were resting many players.

"We are extremely disappointed," said Jodar. "My team did not play at all in the first half and with a lot of attackers in the second half we still failed to find the goal."

Ivory Coast face Guinea in their quarter-final while Nigeria travel to Accra to face the hosts, who have a 100 percent record in the tournament.

Ghana coach Claude Le Roy told a news conference that he expected to be sacked if his side did not win the trophy.
"If we are not champions, I'm sure a new coach will come in my place," he said. "I understand my deal and that is to win the cup."

Tuesday's goals took the tournament's tally to 63 in 20 games but South Africa goalkeeper Moeneeb Josephs was not impressed, saying the ball was at fault.

"It makes goalkeepers look like idiots," he said. "It isn't that the guys have been scoring good goals, it's the ball which has been making the guys look good."

Oh, come now ... enough with the excuses.

It's been an exciting tournament so far. What do the rest of the matches this week have to offer? Stay tuned ...

What Happened? Nigeria On Brink of Elimination

Nigeria are in serious trouble.

The Super Eagles' African Cup of Nations hopes suffered another blow on Friday after a 0-0 draw with Mali left them floundering in their opening round group.

Nigeria are third in Group B with just a single point, three behind second placed Mali.

The draw sent Ivory Coast, who have six points, into the quarter-finals as the first team to qualify.

Nigeria, despite their star-studded attack, failed for a second straight game to score.

This begs the question: What happened to the Super Eagles?

Is it the coaching of Berti Vogts?
Is the talent pool just not deep enough?
Are the players simply not motivated?
Has the talent of other countries simply caught up to that of Nigeria?

Coming into African football as an outsider, I'd like to know. For years, Nigeria have been seen as the gold standard of the continent's footballing fortunes. But now, they're staggering like a punch-drunk boxer. They can't score, they don't play a free-flowing game and they look lethargic. What happened?

"I know it's not enough to have just one point from two games," said Nigeria's beleaguered coach Berti Vogts.

"We now have only one hope and that is the Ivory Coast and God. But to win we have to score. Our players tried but our final passing was poor. To win you have to score but it was a big problem today and in the last match," he added.

Nigeria's potential progress to the last eight will be out of their hands when Group B is concluded next Tuesday.

The Super Eagles must beat Benin while hope that the Ivorians overcome Mali at the same time. Mali need just a draw to ensure Nigeria depart home early despite having made it to the last four at each of the last four editions of the tournament.

I think it would be a big surprise if Nigeria went home early. The mystery continues ...

Benin Coach Alleges Match Fixing Approach

Every tournament needs a little scandal. The African Cup of Nations has its first one. And it's not a good one.

Today, Benin coach Reinhard Fabisch said he'd been approached to fix his side's opening match against Mali.

"I was approached by someone in a hotel who said his name was Mr Andrews. He said he worked for people in Asia who were ready to pay $20,000 if I could manipulate the result of a match," Fabisch was quoted as saying by German media on Thursday.

"I told him if he didn't clear out immediately I'd call the police."

Benin lost the Group B match 1-0 after conceding a second-half penalty.

Fabisch is willing to give the Confederation of African Football the name and number of the man who claimed to be from a Singapore-based company. He's been given a 24-hour deadline to confirm his allegations about match-fixing.

BBC World Service's Richard Fleming said the news of the alleged incident could have major consequences for the tournament.

"There's more to this story than meets the eye," said Fleming.

"Fabisch is prepared to take this information to the authorities, who must surely act. If these allegations have any foundations at all then it's going to cast a huge cloud over the tournament."

The relative lack of money in African football made the tournament particularly susceptible to the problem, according to Fabisch.

"I was astonished that he had the guts to approach a German to fix a football match," he said.

"I think that African players are vulnerable to this kind of approach, because many of them don't have money. This is why poor countries like Benin are targeted."

"I cut him short and told him to leave. It doesn't help football. I assume that if someone approaches you like that, then they have that (money) in mind."

