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CAF's Disciplinary Actions in CAN 2004 17/02/04. The confederation of African football (CAF) has taken series of disciplinary measures following some awful scenes, which occurred during the African Nations cup in Tunisia. The ruling body's move is to clamp down on violent conducts in African football and some players, officials and football associations have all been affected by these disciplinary mesures. Some will have to pay fines while others will face lengthy bans for unsporting behavior.
Tunisia striker Zaid Jaziri was accused of verbally accusing the match co-coordinator during the quarterfinals match against Senegal. CAF has fined the Tunisia football Association about $ 500 following this move.
Senegal striker El Hadji Diouf will face a four international match suspension for his behaviour during his side's hard fought 1-0 defeat to hosts Tunisia in the quarterfinals.
Diouf was accused of violet behaviour during this match following his verbal move towards officials and opposing players. The four-match penalty handed to the Liverpool player means he will miss his country's first four qualifying matches for the 2006 World Cup.
Three of Senegal technical staffs have also been handed out bans. While the ruling African Football body upholds the one year ban on Amara Traore (manager) and Dr Fatou Cisse (team doctor) from all CAF Competitions after they invaded the pitch to protest against Tunisia's goal, Abdoulaye Sarr (assistant coach) will now face an 18 months ban after his actions were considered 'unacceptable'.
It would be recalled that Diouf was earlier on handed a 3 match ban while the three above named officials were each handed a 12 months ban before the CAF appeal Committee met on February 12 in Tunis to make their final decision. The Senegalese football association is now obliged to pay an appeal cost of $ 3,000.
According to reports, CAF has fined the Algerian football federation about $ 15,000 for the unsporting behaviour of their supporters during the match between Algeria and Morocco in the quarterfinals. Algerian fans threw objects and ripped plastic seats from the terrace onto the pitch as their team was loosing 2-1 to Morocco.
CAF's move will also see the Algerian Football Federation pay about US$ 18,652 as amount due for repairs to parts damaged by their fans at the stadium in Sfax. The total thus amounts to over $ 33,000.
It would also be recalled that the Algeria Federation was earlier fined $ 5,000 after their supporters threw missiles and other objects onto the pitch when they played rivals Egypt during the group stage. Algerian fans have been notorious during their matches at the Nations Cup and clashed with riot police at times as the security forces tried to prevent more damages.
Other Disciplinary Actions by CAF:
Ismaili Football Club of Egypt has had its stadium banned for seven matches for CAF competitions and will pay a fine of $ 15,000 for the bad conduct of its fans during the 2nd leg final of the CAF champions league between Enyimba of Nigeria in Egypt in 2003. This led to a delay in the post match ceremony for over 25 minutes.
The club will now play its CAF matches at a different venue 200 kilometers from their grounds. Enyimba are the winners of the 2003 champions league final.
The Organising committee of inter-club competition during its meeting which was held in Tunis on February 13, also sanctioned Esperance of Tunisia.
Objects were thrown onto the pitch during the 2nd leg return match in Tunisia when they played Ismaili while security officials were also accused of behaving unruly towards the visiting club and CAF officials. Esperance has had their stadium banned for five matches. They were also fined $ 15 ,000 after it was realized that during the match, tickets bore sponsor's logo, which is against CAF rules.
CAN 2004: Last Phases' Review
Tunisia - Morocco
15/02/03. Tunisia has finally won their first African Nations Cup title after a tough 2-1 battle with Morocco in Rades. The anxious Tunisian supporters did not exhaust their patience much for a goal during the match as the well composed Tunisian side made their intentions well known just four minutes into the game when Francilendo dos Santos put his side ahead after a brilliant cross from Nafti.
Both sides continued to play at their best throughout the match, knowing that the scores could change anytime with over 80 minutes remaining even though both defences proved hard to penetrate. However, Morocco leveled the scores minutes before half time with a header from Youssef Mohhtari.
Tunisia's game plan worked well with early goals in each half in order to avoid great pressure from the Moroccans as they again took the lead six minutes after half time when Zaid Jaziri restored hopes of winning their first ever African title.
One must admit that this has been a momentous time for Tunisians and indeed a remarkable achievement for Tunisian football having clearly demonstrated that as hosts, they deserved to win the tournament. With a high team spirit, the players showed full commitment as they overcame each challenge with grit and tenacity.
Just about a decade ago, the North African country hosted the tournament but failed to impress and had to face an early exit. This time around they have been very impressive and having eliminated some of Africa's big teams on their way to the final, they now boasts of being Africa's newly crowned football champions.
Nigeria - Mali
Nigeria's Super Eagles have won the 3rd place against Mali in the nations Cup for the second time in a row, after winning the same spot when they again played Mali during the 2002 finals.
Nigeria's astonishing victory was greatly inspired by captain Jay-Jay Okocha who fired a superb 30 yards free kick about 17 minutes in the first half which deflected on Mali's Mahamadou Diarra and past goalkeeper Sidibe. The Bolton midfielder continued to create major impact during the match and created his side's winning goal with a brilliant lob to youngster Osaze Odemwingie who headed home the ball.
The Malians having been out-played during most of the match after lacking composure from kickoff, got a consolation goal goal through Janvier Abouta well-taken left foot shot near the area. They then started creating some brilliant chances but the Nigerian defence proved strong.
Nigeria sent three major players out of the tournament but despite that they were able to pull satisfactory results and hold on to an impressive form, which led them winning the third place. Such an achievement will at least be appreciated by many of their fans.
Mali on the other hand have been impressive n terms of achievement by reaching the semi finals again. Even though they were not convincing during their last match, their achievement will no doubt help them prepare for future competitions.
CAN 2004: Semi-Finals Review
Tunisia - Nigeria
12/02/04. When once it was certain that Nigeria would play hosts Tunisia in the Nations Cup semi finals, it brought about anticipation that they were never going to have an easy ride through to the final, should they make it. This comes about due to the pressure from the home fans who always spur their team on with great enthusiasm and anxiety and the players playing at their doorstep, know they have to produce good results with the main aim of pleasing their fans and most notably win the tournament for the first time.
Their sparkling form in this tournament however would have impressed many especially when they knocked out another highly fancied team, Senegal, in the quarter finals. The much composed Tunisian side, guided by high profile former France coach Roger Lemerre and also inspired by a deadly forward line with the likes of Zaid Jaziri and Brazilian born Francilendo dos Santos, have continued to upset their opponents as they went on to hold Nigeria 1-1 at full time and proceeded to the final after a nail-biting 5-3 win on a penalty shoot-out after extra-time.
It is now a question of whether the Carthage Eagles can hold on to their top form and win the final on February 14, when they play Morocco in an all North African affair.
For their part, the Super Eagles seemed to have made their presence felt only in the second half even though they found it difficult to penetrate the Tunisian defence marshalled by experience players like Captain Khaled Badra.
The lack of major striking options has also affected the Nigerians greatly with the absence of Victor Agali and Yakubu Aiyegbeni who were earlier on expelled from the tournament and failed to return after they were called upon to re-join their team-mates by Coach Christian Chukwu.
Julius Aghahowa has been out of form and youngster Peter Odemwingie, though he played well during most of the match, seemed to lack confidence as he stepped up to take a penalty shot which was well saved by goalkeeper Boumnijei after extra-time.
Mali - Morocco
Morocco proceeds to the final and will play hosts Tunisia on Saturday after displaying a superb performance in their last semi final match against Mali. Morocco dominated most of the match and went on to beat the West Africans 4-0 as they failed to cause any major upsets during the match.
Youssef Mokhtari scored the first 2 goals, the first being a superb free kick near the penalty area. Youssef Hadji, who is in hot form, scored the third goal while substitute Nabil Baha sealed the day for the Moroccans.
Saturday's clash between hosts Tunisia and Morocco will be a very tough one as both teams coming form the North African region have experience players. Tunisia however will face greater pressure from thier optimistic home fans and will be going out to do everything possible to win this outing.
CAN 2004: Quarter finals Review & Analysis
10/02/04.This year's nation's cup has taken a different turn after the quarter final stage as most of Africa's big guns or highly fancied teams which were earlier on touted to win the tournament have been kicked out. As I had noted earlier on in one of my previous articles "Focus On 2004 African Nations Cup", small African teams possess lots of potential and as some have demonstrated that, it shows that football is improving on the continent.
Even though the three teams that made it to the finals for the first time never reached the quarter finals, they by no doubt impressed many during some of their group matches. Nevertheless, the quarter finals brought about some dramatic changes and switch of African football power and also some outstanding and entertaining football from certain teams.
Mali 2-1 Guinea
It seemed as though we were going to see Guinea through to the semi finals, having made their presence well felt in the early stages of the match against their West African counterparts. However, as the game proceeded, both teams displayed an entertaining football which saw the game change hands from time to time.
It was not surprising that Guinea took the lead from a well built counter attack. A through ball from Souleymane Youla on the right flank was played to veteran striker Titi Camara who just near the 18 yards, wasted no time in crossing the ball to Bordeaux midfielder Pascal Feindouno, the latter skillfully struck past Mali goalkeeper Sidibe.
Their celebrations were short lived as Fredrick kanoute -who has had an impressive start for his country- equalized minutes before the break. Mahamadou Diarra sealed the winner for the Malians in the last minutes of play and they progressed to the semi finals.
The composed Mali team mainly comprising of youngsters have really made their presence felt in African football with their recent achievements, having hosted the 2002 edition where they finished fourth. Mali also reached the semi finals in 1972 and 1994 and has to be well focused in their next match against Morocco if they are to win a place in the final.
Tunisia 1-0 Senegal
Hosts Tunisia beat Senegal -2002 finalist- on a 1-0 score line in a tightly contested match in Rades with most parts of the second half marred by controversy. Playing under the pressure from the home fans, the Eagles seemed never wanting the semi finals to elude them as they clearly demonstrated that on the pitch from kickoff. Another real test for Tunisia is when they play Nigeria -finalist in 2000- in the semi finals.
It could be seen on the faces of Senegalese players that their elimination at this stage left great pain in the hearts especially when they claimed the referee failed to blow a flow on El Hadji Diouf on a move just before the Tunisians scored.
