Togo Football Team Shot in Ambush/Withdraw From Africa Cup of Nations *UPDATED*

UPDATE:

It seems that Togo withdrew their decision to withdraw from the African Cup and will continue in the competition.

Link

Gunmen have fired on a bus carrying Togo’s football team to the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola, wounding players and reportedly killing the driver.

The attackers machine-gunned the vehicle after it crossed from the Republic of Congo into Angola’s oil-rich territory of Cabinda.

All the players – everyone was crying [...] saying their last words because they thought they’d be dead.

Emmanuel Adebayor

Nine people, including at least two players, were wounded during the shooting, reports said. Central defender Serge Akakpo was among those hurt and back-up goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale was also reportedly injured.

You cannot sleep after what we have seen – one of your team-mates with bullets in his body in front of you, crying and losing consciousness.

Emmanuel Adebayor

You can listen to Adebayor’s interview here

Via BBC

Asian Cup Qualifier *UPDATED*

Today, our national team will face Australia in the Asian Cup Qualifiers. We need a win here to go through to the finals. Kuwait and Australia are both sharing the top spot with 7 point from 4 games, Kuwait is ahead with goal difference. Oman is in 3rd place with 4 points.

The game will be held at Alkuwait Stadium in Kaifan at 5:30PM local time (14:30GMT).

Lets hope he’s right.

Thanks Nasser

UPDATE:

Well, the game is over. We drew 2-2. I didn’t see the game but from what I’ve heard we played well, espescially in the second half. good result overall. We would have still needed a draw against Oman in the final game even if we have won.

Next and final game will be held in Mascat, Oman on March 3rd.

Cat Fight During A Football match

I know that tensions get high when you are losing, but this is ridiculous. New Mexico’s defender, Elizabeth Lambert took it to a whole new level.

Football Hero – It’s Guitar Hero But For Football Fanatics

I’ve never been a fan of guitar hero (I have some eye/hand coordination problems :)), so after seeing this video i was blown away. They took it to the next level.

Brits really Love Football

When Manchester City and Manchester United squared off on the pitch last weekend, not only were the teams going at it, but so were the fans. FANZONE is simply having a fan from each team in the same broadcast booth and thats it, just turn them loose. It’s amazing in concept and hilarious in execution. just watch the clip.

BTW, the Match ended 4-3 for Man u for those who missed it.

AL-Jazeera Sports Online Subscription Renewal

With the UEFA Champions League kicking-off tomorrow and it being the last few days of Ramadan. You might not have the time to go and renew your Jazeera card, or maybe you are just too lazy. Thankfully, there is an online option.

Visit Al-jazeera Sport official website and there you can renew your subscription online for $65 (less than 20 KD) and its instantaneous and very convenient.

Direct Link

West Ham vs Millwall Violence

Before even the Carling Cup match kicked off between these two rivals, events outside the stadium were heating up as a 44 year old man was stabbed in the chest and taken to hosptial. If this alone wasn’t a reason to cancel the match i dont know what is. From fans flooding the pitch several times during and after the game, to racist monkey chants aimed at the black players, this match had it all.

West Ham went on to win the game 3-1 after being down 0-1 with only 3 minutes remaining. You can read more about the violence that occured and the match report here.

Chelsea vs Al-Ahli Brawl

A mass brawl erupted between Chelsea reserves and UAE’s Al-Ahli club in a friendly match yesterday.  The incident is being investigated by the English football association.

Chelsea’s players were reportedly assaulted with karate kicks, knee-high tackles and had their hair pulled out and eyes gouged – and was abandoned after just 35 minutes.

Cork was reported to have been repeatedly hit while in a headlock and an opponent is said to have poked his fingers up the nose of Kakuta. 

Cork and Kakuta being Chelsea players. As you can see Al-Ahli club is very affected by ultimate fighting from their style of play. A nice wasted 35 minutes for the players all the way from the UAE. Good job guys and keep it up.  Story can be found here and here.

Reminder: English Premier League Kicks Off Today

After a long summer break without some decent football matches, the EPL is kicking off today with 8 matches.

All are in local time (Kuwait), all on Showtime:

14:45 Chelsea vs Hull City (ShowSports1+2)

17:00 Aston Villa vs Wigan Athletic

17:00 Blackburn Rovers vs Manchester City

17:00 Bolton Wonderers vs Sunderland

17:00 Portsmouth vs Fulham

17:00 Stoke City vs Burnley

17:00 Wolverhampton W. vs West Ham United

19:30 Everton vs Arsenal (ShowSports1+2)

Yarmouk what?!!

Yesterday I was reading the newspaper (It’s been a while) starting with the sports section (obviously :)) and I came across this which made me throw it away … the question is: why in hell didn’t anyone notice it?? The coach (he’s Czech, maybe that’s why) … the team (yeah right) …. the newspaper that decided to go with this picture!!! You judge. [Al-Watan]

N: this maybe a contender for Badliyah of the week I guess :)