From English eight division straight to AFCON

Not only the African Cup of Nation is the best and most interesting African competition, but it‘s also the place where dreams come true. And we don‘t necessary talk about teams who manage to find themselves on the big stage for the first time, we talk about players too. Only a competition like AFCON can provide a player who plays in English eight league a chance to play for his country for the first time at AFCON and share the pitch with Mohamed Salah. The Pharaohs, even though they were heavy favorites, needed a Salah injury time goal to secure a win over Zimbabwe, and player called Macauley Bonne was a part of that match.

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A 30-years old player was introduced in the second half of the match with Egypt. Born in Ipswich, England, Macauley Bonne played in clubs like Leyton Orient, Queens Park Rangers, Ipswich Town, and Charlton Athletic, before moving to Maldon & Tiptree, in a division equivalent to the third tier of French football. Due to his Zimbabwean origin, he debuted for the Warriors in 2014 in a friendly match but wasn‘t invited in the next 10 years, missing several AFCON‘s and the World Cup.

"I was very emotional considering how things have gone for me in football these past few years. After missing out on national team selections in recent months, the arrival of a new manager who wants to change everything, and who already knew me, I was so moved that I shed a few tears. I'm so happy, it's indescribable" he told BBC Essex.

Due to his a bit turbulent life (but not due to off the field problems), Bonne even joked he should be in a movie.

"Someone absolutely has to acquire the film rights to this movie, because I'm telling you, it'll sell millions at the box office. My goal was to participate in a major tournament during my career, and now I potentially have the chance to do so. I missed several Africa Cup of Nations tournaments because of passport issues, and obviously, last year I missed the World Cup qualifiers because the coach didn't want me. I've experienced a lot of setbacks. I've spent seven years, not angry, but hungry for success, to get to this point" said Zimbabwe striker.

AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS - GROUP STAGE

Tuesday

15.30: (1.67) DR Congo (3.50) Benin (5.80)

18.00: (1.25) Senegal (5.70) Botswana (13.0)

20.30: (1.45) Nigeria (4.20) Tanzania (8.00)

23.00: (1.70) Tunisia (3.50) Uganda (5.50)