Tag: FIFA World Cup 2014

WC 2014 – Argentina squad : No Tevez World Cup recall

Carlos Tevez’s excellent form for Italian champions Juventus this season failed to earn him a recall when head coach Alejandro Sabella named his provisonal 30-man squad for the FIFA World Cup™.

Tevez, capped 64 times, scored 19 goals for Juventus as they retained their Serie A title this term. However, not even that was a strong enough argument for Sabella to call up the 30-year-old for the first time since he took over at the helm of the national side following Argentina’s failure to win the 2011 Copa America.

Tevez, who played a full part in Argentina’s 2010 World Cup finals campaign, had wanted to make up for his last appearance as it ended in him missing a penalty in the shootout loss to eventual champions Uruguay in the Copa quarter-finals.

Sabella, who has until 2 June to decide on his final 23 players, opted to allow star player Lionel Messi to play in the role he plays to high effect at Barcelona — which did not allow for Tevez to be part of his plans.

Argentina, who won the last of their two World Cups in 1986, have been drawn in Group F with Africa Cup of Nations champions Nigeria, debutants Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran.

Argentina squad
Goalkeepers: Mariano Andujar (Catania/ITA), Sergio Romero (Monaco/FRA), Agustin Orion (Boca Juniors)

Defenders: Lisandro Lopez (Getafe/ESP), Hugo Campagnaro (Inter Milan/ITA), Federico Fernandez (Napoli/ITA), Pablo Zabaleta (Manchester City/ENG), Ezequiel Garay (Benfica/POR), Marcos Rojo (Sporting Lisbon/POR), Jose Basanta (Monterrey/MEX), Nicolas Otamendi (Atletico Mineiro/BRA), Martin Demichelis (Manchester City/ENG), Gabriel Mercado (River Plate)

Midfielders: Javier Mascherano (Barcelona/ESP), Jose Sosa (Atletico Madrid/ESP), Augusto Fernandez (Celta Vigo/ESP), Ricky Alvarez (Inter Milan/ITA), Lucas Biglia (Lazio/ITA), Ever Banega (Newell’s Old Boys), Fernando Gago (Boca Juniors), Maxi Rodriguez (Newell’s Old Boys), Enzo Perez (Benfica/POR), Fabian Rinaudo (Catania/ITA)

Forwards: Lionel Messi (Barcelona/ESP), Angel Di Maria (Real Madrid/ESP), Rodrigo Palacio (Inter Milan/ITA), Gonzalo Higuaín (Napoli/ITA), Sergio Agüero (Manchester City/ENG), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Paris SG/FRA), Franco Di Santo (Werder Bremen/GER)

List of 30 players submitted to FIFA

The football federation has sent the final list of 30 players as required by FIFA regulations for the World Cup . Out of the 30 players , each team is only allowed to have a squad of 23 players in the competition. Spare players, registered on this list , maybe called upon in case of injuries if approved by FIFA appropriate commission.

 

The list contains no surprises , however , in a bold move by Carlos Queiroz , included three uncapped players  in the list. They are Azmoun , Sharifi and Biranvand.

 

The full list

 

