African Nations Cup Hangs In The Balance

As many of you know, or don't know, yesterday the bus carrying the Togo national soccer team was attacked by Angolan rebels at the Congolese border. The team was heading to the African Nations Cup to be held in Angola.

Using machine guns, the rebels shot up the bus, hitting five people inside. There have been conflicting reports as to the death count, but the latest French sources say that there have been four fatalities: an unnamed local bus driver, assistant coach Abalo Amelete, press officer Stanislas Ocloo and reserve goalkeeper Kodjovi Obilale.

Togo's most notable player, Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor (pictured above), was unharmed but is reportedly returning home. The team itself has withdrawn from the tournament after the horrific events on Friday.

The shocking nature of the incident has given the ANC a black eye and has prompted many to call for the cancellation of the tournament. As of today, the Confederation of African Football has confirmed that the tournament will go ahead as planned.

But how do they think the play will go on without hindrance? Players from the nations of Ivory Coast and Ghana have said that they are in solidarity with Togo. Those two nations are also due to play their games in Angola's Cabinda region, where the attacks took place. I imagine if they take the field, they won't be playing at their peak potential.

Most importantly, the games must go on. Yes, this was tragic. Dedicate the tournament to the memory of those individuals from Togo. But keeping the tournament going could be a sign to those who attacked that their actions will not stop this event from going on as planned. It should be used as a tool to unite all of Africa in support for Togo and against the meaningless violence displayed on Friday.

I also know that the CAF does not want to give in when this is such a big year for soccer in Africa with the World Cup. While I really do understand why Togo withdrew from the tournament, I think that the other nations must press on if they are to get past this unfortunate and tragic situation.