View Full Version : Togo Footballers Shot in Ambush
Gunmen have fired on a bus carrying Togo's football team to the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola wounding several players, competition officials say.
They say robbers shot at the bus in Congo, near the Angolan border. There are reports of serious injuries.
The Africa Cup of Nations is due to start on Sunday.
Togo's first game is to be played on Monday in the oil-rich territory of Cabinda, where rebels have been fighting for independence.
The identities of the wounded players are not known.
The Togolese team includes Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor and Aston Villa's Moustapha Saliphou.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/africa/8449319.stm
:shake:
The driver has been killed and four others injured according to Sky.
Citeh have confirmed that Adebeyor was not injured in the attack.
javier_monsterano
08-01-10, 06:02 PM
:shake:
Joe King
08-01-10, 06:06 PM
Surely it's Togo?
Aye, well done for spotting my deliberate mistake :D
Joe King
08-01-10, 06:33 PM
Aye, well done for spotting my deliberate mistake :D
:source: :eyebrow:
little dave hedgehog
08-01-10, 10:49 PM
Emmanuel Adebayor admitted a lot of his Togo team-mates wanted to quit the African Nations Cup at the earliest opportunity following the attack on their team bus in Angola in which two players were shot and their bus driver was killed outright.
The Manchester City striker, who revealed the terrifying attack en route to the team's base in the Cabinda province lasted 30 minutes, will convene a team meeting as captain at which the squad will discuss whether they stay in Angola or return to their clubs.
He told BBC Radio Five Live: "I think a lot of players want to leave, I don't think they want to be at this tournament any more because they have seen their death already.
"Most of the players want to go back to their family. No-one can sleep after what they have seen. They have seen one of their team-mates have a bullet in his body, who is crying, who is losing consciousness and everything.
"So we will have a good meeting, everyone will go to their room, they will rest and we will see. [On Saturday morning] we will make a decision which is good for our life."
Adebayor added: "We are still in shock. If the security is not sure then we will be leaving. I don't think they will be ready to give their life. We will discuss everything as a team and we will take a decision that we think is good for our career, is good for our life and good for our family."
anfieldanfield
09-01-10, 12:21 AM
Fucking hell.
RoadEnd
09-01-10, 09:21 AM
YouTube- Pogo in Togo - United balls (original)
Coca Cola in Angola
javier_monsterano
09-01-10, 09:51 AM
Where the fuck did this happen? I'm sure I've read congo and angola,must have been right on
The border if two stories name different countries.
BobTheCharmer
09-01-10, 10:12 AM
Where the fuck did this happen? I'm sure I've read congo and angola,must have been right on
The border if two stories name different countries.
It happened in Cabinda
Oil-rich province cut off from the rest of Angola by DR Congo
Flec rebels fought for region's independence
Rebels laid down arms in 2006 but some unrest continues
Angola had dismissed concerns about staging games there
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/47070000/gif/_47070806_cabinda_angola_jan10.gif
javier_monsterano
09-01-10, 12:38 PM
I see, ok fucking hell just the now i have noticed congo,there is 2 of them wtf is going on there then?2 different countries again?
give us a geography lesson bobthecharmer.
SlovenianKopite
09-01-10, 01:07 PM
Democratic republic of Congo is a former Belgium colony, formerly known as Zaire, the Republic of Congo is a former French colony.
DR Congo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Democratic_Republic_of_the_Congo)
Congo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Republic_of_the_Congo)
:handshake:
Togo have withdrawn from the tournament.
lickedlollipop
09-01-10, 01:17 PM
omfg... that's discgraceful......
javier_monsterano
09-01-10, 01:19 PM
I remember Zaire.
This is just shocking.
Adebayor's interview on the BBC is interesting...he gives his account of the horrors that unfolded.
On a side note I could listen to him talk all day...:D....what a groovy way of speaking. :rock:
javier_monsterano
09-01-10, 02:05 PM
3 dead?
As far as I know three people shot - the driver, who tragically died, and two players.
