It’s goals galore, riveting football, and of course the pressure of the knockout situation that is making these final games of AFCON 2015 something quite special. We had our first semi final last night and it’s again going according to the script, even if there was a glimmer of a possibility of an upset. The DRC showed us last weekend that we should not write them off, even if most of us knew that Cote d’Ivoire had started to turn on the magic and would be near unstoppable to beat, as they proved to be last night in Bata Stadium. Let’s get into the details.
The 3-1 win over the DRC and the way the Mighty Elephants played, is like chalk and cheese compared to the group stages and that has many excited about what happened last night, about what is coming tonight and what we’ll get to see on Sunday evening. It was the Big Names Night Out as Serge Wilfried Kanon, Gervinho and Yaya Toure added their names to the score sheet. So now it’s 3 finals in nine years for the men from West Africa. It would be fair to say that both teams didn’t exactly set AFCON 2015 on fire at the start of the tournament and even this games took a while to get going. Well, 20 minutes to be exact cause that’s when Africa footballer of the year, Yaya Toure got things going by netting a blocked effort from the edge of the area. 4 Minutes later the DRC set matters level with a Dieumerci Mbokani penalty after Eric Bailly handled the ball inside the area. Both teams seemed like they could keep scoring throughout, but the exchange stayed at 3 goals to 1, despite some phenomenal efforts on goal from the DRC’s front men. Thanks to Supersport.com, you can watch the highlights of last night’s game, here.
The Ivory Coast are through to Sunday night’s final, and they will face either Ghana or the hosts, Equatorial Guinea, who are facing off tonight.
We look forward to bringing you news on what goes down in Malabo tonight, in tomorrow’s update. Until then, let us know who you think will raise the cup on Sunday night.
The ability to enjoy life seems to be a matter of perspective. Some people love to complain about what they don’t have, while others find great joy in having only a little. It’s a glass half full or half empty sort of scenario. Being content with what you have and what you don’t have can go a long way to remove something that is really horrid and destructive. I’m talking about bitterness. There’s nothing like someone with a nice car and a beautiful, healthy family and a secure job and a great smile, spending half an hour moaning about their life. His reasons seem totally legit to him but to you, it might seem like craziness. Compare that to a man, with a lowly little home, that is filled with the sound of playing children and crying babies, squatting next to a primitive stove, telling tales of how much joy his family brings him and how content he is with his situation. Then there’s his wife, who nods in agreement, stirring a pot which seems to contain far too little food to feed everyone. If you asked them, they’d say they were happy. It’s perspective. The glass is half full. Mr Have-It-All’s glass seems to be half empty. How does that work? Where is the difference? What makes each person feel the way they do?
I suspect that perspective is important, but so is gratitude. ‘I may not have much, but I’m grateful for what I have!’ That’s a great starting point. We could always do with a bit more, couldn’t we, but then you look at your life. Are you ‘counting your blessings’ and making the best of what you have, or are you ignoring some of what you’ve got to eagerly chase even more? At a point of contentment there will be a feeling of peace that settles you, and you might find yourself making the most of what you’ve got. It’s often from these places of almost inexplicable peace, that we start to move forward in our lives, seeing things we’d previously missed, and finding value in things you’d possibly seen as worthless and therefore ignored.
This life doesn’t always fit the ideals that you may have set for yourself and the reasons may be many. You cannot change what has already taken place, but your attitude and desire to see things shift, be it in your finances, health, work or spirituality, can empower you to move ahead. Sparked by a stronger will and fueled by wisdom, we couldn’t even imagine what we are capable of. I challenge you to shift gears, to learn from the past and to move forward positively. Take stock of what you have and then see how you can move forward with that. The Glass is half full, and what you’ve got might be all you need.
If you’re in that place where you just can’t find peace with where you’re at, and contentment seems so far away, why not click on the banner below. The clip that follows may very well help you to find peace that is lacking, and spur you on to many things, far greater than you could hope for or imagine. Stay strong!
The record setting Serena Williams has been at it again on the courts of the Australian Open, and so has Novak Djokovic for that matter. We’ve got tennis news, Premier League Football results and heaps of AFCON 2015 Quarter Final action in our Weekend Sports Wrap.