Cameroon 1-2 Nigeria
Defending champions Cameroon failed to cross the quarter finals after Nigeria's Super Eagles held them with a dramatic performance especially in the second half in Monastir which ensured them a deserved semi finals spot.
The Indomitable Lions failed to pose major threats on their opponents defence for most parts of the game. A good chance for the Lions however came when Geremi Njitap's well taken free kick near the 18 yards was brilliantly saved by goalkeeper Enyeama.
Samuel Eto'o put his side ahead in the first half but a well taken free kick from inspirational captain Okocha leveled the scores just before break. Nigeria took the lead during the second half as John Utaka's goal confirmed their place in the semi finals.
Algeria 1 - 2 Morocco
Algeria has been fined about ,000 after their fans misbehaved during the North African derby match with Morocco. Fans threw objects on the pitch and uprooted some of the plastic seats on the terrace as they went on to lose the match 2-1 after extra time.
Algeria took the lead after 81 minutes but Morocco leveled just four minutes before the final whistle with a goal from Youssef Hadji. Jaouad Zairi scored the winning goal for Morocco which eventually left the Algerian fans frenzy. Morocco last reached the semi finals in 1988 when the hosted the tournament.
CAN 2004: Group-By-Group Analysis
06/02/2004. With about two weeks gone since the start of the 2004 African Nations Cup finals in Tunisia, all group matches have been played and while eight teams have returned home, eight to sides are now preparing for a much tougher challenge when the quarter finals start this weekend.
CAN 2004: Group-By-Group Analysis
06/02/2004. With about two weeks gone since the start of the 2004 African Nations Cup finals in Tunisia, all group matches have been played and while eight teams have returned home, eight to sides are now preparing for a much tougher challenge when the quarter finals start this weekend. It could be seen that the group stage brought about surprises and outstanding performances from certain teams against some of Africa's top and respected sides.
Group A
Host nation Tunisia and Guinea are the two sides that qualified from Group A for the quarterfinals. Rwanda, who made their first appearance in this competition, gave an impressive performance in the tournaments's opening match against Tunisia.
They seemed a better side for most of the match even though they eventually lost 2-1 to the hosts. DR Congo, a side that was fancied by most quarters to qualify from this group, were rather more disappointing in most of their matches and failed to win any.
Guinea who missed the last nations cup finals in 2002 after FIFA expelled them due to political interference in football, played their group mathces with much experience and they are a team to watch in the competition. Tunisia led the group with 7 points and will face Senegal in the quarterfinals while runner-up Guinea with 5 points will play Mali.
Group B
In this group, Senegal and Mali moved on to the next stage while Burkina Faso and Kenya returned home. Mali seemed the most impressive team to qualify from this group in as much as they were not touted to cross this stage ahead of Burkina Faso. The introduction of striker Fredick Kanoute (Tottenham) into the team has added spirit to the striking force and boosted the morale of the team. Senegal however started slowly in the tournament and the absence of inspiritional midfielder Khalilou Fadiga has by no means created a vacuum in the team.
Unlike 2002 when Senegal had almost all its players making the first 11 for their various clubs, most of these same players are now not regular starters or making the first team in their clubs. However, with the previous achievements in the minds of the players and also with much experiene, they might pose a better performance when they play in the quarterfinals in what is seen as a tough encounter against hosts Tunisia.
Burkina Faso have been disappointing, having failed to win a match in the group and Kenya despite some brilliant performances, could not make it in the mist of these big teams, even though they went on to beat Burkina Faso 3-0 in their lat match. Mali topped this group with 7 points and play Guinea in the quarterfinals while second place Senegal will play Tunisia.
Group C
One of the toughtest groups has been the group c, where newcomers, Zimbabwe, found themselves among powerhouses - Cameroon, Algeria and Egypt. Very impressive matches wre played in this group and Cameroon, hoping to retain their African title and win the competition five times, seems to be taking no chances.
They secured a draw with Algeria in their first game, which was tighly contested. Another impressive match was when Algeria played Egypt, defeating them 2-1. Cameroon went on to secure a goalles draw with Egypt (4 times winners of Nations Cup and have made 19 appearances) which led them to a painful early exit.
Zimbabwe also played well in their mathes and beat Algeria 2-1 in their last match. Cameroon and Algeria procced to the quarter finals and will play Nigeria and Morocco respectively.
Group D
Newcomers, Benin, were unfortunate to find themselves among Nigeria, Morocco and South Africa. They faced an early exit but consoled themselves by scoring only a goal in the tournament (against Nigeria) after loosing all their matches in this very tough group. Nigeria were a little unconvincing after losing 1-0 to Morocco in their opening match but they had to quickly overcome that defeat and won their two other group matches - beating South Africa 4-0 and Benin 2-1.
Nigeria sent back three players (Chelsea defender Celestine Babayaro, Portsmouth striker Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Scahlke 04's Vicotr Agali) from Tunisia after breaking camp rules. However, these players have been recalled by the coach after the team qualified for quarterfinals, knowing very well that their opponents Cameroon is a very hard nut t crack. Nigeria striker 'Jay-Jay' Okocha has been very inspirational in the team and scoed the 1000th goal of the Nations Cup tournament.
Despite the coach crisis prior to the tournament, South Africa played well in their matches but they had to face an early exit, leaving Nigeria and Morocco to qualify for the quarterfinals.
Focus On 2004 African Nations Cup
23/01/03. Gone are the days when the Nations Cup was a forgone conclusion. This time around, it is very unpredictable as to who and who will reach the last four, let alone the grand final and more so the champion.
With just few hours to the tournament's kickoff, much excitement, hope, enthusiasm and speculation have filled the air about the continent's most prestigious football showcase. The 24th edition of the biennial tournament will be staged in the North African State of Tunisia, a country that is well developed in terms of infrastructural facilities. The Arab country hosted the Nations cup in 1965 and 1994 but is yet to hoist the trophy.
Notably, the Nations Cup now has a title sponsor for the first time. Mobile phone manufacturers, Nokia, are the official sponsors for this year's tournament. The high tempo which has always triggered the competition to a sparkling and spectacular event is set to be further raised to a higher level with the appearance in waiting of Benin, Rwanda and Zimbabwe - Africa's newest teams in the Nations cup tournament.
The way these teams qualified signifies that most African teams now possess lots of potential, which should not be under-estimated. Every team has the capability of breaking or setting a record.
It is rather more remarkable on the part of Rwanda. The country has been ruined from years of senseless war, which left parts of it devastated and millions of people killed. Definitely their qualification came as a surprise to many, especially bookmakers. Well, this is the case always with football - it is full of surprises.
This tiny Central African State has no football pedigree - they have never tasted the glory of a major competition before. The 'Bees', as they are known, have broken the jinx that has always befallen Central African teams against their West African counterparts.
They thrashed Ghana, the darlings of the West African game and four times winners of this competition, in their final qualifying match in Kigali. Rwanda will face hosts Tunisia in the opening match of the Nations Cup.
Benin Republic has finally joined the bandwagon of West African teams in major competitions like the Nations cup. They moved a step ahead of jinxed teams like Mauritania, Niger, Cape Verde and Guinea-Bissau. The 'voodoo' boys were drawn in a qualifying group with the likes of Zambia, Sudan and Tanzania.
Zimbabwe qualified as best runner-up to make their first appearance in the finals. What is most important now is what these teams can achieve in the tournament, which starts on January 24th.
Rwanda and Benin have not proved well in recent matches against fellow finalist, Egypt and Tunisia. Egypt beat Rwanda 5-1 while Tunisia beat Benin 2-0 and 2-1 in two separate friendly matches. Zimbabwe had their friendly match against Zambia cancelled.
Group A
Tunisia
Rwanda
DR Congo
Guinea
Group B
Senegal
Burkina Faso
Kenya
Mali
Group C
Cameroon
Algeria
Zimbabwe
Egypt
Group D
Nigeria
Morocco
South Africa
Benin
Issa Hayatou's Profile:
26/12/03. Mr. Hayatou has been at the helm of African football's governing body CAF for the last 15 years and will stand for the forthcoming CAF presidential elections again which will be held in Tunisia prior to the 2004 African Nations cup. He was Sepp Blatter's opponent in the last FIFA presidential elections and has played a key role in the development of the African football by bringing in certain vital changes.
Pap Saine - Honarary Life President of Gambia Sports Journalist Association and member of CAF media committee- profiles the man who seems to have more in store for African football.
He has been re-elected four times (1988, 1992, 1996 and 2000), losing just three votes out of 51 in the presidential election of January 2000. Now he is seeking a fifth term. A popular figure in Africa, he was just 41 when he became head of CAF in 1988 following the death of Ethiopian Ydenkatchew Tessema.
Hayatou also served as a FIFA Vice president and as chairman of the organising committee for the Olympic football tournament.
Last December, Hayatou, a Fulani, was named a member of the International Olympic Committee, having previously served in the structures of Association of National Olympic Committee if Africa. A physical education teacher, Hayatou was born in a regal family in Garoua in north of Cameroon on 9th August 1946.
He is married with two wives and children. His father was the 'Lamido' or soverign of the region which his elder brother, Sadou, served as Cameroon's Prime Minister in the early 1990's.
A former international athlete and basketballer, Hayatou served as an athletics trainer before turning to soccer administration. From 1976 to 1982, he was secretary-general of the Cameroon Football Federation and then the central African country's Sports Director from 1983 to 1987.
After being elected to the CAF presidency 15 years ago, he described himself as a fighter for equality in sports but added: "I'm not a revolutionary. I do not make changes just for change's sake."
He has enjoyed the loyalty of most of Africa by ensuring that each national association president has a place on one of CAF's standing committee. A number deserted him in 1998 when he backed Johansson's bid for the FIFA presidency against Blatter. But he now appears to have won back the defectors; his popularity comes as no surprise.
He constantly champions Africa's cause, his biggest success being to increase the continent's number of World Cup finalists from two in 1990 to five in 1998. He convinced FIFA to assist all African Football Federations. Another of his success is that he has promoted and developed football on the continent by instituting U-17 and U-20 competitions.
