AFCON Final 2013

Who would have thought that this year's best footballing team in Africa would be one of Nigeria or Burkina Faso? Yesterday was the final of the 2013 AFCON tournament and it was contested between two surprise teams of the whole event. Nigeria were a big team ten years ago, but since the departure of the golden generation including Yakubu, they have dropped in the rankings and this year turned to youth, led by Chelsea's Victor Moses and Spartak's Emmanuel Emenike. Burkina Faso have never been on the big stage before and it was a real surprise they even got to the final, beating one of the pre-tournament favourites, Ghana, in the semis. But the semis were another game and this was the one that really mattered. It was a tense opening, shaded by the super eagles who were fronted by Uche in for the injured Emenike. Moses was creating all the early chances though and from his free-kick, Ambrose narrowly headed over, before Brown blazed wide after keeper Diakite dropped a corner at his feet. Burkina Faso were anonymous, particularly the likes of Pitroipa, who had had his red card rescinded, and it was left to Bance to motivate his team, shooting wide from a free-kick. In contrast though, Mba produced a moment of magic, flicking the ball over the onrushing defender before volleying in from just inside the area. It was pure genius and brought the tie to life, just before half time. In the second half it was more of the same and Nigeria were unlucky not to double their lead as Musa slipped at the vital moment after a good run from Moses. However, Burkina Faso had one great chance which Enyeama some how tipped round the post and that was that. In the end it was more comfortable then the result appeared but the Ghana match must have sapped it out of their opponents. Whatever the reason, Nigeria were now the champions and are back to the big time!