18, January 2024
AFCON: Egypt rally twice for Ghana draw after Salah injury blow 0
Egypt twice came from behind to earn a 2-2 draw with Ghana at the Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday after losing captain Mohamed Salah to injury in the first half.
Mohammed Kudus scored both goals for Ghana, drilling in the opener from 20 metres soon after Salah went off in the Group B clash at the Felix Houphouet Boigny Stadium.
Omar Marmoush pounced on an error to equalise for Egypt midway through the second half, but Kudus struck again right away to restore Ghana’s lead.
The Black Stars were left to rue another mistake as Mostafa Mohamed levelled on 74 minutes, leaving Ghana with just one point from two matches.
Egypt are only one point better off after back-to-back draws, but their immediate concern will be the health of Salah — whose stoppage-time penalty had snatched a 2-2 draw with Mozambique.
Ghana have now won just one of their last 11 AFCON matches. They were stunned 2-1 in their first game by Cape Verde, the smallest nation in the tournament who can clinch a last-16 place and top spot in the group with victory over Mozambique on Friday.
Chris Hughton made three changes to his Ghana side as he recalled Kudus and Spain-born striker Inaki Williams, knowing another loss would leave them staring at a second successive first-round exit.
The past four AFCON meetings between the countries had yielded just five goals, a trend that looked set to continue in a quiet first half in which Emam Ashour’s 43rd-minute shot was the first on target.
Salah goes off
Moments later though Egypt lost their talisman Salah and then almost immediately fell behind.
The Liverpool forward slumped to the grass as Ghana countered-attacked, clutching the back of his left leg and resigned to the fact his night at the very least was over.
With Egypt still reeling from the loss of Salah, it was Ghana’s key man Kudus who seized the spotlight, shifting the ball away from a couple of defenders and rifling a left-footed drive into the near corner.
The West Ham attacking midfielder missed the Cape Verde loss through injury, but here he demonstrated how central he is to the Black Stars’ fading hopes of a fifth AFCON title — 42 years after they last won the trophy.
Kudus volleyed an effort into the ground and just over the crossbar before Ahmed Hegazi, who took over the armband from Salah, had a goal ruled out for offside early in the second half.
Marmoush forced Richard Ofori to tip over a stinging attempt, but Egypt took advantage of a Ghana lapse to draw level on 69 minutes.
Williams hit an ill-advised backpass that was pounced upon by Marmoush, who nervelessly rounded Ofori and slotted home.
Kudus put Ghana in front again two minutes later after receiving Denis Odoi’s pass in the area, with his shot glancing off Mohamed Abdelmonem and deceiving Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy.
Ghana were the architects of their own downfall once more though.
Substitute Osman Bukari was caught in possession in his own box, allowing Mahmoud Trezequet to nip in and pull the ball back for Mohamed to steer between the legs of Ofori.
Ashour nearly snatched victory at the death but his curling attempt was held well by Ofori, sparing Ghana from another defeat and keeping them in contention for the knockout phase.
Source: AFP
19, January 2024
Biya’s Oppressive Reign: A call for liberation by the Cameroonian people 0
Yaoundé, the nation’s capital is currently hosting a 91-year-old figurehead known as the “head of state,” Paul Biya. Biya commands a reputation of unrelenting tyranny, orchestrating several internal suppressions and also fostering instability throughout Southern Cameroons. His regime’s genocidal campaign in Southern Cameroons has sown discord and has earned Biya global recognition as a heartless dictator.
Cameroon is reeling under a ruthless crackdown on dissent, political assassinations are reinforcing the image of a despotic ruler and allegations of the regime’s secret service killing of journalists is underscoring Biya’s oppressive tactics, painting him as an adversary to the Cameroonian people.
The Biya Francophone inhumane acts including his recent appointment of the late Professor Joseph Owona’s son as rector of the University of Yaoundé are perceived as strategies to maintain power for his ruling Beti-Bulu tribes while plunging the nation into a dark and shameful era. Despite this oppressive climate, various segments of the Cameroonian society including the Holy Roman Catholic Church persist in their pursuit of freedom and justice. Their resistance, though challenged, serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to a fairer society.
Several damning reports by Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International offers a chilling glimpse into Biya’s brutal tactics, particularly in targeting and torturing Southern Cameroons detainees. These revelations highlight the depth of the Yaoundé regime’s atrocities and demand urgent international attention and accountability for these gross human rights violations.
Revelations about staggering corruption, exemplified by the looting of billions of CFA Franc by top military barons, shed light on the pervasive corruption entrenched within the government. This corruption, compounded by repression, crime, and ongoing looting, reflects the dire need for a regime change in Yaoundé and immediate introduction of democratic and rights-based governance.
Liberation can only come through a shift to a new United Republic of Cameroon—one that respects human rights and democratic principles. The only plausible solution appears to be the overthrow of this Biya regime, get Cameroonians out of darkness and misery, and usher in an era of freedom and progress.
The oppressive grip of the Biya Franceophone Beti Bulu regime has cast a shadow over Cameroon, perpetuating a narrative of tyranny, corruption, and human rights abuses. Despite the regime’s iron-fisted tactics, the resilience and unwavering commitment of segments of Cameroonian society to justice and freedom stand as a beacon of hope in the face of adversity.
The recent journalist Martinez Zogo affair underscores the urgent need for systemic change—one free from the shackles of oppression and corruption.
The journey toward liberation may be arduous, but the determination of the Cameroonian populace to strive for a just and free society remains unyielding. The world’s attention must remain focused on the plight of both French and English speaking Cameroonians and their quest for fundamental rights, ensuring that their voices resonate on the global stage and demanding accountability for the egregious violations committed under Biya’s rule.
By Isong Asu
Cameroon Concord News Group
London Bureau Chief