Team Melli World Cup List

  Name Club
1 AHMADI, Rahman Sepahan
2 ALE NEMEH, Ahmad Naft Tehran
3 ANSARIFARD, Karim Tractorsazi
4 AZMOUN , Sardar Rubin Kazan
5 BEIGZADEH, Hashim Esteghlal
6 BEITASHOUR, Steven Vancouver Whitecaps
7 BIRANVAND , Alireza Naft Tehran
8 DAVARI, Daniel Eintracht Braunschweig
9 DEJAGAH, Ashkan Fulham
10 GHOOCHANNEJAD, Reza Charlton Athletics
11 HADDADIFAR, Ghassim Zob Ahan
12 HAGHIGHI, Alireza Sporting Covilhã
13 HAGHIGHI, Reza Persepolis
14 HAJSAFY, Ehsan Sepahan
15 HEYDARI, Khosrow Esteghlal
16 HOSSEINI, Jalal Persepolis
17 JAHANBAKHSH, AliReza NEC
18 KHALATBARY, MohamadReza Persepolis
19 KHANZADEH, Mohammadreza Zob Ahan
20 MAHINI, Hossein Persepolis
21 MAKANI, Sousha Foolad Kuzestan
22 MONTAZERI, Pejman Um Salal
23 NEKOUNAM, Javad Al Kuwait
24 NOUROZI, Reza Naft Tehran
25 POOLADI, Mehrdad Persepolis
26 RAHMANI, Bakhtiyar Foolad Kuzestan
27 SADEGHI, AmirHossein Esteghlal
28 SHARIFI , Mehdi Sepahan
29 SHOJAEI, Masoud Las Palmas
30 TEYMOURIAN, Andranik Esteghlal

 

Why Team Melli stands a good chance against Nigeria?

The Nigerians have a great belief in their football team nicknamed “The Super Eagles” and are pretty confident of qualification to the next round to the extent of arrogance. Majority of the Nigerian experts and analyst dismiss Iran as a serious opponent, focusing instead on Bosnia and Argentina. The World Press seems to be following that inclination. With many of their players making their living in European leagues, Nigeria seems to be favored against the lessor known Iranians who have a handful of players. All The Iranian players in European league play in very modest teams, with every single one of them struggling against relegation. Even with such teams, Only Davari and Dejagah feature regularly in their teams while the other two are peripheral players.

So , it is no wonder that Nigeria is considered to be the favorite to beat Iran.

Here is one analysis to support the belief that Nigeria is one of the top 10 Dark Horses teams that might surprise the world:

This may be a slightly odd selection, especially since Nigeria will have to withstand Argentina and Bosnia/Herzegovina to have a chance at even making the Round of 16. However, the defending Africa Cup of Nations champions have a decent array of weapons at their disposal, with John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses expected to lead their midfield and Emmanuel Emenike as arguably their top striker, as well as Vincent Enyeama having put up solid goalkeeping performances for Lille this past year. Especially since their draw could have been a lot worse – just ask Ghana – don’t be too surprised if the Super Eagles put up more of a fight in Brazil than you’d expect.

However , Team Melli is much stronger than what the Nigerians think. The African Champions self-belief perhaps even over confidence, might nicely work for Querioz’s men. None of the star players mentioned in the above brief is a regular starter for their teams. Obi Mikel has only a handful of matches with Chelsea , so has Moses who seems to be a permanent sub at Liverpool. Emmanuel Emenike whose nickname is the Beast , has hardly set the Turkish League alight , although he did suffer some injury , yet his 3 goals in the season 2013-14 for Fenerbache, is hardly a record that can be frightening for his opponents.

Nigeria has some hard working midfield players and a good defense line, but they are not formidable as seen in the African Cup and the qualification rounds. The teams plays physical football and at times rough and reckless. They have weaknesses that Queiroz can work upon. One of which is if Nigeria falls behind, their players tend to panic. They have also shown traces of indiscipline tactically and on individual basis.

The squad itself is not at its ideal conditions with Head Coach Stephen Keshi, and his employer, the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) having differences. Believes that Keshe needs the support of assistance coach with experience, while Keshi sees that as a threat to his authority. Such quarrels has already trickled into the camp. Some of Nigeria’s recent shortcomings were apparent during the match vs. Ghana in the CHAN semi-final match. Although the Ghanaian team was reduced to ten men, the Super Eagles could not find an answer to their power game and eventually lost to them. It was also alleged that during the CHAN match with Zimbabwe for the third place, the Super Eagles could again not find a way to convincingly overwhelm the team despite the fact that one of their players got a red card in the 17th minute of the game.

