The Portuguese manager arrived in Accra on Friday as guest of the Local Organising Committee “to feel the good and colorful atmosphere” of the Nations Cup and told KickOffGhana.com exclusively that the quality of football has impressed him.
“African players are going through different levels and making their mark every day. Egypt is one of the few to have come here with home-based players and still done well.
_quote “From what I have seen here the continent can go to the next level at the 2010 World Cup. I am not saying an African team will win that World Cup, but the quality of football suggests at least one will challenge for it stronger than ever before,” he said.
Mourinho said he would have loved to see his former players Michael Essien, Solomon Kalou and Didier Drogba contest the final, but said the fact that they are not there is a testimony to the quality of sides at the tournament.
“In a way, it is not fair that the Ivory Coast and Ghana didn’t qualify for the finals but that is the beauty of the game. There have been great matches here and great players on display. Some of them were already known, and some have come from nowhere to make a name for themselves.
“There have been some wonderful goals too, good crowds and really colorful atmosphere. You can sense the passion and enthusiasm for the game by just watching on TV,” he added.
