from African Views Newsletter

AFRICAN VIEWSInformation| Communication| Collaboration

The Bronx Africa Nations Soccer Tournament ended with sparkles. Just as expected, the final match between Guinea and Gambia was such a spectacular show of athleticism. May 21, started as a bright sunshine day, and there couldn’t have been a more perfect weather for a soccer match. Gambia was the underdog. The Guinean team has demolished everything along their path to qualify for the finals. Gambia, on the other hand has struggled throughout their matches.

The first half ended with guinea leading 3 goals to nothing against the Gambia. All the spectators were entertained by the Gambian demise, except the Gambian coach who continued to encourage the team. Suddenly the sky opened and it poured and poured as if he had called to send down the rain. The spectators ran for cover while the game continued. By the time it finished raining, Gambia had scored 2 goals. They finally equalized the in about 3 minutes to the end of game. This type of incident is called injury time African in soccer.

The audience was animated and we all couldn’t have asked for a better match to close the game. At the end, Guinea was the better team, as they outscored the Gambians in penalty kicks.

Once again we learned that soccer is a team sport and only the most disciplined team will triumph. Guinea is our champion this year. The team will be collecting their trophy and gold medals on May 25 at the Africa Day celebration which begins at 5pm in 2006 Westchester Avenue in the Bronx.

We are inviting everyone with great enthusiasm to please join us as we present medals to these fantastic young men who have made your countries proud. We are honoring them with Gold Medals, Silver Medals, Bronze medals and certificate of participation from the Borough President as a symbolic gesture of their performance at the event.

Please see additional pictures on the AV’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/african-views

Here is the detail of events

First Rounds

NIGER – GHANA (4-1)
D.R. CONGO – GUINEA (1-3)
SENEGAL – CAMEROON (2-1)
TOGO – NIGERIA (2-3)
LIBERIA – ETHIOPIA (1-2)
IVORY COAST – MALI- (0-1)
GAMBIA – TOGO 0-0

2nd rounds

NIGER – GUINEA (0-1)
NIGERIA – ETHIOPIA (2-4) + PENALTY KICKS
SENEGAL – IVORY COAST (3-4) + PENALTY KICKS
GAMBIA – TOGO (3-1)

3rd Round

GUINEA – ETHIOPIA (4-1)
GAMBIA – IVORY COAST (4-3) + PENALTY KICKS

Final Round

GUINEA – GAMBIA (7-5) + PENALTY KICKS

RUNNERS UPS
GOLD MEDAL & TROPHY: GUINEA
SILVER MEDAL: GAMBIA
BRONZE MEDAL: IVORY COAST

Here is a quick background of the event. Traditionally, May of each year the Borough President along with the Bronx Borough community celebrates the Bronx Week festival. African immigrant communities have not been a part of the Bronx Week Event, yet we are considered the second largest immigrant community in the borough. On January 13, 2010, the Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. announced the creation of an African Advisory Council. The mission of the council is make recommendations on strategies that will improve the quality of life for the African community in the Bronx. According to the most recent census estimates 61,487 residents are immigrants of Sub-Saharan African. Considering the inclusion of the North African population, and direct generations, we believe that the total population is well over 100000.

On Wednesday May 25th, at the Al Iman Community Center, 2006 Westchester Ave, Bronx, New York 100462, at a special conference to Celebrate Africa Day, the Borough President’s office will be presenting the winning teams (Guinea, Gambia, and Cote d’ Ivoire) with a trophy medals, and recognition certificate to the participants.

AFRICAN VIEWS ORGANIZATIONWWW.AFRICANVIEWS.ORG