The strength of Iran against Nigeria will be in the tight defense that will not allow the Nigerians to breathe, a similar tactics that Carlos Queiroz deployed against a much organized South Korean team at home and away during the World Cup qualifiers. Iran has also several individual talented players who can produce some magic and surprise the Nigerians.

There are quite a few good lessons that Iran has learned from the defeat against Nigeria in the FIFA U-17 World Cup, mainly is the ability of the Nigerians to run tirelessly.

In brief, both teams have equal chances of winning. The so-called expertise who claim Nigeria as being superior to Iran, based such judgment on superficial information of Iranian football , and that is expected because of Iran’s low profile in European football scene.

Reality is something else. Iran has the strength in depth to defeat Nigeria. The onus is on Queiroz to use his expertise and motivational power to make his players believe in their ability and their capacity to surprise their opponents.

Iran could hold World Cup surprise in expatriate contingent

No nation competing at this summer’s World Cup finals is rated less likely to win the tournament than Iran. If punters are mad enough to believe otherwise, then take 1500/1 on them lifting the trophy.

For Team Melli coach Carlos Queiroz, it’s a question of relative success. If failing to get his own country Portugal over the first knockout hurdle four years ago in South Africa was under-achieving, then reaching that stage with Iran in Brazil would be considered the complete opposite.

On each of their three previous appearances at the World Cup finals, the Persians have failed to get out of the group stage, recording just one win. Although they have climbed just six places in the FIFA World Rankings to 37 since he took charge in April 2011, Queiroz has quickly introduced a significant foreign-based contingent into the squad.

Iran are set to include their highest ever number of players plying their trade outside of Middle East on a major tournament roster. Chief among this diaspora are right-sided combination Steven Beitashour (Vancouver Whitecaps) and Fulham’s Ashkan Dejagah.

Reunited with Felix Magath at Craven Cottage, after the pair played for and managed Wolfsburg to the Bundesliga title, the German gaffer is once again getting the best out of the winger. Dejagah’s end of season form (three goals and an assist in seven appearances under Magath at the time of writing) could yet help save the west London club from relegation.

Other expatriates set to get the call from Queiroz are goalkeeping pair Daniel Davari and Alireza Haghighi, attacking midfielder Masoud Shojaei, young NEC Nijmegen winger Alireza Jahanbakhsh, Charlton Athletic forward Reza Ghoochannejhad and uncapped Rubin Kazan frontman Sardar Azmoun. The latter has been affixed with the somewhat dubious label of the “Iranian Messi”.

Fulham fans, but more likely Bolton Wanderers and Barnsley supporters, may also remember holding midfielder Andranik Teymourian. His partnership with former Osasuna stalwart and national skipper Javad Nekounam in the Persians’ engine room remains a key component of their spine.

Both are north of 30 and playing back in Middle East now, but have been to a World Cup – 2006 in Germany – with Team Melli before, and have over 200 caps between them. Queiroz will seldom be able to call on such substantial experience elsewhere in his squad.

Centre half Seyed Jalal Hosseini rarely misses a competitive game for Iran, but has never graced the global stage. Left back Ehsan Hajsafi, meanwhile, is another regular in defence, and has over 50 caps at just 24 years of age.

Khosro Heydari can cover either full back berth or play further up the field. Versatile forwards Mohammad Reza Khalatbari and Gholamreza Rezaei give Queiroz options on the flanks, in behind or up front.

The fact that Iran captain Nekounam was their top-scorer in qualifying says a lot about the players operating ahead of him, as they prepare to grace a World Cup group, which they are widely expected to finish last in.

Queiroz must tackle tournament second-favourites Argentina, first-time qualifiers (as an independent nation) Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Africa Cup of Nations holders Nigeria. All are looking like tough games.

Iran are rank outsiders to win Group F at 28/1, and to reach the knockout phase from this formidable pool at 11/2. They are thus odds-on at 1/10 to bow out after three matches.

