The success of AFCON 2021 can never in anyway be swept under the carpet even though its organization came under a barrage of criticisms from some European big team managers and a section of the western press.
With the exception of the unfortunate crowd stampede that occurred at the Olembe Stadium, the fear of terrorist attacks that were trumpeted by the nay saying press turned out to be a false prophesy that was not fulfilled.
The success story of AFCON 2021 will never be complete without the breath-taking finals between Senegal and Egypt. Indeed, some sports enthusiasts referred to it as the battle of Liverpool FC, a team whose manager was so critical of this beautiful tournament.
Sadio Mane’s Senegal at the end of the foot hostilities was victorious over his team mate Mohammed Salah’s Egypt which has the enviable record as the most crowned AFCON champions.
As part of the of grand scheme for success by the current leadership of CAF, days leading to the finals were used to organize series of meetings for the way forward for Africa’s football, one of such meetings was the African Super League Meeting held at the instance of the President of CAF Dr. Patrice Motsepe and the President of FIFA Gianni Infantino.
The African Super League was announced by the latter on the 28th of November 2019. This meeting was attended by the crème dela crème of African football with Africa’s most accomplished teams represented by their top executives.
Amongst the mighty football personalities that were invited to this meeting was Dr. Kwame Kyei, the Board Chairman of Kumasi Asante Kotoko, the business magnate who is also the founder of the Unity Group of Companies. Dr. Kwame Kyei’s invitation, an all-expenses paid for special invitation from the President of CAF offered him the opportunity to witness the final match of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Cameroon 2021.
Dr. Kwame Kyei who attended the the African Super League meeting together with top executives from other CAF nations discussed the development of African football, developing talent in football, football management, marketing players, among others.
Dr. Kwame Kyei had the opportunity to have a productive dialogue with the CAF President, as well as the FIFA president, where they shared ideas on the future of football in Africa and Ghana in particular.
He also took the opportunity to extend a special invitation to the CAF President to re-visit Ghana and pay a courtesy call on the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei-Tutu II, the life patron and owner of the Asante Kotoko Sporting Club.
Dr. Kwame Kyei further had the opportunity to hold meetings and discussions with other international football club executives and scouting agents, whom he connected with during his four-day stay in Cameroon.
In an exclusive interview with our reporter, he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Presidents of CAF and FIFA for the opportunity to be in Cameroon for the African Super League meeting and the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations final. He also enumerated the opportunities the trip offered him to broaden his knowledge on football, as well as enabled him to expand on his network and contacts in the African Football Industry.
In addition to these, he was of the utmost belief that this opportunity has motivated and rejuvenated him to continue to play his part and contribute extensively to the development of football in Ghana.