Vermilion
09-01-10, 02:09 PM
A Physio & Coach have died now ? Think that's what i just heard.:shake:
Not players, but a coach and a physio :(
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Togo-Pull-Out-Of-African-Nations-Cup-After-Death-Toll-From-Gun-Attack-On-Bus-Rises-To-Three-Reports/Article/201001215517769?lpos=World_News_Carousel_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15517769_Togo_Pull_Out_Of_African_Nati ons_Cup_After_Death_Toll_From_Gun_Attack_On_Bus_Ri ses_To_Three%3A_Reports
Vermilion
09-01-10, 02:20 PM
Not players, but a coach and a physio :(
http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Togo-Pull-Out-Of-African-Nations-Cup-After-Death-Toll-From-Gun-Attack-On-Bus-Rises-To-Three-Reports/Article/201001215517769?lpos=World_News_Carousel_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15517769_Togo_Pull_Out_Of_African_Nati ons_Cup_After_Death_Toll_From_Gun_Attack_On_Bus_Ri ses_To_Three%3A_Reports
That's right, a physio and coach, shame. :(
I wouldn't be surprised if this terrorism leads to future competitions such as the World Cup and Olympic Games being cancelled. I for one (assuming I'm still in London), will be not be spending any time in London during the Olympic games. Especially as I get/change trains/tubes at Stratford every day.
javier_monsterano
09-01-10, 02:29 PM
I wouldn't be surprised if this terrorism leads to future competitions such as the World Cup and Olympic Games being cancelled. I for one (assuming I'm still in London), will be not be spending any time in London during the Olympic games. Especially as I get/change trains/tubes at Stratford every day.
Now that you have mentioned it,let's hope the crazy somalians don't do any shit at the world cup 2010.AL Qaida are supposed to be in somalia if i remember reading right.
Now that you have mentioned it,let's hope the crazy somalians don't do any shit at the world cup 2010.AL Qaida are supposed to be in somalia if i remember reading right.
If that's the case then fuck me, if I was a player I'd be praying that I wasn't selected to play for my country at the World Cup. I think FIFA were and are nuts for selecting an African country to host the World Cup. No offence to any Africans but I really can't see the 2010 World Cup running smoothly at all.
anfieldanfield
09-01-10, 04:37 PM
I think FIFA were and are nuts for selecting an African country to host the World Cup. No offence to any Africans but I really can't see the 2010 World Cup running smoothly at all.
Agree with that. It's bound to kick off.
Agreed. My cousin's going out to SA. I was with his Mum over New Year who told me and I couldn't contain my reaction. Now she's shitting her pants.
Its not just terrorism though. Criminals will travel to SA to rob tourists. Armed robberies will happen probably quite regularly.
This is just shocking.
Adebayor's interview on the BBC is interesting...he gives his account of the horrors that unfolded.
On a side note I could listen to him talk all day...:D....what a groovy way of speaking. :rock:
groovy :haha:
Its not just terrorism though. Criminals will travel to SA to rob tourists. Armed robberies will happen probably quite regularly.
The amount of crime in that country is ridiculous. It's probably every criminals wet dream having so many foreign and vulnerable people entering the country at an event such as a World Cup. And who knows what the terrorists are planning. An event such as the World Cup in that continent is the perfect breeding ground to carry some act of terrorism.
You have to ask yourself why FIFA chose South Africa? Obviously Political reasons and for breaking down the barrier as a World Cup has never been held there. But by breaking down the barrier they're putting peoples lives at risk. Again, I don't mean to cause offence to any Africans but I would never hold such an event in that Continent - especially in this day and age with all these Terrorists and Criminals roaming this world.
Posted on my Facebook feed...
Does anybody know if Adebayor ran the length of the bus and celebrated in front of the gunners this time???
little dave hedgehog
09-01-10, 07:14 PM
...those aren't kazoos
I remember Zaire.
Me too, and the song "In Zaire". I wish I didn't.
Was it Zaire who had that loony in the World Cup some years ago who ran out of a defensive wall before the ref blew for a free-kick to be taken and fucking leathered the ball down the other end of the pitch? :haha: :rock:
This is it...gets me every time :haha: :rock:
YouTube- Brazil -- Zaire, Football WC 1974
javier_monsterano
09-01-10, 07:25 PM
Posted on my Facebook feed...
Quote:
Does anybody know if Adebayor ran the length of the bus and celebrated in front of the gunners this time???
This is it...gets me every time :haha: :rock:
YouTube- Brazil -- Zaire, Football WC 1974 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYDXkVGpMpc)
:haha::haha::haha::haha::haha::haha::haha:
This is it...gets me every time :haha: :rock:
YouTube- Brazil -- Zaire, Football WC 1974 (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aYDXkVGpMpc)
:haha::haha::haha:
I remember that clip from my 'Nick Hancock's Football Nightmares' VHS from years and years ago :haha::haha::rock::rock:
SlovenianKopite
09-01-10, 07:52 PM
The amount of crime in that country is ridiculous. It's probably every criminals wet dream having so many foreign and vulnerable people entering the country at an event such as a World Cup. And who knows what the terrorists are planning. An event such as the World Cup in that continent is the perfect breeding ground to carry some act of terrorism.
