by osamahlawy Tue Nov 10, 2009 6:54 pm
Still Four Places To Be Won At 2010 Nations Cup
November 10, 2009
While the focus in this coming weekend's 2010 World Cup African qualifiers will be on who advances to the finals in South Africa from groups A, B and C, it should not be forgotten that there are still four places to be won at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations in Angola.
Twelve of the 16 places have already been decided, as the hosts, Palancas Negras, are joined by Cameroon, Gabon, Tunisia, Nigeria, Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, Mali, Benin, Cote d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso.
In Group A, Togo currently hold a two-point lead in third over Morocco as they host Gabon. The Gabonese are still chasing World Cup qualifying and must go for a win in Lome, which could work in the home side's favour.
If Morocco fail to beat Group leaders Cameroon in their final qualifier, Togo will be through no matter what result they manage.
Group B sees Mozambique with a one-point advantage over Kenya, with both teams facing daunting tasks.
The Mambas host pool leaders Tunisia in Maputo, while Nigeria travel to Nairobi to meet the Harambee Stars. Both 'big guns' in the group will be chasing a win as they look to secure a place in South Africa.
Mozambique have been desperately unlucky not to be amongst the leaders in this pool after some fine performances and will will feel confident they can get some sort of result against the Tunisians at home.
Group C has been a battle royale between Algeria and Egypt at the top, but there is stil all to play for at the bottom as Rwanda play hosts to Zambia. Chipolopolo have a three-point lead, meaning nothing short of victory for the Rwandans will do in Kigali.
And not just that, the Rwandans need to win by two clear goals to overhaul the Zambians on goal-difference.
Group D has been decided on all fronts already, with Ghana taking their place at the World Cup finals, and being joined by Mali and Benin at the Nations Cup after Sudan suffered four defeats and a draw in their opening five matches to leave them languishing in last place in the pool.
Group E sees Guinea needing to get a point in Abidjan against the might of Cote d'Ivoire to have any chance of winning a place in Angola. They trailing Malawi by a single point, but do have a superior goal-difference meaning that a draw against the Ivorians and a defeat for the Malawians in Burkina Faso and Guinea would be through.
It is easier said than done though as Cote d'Ivoire have selected a full-strength squad and have promised not to take the match lightly, despite having already sealed their place at the World Cup finals nex year.