Egypt Returns To The W/Cup And Our Top Moments From The Continent In 2017

Well, let me be the first to say it to you all- Happy New Year In Advance!!

2017 went by quickly and we did enjoy every bit of it. From Cameroon's AFCON's triumph to Mo Salah's BBC award we take a look back at our best sporting moments from the continent.

Although not in a chronological order, we assure you that our picks are worth it and generated the most buzz both on the website and social media. So do enjoy!

Cameroon Wins AFCON.
Starting off on the list would be the Indomitable's triumph against Egypt at the 2017 AFCON in Gabon. 

The Lions came behind to snatch a first win over the Pharaohs in the three final attempts. Hugo Broos' men were 1-0 down from an Elneny opener before Nkolou and Aboubakar got both goals to ensure Cameroon won their first title in fifteen years.

Hayatou Defeated; Ahmed Becomes President
A New Dawn In African Football was our header as CAF saw a change in leadership since 1988 after Madagascan representative Ahmad knocked out Issa Hayatou to become the new president of CAF. 

Hayatou's 29-year reign came to an end after Ahmad emerged winner after winning the election by 34 to 20 votes with numerous support from those who could not wait to see the back of Hayatou. 

Odey Goes Missing
In a quest to break into Europe, current FC Zurich striker Stephen Odey surprised the Nigerian footballing world when the striker went awol from his club, MFM FC in an effort to push through a move to Danish side FC Copenhagen.

It was a surprising one giving that the club had given the then 19 year old striker a platform to dominate the league and have a shot at breaking into the Super Eagles team. Odey was reported to have played two games for Copenhagen with gaffer Fidelis Ilechukwu going on radio to express his frustration at the ill-advised travel.

Egypt Qualify For World Cup
Egypt returned to the World Cup after an eventful game that saw an injury-time penalty from Liverpool's Mohammed Salah ensure the Pharaoh's qualification. 

It would be the return of the Pharaohs after a 27-year absence from football's biggest event and it would provoke some strong emotions with citizens longing to see their team at the World Cup since Italy 1990.

Olatunbosun Hits Wonder Goal
Olatunbosun's wonder strike for MFM FC against Enugu Rangers set social media alight with the goal increasing the attention the reformed league was attracting. The player controlled the ball brilliantly before flicking the ball over his defender and sealing with a thunderous left-finish that saw occupants of the Agege Stadium drop their jaws in awe.

His goal would get nominated and win the CNN's goal of the week beating the likes of Roma's Radja Nainggolan and Youri Tieleman who was in Anderlecht at the time.

Goalkeeper Scores Brace To Send Team Through
Platinum Stars' goalie Mbongeni Mzimela was the hero of the game as the South African side defeated Vipers SC of Uganda in the CAF Confederation Cup.

The Stars were losing the round from a first leg 1-0 loss when Mbongeni's brace would help the team into the next round after converting both penalties that were awarded to his side. His display would see him being compared to former Paraguayan goalie Chilavert who was renowned for his goal-scoring abilities.

Super Eagles Defeat Argentina In A Friendly
Nigeria defeated Argentina 4-2 in an international friendly in Russia as the nations prepared for action at the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Ever Banega and Sergio Aguero gave Argentina a two-goal lead after 36 minutes, but Kelechi Iheanacho struck back on the stroke of half-time at the Krasnodar Stadium.

Nigeria were on level terms seven minutes into the second half, with Alex Iwobi netting for the Super Eagles, and they took a shock 3-2 lead just two minutes later through Brian Idowu. Before Iwobi would grab his brace sending fans in Nigeria into ecstasy.

Then FIFA Gives Us The South Americans Again.
A match made in heaven? The Super Eagles of Nigeria were rewarded for their troubles of getting into the World Cup in Russia with a group that saw them pitted against Argentina, Iceland, and Croatia.

It would be the fifth time the Eagles would be drawn with the South American giants with the Messi-led team having a 100% record against Nigeria in the World Cup games.

Salah Wins BBC African Player of the Year
Egyptian Mohamed Salah was voted BBC African Footballer of the Year for 2017.

Following a record number of votes, the Liverpool star won ahead of Gabon's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Guinean Naby Keita, Sadio Mane of Senegal and Nigeria's Victor Moses.

In early 2017, the forward was the central figure for Egypt as they finished runners-up at the Africa Cup of Nations.


He also had a hand in all seven of the goals that took the Pharaohs to their first World Cup since 1990 - assisting two and scoring five, including the stoppage-time penalty against Congo that qualified them for Russia.

Weah Becomes President
Former African and World Footballer of the Year George Weah became president of West African nation Liberia as the 2017 year drew to an end. The 1995 Fifa World Player of the Year defeated the incumbent vice president to win the presidential election in the west African country.

The three-time African Footballer of the Year and the first African player to win the Ballon d'Or defeated Joseph Boakai and will now succeed the first elected female president in Africa, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf.

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via Loud Naija Media