As challenging as it looks, then, Queiroz will be counting on individuals like Dejagah to bring their club form in decent divisions across to representing their country. Team Melli can kick things off by stunning Nigeria with victory on June 16th at 11/4.

‘We’ll attack to get to World Cup last 16’

Bosnia-Herzegovina will stick to the formula that got them to the World Cup finals in Brazil and attack their rivals in a bid to get out of their qualifying group, coach Safet Susic said on Tuesday.

The Bosnians, for whom Brazil is their first major tournament as an independent nation, scored 30 goals in 10 qualifiers and former Yugoslavia forward Susic believes their attacking approach is the best way to get out of Group F against Argentina, Nigeria and Iran.

“We will play the way we have always played because it would be wrong to change our approach now, although we are aware that our style may be a tactical gamble,” Susic told the national team’s official website (www.reprezentacija.ba).

“When you have players like (Miralem) Pjanic, (Zvjezdan) Misimovic, (Edin) Dzeko and (Vedad) Ibisevic, it would be unfair to the game itself and the fans not to unleash all that talent.”

The Bosnians open their campaign against Argentina at the Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro on 15 June, then meet Nigeria in Cuiaba on 21 June and lock horns with Iran in Salvador four days later.

Having lost 2-0 to the Argentines in a friendly in November, Susic conceded the former double World Cup winners were strong favourites to win the group, but was also confident that Bosnia would join them in the tournament’s knockout stages.

“Argentina are by far the best team in the group and will probably clinch it, but I think we have a realistic chance of going through with them because Nigeria and Iran are not better than us,” he said.

“I honestly believe we have the quality to reach the last 16 and that is our objective in the World Cup.”

Threats and sanctions against Esteghlal & Sepahan!

The question of the Football Federation taking severe disciplinary action against Sepahan and Esteghlal has raised a controversy amongst the media, the fans and clubs.

The storm was started by Seyed Hadi Ayottolahei when he was asked by ISNA football reporter on the reaction of the Football Federation against the clubs that have refused to release their players for Team Melli camp travelling to South Africa. Atyottolahei’s response, quoting ISNA, was that the federation will severely deal with the wrongdoer clubs for such act including declaring all the matches the clubs have used Team Melli players,  as a 3-0 loss and banning the clubs from players transfer activities.

The first penalty would have surely resulted in both clubs relegation.

Adel Ferodowsipour in last night NAVAD program criticized Ayottolahei’s statement and threat against the clubs calling it inappropriate. Amir Ghalenoei was more defiant and used the passionate angle and patriotic argument to defend his club against the wrath of the federation and possible sanction. Sepahan Esfahan, interestingly enough , remained quiet and preferred to channel their energy and resources towards the upcoming crucial match in the AFC Champions league, but no doubt , they will have a lot to say against these threats after the Asian competition matches are over.

While Ayottolahei was referring to FIFA rules and penal codes in support of his strong stand against the clubs, it was not clear which of those rules addressing clubs refusal to release the players to the national team , he was referring to.

TeamMelli. com decided to do carry out its own investigation into the matter to clarify the issue for the public and Team Melli fans.

We have contacted Mr. Shahin Rahmani of AFC to get a clear picture of the appropriate rules in the case of clubs and national teams, the commitments of both sides and legal requirement by FIFA.

Mr. Rahmani, provided the legal ruling by FIFA addressing the release of players for the National team for the upcoming World Cup 2014 in Brazil. Under article 10 of FIFA ruling, the following will apply

10. To protect players from burn-out before the final competition of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™, FIFA has set dates as follows:

(i) The final matchday at club level for the 30 players nominated on the release lists for the final competition of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ is 18 May 2014.

(ii) The mandatory rest period for the players on the release lists is from 19 to 25 May 2014. Any special exemptions may only be granted by the FIFA Executive Committee.

(iii) The preparation phase for the participating member associations in the final competition of the 2014 FIFA World Cup™ begins on 26 May 2014.

