With the African Nations Cup only days away and excitement building all over Africa, a terrible incident has threatened to derail the competition altogether
Togo’s national team bus was machine-gunned by Angolan rebels on the Congolese border ahead of the African Cup of Nations. Reports on the extent of fatalities and injuries are still mixed, but it seems that the bus driver was fatally wounded and several players have been left in in serious condition.
Togo Team Training in Pointe-Noire, DRC
The Togolese were training in the Congolese city of Pointe-Noire and were travelling the short distance to Cabinda, a disputed exclave of Angola where their group stage matches were to be held, when a group of rebels began to fire at their team bus.
Cabinda – Angolan Enclave in Democratic Republic of Congo
Cabinda is an oil-rich Angolan enclave in the Democratic Republic of Congo and its sovereignty is disputed by a number of factions and movements. This region has been embroiled in a long-running independence struggle and for some insane reason the organizers of AFCON decided that Cabinda was a good location to host seven Africa Nations Cup matches this month.
Powerful Burst of Gunfire
According to Kickoff.com, Nantes striker Thomas Dossevi told Radio Monte Carlo. “We had just crossed the border (between Congo and Cabinda, where Togo are to play their Group B matches). We had filled in the border formalities and were surrounded by police.
“Everything was fine. Then there was a powerful burst of gunfire. Everyone dived under the seats and the police fired back. It felt like war had broken out. It’s shocking. When we got off the bus we were asking ourselves what was up.”
African Cup of Nations Tournament Due to Begin on Sunday
The tournament, due to begin tomorrow, is the continent’s last big sporting showcase before 32 teams, including England, arrive in South Africa for the 2010 FIFA World Cup in June.
Emmanuel Adebayor, one of Manchester City’s star players, and Aston Villa midfielder Moustapha Salifou were on the bus but both were unhurt.
The rebel group FLEC-PM (Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda-Military Position) have claimed responsibility for the attack, and said more will follow.
Sources: Kickoff.com, football365.com, guardian.co.uk
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