10 Nordic-based African players in Cup of Nations
Ghana’s Ebenezer Ofori (left) in action for AIK against Manchester United
Photo: ghanasoccernet.com
Ten of the players featuring in the Total African Cup of Nations, which began Saturday with hosts Gabon drawing 1-1 against debutants Guinea Bissau, ply their trade in the Nordic countries.
Ivory Coast is putting up a defense of its crown with a team made of goalkeeper Sayouba Mande from Norweigan club Stabek while Guinea Bissau’s Francisco Santos Junior plays in the same league as a midfielder with Stromsgodset.
The Swedish league provides the biggest batch with five players.
Striker Matthew Rusike of Helsingborg will defend the colors of Zimbabwe with his teammeate midfielder Lalawele Atakora linning up for Togo. Zimbabwe has also in its ranks striker Tino Kadewere who plays for Djurgaden. AIK midfielder Ebenezer Ofori is part of the Ghana Black Stars while hosts Gabon will parade Serge Ngouali who plays as a midfielder for BrommaPojkarna.
Christian Bassagog of Danish club Aab Fotball featured for Cameroon in the 1-all draw against Burkina Faso, also on day one of the championship, while Ugandan midfielder Tony Mawejje plays for Icelandic club Throthur. Sentamus Yunus of Finnish club FC IIves is also a part of the Ugandan team.
