CUP THAT CHEERS:Frida Besong was very philosophical. "One team had to win," said the Cameroonian.
"I'm not upset. The boys played their best but . . ." She adds with a laugh, "at least the cup stays in Africa."
Frida, who has lived in Ireland for five years and came here as a migrant worker, was one of about 60 Africans gathered at Decency, a cafe on Dublin's Mountjoy Street, where they watched the African Nations Cup final against Egypt.
Egypt won 1-0, ending the tournament victorious, just as they started in their opening group match, when they defeated Cameroon 4-2.
Of about 400 Egyptians living in Ireland, most watched at home with friends. For Ali Saleem, it was a victory to gloat in. "Cameroon were very lucky it was just 1-0," he says.
He watched the match with friends in Dunshaughlin. "The most important thing is to share the rejoicing with your friends. We were hugging and congratulating each other. You can't do that on your own."
Back in Dublin, ," Cameroon>'s the country's English >But ">this revenge".>, he >- - in advance of the Egyptian Ireland for 5½ years, points to the "history" between Egypt and Cameroon.
In 14 outings the Egyptians have been victors nine times and Cameroon five, said the Cameroonian who also has a great interest in rugby and is quite a supporter of the Irish team. As for GAA "I don't really understand it, so >Fabienne Hagbe, from Doualia in French Cameroon, was just there to enjoy the atmosphere>for the big been in Ireland for three years, had learnt some of the basics about Cameroonian soccer.
"We have won the African Nations Cup four times and Egypt five. That's one too many for them," she smiled before kick-off.
Claude Alain Valery from Yaounde, explained that "like all good football>In Ireland for five years, he is the only one in the restaurant carrying the green, red and yellow flag of his country.
Western Union sponsored the event with a barbecue and Olatunji Idowu, its representative, said there were about 3,500 Cameroonians spread across Ireland, and that while the CSO figures put the African population at 100,000.> Bottles of Guinness were being consumed and a non-alcoholic Guinness Malta.
"You know in Africa it's not called Guinness, it's called Michael Power," said Tita, alluding to a screen character used to advertise the drink on the continent. "Seriously," he said and everyone around him nodded.