Benin next play Ivory Coast in Sekondi on Friday.

Cameroon Crushed, Zambia Rolls and Links

Day 3 of the African Cup of Nations didn't disappoint.

First off, defending champions Egypt routed pre-tournament favorites Cameroon 4-2. Striker Mohamed Zidan scored a double and Hosni Abd Rabou also struck twice for the five-times African champions with Samuel Eto'o netting Cameroon's two at the Baba Yara stadium.

Here, highlights from the match ...

Egypte cameroun resume
Uploaded by _drari_

In today's other match, Zambia profited from James Chamaga's early goal to score a resounding 3-0 win over Sudan in their opening Group C match on Tuesday.

Fellow forwards Jacob Mulenga and Felix Katongo added goals in the second half at Kumasi's Baba Yara stadium to put Zambia top of the group with Egypt after the defending champions' 4-2 win over Cameroon in the earlier match.

Chamanga, put into the starting line-up in place of suspended captain Chris Katongo, took just one minute and 45 seconds to fire Zambia ahead.

No highlights just yet ...

But here, I do have highlights of yesterday's 1-0 victory by Mali over Benin.
Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute scored a penalty 49 minutes in after Dramane Traore had been fouled by Alain Gaspoz.

Mali-Benin
Uploaded by Footn

Now, on to some links ...

- First off, the link I posted in the last blog entry worked just fine for the Egypt-Cameroon match and failed to work for the Sudan-Zambia match.
No idea what is up there ... just keep trying, I suppose!

- Sports Illustrated writer Greg Lalas is onsite in Ghana and posted this interesting article after the first match ... good stuff, Mr. Lalas!

- The New York Times sent Brian Furtig, a law student at William & Mary School of Law and a Chelsea FC season ticket holder to Ghana. Here's his updates on the NY Times' Goal Blog. Speaking of which, the aforementioned Greg Lalas is also updating the terrific Goal Blog. Check them out. Fascinating insights.

- Regular commentator Chxta posted this on his excellent Chxta's World blog regarding his native Nigeria's match against the Ivory Coast.

Here, a small excerpt. Back with more later!

I now officially hate Jose Mourinho, and if the bastard is assassinated tomorrow, come and look for me. The attacking instincts that John Mikel Obi once possessed have been well and truly drilled away, and what is left is a Frank Lampard imitation. Mikel is still a good player, but he isn't mature enough to boss a midfield on his own, and it showed when Kanu was removed. Had Mikel been more mature, or more attack minded on another hand, the outcome may well have been different. Olofinjana tried his best, but he was out of his depth, and well, we've talked about Kanu before.

Drogba Wants to Leave Chelsea

I've been away from the screen for the past few days, due to various reasons.

In the meantime, African football has been providing fans with saucy plotlines to follow.

First comes attacks on Mali players that followed the 2-0 away win over Togo in their decisive African Cup of Nations qualifier in Lome, Togo on Friday. The BBC reports that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is looking into the incidents. Today, the CAF said they will order an indefinite ban on Togo's Kegue stadium following attacks on Mali players after a key African Nations Cup qualifier last Friday. Further disciplinary action is to follow.

Then, FC Barcelona have asked their African stars to skip January's African Cup of Nations. Let's hope this request is emphatically turned down.

Next, the Confederation of African Football released their seedings for January's Cup of Nations in Ghana. The draw takes place tomorrow (come back and check out our analysis of the groups for the tournament). Nigeria, Egypt, Tunisia and Ghana head the list of the 16 countries that have qualified for the African trophy.

But today's news is probably the biggest shocker, coming from Africa's best player.

Current African Footballer of the Year and Chelsea FC starlet Didier Drogba told a journalist he wants out from Chelsea.

"I want to leave Chelsea. Something is broken with the club," Drogba was quoted as telling France Football magazine due to be published on Friday.