 

We have also contacted FIFA regarding their rules on the matter. The World football governing body referred our question to the legal department of the organization because the queries have legal impacts. FIFA said “Such enquiries need to be submitted either via fax or ordinary (or courier) mail and be duly signed by the sender.” This ultra-cautious approach by the FIFA perhaps reflects their sensitivity about applying sanctions, which is understandable , but in contrast to the Iranian football official approach who condemned the clubs before all the facts were clear.

At the end, it is our firm belief that Iranian football federation has no leg to stand on regarding the sanction against the clubs when it comes to releasing the players to the national team. There is always the question of non-transparency or secret accords between the clubs and the federation that the media and the public is not aware of, and hence we cannot verify, but as far as FIFA is concerned, the players have up to 26th May 2014 to join the national team camps not 14th April as demanded by the FFIRI.

Group ‘F’ analysis by FIFA

fifa.com

Group F will feature one match that has become something of a classic fixture of and five that have never been played on the big stage before, part of the reason for which is because Bosnia-Herzegovina are making their first appearance at the FIFA World Cup™, while Iran have only ever faced their group rivals in friendlies.

As for Argentina and Nigeria, the other two combatants in the group, there is not much they do not know about each other. Their meeting next June will be the latest instalment in an exciting rivalry between the two sides, led by Lionel Messi and John Obi Mikel, who have faced off three times in major competitions at different age levels: the final of the FIFA U-20 World Cup Netherlands 2005, the gold medal match at the Men’s Olympic Football Tournament Beijing 2008 and in the group phase at South Africa 2010. On all three occasions Argentina won.

The teams
There is not much that has not already been said about two-time world champions Argentina or for that matter about Messi, who will renew his bid to lift the FIFA World Cup™ Trophy. Alejandro Sabella’s men are the favourites to top a group in which reigning African champions Nigeria will be aiming to make the experience they have acquired on their four previous appearances count. Meanwhile, Bosnia will be out to replicate the entertaining brand of football that made them the fourth-highest scorers in the European qualifiers, and Iran, coached by Portugal’s Carlos Queiroz will hope to combine solid organisation with the technical attributes they have long been known for.

Players to watch
Lionel Messi, (ARG), Sergio Aguero (ARG), Gonzalo Higuain (ARG), John Obi Mikel (NGA), Victor Moses (NGA), Victor Obinna (NGA), Edin Dzeko (BIH), Vedad Ibisevic (BIH), Miralem Pjanic (BIH), Reza Ghoochannejhad (IRN), Javad Nekounam (IRN), Karim Ansari (IRN).

The crunch match
Bosnia-Nigeria: in a section that most people will expect Argentina to win, games such as this one will be crucial in deciding who goes through to the last 16. The European side will have the challenge of performing in circumstances that will be entirely new to them, while the Nigerians will be eyeing the chance to reach the knockout phase for the first time since France 1998.

A look back
Argentina 2-1 Nigeria, 25 June 1994, Boston
This game, which will forever be remembered as Diego Armando Maradona’s last match for his country, pitted an Argentina side packed with stars such as El Diez, Claudio Caniggia, Fernando Redondo and Gabriel Batistuta against a Nigeria team very much on the up and up and featuring the likes of Rashidi Yekini, Finidi George and Emmanuel Amunike. The Africans took a surprise early lead through Samson Siasia, only for the wily Caniggia to turn the game around with a typically predatory double. The blond-haired striker’s cry of “Diego, Diego”, imploring Maradona to play the pass that would lead to his second goal, is an iconic moment for Argentina fans.

Did you know?
Bosnia-Herzegovina, who played their first official match as an independent national team in November 1995, came close to making their World Cup debut at South Africa 2010 but lost out in the play-offs to Portugal. Twenty-four of their 26 most regularly selected players ply their trade outside the country.