CAF's New System Unfair
28/11/03.The preliminary rounds of qualifiers for the 2006 African Nations and World Cup tournament have all been played as scheduled and the 21 Nations that have crossed this stage will join nine other Countries that given byes into the qualifying group stage.
The nine Countries are: Cameroon, Senegal, Nigeria, South Africa, and Tunisia (2002 World Cup Finalists) Morocco, Egypt, D.R Congo and Ivory Coast (these four nations were the highest placed African Countries in the late June FIFA world rankings). The qualifying group stage is due to kickoff in April 2004.
CAF has adopted this new system but as one can realize, such is far from being fair on the countries that fail to make it to the group stage. These countries will be absent from top international competitions till around 2006. Does the Confederation of African Football (CAF) see this as development to African football being that these nations will not play active international matches for the next 3-4 years?
However, some National Associations have woken up late to realize that this system which they themselves voted for at an extra-ordinary CAF congress is beginning to affect smaller teams.
Countries like Gambia, Sierra Leone, Guinea Bissau will all have to wait for another 3 years for an opportunity to play top international matches. It should be noted that the more competitive matches a country plays, the more it improves. Waiting for about 3 years is no development on their part. Participating in top international competitions and the like is a factor which raises the level and experience of the smaller sides and that is what sport is all about.
Vital steps need to be taken. We need to put our various houses in order especially for countries that will be missing out on these top competitions for a while. Different aspects make a team a formidable one. Friendly matches of course are very important and help a coach to address the strengths and weaknesses of his team.
If a team always produces unsatisfactory results whenever international matches are played away, then friendly away matches should be organized by the National Football Association and this would help figure out and solve some obstacles affecting the team.
National Associations will also be affected due to the major drought in matches, which affected countries are about to face. This is directed at the financial aspect and will see a major drop in income, which is normally generated from gate takings and TV revenue.
It should be noted that in the tiny West African state of Gambia, for example - which is not very well know in the football arena - a substantial amount of money was realized during their home encounter with the Teranga Lions of Senegal early this year in the 2004 African Nations Cup qualifier.
One would therefore realize that the top performance of a team and the caliber of an opponent which they face in a match is what keeps spectators anxiety high and thus turn up to stadiums in large numbers to spur their various teams on. The same applies to friendly matches and it is worth noting that playing matches with other high profile African countries helps smaller teams.
It would be advisable for teams to now start working towards a brighter future instead of waiting till the next 3-4 years. Coach problems should also be addressed and friendly matches should be played. An idea of organizing four team tournaments for example will also keep teams momentum high and prepare for future competitions.
Results of 2006 Nations & World Cup Qualifiers
27/11/03.The 2nd legs of qualifiers have all been played and the 21 nations that have crossed the preliminary rounds will now join 9 other nations that were given byes into the qualifying group stage.
The Countries which will not progress to the group stage will have to be absent from competitive international football matches for a long period of 3 to 4 years and will be faced with a possible decline in momentum and form.
The results of the games which were played on 14th-16th November are as follows:
Mauritania 2-1 Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe qualify 4-2 on aggregate
Algeria 6-0 Niger
Algeria 7-0
Mali 2-0 Guinea Bissau
Mali 4-1
Gabon 4-1 Burundi
Gabon 4-1
Malawi 0-0 Ethiopia
Malawi 3-1
Zambia 1-1 Seychelles
Zambia 5-1
Kenya 3-0 Tanzania
Kenya 3-0
Namibia 1-1 Rwanda
Rwanda 4-1
Mauritius 3-1 Uganda
Uganda 4-3
Lesotho 0-0 Botswana
Botswana 4-1
Mozambique 3-4 Guinea
Guinea 5-3
Eritrea 0-0 Sudan
Sudan 3-0
Libya 8-0 Sao Tome e Principe
Libya 9-0
Benin 3-2 Madagascar
Benin 4-3
Togo 2-0 Equatorial Guinea
Togo 2-1
Angola 2-0 Chad
Angola qualify on the away goals away goals rule after leveling 3-3 on aggregate
Sierra Leone 1-1 Congo
Congo 2-1
Liberia 3-0 Gambia
Liberia 3-2
Cape Verde Islands 3-0 Swaziland
Cape Verde Islands 4-1
Ghana 5-0 Somalia
Somalia 0-2 Ghana
Ghana 7-0 on aggregate
Liberia - Gambia Match Preview
15/11/03. The second leg of preliminary round of qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup and African Nations cup is scheduled for this weekend and the Scorpions are set for the clash with the Lone Stars of Liberia on Sunday. This match will determine whether they would progress to the qualifying group stage and raise hopes of qualifying for the 2006 tournaments or stay out of the competition internal matches for a long period due to the new system being adopted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The Scorpions currently stand a better chance of progressing to the group stages after winning the first leg 2-0 at home thanks to goals from Abdou Njie and Edrissa Sonko. Gambia have a poor away record especially in the past encounters with the Lone Stars but will surely be looking forward to making the very best of this encounter. The players on their part seem very confident and a draw at least will be vital. It is still uncertain which players Liberia's coach Kromah will feature in the important match but he had earlier on hinted that he would invite foreign-based players.
Whether or not coach Kromah fields the same team that played in the first leg, Gambia will take no chances, as they will be looking forward to making it through this time around. Jatto Ceesay, who now plays in Saudi Arabia, is expected to join his teammates in Abidjan while Kemo Ceesay is ruled out as he is recovering from injury. Mommar Njie has been dropped from the 18-man squad.
Earlier this week, the Gambia Football Association sent an advance party to survey the security situation in the Liberian capital as well as the standard of the pitch so that they would report back to the authorities prior to the team's departure from Banjul. The three-man delegation including Major Lang Tamba (security officer of GFA), coach Pa Suwareh Fye and an officer. The advance party has however re-assured the players and fans that there is no security risk in the Monrovia and cautioned that the pitch is not so smooth compared to the one at the Independence Stadium.
Football Academy To Boost Gambian Soccer
29/10/03. Following a series of recent stunning events in Gambian football which has seen National sides impressing many people either in terms of achievements of performances on the pitch, a modern football academy is underway which will work towards improving the talents of youngsters in the country. The academy, which will be named Cherno Samba Academy of Football, will be established with one of its main aims geared towards developing and boosting Gambian football to higher levels in the near future.
In a move to contribute to football in his hometown, the academy will be named after Cherno Samba, a young Gambian footballer who has played for England U-19. The Millwall FC youngster seems unlikely to play for The Gambia - even though he has an option - but on his part, the 18-year-old believes setting up the academy will help many of the young talents who are looking forward to pursue their career to higher levels. The academy will be established by Harry Gerber (Technical Director) and Alhajie Samba (Administrative Director) - who are both based in UK - after the former concluded a "fact-finding-mission" in the country early this year.
The academy will have three qualified coaches and administrative workers and will be equipped with facilities such as gymnasium, swimming pools etc. Other relevant materials is said to be made available to players after enrollment. "One of our main aims is to help in developing Gambian football from the grass roots," said Alhajie Samba who is Cherno's dad. "Players who will be enrolled into the academy will be well catered for in terms education, football books and kits and other basic necessities," he concluded.
Trials have been scheduled to start early December nationwide for players between the ages of 10-16 and the total number of players that will be enrolled for a start is limited to 65.
Harry Gerber (Cherno's agent and also a qualified coach) said that initially this plan was to set up an academy in either Barbados or his native country Sierra Leone but with the interests from both Cherno and his dad, Gambia was chosen as a good option. He said: "I was thinking of establishing a football academy in Barbados where I visit every year or Sierra Leone but with the interest from Cherno and Alhajie to promote Gambian football, i've visited Gambia about 6 times this year on a fact-finding-mission and found out that there are lots of talents in the country."
Harry further stated that through the academy, players would be made available to the national team coach in the future which he said will also raise the standard of the national team to that of other top African footballing nations and he also did not rule out establishing a football academy in Sierra Leone in the near future.
Gambia - Liberia: World Cup Qualifier Preview
11/10/03. The first round of qualifiers for the 2006 World Cup kicks off this weekend with Gambia among 42 Countries that have been drawn in two leg ties. Gambia's home match against the Lone Stars of Liberia on Sunday 12th October at the Independence Stadium could be seen as one of the last effective international soccer matches they have to play in 2003. If the Scorpions win, perhaps 2004 will usher in more matches to play and thus bring more revenue from gate taking when the group stages open.
Gambia lost to Liberia by a lone goal in Monrovia in the final of a friendly tournament for West African States in 1979. This tournament was organized by the late President Tolbert of Liberia to promote peace and friendship in the sub-region. In 1996, Gambia beat Liberia 2-1 at home and lost 4-0 in the 2nd leg of a world cup qualifier, which was played in Ghana.
A record entry of 51 African Countries will participate in the race of world cup qualification with 9 Countries already given byes into the qualifying group stage. Finalists at the last World Cup in Korea/Japan - Cameroon, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Tunisia and other 4 Countries - Morocco, Egypt, Ivory Coast and DR Congo - being the highest placed African Countries in the last June FIFA world ranking, have all been given byes into the group stage.
With the World Cup qualifiers already now being combined with those for the African Nations Cup Finals in 2006, The Gambia is definitely hoping to be among the 21 nations that will cross this first round of knock-out games and join the other 9 Countries in the overall World Cup draw in Frankfurt later this year.
This system will see 30 African Countries divided into five groups of six and while the winners of the various groups qualify for the World Cup finals in Germany, the top three will automatically qualify for the Nations Cup finals in Egypt.
This means that Gambia's technical director and caretaker coach Sang Ndong will take no chances, as winning this match by a goal or more would at least usher hopes of proceeding to the next stage. This match is going to be a do or die battle. The Gambia this time around must try by all means possible to win in order to get over that disappointment in the last match against Morocco. The players and officials should bear in mind that the supporting publics are in a somber mood, as the team has not been living up to expectations.
Their opponents, Liberia, are one of Africa's recent underachievers. In 2002, they almost qualified in a group that consisted of powerhouse Nigeria and Ghana. In Mali, during their second meeting with the "Ogas" they almost made bet run their money. In Gambia, they would surely look forward to securing a draw at least.
