Afrikan Euros In DFO Lesser Spotlight – Sabado Open Thread

So many fixtures, so many tWBS scorelines.  Perhaps his ghost is dancing in the stands with the Senegalese support.

First, the distasteful White Devil preliminaries.  NBC/USA is paywalling the City/Chelski brekkie match (7:30, Peacock).  Kind of a dick move, especially when trying to get viewership used to the new channel and such.  Could be a good match, though in reality – ain’t nobody in Pep’s orbit this season.

USA will begin its day…with Barcodes/Trashbirds (10:00).  Yeesh. Streaming options blow goats as well.

I am very torn during the Spotlight Dance (12:30, NBC).  I hate Villa manager Slippy G with every fibre of my being, but I really want Lucas Digne to come good on his debut, and make Useless Fuckweasel Bentiez look like…the Useless Fuckweasel that he is.  Rolf Ragnick’s United still look a hot mess.  I have no idea what to make of Wakey’s Red Devils.

Spurs/King’s Afrikan Water Pistols highlights Sunday Funday (11:30, Peacock), so of course it is paywalled AND cuts into NFL playoffs.  Jesus Tapdancing Christ, schedule better.

LC: (Mighty Whitey plays Bristol City (again this week). They thrashed Reading 7-0 this week, it was awesome)

Anyway, back to Afrika!  And hopefully, we will have the pleasure of Cecil Rhodes’ two shillings/Krugerands in the comments…

So, how is your Afrikan Euros participant doing so far?

Hippo: After the fuckery of round 1 – TWO pennos being awarded to the home side, in a 1-2 defeat, Burkina Faso needed all 3 points against “had no idea that was a nation-state” Cape Verde…and got them.  It wasn’t easy, with the balance of play being roughly and surprisingly equal.  But it should suffice to send the Burkinabe through to the knockout stages.  A draw against Ethiopia would almost surely suffice, and would be very disappointing given how bad Ethiopia have looked.  My prop bet on “top scorer” is pretty much ded, though.  That Cameroon dude has an insurmountable lead.

Litre_Cola : Well the Atlas Lions eked out a small victory in their first fixture. They dominated play and should have been up a couple. Today they dispatched the Comoros Islands handily and they are on to the next round. It’s pretty simple to move on in this tourney as they push through 4 3rd place teams. Just don’t really suck and you should make the playoffs.

I have some Morocco stories if they go further in the tourney. French is useful!

Balls: Côte D’ivoire a gagné le seul match 1-0. Le tWBS est forte dans le tournoi.

How much ass can BeIn’s coverage eat?

Hippo: Oh Christ, ALL THE ASS.  BeIn prioritizes meaningless regular season broadcasts from the unwatchable French Ligue 1, and even TURKEY over this badass continental torneo.  Their streaming service is also an absolute nightmare.  There have also been technical issues out the wazoo, often leaving the viewer without the on-scene, live match commentator.  NONE of the Saturday fixtures are being televized live.

Litre_Cola : It’s truly horrible. Give me the English Africa stream from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Rand McNally, anywhere. The announcers clearly aren’t there, they have zero vibe and whoever the fuck they have voice overring at halftime is the worst. Also, if you are going to be the service provider maybe show every game. One game out of four today? I would think it has to do with French rights for Ligue 1 or some other stupid shit. My computer already has many diseases due to not having a gambling addiction and wanting to watch Nicaraguan 3rd div so I will find a way. Am I happy that finally this tournament is being televised over here? Yes. Should they do better? Also yes.

Balls: You guys know I have no problem with eating ass, right? The problem with BeIn is that they lost La Liga and only have Messi and PSG as prime attractions.  According to them,  everyone else can suck it.

Surprise packages (Buddy Cole signal sent) so far?

Hippo: Sierra Leone and their stone wall of a keeper, Mo Kamara.  Ask Algeria, and especially Riyad Mahrez, if this dude has the goods or not.  Really bitching kit, too.

Litre_Cola : The zaniness of this tournament never disappoints. I did not have a referee calling a game 5 minutes early then early again on my bingo card.

The lack of goals surprises me. I had anticipated a goal fest because the futbol is so chaotic but alas is has not happened.

The Senegalese have been disappointing for being the highest ranked team in Africa. I don’t think they will win this thing with the way they are set up. Playing Mane up top is not his preferred position as he is a lethal weapon for Hippo’s best mates down the road from Goodison Park when he plays the wing. I think the Gabonese are going to surprise people at the end of the day.

Balls: I’m honestly shocked we haven’t had a story yet about witchcraft or black magic being used.  Maybe they’re waiting for the knockout round.  That’s what I would do…