l don't begrudge Eriteria`s withdrawal and Ethiopia`s exclusion which brought

about this unforgettable regulation in the deciding games of the second round

of the 2010 Africa zone combined qualifiers to the detriment of the then

concerned groups of 4, all in the name of so-called fairness for the other 2

groups of 3 countries.

Despite their trademark governing in the growth of football globalisation

which we all cherish as a socio-economical commodity, FIFA and CAF of all

people, will continue to create precedence hence the African Football

Associations at large, sweeps this issue under the carpet without ringing the

alarm bells to protect our own footballing land scape.
Ideally to change something and change it for the betterment of all are two

different things.

Therefore the tactical change of criteria came at a moment when all concerned

teams were going to play their greatest game with a view to romp through the

next stage of qualification. Big games of this magnitude should have been

given a proper decision to the advantage of all hence its significance.

The kickoff timing and date of the last games in each group was an error of

decision and a breed of possible discrepancies. Same date and kickoff timing

would have given that unpopular cannon decision of erasing vital points from

the then 10 groups of 4 at least a  balanced weight of credibility without

complain. But they allowed the "WAIT AND SEE SCENARIO" to take command, to

the delightment of the countries in the front runners spot who played on

Sunday October 12.

Otherwise we would have witnessed transparent match stories and a standard

promotional table to the 3rd round on a proud D-Day of African football.

After all, what other incentives or optional benefits were put in place for

the then emerging  runners up sets and group bottom challengers to complement

their huge price of failure between now and 2012 / 2014?

There is no doubt victims of this mad circumstance will experience lost of

talents in the process, missing a wider range of international football

advert, not to mention reluctance from the private sector for sponsorship

packages and talent promotion at mega competitions, where a massive worldwide

audience will be out there live, plus the might of an international media

coverage.

Deducting points gained against the bottom teams in the groups of 4 during

the qualifiers was a painful experience to swallow. It was rather not a fair

hearing but a recipe of "African  Football Deterioration".

National Football Associations in Africa must rethink and rise to the uneasy

crusade towards our game and defend its fate and legacy. Lucky countries who

have just romped through the last stage qualifiers as doubled medal

hunters,will sooner or later fall in the same trap.

If fairness was an order of governance to change gear in strategy during the

qualifiers, why is Africa, unlike other continents, are still being

represented at  World Cup  jambories by Five and Sixteen at our own Nations

Cup platforms?

It is therefore the responsibility of National and Sub-Regional Football

Federations in the continent and even clubs who constitutes their FA`s to

pursuit this course in the name of players, fans of the game and African

football for advancement in all facets.

Sports in itself transcends good governance in organisation to put everyone

in equal footing. "Higher Echelon Sports Governing Bodies'' have to lead by

example to their own fraternity and entities outside the wilderness of

sports.

The millions of dollars pumped in may be the backbone of  football

globalisation but will be meaningless if short of  ultra-professional

guidance and honesty in policy decisions by the games` Governing Bodies in

question.

Experience teaches us that in the heat of a battle, split second decisions

makes the difference between life and death, as well as a  genuine win and a

glorious lose. This commentary is therefore in defence of the entire

Community Of African Football for social economic cohesion.