Having missed out on qualifying for the last World Cup finals and the 2004 Nations Cup finals in Tunisia, they will definitely treat this encounter very seriously. They cannot be underrated or looked upon as a low side as they can prove to be a hard nut to crack.
There are few new players who were expected to be included in Sang Ndong's list but they are currently engaged with club commitments. Nevertheless, the courage and determination in the Gambian camp is still very high and the good news is the recovery of key midfielder Edrissa Sonko. He will be an inspiration to the team, as he scored last weekend when his club Roda JC Kerkrade beat Willem II 2-0 in his second game.
An early goal for The Gambia or at least a draw in the first half would be to their advantage and thus boost confidence within the squad. This will upset their opponents.
The Liberians, also out to restore the confidence their fans have in them, will take this match seriously and will be looking out to capitalize on any error in the Gambian defence. Cautious that they are playing away, they will also rely on counter attacks and will appreciate a draw, knowing they have one more leg to play - and at home.
Sept.2003. The draw for the 2004 Nations cup took place in Tunisia for the premier African tournament that runs from January 24th to February 14th.
Group A: Tunisia, Rwanda, DR Congo, Guinea
Group B: Senegal, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Mali
Group C: Cameroon, Algeria, Zimbabwe, Egypt
Group D: Nigeria, Morocco, South Africa, Benin
Pamodzi Reveals 2002 Financial Dealings With The Lions
11/08/03.Papa Massata Diack, General Director of Pamodzi Sport Marketing, the sole agent for the Senegalese Football Federation, has disclosed that about D75 million proceeds were realised last year from the Teranga Lions' participation in various football competitions.
Sponsorship from 17 organisations and companies boosted the national team during their African Nations Cup and World Cup campaigns. In 2002, the team played friendly matches against South Korea, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Equador, Japanese club Kshiwa Reysol, Bolivia and Nigeria.
In terms of marketing and friendly matches, Pamodzi collected about D48m and D16m respectively. They also got the support from companies like CCBM (a Dakar-based Commercial Bank), Alize (a cell phone company) and Elton with about D4.5m.
The marketing manager has also disclosed that about D47m was spent on friendly matches. These included live coverage, printed materials and assistance to journalists who regularly accompanied the team during competitions.
It is worth noting that the Senegalese press has been very instrumental to the team's phenomenal success. These include radio, television and newspaper sport programmes that helped in informing the public about any development on the national side. This is why many journalists always accompanied the team whenever they had to play matches.
The sale of merchandise has also contributed to the income generated. A lot of money was realised from the sale of players' posters and T-shirts. El Hadji Diouf alone, for example, made about D2m from the sale of his posters and T-shirts. The other players made about D5.8m bringing together a total sum of D7.8m. These items were sold worldwide.
Encouragement has also been pouring from other sectors. Some renowned Senegalese musicians have also composed songs in honour of the team, praising them for their top performances. About D1.5m has been realised from cassette sales.
It should be noted also that football is not only about the performances on the pitch and this is why it should be taken very seriously. It is also a major investment and football helps in boosting country's economies and brings peace among nations. Nowadays, a lot of money is being pumped into the game as we can realise from the amounts that are being spent on purchasing players by top clubs etc. Sponsorship and merchandise sales have also been a key component of generating income.
In Senegal, football has also boosted the tourism industry. Many tourists who saw Senegal create a major impact in the last World Cup finals have been keen on knowing more about this West African nation. This is why the number of tourists who have visited the Country recently has doubled from about 300,000 to about 700,000.
Because of his hard work in bringing financial resources to the Senegalese Football Federation, Mr. Diack's contract has been extended till 2006. It should be recalled that whenever the Lions play a match, each player is paid about D90,000. Besides, all the players are well insured.
If they win or draw, they are also entitled to bonuses. The technical staffs also enjoy this benefit.
A Brief Look At The Confederations Cup
04/08/03. This is a major football tournament, which brings together the champions of each football confederation to play each other - the winner automatically claiming the inter-continental title.
Similar to the World Cup tournament, the FIFA confederations cup helps greatly in the exposure of young players from different continents and these players also gain valuable experience and have the opportunity to meet great players from different continents.
Moreover, the tournament gives an opportunity to players from each confederation to show case their talents as many football agents and clubs keep an eye on the competition for the possible signing of lucrative contracts.
The dreaded anxiety about the confederations cup lies on the fact that the participating teams are all champions of their respective confederations and footballers (both young and old) and fans from these regions always pledge their full support and hope that the team representing them in the finals would emerge triumphant and have a know-how of being a champion among the champions of the other confederations.
Interestingly, FIFA has added to the hype in the tournament by inviting a non-regional championship team to participate in the event - based on their performance in another tournament, e.g. the World Cup.
Turkey for example was invited to feature in this year's event in recognition of their outstanding performance at the 2002 World Cup where they reached the semi-finals. This means that if Senegal were to reach the semi-finals instead of Turkey, then there would have been the possibility that FIFA would have invited them to play in the tournament thus buying this year's African representatives to two teams.
Should FIFA continue with this system, it would give a golden opportunity to teams that make mark in other tournaments to compete with the champions of the various confederations.
Started in 1992, the tournament was originally called the King Fahd Cup and the first three editions were hosted in Asia by Saudi Arabia in 1992, 1995 and 1997. African teams have participated in the tournament since its inception in 1992. Cote D'Ivoire was the continent's first representative when only four teams participated. The other three teams that featured that year were hosts Saudi Arabia, Argentina and U.S.A. The teams were drawn into two semi-finals and Argentina won the title that year.
Two more places were added to the existing four during the 2nd edition in 1995. Nigeria represented Africa and it was pre-tournament favourites Denmark that won the tournament that year.
In 1997, the FIFA Confederations cup was inaugurated and since then, the tournament has no longer been called the King Fahd cup. It then became a biennial competition and two more places were added to the existing six.
After missing several major football competitions as a result of the apartheid period, South Africa represented Africa in 1997 after they won the African Nations Cup, which they hosted a year earlier. Brazil emerged the winner of the newly inaugurated FIFA Confederations cup.
In 2001, world and European champions France added to their laurels by winning the tournament even though they missed key players like Fabien Barthez and Zinedine Zidane. Cameroon featured in this edition, which was co-hosted by Korea and Japan and were beaten 2-0 by France at the group stage.
This year's final which France hosted, has been the most touching of all since the inaugural FIFA Confederations cup of 1997 - following the tragic death of Cameroon midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe. Foe collapsed in the 72nd minute of play during their semi-final 1-0 win over Colombia and he was confirmed dead after 45 minutes.
Cameroon is now Africa's proud side - being the continent's first team to reach the final, maintaining a superb form for not loosing a single match. Eventually, they lost in the final against France 0-1 just three days after they lost their teammate. A golden goal by Thierry Henry in extra time was enough for Les Bleus to retain their title.
The winners of the FIFA Confederations cup collect prize money of $ 2.25m compared to the World Cup winners who get exactly three times that amount.
A Brief Look At The Confederations Cup
04/08/03. This is a major football tournament, which brings together the champions of each football confederation to play each other - the winner automatically claiming the inter-continental title.
Similar to the World Cup tournament, the FIFA confederations cup helps greatly in the exposure of young players from different continents and these players also gain valuable experience and have the opportunity to meet great players from different continents.
Moreover, the tournament gives an opportunity to players from each confederation to show case their talents as many football agents and clubs keep an eye on the competition for the possible signing of lucrative contracts.
The dreaded anxiety about the confederations cup lies on the fact that the participating teams are all champions of their respective confederations and footballers (both young and old) and fans from these regions always pledge their full support and hope that the team representing them in the finals would emerge triumphant and have a know-how of being a champion among the champions of the other confederations.
Interestingly, FIFA has added to the hype in the tournament by inviting a non-regional championship team to participate in the event - based on their performance in another tournament, e.g. the World Cup.
Turkey for example was invited to feature in this year's event in recognition of their outstanding performance at the 2002 World Cup where they reached the semi-finals. This means that if Senegal were to reach the semi-finals instead of Turkey, then there would have been the possibility that FIFA would have invited them to play in the tournament thus buying this year's African representatives to two teams.
Should FIFA continue with this system, it would give a golden opportunity to teams that make mark in other tournaments to compete with the champions of the various confederations.
Started in 1992, the tournament was originally called the King Fahd Cup and the first three editions were hosted in Asia by Saudi Arabia in 1992, 1995 and 1997. African teams have participated in the tournament since its inception in 1992. Cote D'Ivoire was the continent's first representative when only four teams participated. The other three teams that featured that year were hosts Saudi Arabia, Argentina and U.S.A. The teams were drawn into two semi-finals and Argentina won the title that year.
Two more places were added to the existing four during the 2nd edition in 1995. Nigeria represented Africa and it was pre-tournament favourites Denmark that won the tournament that year.
In 1997, the FIFA Confederations cup was inaugurated and since then, the tournament has no longer been called the King Fahd cup. It then became a biennial competition and two more places were added to the existing six.
After missing several major football competitions as a result of the apartheid period, South Africa represented Africa in 1997 after they won the African Nations Cup, which they hosted a year earlier. Brazil emerged the winner of the newly inaugurated FIFA Confederations cup.
In 2001, world and European champions France added to their laurels by winning the tournament even though they missed key players like Fabien Barthez and Zinedine Zidane. Cameroon featured in this edition, which was co-hosted by Korea and Japan and were beaten 2-0 by France at the group stage.
This year's final which France hosted, has been the most touching of all since the inaugural FIFA Confederations cup of 1997 - following the tragic death of Cameroon midfielder Marc-Vivien Foe. Foe collapsed in the 72nd minute of play during their semi-final 1-0 win over Colombia and he was confirmed dead after 45 minutes.
Cameroon is now Africa's proud side - being the continent's first team to reach the final, maintaining a superb form for not loosing a single match. Eventually, they lost in the final against France 0-1 just three days after they lost their teammate. A golden goal by Thierry Henry in extra time was enough for Les Bleus to retain their title.
The winners of the FIFA Confederations cup collect prize money of $ 2.25m compared to the World Cup winners who get exactly three times that amount.
