John Baraza has joined a growing list of football personalities criticizing Jamie Carragher following his controversial remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The former Liverpool defender has been widely condemned after implying that the tournament does not hold the same prestige as other major football competitions.
During a recent Premier League broadcast featuring Liverpool and Manchester City, Carragher appeared to downplay the significance of AFCON, suggesting that it was not considered a “major tournament” compared to other international competitions. His remarks sparked immediate backlash from footballers, pundits, and fans alike, who viewed them as dismissive and disrespectful to African football.
Although he later attempted to clarify his stance through a series of tweets, his explanations failed to appease critics. Many perceived his comments as reflective of a longstanding bias against African football, reinforcing negative stereotypes about the continent’s sporting achievements.
While several African players, both past and present, have voiced their disapproval, Kenyan footballers had largely remained silent until now. Baraza, a respected former Harambee Stars striker and three-time Golden Boot winner, spoke out strongly against Carragher’s statements.
“The Africa Cup of Nations is and remains one of the best tournaments in football. Carragher should respect it and African football as a whole,” Baraza remarked.
Baraza, who played for Kenya in the 2004 AFCON finals in Tunisia and won the FKFPL title with Sofapaka in 2009, questioned Carragher’s credentials as a player. He pointed out that Carragher’s achievements in football were modest compared to many who have participated in AFCON.
“Was he really a good player? What did he win during his active years? I find it strange for someone, who was average in his playing years, to disrespect AFCON,” Baraza added.
Carragher’s playing career, though long and dedicated, saw him win relatively few major honors. His most notable achievement was Liverpool’s UEFA Champions League triumph in 2005. However, unlike many African stars who have lifted international trophies, he never won a major tournament with England.
Baraza, currently serving as an assistant coach at Bandari, is widely respected in Kenyan football circles. His stance against Carragher reflects the growing sentiment among African footballers and fans that AFCON deserves the same level of recognition and respect as tournaments in other continents.
This incident has reignited discussions about how African football is perceived on the global stage. Many feel that despite producing world-class players who have dominated European club football, the continent’s competitions and achievements continue to be unfairly downplayed.
AFCON, held every two years, is the premier international football tournament in Africa. It has showcased legendary talents such as George Weah, Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré, and Mohamed Salah. The competition has grown significantly over the years, attracting global attention and high-level sponsorships.
Baraza’s comments add to the chorus of voices calling for greater appreciation of AFCON and African football as a whole. Many believe that dismissive attitudes like Carragher’s reflect a deeper issue of underappreciation for non-European football traditions.
The controversy serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting football in all its forms, acknowledging the achievements of players and teams from every continent.
