WHAT WE HAVE LEARNT FROM THE AFCON 2012 SO FAR

1-Motivation+Belief=Success
Quite an interesting mathematical statement but it is one that works perfectly especially in football and after matchday 1 of the ongoing AFCON 2012. The unknown quantity that is Equatorial Guinea gave a game of their lives against the Mediterranean Knights of Libya on Saturday buoyed by belief,support and $1 million dollars.Of course,the hosts would have wanted to win anyway even if their overall quality won't really leave fans and players puzzled in fear but as the game wore on,their desire to grab a landmark victory was very evident. And with one million dollars smiling and staring,they couldn't go wrong and they grabbed a lovely goal on the break through former Real Madrid player,Abel Balboa. It tells us what the right motivation can do and with three points already in the bag,you can imagine how much more belief their fans will have.As for the players,they'll be looking at the motivation and wonder if will get bigger and bigger.
2-Too many strikers will fetch nothing
Demba Ba,Papiss Cisse,Moussa Sow and Mamadou Niang should leave any gaffer smiling and in a dreamy state where images of splendid goals and embarrased defences will freely flow.However for Amara Toure,having these hitmen was a more like a nightmare.His team failed to glitter against a Zambian side that kept it so simple,you actually wondered if the real Teranga Lions were playing.Starting 3 strikers is not a novelty in football but when they are deployed without role descriptions,the amount will certainly be zero.
Overhype?Overconfidence?Whatever it is,Monsieur Traore,get your team sorted out.The African Cup is not won with disorder in tactics.
3-Take your chances
Football may have undergone evolution over the years but the essence has remained the same:goals.Goals,goles,buts.In any language,they mean the same thing but some teams at the ongoing competition haven't understood this principle.Morroco spurned a million chances only to be slapped in the face by 2 Tunisia goals in either half.Quite reminiscent of a boxing bout where one boxer looks like winning only to knocked out by two punches.Guinea also displayed the same sense of ''generosity'' against Mali even when they were seeking an equaliser.
Chances are there to be taken so teams must only do the natural.