Sudan 1970 - Power games in Khartoum

Jaafar Nimeiri is nine months old in power after taking over in a military coup. Sport was part of Nimeiri’s vision of overall reforms in Sudan and winning the Nations Cup meant a lot to the 40-year-old military ruler.

His desire and passion to see the trophy staying in Sudan was summed up in the final against Ghana. After losing 1-0 to the host, the Ghanaians protested against the officiating and boycotted the medals ceremony. In response, Nimeiri gave the Black Stars 24 hours to leave the country.

For many this was one of the best tournaments because it assembled many of the star players. Laurent Pokou, who was top scorer two years earlier, was rubbing shoulders again with the greatest.

This time the Ivorian did even better, scoring five goals in Ivory Coast’s 6-1 win over Ethiopia to win the top scorer of the tournament for the second time with eight goals.

Morocco, who reached the World Cup in Mexico failed to qualify for Sudan, but Fifa president Sir Stanley Rous was in Khartoum were he made the famous prediction that Africa will win the World Cup before the end of the 20th century. (A statement often credited to Pele but the Brazilian has always refuted making any such comments).

Others believed Sir Rous made the remark to mend fences with Africa, who were denied a direct qualifying spot before Mexico ’70.