However, the west London club were quick to dismiss the idea of a possible transfer.
"Didier Drogba signed a new four-year contract last year. As a top professional we are sure Didier is committed to Chelsea and intends to honour that contract," the club said on their Web site (www.chelseafc.com).

Drogba was one of the players most affected by Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho's departure last month.

The coach, who led Chelsea to back-to-back league titles in 2005 and 2006, along with two League Cups and the FA Cup, has been replaced by Israel's Avram Grant.

"I can't hide the fact that I've taken this whole business very badly, probably because I made the mistake of allowing too much of an emotional attachment in my relations with the coach," Drogba said.

"I can only say that I have been unpleasantly surprised by some people."

He added: "Ever since I arrived, I've been mulling a lot of things over, because I hadn't chosen my destination. My relations with Chelsea have always been bizarre."

"Right from the very first day, I wanted to leave. And every summer after that. But, despite that, I've stayed here for four seasons -- the best of my career."

Drogba, whose last comment indicated he would stay until the end of this season, added he would like to play either in Italy's Serie A or Spain's La Liga.

"I've got the impression that I have nothing else to prove here. I need to go and look somewhere else. I need new challenges and these two countries really attract me."

"I have made my decision. Nothing will hold me here. I know people are saying that Ronaldinho and Kaka will be here next season but it will not change my desire (to leave). I will not change my mind, probably because something has broken (in my relations) with Chelsea."

Drogba added that only five clubs attracted him: "AC Milan, Inter Milan, Barcelona, Real Madrid. And Marseille."

Mourinho spent 24 million pounds ($49.06 million) when he bought Drogba from Marseille in July 2004.

The striker took a while to settle before finding his form with a vengeance last season, scoring 33 goals for Chelsea, the most in the English Premiership.

Where will Drogba land? Will he change his mind? How will the Chelsea faithful react to the Ivorian's strong words? Will Chelsea management attempt to wash their hands of Drogba and sell him during the winter transfer period, when he's set to miss time due to the African Nations Cup?

All intriguing questions ...

Last Licks on Road to Ghana 2008

This is it!

We wind down qualification for the 2008 African Cup of Nations in Ghana this weekend with the final games in Groups Two and Nine.

Reigning champions Egypt are favorites for one of the places, as they need only to avoid defeat at home to Botswana on Saturday.

Egypt will be without injured duo Mido and Mohamed Barakat for the match against Botswana but have Hamburg striker Mohamed Zidan back after he missed their last match in Burundi.

A shock win for Botswana could put them through to their first Nations Cup finals appearance but only if Burundi fail to win in Mauritania in the other Group Two match in Nouakchott on Saturday.

Wins for Burundi and Botswana would see the two teams finish top of the group tied on 10 points each and equal on head-to-head record meaning that goal difference will come into play. Could get very interesting indeed.

Over to Group Nine, where there's a three-way race for the qualifying berth. Just a point separates Mali, Togo and Benin.

All three can win top place and qualify. Benin could finish second and still go through to the finals as one of the best runners-up.

Mali and Togo are both on nine points, although Mali will finish above Togo on a head-to-head count if there is a draw in Friday's match between the two in Lome.

But a draw in that game could allow unheralded Benin to come from behind and win the group.

Benin, with eight points, are away to Sierra Leone and a win for the Squirrels (gotta love that nickname) on Friday will guarantee their place in the finals.

The Squirrels warmed up for and promoted their qualifier with a 2-2 draw in a 30 minute game against a team of ministers and officials on Tuesday.

Benin's President Thomas Boni Yayi scored a final-minute penalty for his team of ministers and officials to force the draw. (I wonder if the referee was paid off to give him the penalty ...)

"It is to bring about the presence of my country in Ghana 2008 that I scored that goal," Yayi said after stroking home the penalty.

Togo are expected to have Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor back for his first run in the team since March.

Adebayor is still saying he's owed bonus payments after Togo's qualification for last year's World Cup finals. He boycotted recent matches.

But Adebayor told officials he would make himself available for the game.

