Algeria ,Ghana &
Ivory Coast in touching Distance
The race for places in the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa raged
on over the weekend with several intriguing matches in the African
qualifiers. Sports Consultant Wleh Bedell was closely
monitoring the happenings which has seen the Fennecs of Algeria, Ghana
Black Star and the star studded Elephants of Ivory Coast now within
touching distance to the South African extravaganza.
With most parts of the continents lighted up for various mouth
watering ties, Group A had only one match with the Atlas Lions of
Morocco who are on record of being the first African side to reach the
second round of the world cup after an impressive outing in 1986, been
held to a pulsating 0-0 draw at home by the Hawks of Togo.
Without inspirational Captain and hit-man Emmanuel Sheyi Adebayor, the
Hawks did the bravest of things as they went in the lion's den to
secure a point. The draw has taken the 2006 World Cup debutant to
second spot with four points in three matches. While Morocco are at a
disappointing third spot with just two points from a possible nine.
The other group match between leaders Gabon and the Indomitable Lions
of Cameroon was postponed due to funeral rites of the late Gabon
president Omar Bongo.
The Gabonese who are at the top of the group with six points will now
meet lacklustre Cameroon on September 5 in Liberville.
In Group B the Super Eagles of Nigeria continued the chase behind
Tunisia's Carthage Eagles with a barren draw in Rades, Tunisia. After
the melee, Humberto Coelho, the Coach of Tunisia told reporters that
he was very surprised with the Nigerians tactical approach.
"It's being a very tough game. I thought Nigeria would have attacked
more, but finally decided to sit back and wait for us. We've been
surprised, i have no regret we haven't lost", he noted.
The Tunisians are at the top of the summit with seven points after the
first round of matches, while the Nigerians are two points adrift. In
the other group match, Kenya's German Coach Antoine Hey won his first
competitive match on the continent in five years when his Kenyan side,
the Harambee Stars defeating the visiting Black Mambas of Mozambique.
Italy-based finisher Macdonald Mariga got the winner after 76 minutes,
courtesy of a spot kick. The Harambee Stars broke the deadlock after
just five minutes through Julius Owino before being cancelled in the
second half by Mozambican marksman Domingues.
Kenya is now with three points, while Mozambique lie at the basement
of the group with just one point.
The Chipolopolo of Zambia were stunned at home as they lost 2-0 to the
Fennecs of Algeria in a group C clash. With three wins out of three,
the Fennecs or Desert Foxes as the Algerians are known, are closer to
the mundial next year in South Africa. A goal in each half from Majid
Bougherra and Rafik Saifi was enough to see the 1990 champions secure
maximum points.
The Egypt, Rwanda match was postponed due to the Egyptians engagement
at the FIFA Confederations Cup in South Africa.
Like The Algerians, the Black Stars of Ghana are within spitting
distance to the South African showpiece next year after nine points
from three games. The Ghanaians got the better of their Sudanese
opponents in Obduram with a 2-0 drubbing, courtesy of a brace from the
Dutch-based striker Matthew Amoah.
In the other group D match, the Eagles of Mali moved to second spot
with a 3-1 win over Benin's Squirrels. The Malians playing at home got
the early scare when they conceded a 12th minute goal from Seidath
Tchomogo. But, they raised their game according to reports monitored,
and got the leveller through Modobo Maiga before Mamadou Diallo and
Frederic Kanoute rallied two more.
The Elephants of the Ivory Coast are the pace setters in Group E, and
are inching closer to South Africa. The Ivorians got a hard earned 3-2
victory over their hosts Burkina Faso.
They proved proved a tough opponent for the Stallions who have never
being defeated in the on going qualifiers.
Barcelona holding midfielder Gneiri Yaya Toure drew first blood after
13 minutes before Germany- based Jonathan Pitriopa levelled for the
hosts in the 27th minute.
Ten minutes to the break, the Ivorians restored parity through an own
goal from Burkina Faso defender Mamadou Tall. Didier Tebily Drogba
Yves then made matters worse for the Stallions when he tapped in a
rebound 20 minutes to full time.
The Stallions however got a consolation through Aristide Barry eight
minutes to the end.
The top team in each group automatically qualify for the World Cup In
South Africa, while the top three teams in each group qualify for the
2010 Nations Cup in Angola.
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