The African Cup of Nations - tragedy strikes

The African Cup of Nations kicked off today...and in spectacular fashion with host Angola leading Mali 4-0 with 15 minutes to go, only to see Kanoute and his colleagues come storming back to earn a draw. However the tournament will be overshadowed by the tragedy that the Togolese national team suffered. A brutal terrorist attack on the Togolese team bus as they entered Angola to prepare for their opening match resulted in many injured and 3 fatalities. The team has since returned to Togo, however may return to play their matches...something I believe would be the correct response. This brutal attack reminds us that major sporting events provide tempting opportunities for those who would use violence to promote their views. We all know what happened in Munich in 1972 or remember the bombing that occurred at the Atlanta Olympics in 1996.

These sporting events were conceived to promote peace and competition, but the global interest they attract also make them a prime target for terrorists. Our heart and thoughts need to be with the families of the victims as well as nation of Togo. I hope that they decide to return to play their matches to demonstrate that terrorism will not emerge victorious. Togo might not win a match, but just by returning to the tournament will be the a greater victory than any simple football match.