The stat
36 – The number of years since Argentina and Iran met for the first and only time to date. That match, which ended in a 1-1 draw, took place in Madrid on 22 March 1977 and formed part of Real Madrid’s 75th anniversary celebrations. One year later La Albiceleste won their maiden World Cup title on home soil in a competition that marked the Asian side’s world finals debut.

 

 

The tweet

 

En un Mundial ningún partido es fácil pero con esfuerzo y trabajo siempre hay recompensa. Vamos Argentina!!!

 

In a World Cup match is no easy job but there is always effort and reward. Come on Argentina!
Sergio Aguero, Argentina

World Cup quiet achievers Iran and Nigeria keen to change perceptions.

By:Vitor Sobral

UPDATED  28 Mar 2014
 The football coaches from the national teams of Iran and Nigeria say the World Cup is an opportunity for their countries to change perceptions.

In late November 1997 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground Australian football suffered one of its most disastrous moments.

The Socceroos appeared on their way to the World Cup in France as they lead Iran 2-0 in a World Cup playoff.

But two goals in quick succession knocked the Australians out and the ensuing Iranian celebration in front of a packed MCG has been forever etched in the Asian country’s football folklore.

It is this spirit that Iran will call on when they take to the field for their fourth World Cup appearance at Brazil 2014.

“I will look to face the group stage with only one thing in mind, we’re going to work hard, we are going to try and qualify the team for the second round,” said Iran coach Carlos Queiroz.

It won’t be easy however, with the Iranians drawn alongside Argentina, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Nigeria in Group F.

For a country that is often seen as an international pariah, the world football stage is also a chance to change perceptions.

“The most important thing is the legacy that Iran must take from this World Cup [to] put the shirt in a better place,” said Queiroz.

One of their opponents in Brazil, Nigeria, will be looking to be tournament’s entertainers.

The Super Eagles burst onto the scene in 1994, qualifying for the last 16 while playing some of the exciting football of USA 94.

The Nigerians will be hoping to emulate that side in Brazil.

“I love offensive football, because people that comes out to the stadium they come to enjoy their money and see good football,” said Nigeria coach Stephen Keshi.

While Nigeria and Iran may not be among the favourites at Brazil 2014, they do have the potential to be the entertainers of this World Cup.

Carlos Queiroz cool on World Cup but optimistic about Asian Cup.

Agence France-Presse

March 27, 2014 Updated: March 27, 2014 14:24:00

Globetrotting coach Carlos Queiroz says Asia’s No 1, Iran, have the passion and quality to win the Asian Cup in Australia next year.

The three-time continental winners were Wednesday drawn in Group C, the ‘Group of Gulf’, with all-Arab opposition from across the Gulf in United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Bahrain, but Queiroz believes they can go all the way.

Queiroz, the former assistant to Alex Ferguson at Manchester United who went on to manage Real Madrid and the Portuguese national team, is preparing Iran for their fourth World Cup finals appearance in Brazil where they are grouped with Argentina, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Nigeria.

He believes they will be better equipped to challenge for January’s Asian Cup after the experience of playing at the World Cup which begins in June.

“We try our best in Brazil. We have limited resources, we have some issues in our preparation but the federation is making a lot of effort to give the best to the players and the team,” Queiroz, from Portugal, said after Wednesday’s draw in Sydney.

“In the last three years despite all the difficulties Iran showed that the important thing in football is passion and if you have passion for the game that is always a good starting point.

“With the passion of the players and the fans we were able to qualify the team for the World Cup and I think using that extraordinary feeling of Iran they have a good chance to come to Australia and go back home with a medal . And who knows even the first position, I think it is possible.”

The 61-year-old, who will finish his two-and-a-half year contract as coach after the World Cup, believes Iran have improved during his time in charge.

“The team is playing much better football, more competitive and with the results. No doubt since I arrived there has been great progress in the team and the players,” he said.