You have to ask yourself why FIFA chose South Africa? Obviously Political reasons and for breaking down the barrier as a World Cup has never been held there. But by breaking down the barrier they're putting peoples lives at risk. Again, I don't mean to cause offence to any Africans but I would never hold such an event in that Continent - especially in this day and age with all these Terrorists and Criminals roaming this world.
oh ffs, so there shoudn't have been any competitions in europe while there was a war in the balkans, and the world cup in asia? i'm sure there was a war on that continent at the time aswell, probably in south america too.
i'm sure they'll do all they can to ensure the safety for people going down there, but ffs, terrorists? really?
Was it Zaire who had that loony in the World Cup some years ago who ran out of a defensive wall before the ref blew for a free-kick to be taken and fucking leathered the ball down the other end of the pitch? :haha: :rock:
yeah, they were "promised" an execution if they lost more than 3:0 against brazil by their dictator, so i think its pretty understandable the players were a little bit nervous.:haha:
oh ffs, so there shoudn't have been any competitions in europe while there was a war in the balkans, and the world cup in asia? i'm sure there was a war on that continent at the time aswell, probably in south america too.
i'm sure they'll do all they can to ensure the safety for people going down there, but ffs, terrorists? really?
Was there an issue in terms of security in the remaining countries in Europe whilst the was going on in the Balkans - the answer is No. And it was a civil war - they have no reason to say go and walk over to Germany/france/Italy and start a war there.
Security is a massive issue in a vast majority of the countries in Africa - you may call that ignorant stereotyping but it's a fact. Did you not hear about what happened with the Togo team? Do you think that's an isolated incident? And South Africa is one of the worst countries for crime in the World. I highly doubt that the criminals are going to take a month off during the World Cup. The World Cup is one big window of opportunity for Criminals and Terrorists and I think FIFA will regret holding the World Cup there.
And if what JavierMonsterano says is correct about Al Qaeda having links into some of the African countries, then that is a major cause for concern. Are you aware of that fact that sporting events such as the Olympic Games have been subjected to Terrorism acts in the past?
javier_monsterano
09-01-10, 08:22 PM
Was there an issue in terms of security in the remaining countries in Europe whilst the was going on in the Balkans - the answer is No. And it was a civil war - they have no reason to say go and walk over to Germany/france/Italy and start a war there.
Security is a massive issue in a vast majority of the countries in Africa - you may call that ignorant stereotyping but it's a fact. Did you not hear about what happened with the Togo team? Do you think that's an isolated incident? And South Africa is one of the worst countries for crime in the World. I highly doubt that the criminals are going to take a month off during the World Cup. The World Cup is one big window of opportunity for Criminals and Terrorists and I think FIFA will regret holding the World Cup there.
And if what JavierMonsterano says is correct about Al Qaeda having links into some of the African countries, then that is a major cause for concern. Are you aware of that fact that sporting events such as the Olympic Games have been subjected to Terrorism acts in the past?
:handshake:
I hope FIFA and South Africa get this right.
security needs to be Tight as possible.
:handshake:
I hope FIFA and South Africa get this right.
security needs to be Tight as possible.
It's up to South Africa - FIFA can't really do anything except say what they want in terms of security and pray to all the various gods of all the different religions that they deliver. Given that it is a country that is so prevalent to crime, I just don't see how they can make security so tight in such a small space of time.
EwarWoo
10-01-10, 01:03 AM
Adebayor apparently ran the length of the bus to celebrate with the gunners.
A bit unusual but, a tournament normally ENDS with a shoot out, not STARTS with one.
Too soon?
In all seriousness but this is totally bloody shocking. Sporting events need to be held away from these regions.
I know they like to give it to developing nations to encourage their sporting development, but as much as I love sport it's not worth getting killed over.
Security issues should mean an immediate removal of the proposal.
TOGO BACK
Togo 'will play in Africa Cup of Nations'
Players in shock after the attack (video grab)
Togolese officials had said the team would return because it was in shock
Togo's football team has decided to play in the African Nations Cup, even though the government withdrew it after a deadly attack on Friday, players say.
Thomas Dossevi told the AFP news agency the players wanted to stay in Angola in memory of the three people who were killed when rebels fired on their bus.
L'Equipe quoted Alaixys Romao as saying the team would not leave like cowards.
Togo has demanded Angola explain why it was not warned of the dangers of travel in Cabinda, where the bus was ambushed.