18/07/03. AFRICAN NATIONS CUP QUALIFIERS ROUND-UP
The 16 teams that will feature in the African Nations Cup finals in January 2004 have already been known when all qualifiers ended on July 6th. Hosts Tunisia and defending champions Cameroon are automatic qualifiers and there were surprises in the qualifying rounds with 3 new teams emerging and will play in this tournament for the first time in their history.
The top teams from each group and a best runner-up qualified and they are as follow:
Group 1
Nigeria
Group 2
Guinea
Group 3
Benin [Qualified for the first time]
Group 4
Burkina Faso
Group 5
Kenya
Group 6
Mali
Zimbabwe [Best runner-up & qualifies for the first time]
Group 7
Morocco
Group 8
Senegal
Group 9
DR Congo
Group 10
Egypt
Group 11
South Africa
Group 12
Algeria
Group 13
Rwanda [Qualified for the first time]
On July 12, CAF named Nigeria and Senegal as the two seeded Countries for the draw, the other seeded Countries being Tunisia and Cameroon. The draw for the other twelve finalists will take place in Tunisia in September.
18/07/03. AFRICAN NATIONS CUP QUALIFIERS ROUND-UP
The 16 teams that will feature in the African Nations Cup finals in January 2004 have already been known when all qualifiers ended on July 6th. Hosts Tunisia and defending champions Cameroon are automatic qualifiers and there were surprises in the qualifying rounds with 3 new teams emerging and will play in this tournament for the first time in their history.
The top teams from each group and a best runner-up qualified and they are as follow:
Group 1
Nigeria
Group 2
Guinea
Group 3
Benin [Qualified for the first time]
Group 4
Burkina Faso
Group 5
Kenya
Group 6
Mali
Zimbabwe [Best runner-up & qualifies for the first time]
Group 7
Morocco
Group 8
Senegal
Group 9
DR Congo
Group 10
Egypt
Group 11
South Africa
Group 12
Algeria
Group 13
Rwanda [Qualified for the first time]
On July 12, CAF named Nigeria and Senegal as the two seeded Countries for the draw, the other seeded Countries being Tunisia and Cameroon. The draw for the other twelve finalists will take place in Tunisia in September.
27/06/03. AFRICAN NATIONS CUP QUALIFIERS ROUND-UP & ANALYSIS
Group 1
Nigeria has qualified for the 2004 Nations Cup finals after topping their group with 8 points. A 2-2 home draw against Angola on June 21st was enough to see them through in the group of 3 teams thanks to 2nd half goals from Uche Kalu and Osaze Odemwinge.
Group 2
Guinea is jointly topping this group with Ethiopia on 9 points each after a 2-1 win over Liberia on June 21st in Accra. Due to the unstable security situation in and around Monrovia, the match had to be played in Ghana, leaving the Liberians to field players from the Budumburam refugee camp outside Accra with 3 foreign based-players - (Frank Seator -Tunisia), George Gebra & Alvin Kigh - Cyprus) - as the National squad was left stranded in Liberia. Ethiopia beat Niger 2-0 at home on June 22. Guinea will play Ethiopia on July 6th and the winner will qualify for Tunisia 2004.
Group 3
After Zambia's 1-1 home draw with Sudan on June 21, they top their group with 11 points. Lying in second place is Benin with 10 points, after they won an away match to Tanzania on June 22. A crucial match on July 6 will see Benin host Zambia and should they win, they will play in the finals next year.
Group 4
A 3-0 hammering of Congo on June 21 now gives Burkina Faso a brighter chance of winning the lone group spot to the finals. They lead the group with 10 points and is being trailed by second place Congo with 8 points. One more group matches for 4 of the group's teams on July 6.
Group 5
Kenya recorded its first qualifier defeat away to Togo on June 22nd 2-0 in a controversial match. Cape Verde Island beat Mauritania 3-0 in another controversial group match on June 21. Five (5) Mauritanian players were expelled. A win for Kenya in their next match against Cape Verde on July 5 will see them in the finals next year.
Group 6
Mali and Zimbabwe are joint leaders in this group with 10 points each. Eritrea beat Seychelles 1-0 at home on June 21 whilst Mali drew 0-0 at home with Zimbabwe on June 22. With only one more group matches to be played, if both Mali and Zimbabwe win their next matches on July 5th, then a goal difference will determine which team will qualify.
Group 7
After winning gabon 2-0 in Rabat on june 20, Morocco leads the group with 13 points, 3 points ahead of 2nd place Sierra Leone who beat Equatorial Guinea 2-0 in Freetown on June 22. Thanks to goals from Mohammed kallon and Kabba Samura, Sierra Leone stand a chance of winning the best looser - in the groups of four teams- and a win in their last group match away to Gabon on July 6 will be much vital. Morocco will play away to Equatorial Guinea on that same date.
Group 8
With 10 points, Senegal has already qualified in the group after winning their last qualifier match against Lesotho 3-0 in Dakar on June 14. Gambia with 4 points will play away to Lesotho on July 6 and Lesotho is yet to score a goal and gain a point in this competition.
Group 9
After beating Libya 2-1 on June 22, DR Congo tops its group with 10 points, just 2 points ahead of Swaziland, who won Botswana 3-2 on that same day. One more group matches for the group's teams on July 6 and a win for DRC will see them thorough to the finals.
Group 10
Having pounded Madagascar 6-0 on June 20 in their last group match, Egypt lead the group of 3 teams with 9 points. Only one more group match to be played between Madagascar and Mauritius on July 6. Should they seek any realistic chance of qualification, Madagascar should win and score 13 goals and qualify on goal difference.
Group 11
Ivory Coast and South Africa jointly top the group with 7 points each after South Africa beat them 2-1 on June 22. With only one more group match between Burundi and South Africa on July 6, South Africa will qualify for the finals provided they win their away match.
Group 12
A lone goal against Namibia on June 20 was enough to see Algeria qualify for the nations Cup finals after leading their group with 9 points. Both Chad and Namibia remain with 3 points each and Chad will play host to Algeria on July 6.
Group 13
After a 1-1 draw between Ghana and Uganda on June 22, Uganda's hopes of qualification have been shattered. Having played all their group matches, they currently top the group with 5 points, just a point ahead of Ghana and Rwanda. However, the winner of the match between Rwanda and Ghana on July 6 will qualify for Tunisia 2004.
Gambia Awaits CAF's Decision
23/06/03 The African Nations Cup qualifier is still on with only few more matches remaining and yet still the battle continues for the top spots in certain groups. After a very good start in the competition, Gambia's high hopes of qualification has now been shattered as results and statistics prove that even if they win their next game away to Lesotho on July 6th, the points will not be sufficient to see them through to the finals.
Senegal has already qualified in the group after beating Lesotho 3-0 in Dakar on June 14 and they were the first team to join automatic qualifiers, host Tunisia and defending champions Cameroon.
The 2nd leg of the Senegal v Gambia match which Senegal won 3-1 on June 6th was marred by post match violence which saw many Gambian fans injured after they clashed with Senegalese security officials and fans.
Following this, the Gambia Football Association (GFA) has already written a letter to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to protest on the allegations of holiganism which affected the game "particularly the lack of protection of The Gambian national team players, officials and supporter before, during and after the match."
However, CAF will decide what action to take on July 10th on both the Senegal v Gambia and the Uganda v Rwanda match, which was also affected by similar incidents. Meanwhile, the reports of the match commissioner for the Senegal v Gambia game, Nigeria's Linus Mba and Tunisian referee Guirat Hichem will help determine what action CAF should take.
Many people thought this 2nd leg qualifier match would have been replayed due to the obstacles which were faced during and after the match but according to the rules, this is not applicable as the match was played full time without been stopped by the match commissioner.
However, if Senegal is found guilty of the allegations, then they could be fined a sum of about $ 500 - 1000 and possibly have the Leopold Sedar Senghor stadium where the match was played, suspended for a maximum of 1 year for all international competitions.
The Leopold Sedar Senghor stadium is in the capital city Dakar and has a capacity of 60,000.
The best looser of the groups formed of four teams will join the 16 teams for the finals next January. If two teams tie for the best looser, then a play-off on a neutral ground will determine which team amongst the two should go through to the finals.
However, if a play-off is to be avoided, the other criteria which will determine the best looser are: (i) Higher number of points (ii) Better goal difference (iii) Higher number of goals scored.
The qualifying rounds is supposed to end in July and the draw for the 2004 Nations Cup finals in Tunisia will be drawn in Cairo in September 2003.
African Nations Cup Qualifier In-depth Preview: Senegal - Gambia
05/06/03 The African Nations Cup qualifiers continue and a series of games are scheduled for this weekend. Senegal is vying to qualify for the nations Cup Finals again and in the same group (8),Gambia are proving to be a top contender. It will be history in the making if Gambia qualifies as the tiny West African Country is less known in the arena football.
The Lions will be looking to prove that they are indeed real kings of the jungle but will the Scorpions prove they are not?
For now, more questions than answers till both sides lock horns again. The breath-holding drama is set to be unfolded in terms of skills, experience/determination, etc. on June 7th when the Teranga Lions of Senegal play hosts to the Scorpions of the Gambia in a crucial 2nd leg qualifier in Dakar.
Only the top teams in each group qualify for the finals and the Lions are hoping to qualify again for the next edition in Tunisia. Conversely, much hope and confidence is bestowed on the Scorpions and they will definately want to prove their critics wrong - by proving that they are no longer a small team as they are considered by many - and spring surprises by qualifying over the heads arch-rivals, the Lions, who look the better side and this was the team that was acclaimed in both the previous African nations Cup and world Cup tournaments.
Their superb form and momentum in the finals of the 2002 Nations Cup culminated in their securing the runners-up place for the first time, having bravely lost 3-2 to defending champions, Cameroonon, in a post-match penalty shoot out .
Gambia has never reached the finals before and now, with hopefully the right team capable of accomplishing this daunting task, the entire Gambian populace is waiting to be electrified by a win in Dakar.
Despite the fact that some new players turned up whole-heartedly for international duty only after the Scorpions' first leg against Lesotho, they have been able to come together within this limited time frame and now engulfed by much determination and team spirit - forming one of their motto which might lead them through.
