The unceremonious start to the Africa Cup of nations had precisely eluded the excitement in Angola. But after all the events that saw the Togolese team leave the tournament, the football has been much more impressive apart from the comedy like goalkeepers.

The international media hovered over this catastrophic event and PR disaster for Angola. There were calls for Africa's football celebration to be called off and some European clubs demanding their players' to return. CAF however could not bow down to this.



To the disappointment of African football fans was the comparison of the events in Cabinda to what may happen in South Africa. The criticism of Africa's security was flashed around various media. In a year Africa is celebrating football one incident created a platform for Africa's readiness to be question.

 

With all the support from FIFA, the Afcon went ahead and after two years of waiting and millions invested in the projects it would have been an embarrassment to African football. The questioning of Africa's readiness was considered unprecedented and uncalled for by many soccer analysts on the African continent.

 

This was a PR disaster for Angola but for CAF the Nations Cup going on was a better option. Teams were promised increased security and football went on.

Fans have been treated to slithering football only that in the first round of matches the big guns could not fire on all cylinders. The coverage of Afcon seems to have been submerged into an aura of insecurity in the enclave of Cabinda where group B games were being played.

 

Many will argue that Togo should have gone ahead and played their matches. They say that Togo should have played in the memory of those who had died. Some of the players wanted to stay despite their captain Adebayor wanting to leave. It was no-longer a question of politics. The Togolese government was looking for answers on why they were targeted. The blame games started flying all around. But this was shoved off for some time as CAF and Angola were determined let Afcon continue.

 

The underdogs in the tournament are playing some good football as the knock the ball around and credit goes to some of their defensive abilities. The star studied teams are yet to satisfy the football lovers. The tournament is still living up-to expectation as the football being exhibited is considerably worth watching. There were stunning results in the first matches made the tournament eye catching. People cramped in bars and in their homes watching on TVs have been treated to unexpected results, even with the below average performance from the goalkeepers.

 

As the group stages come to a climax, there is so much anticipation and expectation to get to the knockout stage. Despite the attack on the Togolese team, the celebration of African football has continued. It has sprouted some surprises and the not so many fans in the stadiums.