We now march into week three of AFCON 2015 and my favourite team is out! It seems that the desire to score great goals has finally arrived on the scene and as we head into the business end of the competition, with many peoples’ favourites, Cote d’Ivoire still around, it’s looking red hot. Let’s not forget the tenacious home boys of Equatorial Guinea, who are giving us the impression that they want the cup really badly. Their best AFCON achievement to date is the quarter finals in 2012 so things are looking up. I’ve got lots of news and good things to say, after a bit of doubt about whether AFCON 2015 would amount to anything good, in football terms. Let’s start with the weekend’s quarter final knockout games, that produced some superb football, and DR Congo fans would concur, no doubt!
Let’s start with Saturday’s quarter final showdown between hosts Equatorial Guinea and Tunisia. I think it fair to say that after 90 minutes, the hosts thought their run to this point had been a good one, with Tunisia leading 1-0 and the team can feel proud and hold their heads up high and all that jazz, but then something incredible happened that sent the locals into euphoria; Javier Balboa put a penalty into the back of the Tunisian net in referee’s added time at the end of the match and then secured his brace in the first half of extra time to secure a semi final showdown with the up and coming Ghana on Thursday night. Even if the dream ended here, it would be a new high in terms of AFCON tournaments, and they can feel proud. To use coach Esteban Becker’s words, the weekend’s win was ‘almost a miracle’! Sadly, the win has come with too much controversy to just ignore the whole thing, with Tunisian football authorities saying the penalty was ‘soft’ and that the Mauritian referee was impartial. the whole scene has been so badly received that The President of the Tunisian Football Federation, Wadii Al Jarii has resigned from his position in the organising committee of Africa Cup of Nations 2015. The Tunisian media also report that Chiheb Belkhiria who is a member of the finance committee of Caf has left his position as well. Football is a serious matter. Taking it back to the pitch, you can see the highlights here.
Congo and the Democratic Republic of Congo were up next and this has restored my faith in AFCON 2015 and it ability to entertain and showcase what this continent can offer on the football field. My Congolese co worker is proudly wearing a goofy grin and so she should. DRC are looking good as potential champions, don’t they? They showed great grit and determination to become the first team to qualify for the semis and Coach Florent Ibenge is a proud man indeed. Delvin Ndinga and Thievy Bifouma scored two quick second half goals to silence the DRC and have the scorecard reading 2-0. It seemed that it would take something very special to even get on the scorecard, never mind score 3 to win it. But how about scoring 4! DRC pushed forward in numbers and within a few minutes, Dieudonne Mbokani added his name to the score sheet. On 76 minutes, Loteteka Bokila eventually got one on target and it was 2-2. On 81 minutes Joel Mpela’s free kick made it 3-2 and Mbokani got a second with a second chance on a blocked strike to put the ball in on 90 minutes to what can only be described as a phenomenal comeback. Here are the highlights, thanks to Supersport.com. DRC now face Cote d’Ivoire on Wednesday.
After receiving $30,000 for their quarterfinal berth, Guinea’s national camp had been promised another $50,000 to beat Ghana on Sunday. It wasn’t incentive enough. A brace from Christian Atsu helped Ghana to a thrilling 3-0 win over Guinea in Malabo, and it was all started by the quick work of Mubarak Wakaso that set up Atsu within 4 minutes to get Ghana on the board. A much better start than their previous run out against South Africa. Guinea fought hard to keep possession but Ghana’s defense stood firm throughout. The game did end on a sour note though for Guinea with their keeper being red-carded after bringing Asamoah Gyan down just outside the box. The highlights are worth reliving and you can catch them here.
The last of the semi finals was between Cote d’Ivoire and Algeria and I’ve had my heart set on Algeria just because they looked so good in the group phases. They were really no match for the Ivory Coast, who seemed to step thing up from the round robin matches to rise up as new favourites for sure. They never let up, they just powered on and it looked like there were more orange shirts than Algerian white ones out there. It was a power display and the commentator made the game even more enjoyable. All 4 goals in the 3-1 demolition of the men from the North were out of the top drawer and you can see all the highlights here.
So now it’s all about who will end the week, ready for the Finals next Sunday. Join us on Thursday for the results of the first semi final between the DRC and Cote d’Ivoire. Who’s looking like the favourites to win AFCON 2015 in your mind?
Another week brings another load of trending stories, filling new sites to the brim. We’ve trawled the twitterverse and found a handful of top stories to share on this 1Africa Weekly Roundup.
Lady Lee and Brad have something that will make CSI seem a little ordinary. Why it seems Miss Universe can’t have long hair. Treasure hunters on the run, and an ad that has parents all in a huff. Click, and then soak up all the details!