Angolan officials had earlier expressed astonishment that the team had travelled there by road from their base in the Republic of Congo.
'Unanimous decision'
On Saturday, Togo government spokesman Pascal Bodjona said the players were returning home because they were in a state of shock.
"We cannot in such a dramatic circumstance continue in the Africa Cup of Nations," he told reporters.
Manchester City, the club of Togo's captain, Emmanuel Adebayor, had already said on its website that he was returning to the UK.
But later two players said they were determined to stay.
"We are all heartbroken, it is no longer a party, but we want to show our national colours, our values and that we are men," Thomas Dossevi said.
"It was a decision taken nearly unanimously by the team which met during the night after having been reassured by the Angolan authorities," he added.
CABINDA
Map
Oil-rich province cut off from the rest of Angola by DR Congo
Flec rebels fought for region's independence
Rebels laid down arms in 2006 but some unrest continues
Angola had dismissed concerns about staging games there
Togo footballers tell of attack
Optimism to horror after attack
Send us your comments
Alaixys Romao also said the decision had been unanimous.
"We have just had a meeting of the whole delegation and we will be on the pitch on Monday to face Ghana," he said.
"People have died for the Africa Cup of Nations, others have been injured. We can't let them down and leave like cowards," he added.
"If we stay here it's for them, but also not to give any satisfaction to the rebels. Our government does not necessarily agree with us but we are all determined to play this competition."
When contacted on Saturday night, a spokesman for the tournament organisers, the Confederation of African Football (Caf), could not confirm the reports, saying: "I don't know. I am not aware so far. I've not heard any communication."
Caf had earlier said it understood Togo's withdrawal, but that the six other matches scheduled to be played in Cabinda would go ahead.
Security guarantee
In Friday's attack, several gunmen opened fire on the Togo team bus shortly after it had crossed from the Republic of Congo into the enclave of Cabinda.
Angolan police escort the Ivory Coast football team in Cabinda (9 Jan 2010)
Angola has increased security for all teams and at all venues
Adebayor told the BBC the players and support staff were trapped on the bus for 30 minutes as Angolan police fought the attackers. They eventually had to flee under fire to get into the vehicles sent to rescue them, he said.
Togolese officials said the driver had died at the scene, while media officer Stanislas Ocloo and assistant coach Amalete Abalo died later in hospital.
The separatist rebel Front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (Flec), which has fought for independence for several decades but entered into a ceasefire in 2006, later claimed responsibility for the attack.
The Angolan government, which had hoped the tournament would show how well it had recovered from the fighting, called the incident an "act of terrorism".
CAF president Issa Hayatou said he had received a guarantee that security would be increased for all teams and at all venues.
The bi-annual Africa Cup of Nations begins with the hosts playing Mali in Luanda at 1900 GMT.
Venue and dates: Angola, 10-31 January Coverage: Final and semi-finals live on BBC TV, BBC World Service and commentaries on BBC Sport website. Live commentary on opening match on BBC World Service and BBC Sport website
javier_monsterano
10-01-10, 08:47 AM
What channel are most of the games on?
SlovenianKopite
10-01-10, 11:40 AM
Was there an issue in terms of security in the remaining countries in Europe whilst the was going on in the Balkans - the answer is No. And it was a civil war - they have no reason to say go and walk over to Germany/france/Italy and start a war there.
Security is a massive issue in a vast majority of the countries in Africa - you may call that ignorant stereotyping but it's a fact. Did you not hear about what happened with the Togo team? Do you think that's an isolated incident? And South Africa is one of the worst countries for crime in the World. I highly doubt that the criminals are going to take a month off during the World Cup. The World Cup is one big window of opportunity for Criminals and Terrorists and I think FIFA will regret holding the World Cup there.
And if what JavierMonsterano says is correct about Al Qaeda having links into some of the African countries, then that is a major cause for concern. Are you aware of that fact that sporting events such as the Olympic Games have been subjected to Terrorism acts in the past?
so what you're saying is that the whole continent might go into war just because, of the world cup? the combats in sudan and the other places might spread across the whole of africa? is the war in sudan not a civil war?
yes i heard what happent the togo team, but the wc is not in angola is it? it's held in one of the most stable countries in africa, regardless of the crime rate there. you might aswell argue there shoudn't be any competitions held in britain because there's a lot of crime there, and the usa, and what about the world cup in 2014 thats held in brazil, who have the highest murder rate in the world? i'm sure the SA police and authorities will do their utmost for the safety of the people travelling there, and in some way that might give them the initiative to tackle crime harder in the years to come, i don't know.
yes al qaeda have links in somalia, but it's the poorest country in the world, where the people are very easily swayed by "terrorists" to do their bidding, but i'm not going to get all scared by that, al qaeda have links all over the world, and are/were trained by agencies of a lot of the western countries who have an interest in destabalising a regime they don't like, but this is a whole different topic, which i'm not going into right now..
