AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS - YOUR VIEWS!

Cup of Nations: Readers' accounts part II

As the Africa Cup of Nations moves to the quarter final stage, readers from across the continent reflect on the tournament so far and what it means for Africa.

ARISTO NII ARYEE, GHANA

Name: Aristo Nii Aryee
Town: Accra
Age: 43
Job: Financial Analyst


So far, the African Cup has been good. Only a few unfortunate incidents like the power disruptions before the match between Mali and Benin, and one fatal accident during the celebrations after the Ghana-Guinea match.

But nothing has taken away the excitement, the anxiety, the pain, the passion and the joy. At the moment, some countries' supporters, including us Ghanaians, are anxiously praying that we get through to the next stage of the competition.

In spite of my tight schedule at work, I've never missed a single match. There have been plenty of goals, most of them spectacular.

I have made new friends, Musa Kone from the Ivory Coast, Wisdom Chuku from Nigeria, Ibrahima Abdullai from Mali & Carlos Zuma from S. Africa. They all said they are having a wonderful time in Ghana, though some of them, like Chuku and Zuma, are not too pleased with their team's performances.

My daily activities have been seriously affected because I have to leave home earlier than normal because of increased traffic, and get home later than normal because I have to watch the matches in the office before going home.

My kids don't have their extra classes because the teachers want to watch the matches, and I've also had to arrange for alternate transport for them to get home, because public transport is mostly disrupted by the tournament.

And I can say football is very good for Africa, because for now most people seems to have forgotten about what in going on in Kenya and else where and, I believe, if the Kenyan national team had been in this tournament the current violence would not have occurred or would probably be stopped by now.


ETEOBONG ISAAC AKPAN, NIGERIA

Name: Eteobong Isaac Akpan
Town: Calabar, Cross River State
Age: 22
Job: Computer instructor

I am very happy that the Super Eagles made it through to the quarter finals.

They finally brought smiles to the faces of soccer loving Nigerians last night. The first half gave nearly everybody a heart attack because of the lack of goals. But for the first time ever, Bertti Vogt made an effective change.

The football cinema hall was full. Most fans were standing to watch the game.

At least, the cinema business has been resurrected. After the draw between Nigeria and Mali, the number of customers had been reduced dramatically, they didn't have a lot of viewers.

I also had a very good sleep last night for the first time since the tournament and had no nightmares.


KELLY JONES KAILA, ZAMBIA

Name: Kelly Jones Kaila
Town: Lusaka
Age: 23
Job: Journalist and manager of Kalim Sports Council


I've been following the African Cup very closely. The tension reached the highest level up to the point of Zambia's elimination.

People are upset that we are now out - and we are frustrated with the team for not performing up to our expectations.

But Zambians are still watching the matches, because we still love football.

I am now supporting Ivory Coast, because they have shown skill and speed.

The tournament has affected my work, because of the time I spend watching the games. When I miss five minutes of a match I fell as if I have missed the whole game. Football has become a part of my life.

My highlight of the tournament so far was the game between Ivory cost and Nigeria.

This is history unfolding, and I have to be there to witnessing who will take the prize. Go Ivory Coast.

MAGED ALI HASSAN, EGYPT

Name: Maged Ali Hassan
Town: Cairo
Age: 27
Job: Business owner


The atmosphere in Egypt has been great. There are flags everywhere - on cars, in shops, draped over buildings. There is a giant flag covering five stories in one building in Cairo - I have never seen such a huge Egyptian flag.

People are feeling very positive about the country. I think many people in Europe are not aware of the what a great team we have.

After the games there are celebrations in the streets - car horns blazing, people dancing and singing. And not just men, but women and children too.

I set an alarm before each match, and rush off to my friend's house, where we watch with 15 other avid fans. So yes, it has disrupted my work a little!

I would have liked to see a replay of the 2006 final - with Egypt against Ivory Coast. But, I fear we are actually going to meet Cameroon again, who are hoping to avenge our defeat of them.

The Africa Cup of Nations is a very positive, unifying force for all of the continent. Unfortunately, the events in Kenya have reminded us that football cannot be the cure for all ills.

LEILA KIGHA, CAMEROON

Name: Leila Kigha
Town: Douala
Age: 26
Job: Journalist


I have never been so relieved in all my life - now that we are through to the last eight.

I must admit, I was so scared I could barely sit to watch the last few games. Deep down I knew we would win, but there was this lingering fear.

Football for Cameroonians is like food for a hungry men. We have all been glued to our TV sets during the games, hoping and wishing for the best.

There have been some marked improvement in the attitudes and play of the players. The coach too. So we can all hope for the best in the future!

The games have been a good distraction from the political problems in the country. The front pages are filled with stories and predictions about the Cup.

My dream would be for Cameroon to meet Ghana in the final. Though I agree with Maged from Egypt - if Cameroon gets to meet Egypt in the final then it would be a chance for revenge!



WILKINS O. MULEMI, KENYA
BBC NEWS REPORT.