“Part of the brilliance of the Africa Cup of Nations is the way it puts the diverse stories of the continent on vivid display. Consider, for example, the contrasts in the tournament opener on January 10th when host Angola plays Mali. Angola’s story is one of hope for the future—having only recently emerged from a 27 year civil war after decades of Portuguese colonialism, Angola is flush with natural resources, one of the fastest growing economies in the world, four glistening new soccer stadiums built by Chinese friends, and immense potential both on and off the pitch.” (Pitch Invasion)

“The wailing and gnashing of teeth amongst Premier League bosses over the loss of players to the upcoming African Nations Cup in Angola is a sight to behold. Players were signed in full knowledge of their nationalities, and there have been the typical range of myopic comments about the competition’s timing fail to take into account the impact of rainy seasons and heightened temperatures in the summer months (although Angola, south of the Equator as it is, might be little steamy this January).” (thetwounfortunates)

“The following pictures are taken from Dream and Goals: The World Cup and World Football 1990-2010 (Dewi Lewis Publishing; http://www.dewilewispublishing.com), which showcases hundreds of photographs of passionate football fans around the world, taken by Alistair Berg. A riot policeman shares the moment of euphoria as supporters spill on to the pitch to celebrate Burkina Faso qualifying for the semi-finals of the African Cup of Nations (Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, 1998).” (Telegraph)