AFCON 2017: THE UNFOLDING SURPRISES AND DISBELIEF OF FOOTBAL FAN'S AROUND AFRICA. (UNFOLDING EVENTS: PART TWO)

On the 8^th of April 2015, Gabon was chosen to host the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations among numerous heavy weight candidates vying this ceremonious African football event. The gup stage qualification of this tournament started in June 2015, with 52 of CAF’s 54 member states. Morocco who had to organize the 2015 tournament refused for reasons not fully clarified as one of the claims was the fear of the Ebola Disease as of the time, not for it to enter their country and consequently was banned from the tournament by CAF for the next two editions but were drawn back to the competition by concession of the arbitrary Africa’s Football Court for full draw up for the Afcon 2017 qualifiers as African football lovers watch the unfolding events with amazement and surprise.

The 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, known as the Total Africa Cup of Nations, Gabon 2017 (also referred to as AFCON 2017 or CAN 2017) is the 31^st edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). But the first biggest disbelief and surprise came from the non qualification of African economic giants Nigeria and South Africa for the 2017 Afcon tournament. It was scheduled to be hosted by Libya but CAF changed it hosting rights in August 2014 due to the ongoing war in the country at the time. This event is also part of the African Cup of Nations 60^th Anniversary.

Eventfully, international singers paraded the scene from the likes of Booba who surprisingly brought out Akon to keep the timid crowd funky, though with a non full stadium. And other acclaimed singers from the likes of Davido, Singuila, Franko, Diamond Platnums and others as the list was energetic.

But the most shocking news of the Afcon 2017 is the elimination of the Gabonese team at the first round pool stage that saw them conceding a draw game with Cameroon. Giving Cameroon the chance to proof its worth in the quarter finals against Senegal as the aggrieved Gabonese supporters cried out in disappointment and shock. As some supported are quoted saying “after spending all the billions to construct internationally acclaimed stadiums, what have we gain in return if it was to come out in the first round?”As the Gabonese president Ali Bongo Ondimba, made a speech calming the supporters and urging them to continue encouraging their team.  While supporters kept on chanting their disappointment.

Moreover, as African football lovers keep savoring the entertainment prioress served by some teams and the many surprises to come, critics say the ball is round as the best team has to prove its strength on the football pitch as some say one can’t really predict victory to any team as every team is to be reckon with.

End date of tournament: February 5, 2017

Teams: 16,   Venues: 4