His return has prompted Mali coach Jean Francois Jodar to say, "We should not fear Adebayor because if we tremble because of him then what will happen if we face the likes of (Didier) Drogba, (Samuel) Eto'o and others in the Nations Cup finals."

Mali are at full strength for the match with Sevilla striker Frederic Kanoute leading their attack.

One team not in action this weekend but who will have a very close eye on the action in Group Nine will be Uganda, who are still hopeful of qualifying as one of the best runners-up if results go their way.

It's going to be an exciting finish to the qualifiers. Make sure to catch them if you can!

And on we go to Ghana 2008 ...

Portsmouth and their African Squad

Life has taken its toll and I haven't been posting as much as I want. Too much to do, not enough time to do it.

But enough about me. Let's catch up with some news. This item comes from the BBC and writer Ben Wyatt. It's about Portsmouth and their African contingent. To read the full article, please click here! The following is an excerpt of the enlightening article.

Having recently captured Senegal's Papa Bouba Diop, manager Harry Redknapp has signed up an array of the continent's talent.

Fratton Park is now home to the all-Nigerian strike force of Nwankwo Kanu and John Utaka, Ghana's midfield maestro Sulley Muntari, Mali defender Djimi Traore, Cameroon's Lauren and Zimbabwe forward Benjani Mwaruwari.

Despite this assistant manager Joe Jordan denies the existence of an 'Africa specific' transfer policy.

"The players we have brought to the club are there because they are the best we could find for their respective positions.

"As long as the players who come into the club apply themselves we are glad to welcome them," Jordon added.

It's refreshing to hear a manager talking about the qualities of the players, not specifically where they're from. I wonder how the club feels about the upcoming African Cup of Nations?

Africans Excel in Europe, Led by Adebayor

African players showed talent and agility this weekend on the world stage, scoring epic goals and stunning volleys around the European leagues.

The most memorable goal of the weekend goes to Arsenal's Emmanuel Adebayor. His strike capped a 3-1 victory for Arsenal in their north London derby clash at Tottenham Hotspur, his unstoppable volley whizzing past England goalkeeper Paul Robinson. He had earlier scored with a header to make it 1-1. To see the goal, click
here!

In other English top flight matches, Portsmouth's all-Nigerian strike-force of Nwankwo Kanu and John Utaka caused Liverpool's defense problems throughout their match at Fratton Park but Kanu missed a first half penalty.

In the English league's second division, former Nigerian captain Jay-Jay Okocha made an impressive debut for Hull City in their 1-1 draw at home to Stoke. The 34-year-old former Bolton player has returned to England after a season playing in the Middle East with Qatar SC.

In Spain, Mali forward Frederic Kanoute scored two goals on Sunday as Sevilla notched a 4-1 win over Recreativo Huelva.

Cameroonian midfielder Daniel Ngom Kome scored for Valladolid in their 2-1 loss at Valencia, his first goal for over a season cancelled out by Fernando Morientes' equalizer and David Silva's late deflected winner. (For more on this and Valencia, check out my Valencia blog!

Nigerian Kalu Uche of Almeria scored once and had a goal wrongly disallowed as his newly promoted side lost 3-1 at Real Madrid.

In the French Ligue 1, Ivorian star striker Aruna Dindane scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot as his Racing Lens team beat AS Nancy 1-0 at home.

In Lille, Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh was sent off in his Bordeaux team drew 1-1 on the road.

In the German Bundesliga, Tunisian defender Karim Huggui scored the opening goal for Bayer Leverkusen as they won 2-0 at home against VfL Bochum.

Africans in the English Premiership

The world's most popular league gets back into gear tomorrow when The English Premiership starts play with matches around the country. The likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal begin their quest for the championship of England and glory in Europe.

As you know, many of the best African footballers ply their trade in England. We all know about Didier Drogba, Michael Essien and Kolo Toure. How about some of the other rising stars of African football?