What channel are most of the games on?
i think you'll find most of the games on eurosport:handshake:
In all seriousness but this is totally bloody shocking. Sporting events need to be held away from these regions.
I know they like to give it to developing nations to encourage their sporting development, but as much as I love sport it's not worth getting killed over.
Security issues should mean an immediate removal of the proposal.
:handshake:
What channel are most of the games on?
In previous years they've shown the games on one of those BBC channels that are on freeview (is it BBC3?)
Vermilion
10-01-10, 01:04 PM
Some amazing quotes from the players, really defiant, hope it all go's well for them from now on, and that they get adequate security this time, if that's really possible.
Edit. Oh well, that was a waste of a post, Adebayor say's they are coming home now ?
what upsets me most is all the fawning over the footballers who where in the attack but hardly a proper mention of the people that died.
the life of the driver is not worth less than a footballers.
i know it might seem a strange reaction from me but it has annoyed me.
of course its a disgraseful attack but the world isnt just about footballers
what upsets me most is all the fawning over the footballers who where in the attack but hardly a proper mention of the people that died.
the life of the driver is not worth less than a footballers.
i know it might seem a strange reaction from me but it has annoyed me.
of course its a disgraseful attack but the world isnt just about footballers
Exactly. It's almost as if they're saying he's not a footballer therefore we shouldn't care so much. Absolute disgrace.
you hear managers saying we have contacted our player and he is fine etc surely you should then say our thoughts are with the families of those who died.
it is leaving a bad taste to be honest.
javier_monsterano
10-01-10, 01:25 PM
what upsets me most is all the fawning over the footballers who where in the attack but hardly a proper mention of the people that died.
the life of the driver is not worth less than a footballers.
i know it might seem a strange reaction from me but it has annoyed me.
of course its a disgraseful attack but the world isnt just about footballers
:handshake:
javier_monsterano
10-01-10, 01:27 PM
I think i read that the semi-finals and final were on the bbc.
I hope Eurosport is available to view online.
Exiled_red
10-01-10, 06:58 PM
what upsets me most is all the fawning over the footballers who where in the attack but hardly a proper mention of the people that died.
the life of the driver is not worth less than a footballers.
i know it might seem a strange reaction from me but it has annoyed me.
of course its a disgraseful attack but the world isnt just about footballers
:handshake:
I was thinking the same
what upsets me most is all the fawning over the footballers who where in the attack but hardly a proper mention of the people that died.
the life of the driver is not worth less than a footballers.
i know it might seem a strange reaction from me but it has annoyed me.
of course its a disgraseful attack but the world isnt just about footballers
Aye it's most unedifying.
These gags are rolling in thick and fast too. Not sure about these. Just had this sent to me...
Adebayor, Adebayoooor
He dodged all the bullets
And he hid on the floor
:sigh:
Aye it's most unedifying.
These gags are rolling in thick and fast too. Not sure about these. Just had this sent to me...
Adebayor, Adebayoooor
He dodged all the bullets
And he hid on the floor
:sigh:
These gags are pretty funny. The one about him celebrating in front of the gunners is probably the pick of the bunch.
But seriouslsy how scared would you would have been in that situation? It's pretty scary just thinking about it. I found out recently that a good mate of mines Dad got kidnapped for 2 weeks on a business trip to Pakistan and was held for ransom. Adebayor said in an interview how they were texting or calling their famillies saying their farewells as they believed they were going to die. Absolute madness. The World Cup in South Africa is clearly going to be fun. FIFA may aswell change the venue for the 2014 World Cup and hold it in Pakistan.
The Erectile Banana
10-01-10, 08:03 PM
:handshake:
I was thinking the same
The thing is if it hadn't been a bus full of footballers we probably wouldn't be aware of the story.
Interest in stories like this always goes up 100% if someone well known is involved. Not very savoury but true.
The thing is if it hadn't been a bus full of footballers we probably wouldn't be aware of the story.
Interest in stories like this always goes up 100% if someone well known is involved. Not very savoury but true.
i understand this but it seems that people cant even be arsed to say our thoughts are with those that died.
IN_RAFA_WE_TRUST
27-11-11, 09:31 AM
Rip
One tragedy after another
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-africa-15907804
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