They trashed Lesotho 6-0 at home in their first qualifying match and held Senegal to a goalless draw in a tightly contested home match in March. Since then, the support for the Scorpions has been overwhelmingly high as they now stand a brighter chance of qualification. Currently tied with Senegal at the top of the group with 4 points each, but lead on goals, an away win or even a draw will be much vital for their ambitions.
Senegal is nonetheless considered a big team now in Africa after their heroic performances in 2002. With a side of top players plying their trade in top European clubs, the Lions possess a crop of budding talents that has the verve of dislodging both small and big teams. However, such awesome top performance seem to have declined a little after under performances in recent matches.
There is a psychological war going on in the Senegalese camp and the side has not yet got their feet on the right accelerator. It is now up to the Gambians to captivate on this by pooling together all their wits and confidence and face their opponents on that fateful day in Dakar.
Nevertheless, Liverpool striker El Hadji Diouf has come up with a rather more challenging words and he is quoted on the BBC Sports website as saying: "It won't be a match, it will be a war; it will not be a classic match, as they have threatened us." he said. "We will see on Saturday who wins the war!"
It has been long since Gambia last won Senegal dating back to 1973 and the President of the Gambia Sports Journalist Association, Mr. Pap Saine, has said, "Records are hard to come by, but it's reported that since the two Countries began playing each other in friendly and competitive matches, they have met 36 times with Senegal leading in the head-to-head with 17 wins against 9 for the Gambia." According to him the two countries' teams drew 10 times and that results of encounters from 1961 to date are:
1961 Gambia 1-1 Senegal
1962 Gambia 3-5 Senegal
Gambia 3-2 Senegal
1966 Gambia 2-1 Senegal
1972 Gambia 1-7 Senegal
1973 Gambia 2-1 Senegal
1980 Gambia 0-1 Senegal
1985 Gambia 0-1 Senegal
1988 Gambia 1-4 Senegal
1991 Gambia 0-2 Senegal
1993 Gambia 0-2 Senegal
1996 Gambia 0-0 Senegal
1997 Gambia 0-0 Senegal
2000 Gambia 1-1 Senegal
Gambia 0-3 Senegal
2001 Gambia 1-1 Senegal
Gambia 1-3 Senegal
2002 Gambia 0-0 Senegal.
Team News (Senegal) & Last Friendly Matches:
There is a lot of pressure on French Coach Guy Stephan as the team has failed to impress many after four matches since he took over the job after the World Cup. His first game with the Lions was a friendly: Morocco 1-0 Senegal and the qualifier: Gambia 0-0 Senegal. Tunisia beat them 1-0 in another frienldy match and the last was a 2-1 win over Cape Verde in Dakar.
The inclusion of the inspirational midfielder, Khalilou Fadiga, who missed the first leg of the Gambia/Senegal qualifier due to suspension, is doubtful to be included in the squad for Saturday's match after the Auxerre midfielder picked up an injury against PSG in the French Cup Final last weekend.
Another sad news is that a key player Omar Daf lost his dad this week and it is uncertain whether or not he will be available for this match. However, given that this is a very crucial match, it is very likely that the defender will show up for his Country.
After receiving a yellow card against Gambia in the 1st leg, Liverpool striker El Hadji Diouf should try to prevent a second booking on Saturday as this would disqualify him for their next match against Lesotho a week later.
Conclusion for Senegal:
Senegal is very good and vigilant in counter-attacks. Looking at Gambia as the younger ones and playing under a lot of pressure from their over-excited fans, if any team should hinder their chances of qualification, they surely would'nt like it to be their neighbours. If they win this encounter, only a point in their next game would be needed to book their tickets to the finals.
Player To Watch:
Henri Camara:
The Sedan marksman is a hard nut to crack in the midfield. He scored one of the goals against Cape Verde in their last friendly. He will surely want to add to his reputation in this all important match.
Team News (Gambia) & Last Friendly Match:
A little worry for Gambia head Coach Sang Ndong will be he absence of key players in the team due to injuries and suspension. Team captain Jatto Ceesay will miss the Senegal game due to suspension after receiving a 2nd booking in the 1st leg whereas Edrissa Sonko and Latif Janneh are both recovering from a knee and eye injury respectively.
With a few new players, Coach Ndong will have other options to choose from to replace the absentees.
Good news is the recovery of Kemo Ceesay from a knee injury. The defender is expected to be in the starting line up. A sound 4-1 home win over Mauritania in a friendly match last weekend is an added ingredient to their already high spirit.
Conclusion For Gambia:
Gambians often play well in thier matches but their finishing is most times a problem. They should concentrate very well and work closely as a team. They will also take advantage of the fact that senegal goalkeeper Tony Sylva is somehow weak on the left side.
On a final note, I think the Gambian Scorpions should be acclaimed for te mere fact that despite their meagre professional experience, they are able to stand the roaring Lions, unscathed. If ever the Gambians were finding it hard to understand their Senegalese neighbours, this time it is pretty easier to understand them in the soccer aspect.
Player to watch:
Arthur Gomez
The Manchester United youngster on loan to Royal Antwerp (Belgium)is currently in top form. He netted twice in the 4-1 win over Mauritania over the weekend.
Referee:
Guirat Hichen (Tunisia)
Senegal Squad:
Goalkeepers: Papa Mamadou Diouf (Jeanne d'Arc), Tony Sylva (Monaco, France)
Defenders: Ferdinand Coly (Birmingham City, England), Omar Daf (Sochaux, France), Lamine Diatta (Rennes, France), Souleymane Diawara (Le Havre, France), Pape Malick Diop (Lorient, France), Baye Ali Ibra Kebe (Spartak Moscow, Russia), Ibrahima Tall (Sochaux, France)
Midfielders: Salif Diao (Liverpool, England), Pape Bouba Diop (Lens, France), Khalilou Fadiga, Amdy Faye (both Auxerre, France), Moussa Ndiaye (Sedan, France), Sylvain Ndiaye (Lille, France)
Strikers: Henri Camara (Sedan, France), Souleymane Camara (Monaco, France), Germany), Mamadou Lamine Diabang (Arminia Bielefeld, Germany), El Hadji Ousseynou Diouf (Liverpool, England), Diomany Kamara (Modena, Italy), Mamadou Niang (Metz, France).
Gambia squad:
Goalkeepers: Ba Dembo Touray (Assyriska, Sweden), Robert Badjie (Hawks)
Defenders: Kemo Ceesay (Tossneck, Germany), Seyfo Soley (Genk, Belgium), Momor Njie (SV Horn, Austria), Abdouraham (Jeanne d'Arc, Senegal), Lamin Conateh (Wallidan), Abdoulie Corr (Hawks), Joe Jabang (Real de Banjul), Lamin Colley (Armed Forces)
Midfielders:Abou Njie (Berlin FC, Germany), Alhajie Fatty (Bramfelder FC, Germany), Ebou Sillah (FC Brugge, Belgium), Mustapha Sarr (Stade de Tunis, Tunisia), Dawda Bah (Hawks), Sheriff Samba (Armed forces)
Forwards: Aziz Corr (Durgardens FC, Sweden), Arthur Gomez (Royal Antwerp, Belgium), Ismaila Jagne (Solo Ost, Norway), Omar Ceesay, (FC Klein Luzern, Switzerland), Amadou Gai (Bakau United), Assan Jatta (Steve Biko).
Sierra Stars To Play In Finland Finals
05/06/03 Sierra Leone has reached the final of the 5th African U-17 tournament in Swaziland for the first time in its history after beating defending champions Nigeria 1-0 on June 5th. The side which was never touted to reach that far in the tournament will now play Cameroon in the final and they have automatically qualified for the World championships in Finland in August.
The team which is being Coached by Musa Kallon, former national team striker and elder brother of Inter Milan striker Mohammed Kallon, will be hoping to bring the Cup to Freetown after a long drought of top achievements in Sierra Leone football.
Meanwhile, the Senior national team Leone Stars will play away to Morocco on Saturady in a crucial African Nations Cup qualifier. They are currently tied at the top of the group 7 with 7 points but Morocco are better on goal points. A win or draw will boost the Leone Stars chances of qualifying for their third Nations Cup finals having previously played in the 1994 and 1996 editions.
Exclusive: New Era in Gambian Football Might Switch To Higher Levels
22.05.03. It comes as no surprise for so much interest to be pouring in Gambian football now. It may be seen that Gambian national sides have now stepped in the limelight following a series of stunning performances and achievements.
Indeed much has been talked about the Gambia recently in terms of football and it is believed by many that a fascinating new era has now emerged in the tiny West African nation. This is a significant step as the Country's football in now surging on for the better.
The U-17 national team has reliably broken a record by being the first Gambian national side to qualify for a major continental tournament. They will participate in the 5th African U-17 finals in Swaziland. As the tournament is scheduled to kick off on May 25th, Gambia has already started preparations on a positive note as performances and results in two friendly home matches against fellow finalists, Guinea, were satisfactory.
These matches which were played at the Independence Stadium in Bakau on May 4th and 7th ended 1-0 (in favour of Gambia) and 1-1 respectively. The Gambian contingent has already left Banjul for South Africa where they will play friendly matches before heading to Swaziland for the finals. They are drawn in the same group (B) with Nigeria, Cameroon and Ethiopia.
However, if the achievements of these youngsters are insufficient to raise many eyebrows, then that of a well motivated Scorpions is seemingly on the right track - from the look of things.
Many Gambians or gambian football lovers who were sceptical about the senior national side's performance, may somehow be relieved, at least for now, after the Scorpions' first two impressive matches for qualification to the 2004 African Nations Cup finals.
'It is indeed a wonderful story to talk about the Scorpions now as they have proved to be very determined to make history by qualifying for the Nations Cup for the first time,' said a delighted Mohammed Njie. 'I am satisfied with their performance so far and we must give them our full support.' concluded the Scorpions supporter.
Gambia is currently tied at the top of the group 8 with rivals Senegal and stand a better chance of going through depending on their remaining matches. Gambia is seeking to book its first ever ticket enroute to the continent's top sporting event which will be hosted by Tunisia early next year.
Now, the Scorpions fate can only be decided when they play a crucial game away to Senegal on June 7th. Any positive result will see them qualify and set a record in their footballing history.
There are however some Senegal fans who have been disappointed with their team's performance off late.
