#ThrowbackThursday: 5 best goals from AFCON

Football tournaments such as the ongoing African Cup of Nation (AFCON) are a unifying factor. Every Tom, Dick and Harry stay glued to their television screen to support their team. Then and only, do we see citizens ‘forming’ diehard compatriots.

The football competition becomes the talk of the town and all other issues are revisited or shoved off for the time being. One highlight of football tournaments is goal scoring. Besides what is football competition without goals? The whole idea of competing with an opponent team and winning the highest number of goals makes the game exciting. On Throwback Thursday, we go to AFCON 2013 to throw in the spotlight 5 best goals. Take a look:

1. Emmanuel Emenike vs Burkina Faso

Emenike’s run shows a real striker’s instinct. He’s gambled on getting in the box, despite not knowing if the ball will come to him and the finish is brave and assured. The long ball forward is beautifully flighted rather than a hopeful punt, and is followed by a wonderfully inventive flick to put the ball into a dangerous area.

2. Sunday Mba vs Ivory Coast

Nigeria’s winning goal against the Ivory Coast was a stunning solo effort. Sunday Mba picks the ball up inside his own half and surges forward. He skips past one man, before showing great technique to finish from outside the area.

3. Youssef Msakini vs Algeria

Msakni picks the ball up from far outside the area, cuts inside and curls a perfectly placed goal past the keeper. The fact that it came so late, to win the game, makes the technique all the more impressive.

4. Gervinho vs Togo

Gervinho’s run to the back post finds him on the end of the deep free kick. From there, the finish is magnificent. He hits it on the outside of his right foot from a tight angle.

5. Yaya Toure vs Ivory Coast

Yaya Toure excelled for the Ivory Coast in an attacking midfielder role. Here he displays his class with a perfectly measured goal that curls around the unsighted keeper.

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