Welcome to the news and the highlights of AFCON 2015, day 11. I’m pleased to say that there is officially nothing ordinary about this year’s tournament. We ought to know who will be featured in the final 8, but we don’t. It’s all up to Lady Luck, as CAF article 74 comes into play, where the tiebreaker will be the drawing of lots to find the 8th team to head into the quarter finals. We all knew that the 1-1 draws through the round robin stage, that saw Group D start last night on equal points and equal goal difference, would make this all very interesting, but we just assumed it would be sorted out on the pitch last night. It was not to be. Well not for all the teams at least, as we saw between many people’s choice for 2015 champions, Cote d’Ivoire, and four time champions, Cameroon.
It took just one goal from the power boot of Max Gradel to catapult the Ivory Coast into the final 8. Cameroon ended at the bottom of an otherwise even Group D with just 2 points from 2 draws. The Cameroon team must be shattered, leaving this great tournament so early on, and after beating The Ivory Coast so convincingly in qualifying. The Ivorians have set up a quarter final against my favourites, Algeria, on Sunday. It’s almost like a mini final of sorts, since these are the 2 favourite teams. It’s a pity they couldn’t both feature at the tournament’s end. Here are highlights of the Cameroon vs Cote d’Ivoire match.
Now to the Mali-Guinea conundrum. Since it couldn’t be settled on the field, it will now be settled in the Malabo Hilton Hotel, at 4pm local time. Many fans have called for a penalty shootout, since it’s keeping the game on the field, and it’s more football for the fans where there’s actual football being played, but, be that as it may, it’s CAF’s decision, and they are calling Article 74 into play. It’s now down to the drawing of lots this afternoon. How it will work is there will be two balls, each marked with either ‘Mali’ or ‘Guinea’ and an official from the audience will be invited to pick a ball out of a ‘hat’ and that is that. I for one, am not keen on this, but that is how it will play out; from skill and on-field entertainment, to casino floor fluke. Stay tuned for the results here on 1Africa, and here are some of the match highlights.
We head back to the pitches of Equatorial Guinea on Saturday, when Congo and DR Congo meet at Estadio de Bata for the first of the quarter final matches. That match will immediately be followed by Tunisia versus hosts, Equatorial Guinea, on the field. Until then, keep checking in, and enjoy the video highlights of the 2 games, thanks to Supersport.com.
One of my highlights of 2013 was hanging out with Brandon Heath. We chatted over the phone for a good few minutes, talking about music of course, but also just vacation fun, the personal evolution of Brandon as a person, and choosing album art and font styles. Rather random stuff, but the man is fun, and why not talk about the things that make us tick and make life interesting and worthwhile. During our chat, it became clear that Brandon, like most Christian artists out there, is chasing the Father heart of God, and making music that can be enjoyed by a vast array of people and he’s intentional about everything; whether creating social programs or brand new albums. Brandon is so down to earth too, you’d wish you could hang out with him every weekend around the barbecue fire, and have him at your birthday party. Not to play his guitar, but just to be there and make you laugh and impress your friends. Oh yes; his new album!
His previous (non Christmas) album, Blue Mountain, seemed like it came out last week, but it was released ‘way back’ in 2012 and it gave us a double dose of Americana that felt like a nostalgic musical journey to a place that is beautifully quiet, full of inspiration, and it also brought an overwhelming desire to lie on your back and stare up at the clouds. It was indeed experimental, and it was very well received. Come February 10th, 2015, No Turning Back by Brandon Heath will arrive on shelves, with a whole new direction, but not a brand new sound. Thematically different, yes, but the feeling that some of the songs could have been part of Blue Mountain, is not a crazy one. Don’t get me wrong, my comment is not a criticism of quality or ability to entertain and encourage, it’s just a musical observation. Let me rather tell you all what’s great about the album, in case you think I’m hating on it. No Turning Back is like taking a walk with someone you fancy, trying to hold their hand, but happy to just brush your fingers against theirs, the whole time sharing the best bits of your childhood, and your dreams for the future. It’s sentimental, gets you pondering about the exciting twists and turns your life might take, but is also comforting in the knowledge that the goodness of God is very much available to us all, if we accept it and allow it to change us. Brandon continues to make music that is familiar but not ordinary or bound to a specific time. You could play No Turning Back in 10 years time and good feelings will come flooding back, leaving you with a goofy smile and a reaffirmation of the kindness of God. No Turning Back is all about Brandon’s decision to follow Christ, on that beautiful day, 20 years ago at Young Life’s Malibu Club in Canada. As Brandon says, he had no idea just how much better his life would be after he made that decision. He returned to the camp two decades later, along with his new wife, to share the joy of his salvation, as it says in Psalm 51:12. He put pen to paper to write songs for No Turning Back, inspired by the idea that his life in Christ is growing and being redirected and renewed all the time; an ongoing process that shows the faithfulness and presence of God. The album is produced by the spectacular talent that is Ed Cash (think Casting Crowns, Dolly Parton, Chris Tomlin, Toby Mac, Britt Nicole) and believe it or not, Cash was that amazing camp’s musician way back in 1995, so you can’t get closer to the original story than this combination.