'There is a possibility that Gambia can qualify if they concentrate very well,' said Mustapha Touray. 'Now, much is expected of Senegal after their performances in the last Nations Cup and they are now termed as one of the best teams in Africa. But, we have seen a decline in their Fifa ranking by two points to close at 30. Performances in their last matches show that some problems linking the midfield and the attack should be resolved or else the Scorpions would take advantage of their errors.'
If Gambia does qualify for the finals, it will be a great motivation for the side to proceed to a higher level and their standard will also increase if only they maintain their good form and team spirit.
Who knows...? Maybe we might see them qualify for the finals of the next World Cup being that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has already implemented a new policy regarding World Cup qualification and this new method will come into force starting in 2006.
CAF's new policy would see one set of qualifiers to choose those teams who should make it to both the African Nations Cup and World Cup finals. There will be five qualifying groups and the winners of each group will be Africa's five representatives in the World Cup finals which will be hosted by Germany in 2006.
The Scorpions have already started their campaign very well - even though it is far from being completed. What Gambians want most is to see their beloved team making a mark in sports biggest showcase (The World Cup Finals) even though early signs show that the gallant Scorpions are already to do just that.
Update: Thousands Out In Streets As The `Lions` Enter Gambia
28.03.03. As preparations continue for the very tough contested qualifying match between Gambia and Senegal, many supporters of both teams have been lining out in the streets chanting slogans, blowing whistles, drumming - and colours of both nations` flags could be seen everywhere.
While hundreds of supporters of the Dakar Lions were at the Banjul International Airport today to welcome their team, hundreds (if not thousands) are expected to travel from neighbouring Senegal to watch this match against their long time rivals. Many fans have already made their way in and are anxiously waiting for Sunday.
This weekend will indeed be a memorable one in a Nation that had less interest in football before. The Gambia Football Association (GFA) which had earlier faced criticism for more than doubling the cost of match tickets may have got a point right - as the mass influx of supporters in the stadium might cause problems due to over-crowding.
With a lot of tension among the fans and players themselves, it will some how look as a match that would never want to end - as any negative action on the pitch amongst the players would tend to trigger fans to go wild.
Meanwhile, Gambia`s Captain Jatto Ceesay is struggling to be fit for the match after he picked up any injury during training a session. The presence of the Willem II midfielder in the team will indeed be a boost to the side.
Elsewhere, Sierra Leone also has a crucial match and they play hosts to Morocco tomorrow March 29 in Freetown. Sierra Leone had previously participated twice in the African Nations Cup, in 1994 and 1996 and they are seeking to qualify for the tournament again - which will be hosted by Tunisia in 2004.
Both Nations share 6 points at the top of the group but Morocco lead on goal difference. Sierra Leone will stand a better chance of qualifying provided they win against the Arabs. Two major absentees are Inter`s Mohammed Kallon [injured] and Belgium-based Paul Kpaka [suspended].
`It is going to be a tough match and it will be treated seriously by both sides. I however have a lot of confidence in our side. It is rather unfortunate I would not be playing this game due to injury but with our team spirit, I wish the boys [Leone Stars] all the best of luck` said the Inter Milan striker.
CAN QUALIFIER PREVIEW: GAMBIA - SENEGAL
26.03.03 This weekend is scheduled to be a very busy one on the continent in terms of football -with a series of qualifying matches for the 2004 African Nations Cup to be played. Amongst these important matches is Gambia Vs Senegal, a crucial game that many people in the Sene-Gambia region have been anxiously waiting for.
The significance of this match will also raise interests from many other sectors. This encounter which will not be treated with kid-gloves by the host Nation, will not only serve as a qualifier, but one of the greatest games in its history as the Scorpions are vying to qualify for Africa`s Premier competition for the first time.
However, it will also mark the end of the first leg sentiments which both Gambians and Senegalese alike have been shedding as the match itself will be kicked into action on Sunday 30th March in Banjul.
Been neighbouring Countries, both Nations are no strangers to each other and they both share many things in common and have similar local languages and culture. This will create some form of understanding amongst the players on the pitch and a mass crowd of supporters is also expected to cheer their various sides thus keeping the excitements and tempo very high.
It`s been ages since Gambia last won Senegal at Senior National level, dating back to 1973 in a 2-1 home friendly. It will now be very remarkable if the Scorpions can secure a win at home and stand a better chance of qualification at the hands of Senegal, finalists at the 2002 Nations Cup in Mali and a team now considered by many as one of Africa`s finest after their heroic performance at last year`s World Cup Tournament.
Gambia which started its qualifying campaign with a superb momentum on home soil by thrashing Lesotho 6-0, currently share 3 points with Senegal at the top of the group. Both teams have played a game each but Gambia lead on goal difference. That sound victory against Lesotho must have instilled a lot of confidence and determination in the squad.
However, the last 1-0 home defeat to an entire home-based Super Eagles side of Nigeria in a friendly match in February may have helped the Scorpions Technical Director and Head Coach Sang Ndong to know the strengths and weaknesses of his side.
A few new names were included in the squad and Sang Ndong is will select a composed team mostly comprising foreign-based players and blended by a few home-based players.
New names in the squad include Momor Njie (SV Horn, Austria), Abou Njie (Berlin FC, Germany), Omar Ceesay (FC Klein Luzern, Switzerland). Jato Ceesay, Ebou Sillah, Pa Dembo Touray who were absent for the friendly with Nigeria due to club commitments will all feature in this important game.
A worry for Sang Ndong is the absence of Roda JC midfielder Eddrisa Sonko who will be out of action due to an injury he sustained in their weekend clash with NEC Nijmegen.
Gambia`s opponents are also well prepared now that new French Coach Guy Stephen has named his squad of almost an entire foreign-based side for this encounter. A key player who will be missing action is Auxerre-based Khalilou Fadiga who is suspended after picking a red card against Lesotho. Ousmane Ndoye of France Second division side Toulouse has been called upon by Coach Stephen and he is very likely to replace Fadiga.
Other key players who will be sidelined due to injury are Captain Aliou Cisse, Lamine Diatta, Omar Daf and Habib Beye. Ibrahima Sonko, Ali Ibra Kebe and Ibrhima Diallo are expected to fill in for the injured pair in the defence.
Others named in the squad are strikers Mamadou Niang, Diomansy kamara, and Mamadou Diabang while Souleymane Camara, Pape Thiaw and Makhtar Ndiaye who were part of the squad in previous competitions including the World Cup 2002 did not receive a call up.
A good news for Guy Stephan is the recovery of midfielder Pape Bouba Diop who was injured earlier while playing for Lens and he is expected to be among the starting IX.
Key Gambian players to watch out for who might cause an upset to the Lions are Ebou Sillah and Captain Jatto Ceesay as the two are very skillful and will want to make use of the best of their abilities in the derby match.
El Hadji Diouf and Diomansy Kamara will be looking out to torment the Gambian defence and will make use of any opportunity they get. The former has been very impressive recently and will be looking to make a mark for his Country.
A very tough match indeed but with so much confidence on the Gambian side, they stand a chance of winning this outing as they will be going all out to please their desperate home fans.
Gambia Squad:
Goalkeepers: Ba Dembo Touray(Assyriska, Sweden), Robert Badjie (Hawks)
Defenders: Kemo Ceesay (Tossneck,Germany), Seyfo Soley (Genk, Belgium), Momor Njie (SV Horn, Austria),Abdouraham (Jeanne d'Arc, Senegal), Lamin
Conateh (Wallidan), Abdoulie Corr (Hawks), Joe Jabang (Real de Banjul)
Midfielders:Abou Njie (Berlin FC,Germany), Edirssa Sonko (Roda FC,Holland), Ebou Sillah Roosendaal FC,Holland), Mustapha Sarr (Stade de Tunis,Tunisia), Dawda Bah (Hawks)
Forwards: Aziz Corr (Durgardens FC,Sweden), Arthur Gomez (Royal Antwerp,Belgium), Omar Ceesay, (FC Klein Luzern,Switzerland), Amadou Gai (Bakau United), Assan Jatta (Steve Biko)
Senegal Squad:
Goalkeepers: Tony Sylva (Monaco, France), Kalidou Cissokho (Jeanne d'Arc)
Defenders: Ferdinand Coly (Birmingham, England), Pape Malick Diop (Lorient, France), Souleymane Diawara (Le Havre, France), Ibrahim Tall (Sochaux, France), Ibrahima Sonko (Brentford, England), Ibrahima Diallo (Jeanne d'Arc), Baye Ali Ibra Kebe (Spartak Moscow)
Midfield: Salif Diao (Liverpool, England), Amdy Faye (Auxerre, France), Sylvain Ndiaye (Lille, France), Pape Bouba Diop (Lens, France), Ousmane Ndoye (Toulouse, France)
Forwards: El Hadji Diouf (Liverpool, England), Diomansy Kamara (Modena, Italy), Mamadou Diabang (Arminia Bielefeld, Germany), Mamadou Niang (Metz, France), Henri Camara (Sedan, France).
Africa To Host The Rest of The World
Feb.03. It`s been decades since the World Cup was first staged and it will be a dream come true when the world`s finest sporting event will finally be staged in Africa for the first time. South Africa was one of the African Nations to bid for the 2006 edition but they narrowly lost to Germany by one vote.
Morocco was the continent`s other representative that sent out a bid for the 2006 Showcase but South Africa is the only African Country to have gone so close on hosting the tournament. Fifa has stated that Africa will now host this prestigious tournament in 2010.
This is indeed good news for Africa and with such development, some National Associations have already welcomed the football governing body`s decision by formally declaring their bids to host the tournament with South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Libya and Nigeria all in the race.
While Arab states - Morocco and Tunisia are planning a joint bid, Nigeria intends to host the tournament jointly with four other Countries - Cameroon, Ghana, Benin, and Togo. Nigeria has already named a committee headed by former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami, to move on with their campaign.
CAF Changes World Cup Plans
Dec.02. The Confederation of African Football has taken a new initiative towards the qualification of teams for the World Cup tournament. This move follows a review, by a special committee that had been set up earlier, to look into proposals on adopting a suitable method for this competition.