Graeme Jackson of the fine African football website MTN Football presents an in-depth look at the best African footballers in the Premiership this season. Let's see what he has to say about some of the African players not named Drogba or Toure. It's a lengthy list, so only a few players are listed here. To read Jackson's full article, please click here!


ARSENAL

Emmanuel Adebayor

Nationality: Togo
Born: 26/02/1984
Position: Forward
Squad No: 25

With Thierry Henry having departed for Barcelona, Emmanuel Adebayor will be expected to establish himself as one of Arsenal’s leading forwards. He will have tough competition, though, with new signing Eduardo Da Silva and the prodigiously talented Robin van Persie standing in his way. But the Togo international has enough skill to be as big a hit in North London as his childhood hero Nwankwo Kanu was.

BIRMINGHAM CITY

Medhi Nafti

Nationality: Tunisia
Born: 28/11/1978
Position: Midfielder
Squad No: 12

A MTN Africa Cup of Nations winner from 2004, Medhi Nafti played a prominent role in helping Birmingham gain promotion from the Championship. The combative midfielder’s game is well suited to the hurly-burly action of the Premiership and he will be an important player as the Blues look to consolidate their place in the top flight.

BLACKBURN ROVERS

Aaron Mokoena

Nationality: South Africa
Born: 25/11/1980
Position: Defender/Midfielder
Squad No: 15



The aggressive and committed Aaron Mokoena (right) is equally comfortable in the heart of defence or as a defensive midfielder, where he has played most of his football for Rovers. The former Ajax Amsterdam hard-man’s versatility and strength make him a prefect fit for the English game and, as Arjen Robben (who had his ankle broken by Mokoena in a rough tackle two years ago) will tell you, he takes no prisoners.

BOLTON WANDERERS

Abdoulaye Meite

Nationality: Cote d’Ivoire
Born: 06/10/1980
Position: Defender
Squad No: 5

Voted the club’s best newcomer at the end of last season after making more than 40 appearances in his debut season at Bolton, Cote d’Ivoire international defender Abdoulaye Meite is now a leading player at the Reebok Stadium. His experience, both at international level and with Marseille in Europe, will be important for a Bolton team who will balance the Premiership and UEFA Cup commitments.

EVERTON

Joseph Yobo

Nationality: Nigeria
Born: 06/09/1980
Position: Defender
Squad No: 4

Nigerian defender Joseph Yobo has become the foundation upon which coach David Moyes has built an effective and efficient Toffees team. Everton’s Young Player of the Year for 2003/04 has grown into a defender of rare vision and skill, all while retaining his characteristic strength and speed. This season he will hope to further enhance his reputation as one of England’s best defenders.

LIVERPOOL

Mohamed Sissoko

Nationality: Mali
Born: 22/01/1985
Position: Midfield
Squad No: 22

Mali international Momo Sissoko was a favourite of Liverpool manager Rafael Benitez from his spell with Valencia and the Spaniard’s faith in the midfielder has been rewarded since signing him for the Reds in mid-2005. The hard-working, no no-nonsense Sissoko has been a reliable option in the middle of the park, but he faces stiff competition from Argentinean Javier Mascherano for the anchor role.

READING

Ibrahim Sonko

Nationality: Senegal
Born: 22/01/1981
Position: Defender
Squad No: 5

Ibrahima Sonko has yet to officially commit his international future to Senegal, having played in nothing more than an unofficial friendly for the country, but it seems he will become a fully fledged international for the West African country in the not too distant future. The defender enjoyed a solid 2006/07 season, as did most of Reading’s players, and he will hope to continue his good form this campaign.

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR

Benoît Assou-Ekotto

Nationality: Cameroon
Born: 24/03/1984
Position: Defender
Squad No: 32

Young Cameroonian left back Benoît Assou-Ekotto (left) joined Spurs in June 2006 from Lens. He made 24 appearances last season and looked a promising prospect before injury cut his campaign short. He will hope to build on his strong showings and establish himself this year.