Africa Cup of Nations in video

We have brought together some of the best stories from the Cup here in video so that you can feel part of the action.

 

In Africa, football is seen by many as a second religion. Al Jazeera’s Haru Mutasa was in the Ghanaian capital Accra ahead of the African Cup to see how the fans were preparing for the tournament, and to see what superstitions and beliefs they have as football fever took over.

 

Al Jazeera’s Sportsworld ran a special Africa Cup of Nations edition from Ghana.

In video

Sportsworld’s special on African football – Part one

In part one of the show Andy Richardson investigates the European dreams of footballers in Ghana. Carrie Brown reports on the impact of the African Cup on the English Premier League, and speaks with Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger about losing some of his stars to the tournament.

In video

Sportsworld’s special on African football – Part two

In part two of the African Cup special, Sportsworld takes a look at what role football is playing in promoting peace in the west African country of Liberia as the population recovers from years of civil war. Finally, Andy Richardson finds out about Ghana’s burgeoning boxing ranks on the outskirts of Accra.

 

Teachers in Ghanaian schools say they are losing too many children to football.

In video

Haru Mutasa reports on Africa’s footballing dreams

Haru Mutasa reports on African boys’ football dreams, and takes a look at the impact the desire to play the sport professionally may have on the boys’ education. Many boys believe they are good enough to make it in the big time, but scouts tell them to ‘stay in school’.

 

Group C of the Cup kicked off with defending champions Egypt taking on Cameroon.

In video

Andy Richardson reports on Egypt v Cameroon in Group C

Andy Richardson was in Kumasi, and caught up with Cameroon legend Roger Milla who has watched the global profile of African football rise exponentially since his playing days.

Egypt fans were also confident of defending their title, while Ghana coach Claude Le Roy keeps time with the press.

The Ivory Coast borders host nation Ghana, and many fans of the Elephants have made the short trip to the coastal town of Sekondi to see their team in action in the group stage. Andy Richardson spent a day with some colourful and boisterous Ivory Coast fans as their side took on Benin in Group B.

 

In 48, Amanda Palmer and her crew have 48 hours to discover the bustling west African capital of Ghana, Accra.

In video

48 in Accra – Part one

Bernice Akuamoah, local radio presenter and political science student is their guide, who takes them on a journey into modern day Ghanaian life.

 

The 48 team meet some American-born Ghanaians who have returned because of the improved political climate; find that education is free for all and highly valued; and discover a deeply religious and predominantly Christian city, where family comes first.

In video

48 in Accra – Part two

48 visits the local markets to meet the ‘kayayei’ or street porters; talk to the fishermen who are improving their business skills and daily takings by renting mobile phones; and meet the local footballers of Shaka FC who believe Chelsea’s Michael Essien is not really the best player Ghana has to offer!

After Ghana’s 2-0 win over Morocco, a victory that sent them through to the quarter-finals as Group A winners, Andy Richardson caught up with James Essien, father of Ghana and Chelsea star Michael, who had just seen his son play professionally for the first time.

 

South Africa host the Fifa World Cup in two years time, but they struggled at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations.

 

In video

South Africa’s African Cup

Carlos Alberto Parreira

, South Africa’s Brazilian coach, claims his side are in a rebuilding phase and will be ready in 2010, but Fifa president Sepp Blatter argues that Bafana Bafana should also have been prepared for the African Cup. Andy Richardson reports from Ghana’s mystical city of Kumasi.

 

In video

Mohamed Aboutrika’s sympathy for Gaza

Egypt’s Mohamed Aboutrika defended his actions in the defending champions’ group stage match against Sudan after he was warned by the Confederation of African Football for revealing a t-shirt in support of Gaza as part of a goal celebration.

 

Aboutrika initially did not want to discuss the issue, but broke his silence and spoke exclusively to Al Jazeera’s Carrie Brown.

 

We’ll have more stories and features in video as the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations continues.