Only one set of qualifying rounds now determines which teams qualify for both the African Nations Cup and the World Cup in 2006. There will be five qualifying groups - each consisting six teams that would play a round-robin competition and while the group winners will qualify for the World Cup, the top three will go through to the Nations Cup finals and will join hosts Egypt.
CAF and many of its member states agreed on this format, as it would enable them to secure much of the necessary television and marketing revenues that they would have lost if this option was not chosen - being that there would be an increase in the number of qualifying matches to be played
EXCLUSIVE FEATURE: An In-depth Look At Africa's Finest Football Competition
Nov.02. There is great pain in exporting African players abroad, but again, there is also great gain when these players bring back their experience acquired outside. This has helped develop the African soccer.
The African Nations Cup; a biennial championship is the most important football event on the continent. Like several other competitions, all nations are guaranteed the hosting right - provided they meet the conditions regarding facilities that are convenient for all participating teams.
It all started in the 1950`s and ever since, the tempo and excitement about it has been growing. African teams were referred to as `football underdogs`. We are now starting to forget this label and Europe of course must stop using this term now for most Countries on the continent.
Hosted in Mali earlier this year, the African Nations Cup itself was more of a success even than expected. Although hosted by a poor West African nation, all went well in terms of stadia standards [5 new stadia were constructed and 1 renovated to mark this tournament], security, and other basic services were also sufficiently taken care of.
The host nation, which was not even touted to go far in the competition, were able to display a wonderful performance on the pitch and, with a team mostly composed of youngsters, they were able to make it to the third place playoffs.
The competition served as a period of new life for certain teams, e.g., Senegal which made it to the grand-final for the very first time, only top loose on a dramatic 3-2 post-match penalty shoot-out to the defending champions Cameroon.
Conversely, it also saw the dismissal of certain players and coaches in some of the participating teams, one example is Nigeria. The Head Coach, Amodou Shaibu [first local coach to guide the team to the World Cup finals], and his assistants were relieved of their duties for the team's poor performance and for not reaching the finals. The team Captain, Sunday Oliseh, was dropped from the squad on grounds of bad behaviour.
Other players were also dropped from the squad and the team transformed under the reigns of a new local Coach, Adegboye Onigbinde, as they prepared for the 2002 World Cup, even though they eventually faced an early exit in the Far East.
One interesting thing about this African tournament is that the four semi-finalists and one other team automatically qualifies for the world cup in 2006. This change was agreed upon at a Confederation of African Football (CAF) congress early this year in Bamako, Mali. Many quarters don`t seem to agree on this new method of using the African Nations Cup to decide on who qualifies for the World Cup.
I don`t think this African tournament should serve as a World Cup Qualifier, but the initiative was agreed upon - taking into consideration certain obstacles faced by some Football Associations when it comes to playing international matches, such as financial problems, availability of players to honour international matches, etc.
Nevertheless, CAF has set up a special committee to look into two proposals on implementing a suitable format of which teams would qualify for the prestigious World Cup tournament.
As the teams are ever producing budding talents, the battle will be interesting when the balls start rolling in Tunisia in 2004. Heads will roll, bodies will tense during another vibrant display of African football talents. It was never written in any soccer book that Senegal or Mali would go through to the grand-final and third-place playoff in the 2002 Nations Cup.
It was indeed more surprising what Senegal did at the 2002 World Cup. Infact the confidence and morale which was instilled in a much composed and star-studded team during the 2002 African Nations Cup, culminated in a record of been the second African team in more than a decade to reach the quarter finals of the World Cup. There are many African teams that are now determined to emulate them.
One such team is Gambia, who has never had a taste of either finals before. They are in the same group with Senegal and Lesotho to qualify for the 2004 Nations Cup with Sao Tome e Principe already withdrawn.
Gambia has already started very well by thrashing Lesotho 6 nil in Banjul and with only one team to qualify from the group, the Scorpions` Technical Director and Head Coach, Sang Ndong, is confident that his side will go through. Can they really emulate and qualify at the detriment of their arch-rivals Senegal? He has the answer.
`Yes...yes. Football is at the highest point in Gambia now and it is possible for our team to qualify at the detriment of Senegal. Football is football. It cannot be played before the time neither can it be speculated on. But if there is a possibility of Senegal winning the opening game of the World Cup against France, then there is a possibility of Gambia winning them too, especially at home,` said the optimistic Ndong.
`After the match against Lesotho, we are now preparing for the Senegal game and other Gambian professionals have also shown interest to play for the team. We will invite and test them in our next friendly matches prior to the Senegal game.`
Well with such confidence, let`s wait and see what happens when the Scorpions play hosts to the Lions of Teranga in March 2003 for the first leg.
Been voted `Team of the Century` by CAF, Cameroon has proved to be a strong side during latter times by winning the Olympic Soccer tournament & the African Nations Cup in 2000 as well as successfully retaining their African title in Mali early this year.
Many African football fans, both home and abroad, are now anxiously waiting to see what brighter package Tunisia 2004 will bring forth.
However, the anxiety about the competition is not only over Tunisia 2004, but Egypt 2006. This will mark the start of a new era in the tournament itself when the new CAF World Cup qualification rule comes into force.
Many nations will be vying to make it to the last five [if no change in the format already implemented] and automatically qualify for the world`s finest sporting event, to be staged in Germany that same year.
Never under estimate a team until the final whistle is blown. Even though we have seen surprises, expect more in future competitions.
On a different note, African players themselves are very important to talk about. Europe is now bright and infact littered with African players. Most of these players are coming from low backings - some started learning their trade on the sun-hardened pitches. It is really an admiration when these players outshine their European counterparts.
George Weah is the trailblazer of African talents outside Africa. He is not actually the first player to shine outside the continent but the most interesting part of the story is really based around George Weah. He is the first African ever to be voted Africa`s, Europe`s and World footballer of the Year at the same time.
In Mali earlier this year, we saw the valuable contributions other outstanding and devoted African stars with the likes of Khalilou Fadiga, Seydou Keita, El Hadji Diouf, Julius Aghahowa, [only to name a few] did for their various national sides.
On such a positive note, we only hope that these great players who are also shining at club level, will keep up their good works and we also pray that dormant African youngsters will wake up and follow the good works of their heroes.
Bravo to African Football!
The 2002 World Cup - Exclusive Article
Senegal: One of Africa`s World Cup Fortunes
04/06/02. Senegal is one of Africa`s most on form teams of the moment having surprised many people by beating the defending champions and joint favourites of the World Cup, France 1-0 in the opening match of the first World Cup in this New Millennium, which was kicked into action on May 31st in South Korea. It was noticeable that months before the tournament`s kick-off, different sentiments and arguments were shedded out by various works of life, many lamenting on who the eventual winner will emerge to be on the opening day.
It was indeed an illustrious moment in the history of Senegal football, a day many Senegalese will never keep their memories off. With that result now at hand, many of those who doubted the Teranga Lions of securing a win against former colonial power France, may have laid their arguments to rest.
Amongst those who can agree that Senegal is one of the surprising teams in the World Cup tournament is Inter Milan striker, Mohammed Kallon. `Senegal has so far proved to be one of the surprising teams in the World Cup. This is indeed good news for Africa and I believe they will do their best together with the help of El Hadji Diouf and Khalilou Fadiga. I wish them all the best of luck`, said the Sierra Leonean International.
The important question however is, how far the Lions can really proceed in this tournament, their group also been a tough one and they are yet to face both Denmark and Uruguay.
QUALIFYING SERIES:
A superb performance during the qualifying rounds saw Senegal book a place to the World Cup finals for the very first time. Senegal was not touted to go through in their group with the likes of Morocco who have previously appeared four times in the World Cup finals. The Lions` spot also saw the exclusion of other Arab States Algeria and Egypt, both who had also had a taste of the World Cup finals before. Senegal lost only one match throughout the competition in eight matches played.
MEMORABLE MOMENTS:
This is the most successful of all times in Senegal`s footballing history. The standard of the West African side has been greatly raised and almost all its players ply their professional career in France. The team also displayed an outstanding performance at the African Nations Cup earlier this year where they successfully made it to the final for the very first time but only to loose in a dramatic 3-2 post-match penalty shootout at the hands of the defending champions and fellow world cup side Cameroon. Their performance was satisfactory in the tournament after conceding only one goal in six matches.
The achievements of Senegal are however not limited to the field of play only. They were recently crowned National Team of the Year and Coach Bruno Metsu, who has also recently joined the Senegalese family by marrying a Senegalese, was voted Coach of the Year by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The 43-year-old Frenchman who took up duty in November 2000, has played a major role in Senegal`s football by moulding the team formerly controlled by German Coach Peter Schnittger, into one of Africa`s Finest.
Adding to their awards, star player El Hadji Diouf who is linked with about £10 million move to Liverpool, was voted African Footballer of the Year for 2001 by CAF. The 21-year-old Lens striker played a pivotal role in his team`s World Cup qualification by scoring a total of nine goals.
WORLD CUP PREPARATION SUMMARY:
International Friendly Results: WLDW
Senegal played a couple of friendly matches to prepare the team for the current competition. They secured a 2-1 win over Bolivia in their first warm up match on March 27 but lost 3-2 to Saudi Arabia on May 14. The team could only secure a goalless draw against J-League club side Kashiwa Reysol on May 19 and the last was a 1-0 win over Equador on May 23.
Even though their preparations seemed to be poor, good results in previous competitions has inspired a lot of confidence in the team with the home fans playing a major role as well by motivating them with the 100% support they`ve pledged. Moreover, the unity among the players, commitment and determination is one of the qualities a side should possess.
STAR PLAYERS:
Been one of the famous names in African football currently, El Hadji Diouf is one of the strikers many Senegal fans rely on. The former Rennes striker is an active force up front and he possesses a lot of vision. He can make use of any good opportunity and it was his assist against France that helped the team to victory.
Another able player in the side is playmaker, Khalilou Fadiga. Very rich in talent, the Auxerre midfielder also contributes to much of the team`s success. Many fans will be expecting goalkeeper Tony Sylva to keep up his top performance and continue his superb saves.
Senegal will face Denmark in the group`s next match on June 6 and another against Uruguay on June 11.
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