“When I first arrived I remember if you were not able to put player A or B or C the entire nation was crying because it was all about a couple of names.

“After three years we play Kuwait with a second team and we can beat them.  So that means there is a great and fantastic potential in Iran, just a matter of putting things in the right place and the right programmes.”

While his eyes are on his main task at the World Cup, he is confident Iran can topple Asian powerhouses Japan and South Korea at the Asian Cup.  “Three years ago Iran was fourth or fifth in Asia and today is the number one country,” he said. “I don’t think it is a realistic position because Japan and South Korea are still in front of all the other countries in Asia in my opinion, but results are results.

“The number one Asian ranking should be used to raise the self-esteem of the players in order to create a better motivation to win the Asian competition. Japan and South Korea are very strong but with special work and not copying European or South American systems the Asian teams can close the gap (on the major nations).”

The Islamic History of Salvador, the City where Bosnia and Iran will Meet up in the World Cup

mourariaMouraria Neighborhood: name taken from Romans distracted as Muslims

One of the most charming and bohemian neighborhoods of Salvador, Brazil’s third largest city and capital of the state of Bahia, is called Mouraria (the Moorish quarter), a small area full of old houses where there is an army headquarter, some university buildings and many bars. The name inherited from traditional Lisbon neighborhood brings actually a mistake. As explains local historian Cid Teixeira actually the little neighborhood of Salvador, that is just a few meters from the Arena Fonte Nova,  was initially occupied by Romans, who at that time were seen as Muslims.
But they, the Muslims, were here,  brought from Africa as slaves, and in the first half of the nineteenth century almost turned the city , that had been the Brazil’s capital, an independent Islamic republic.

In 1835, Salvador had just over 65,000 inhabitants and 40% of them were slaves (slavery was completely abolished in Brazil in 1888). Adding the mulattoes and free blacks, Afrodescendants reached 78% of the residents. And among the blacks who had achieved freedom through manumission letter provided by their masters, were the “malês”, as they were called Africans who could read and write and who dominated the Arab.

The renowned historian João José Reis, author of “Slave Rebellion in Brazil: The Muslim Uprising of 1835 in Bahia (Taylor & Francis, 1995), explains in his book that most of the slaves sent to city of Salvador in previous years came from the ports of Luanda, Benguela and Cabinda, which currently comprise the territory of Angola. But at the time of the rebellion, 30% of the slaves who lived in Salvador came from the Gulf of Guinea, through the ports of Porto Novo, Lagos and Badagri, the last two of the current Nigeria, (which is coincidentally in the same group of Bosnia-Herzegovina and Iran).

forte são marcelo

Forte de São Marcelo, where Malês leaders were detained

Arriving at Bahia, these new slaves were called different names, depending on the language thy spoke. The largest of these groups was formed by Nagôs, that although they were supporters of Orisha worship professed the Muslim faith.

Besides the struggle against slavery, common to all blacks and some whites, nagôs maintained resistance to the imposition of the Catholic faith and to the extent that they could buy their freedom began to meet and discuss strategies for liberation. The nagôs planned a revolt that would explode on January 25, 1835. Under the leadership of Muslims Manuel Calafate, Aprígio, Pai Inácio, bought weapons and wrote their plans in Arabic to avoid detection. But they were betrayed by a black woman who reported their plans to the authorities.

Even with bared plans, the Malês went on the attack against the dominant forces in January, 6. A group of between 600 and 1,500 men (the amount varies in historical documents) faced police and National Guard, who were much more numerous. No one knows exactly what the movement’s leaders had in mind, if only iberation of all black people or the proclamation of independence in relation to Brazil, but some historians see evidence that under the Malês, Bahia could have become an Islamic republic.

Dozens of Malês were killed in combat, four leaders were executed and others were detained at Fort Sea (Forte de São Marcelo, one of the attractions of Salvador). And the Revolt of Malian went down in history as the greatest rebellion led by Muslims in the Americas.