Fútbolita

Our amigos alerted us to this horrid incident which took place in Angola yesterday, the venue of the African Nations Cup. Tongo’s team bus (carrying the likes of Arsenal’s Oil City’s Emmanuel Adebayor, seen above, being comforted after leaving the hospital) was attacked by gunmen who opened fire and killed the bus driver. Nine other passengers were injured – including the team’s press officer (unbelievable!)

The way the striker explained the frenzied situation really puts you there with him. Said Adebayor : 

“It was as if we were still living in dream. I was the one who had to carry the wounded ones into the hospital. It is these times that you realize that (this was) really happening. Everyone was crying and calling their families. I think that it was the worst time of day.

“To be honest, without the safety (of Angolan military), I would not be here talking. Perhaps you (would be) talking about my dead body. I think many players want to leave, I do not think they want to participate in this tournament more because they have seen death.”

We can only hope that the neighbouring South Africa’s efforts to step up their military efforts will prevent something like this from happening at the World Cup. No one can do anything to prevent separatists or guerrilla trouble-makers from doing what they want to do and there’s no justifying their actions! Querido Deus, por favor… proteja as equipas.

via Reuters, AP