Brandon Heath’s voice isn’t the only vocal you’ll hear, with the sounds of All Sons and Daughter’s Leslie and David in there on the title track. This is also the first solo album that Heath has done where he didn’t write all the songs. Ed Cash wrote the final track on the album, titled S.O.S and it shows that Ed shares the power of Brandon’s experience and our absolute need for a Saviour.
No Turning Back gives you 11 tracks, with my favourite being: Only Just Met You that has some dance floor credibility with heaps of remix potential that could get the Capital Kings drooling and hoping their phone might ring at any moment. Hint hint. There’s a gentle flow through the remainder of the tracks that won’t really get you up on your feet, but will aid a time of reflection. The truth that Brandon sings will make you very proud to be a believer in Jesus, and in His ability to change our lives, just like Mr Heath sings ‘When You look at me, it’s like I’m 12 feet tall without a care, and Your forgiveness feels like floating on air, oh Lord, when you look at me.’
Rating: 8/10
Here’ the official lyric video for No Turning Back
We are edging ever closer to the moment of knowing who all will be gracing us with their football prowess in AFCON 2015 quarter finals. Yesterday we had the honour of seeing Africa’s number 1 team reaffirming their dominance, and giving this writer his pick for the trophy come next Sunday. We also got to see what happens when 1 of the teams decides to actually stop playing in the the second half, while up against World Cup quarter finalists. Nothing good can come from that and Bafana Bafana leaving Equatorial Guinea with a single log point. That is terrible going, no matter what the politicians are trying to tell us.
Here are the details of the two games played yesterday from Group C. At the Estadio De Mongomo, it was all about an outright win for either South Africa or Ghana, with the hopes of securing a quarter final spot. Ghana started the better team, but South Africa were no strangers to hard running and slick passing. As usual the South Africans lacked finishing power, but all their possession told, with a superb volley from Madla Masango on 17 minutes, smacking into the back of the net. It seemed like we had a game on our hands. Possession seemed well shared between the teams and an upset really did seem possible for the team that previously looked set to land in Johannesburg with the wooden spoon firmly in hand. The half ended with the feeling that the game could still swing either way, but then something odd happened. The second half began, with many wondering what Avram Grant may have said to his troops in the change room, because they came out as though their lives depended on it, and they upped the tempo, taking the pace of the game away from a now seemingly lackluster and clueless Bafana. They had to endure incredible pressure and something had to give. John Boye and Andre Ayew were the heroes with their second half goals seeing the West Africans come from behind to book their quarter final spots with a 2-1 win. Why not enjoy some of the video highlights, thanks to Supersport.com
Meanwhile, in Malabo, Algeria defeated Senegal, 2-0 to finish second in Group C. The West Africans are heading home after a really tense encounter. Riyad Mahrez scored an early goal and 8 minutes from time, Nabil Bentaleb ensure it was all over for Senegal. The Algerians didn’t just cruise through this game, with a tough 20 minutes either side of half time, making them realise that they are not invincible. Algeria remain my team to win AFCON 2015, and I’m taking a lot of stick from the Cote d’Ivoire supporters. Let’s wait and see. All the Senegal vs Algeria highlights can be found here, thanks to Supersport.com.
In Group D action today, we have the honour of seeing 4 teams, all on 2 points, having all scored 1-1 draws against each other meaning all are level on goal difference. It’s odd, and it means quarter final positions are there for the taking. From Estadio de Mongomo we have Guinea up against Mali and from Estadio de Malab, we have the juicy clash of Cameroon versus Cote d’Ivoire. That is my pick to watch, and I’ve got my heart set on seeing the Ivory Coast progress to the quarters. Let me know which of the matches you’ll be watching tonight and who you think will complete the top 8. We’ll be back tomorrow with all the details.
We’ve reached that nail biting stage of AFCON 2015, where your team has to scramble for points to get to the knockout phase. After last night’s matches, there are a few men packing their bags and checking out of their hotels, because their quest for African football glory has ended. Let’s go and look at all the details.
Last night we had the start of the double-headers, with 2 matches at the same time, so any sneakiness is avoided. We had bottom of Group B, Zambia up against Cape Verde and yet again, we had a draw, this time goalless. Not for lack of trying from either side it must be said. Cape Verde were lively and full of energy, particularly thanks to Heldon, their winger. The crosses into the box were raining down, but the Zambian defense stood firm. Nothing much more was made of the chances created and so the games lacked the zing that comes from great goals and even great saves. Stopilla Sunzu was one gritty tackler last night and the Zambians have him to thank for his hard work. Sadly, the match petered out, and the tropical downpour probably played the biggest part in all of that. Both teams could have made more of it, and it must be heartbreaking for the 2012 champions to make such an early exit, since it’s two tournaments in a row now for Zambia. Cape Verde were pipped at the post by DR Congo who sneak ahead on goal difference. You see, all those goalless drawn matches come back to bite you. Why not sit back and enjoy the highlights thanks to Supersport.com.
In the other Group B encounter, we had, wait for it, another draw. This time, the infamous 1-1 variety. The DRC’s goal did help them ahead of Cape Verde, so it counted for something. The draw between DR Congo and Tunisia sees them top the table; Tunisia are 1st with 5 points, and the DRC 2nd with 3. The North Africans scored first, thanks to Ahmed Akaichi, and that was evened out by Loteka Bokila’s late goal. The score really could have been a whole lot more impressive, but again, that torrential rain and a lot of silly fouls saw the initial energy of the game slow down to something less impressive from the group’s top teams. Have a look at some of the highlights here, thanks to Supersport.com.
Today, it’s the battle for Group C, where it looks like a Senegal-Ghana 1 and 2, but really anything can happen. Senegal are up against the continent’s top team, Algeria who could just as easily make the quarter final cut. They share second place with 3 points The team most likely to be the whipping boys of the group, South Africa, are up against an under-strength Ghana. Ghana however, are unlikely to lose, so it’s really a battle between the top 3 to fight for the 2 places available. But this is football’s African showcase that could do with a little more drama, so only time will tell. I’ll have all the details for you tomorrow morning, so join us for that. Its can only get more exciting from here. Let’s hope for lots of goals tonight!
Jesus loved to talk about the Kingdom of Heaven, and who could blame Him. Something so beautiful, so close to His heart would have been hard to be silent about. Let’s just be clear that He was not talking about Heaven. That’s a place we long for, whereas the Kingdom of Heaven or the Kingdom of God is something so central to the teachings of Jesus. It’s the whole truth of what He came to share with us. The core of the Gospel message. He told great parables about It, and each one is actually so beautiful to me, that I can’t help but smile and imagine the passion in His voice as He told each story. When Jesus told these stories to His disciples and His followers, I almost picture Jesus staring into the distance and His human mind had to describe in human terms, something that is beyond our limited understanding. Jesus spoke of the Kingdom, not as some place far away to go to, but something here and now that we can experience and share. The stories have many similarities around things like ‘soil’ and ‘fields’ and involves people like cooks and fisherman and merchants; so there will be someone we can relate to.
There are many stories of the Kingdom but I’ll just share 2 and let them serve to encourage you and also to maybe help if it’s confusing. Let’s’ go and see what the Bible says:
In Matthew 4:23 it says:
And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom.
This helps us to know talking about the Kingdom of Heaven is so much part of the gospel that Jesus proclaimed and that Christians believe.
Matthew 13:44
The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field.
Jesus reminds us that knowing the Truth about who He is and what it means to have a relationship is something so valuable. Finding and accepting this truth changes you completely and you exchange an old life for a new one. Your life is never the same again. That is incredible, right?
Here’s one more:
Matthew 13:31
He told them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches.”
Another great bit of imagery here, of a big tree, larger than any of the other plants in the garden. You can picture how it represents the biggest part of our lives and how it shelters and shades us as it ‘grows’ in our hearts. The birds and their songs speak of sharing the truth and how it is ‘beautiful’ to those who hear it.
The Kingdom of God is here and now and it is life-changing. For those of us who have experienced its impact in our lives, it’s up to us, like it was for Jesus, to share the truth about it wherever we go. It’s a message for everyone, and it’s the hope of this world and we can’t keep it to ourselves.
What do you believe, and how has it effected your life? Now share that encouragement with others and let us see the Kingdom come in their lives today.
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