18th September, 2013
Mixed reactions have continued to trail the Africa draws of the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. After waiting with baited breath the ten countries now know their foes and what to expect if they must be at the Mundial next year.
The draw was conducted by Gordon Savic, Head of Olympic and FIFA World Cup Qualifying. The first leg will be played between 11 and 15 October, and the second between 15 and 19 November. While it appears reigning African champions, Nigeria have been handed a weak opponents in Ethiopia, they have been warned not to underrate the East African team .
Two ex-internationals, Waidi Akanni and Joseph Dosu, in Lagos advised the Super Eagles to avoid being complacent against Ethiopia’s Walya Antelopes when they meet.
According to Akanni: “Nigeria have come a long way in these qualifiers, and we are gradually becoming a stronghold as a team. We should remain consistent as we have always been. “Ethiopia on paper looks easy. Stephen Keshi has a winning culture, and the players have caught the bug too. They need to keep it together. “Super Eagles are much focused now. They have a lot at stake for them. I’m positive that they will give their best.’’.
Dosu, a member of the Atlanta ’96 soccer gold winning team, predicted that the encounter between the two countries would be tough. He advised the team to remain focused throughout against the Ethiopians.
In Dosu’s words “It will not be an easy pairing, but we have played against them before and we won, even though this was after two penalty kicks. We need to work extremely hard to get to the World Cup. “The players, on the other hand, now know what they are up against. They need to play their hearts out, as everyone is struggling to get to Brazil.”
Dosu said he was however happy that the second leg match of the pairing would be played in Nigeria. “It is good to know that the second leg match of the pairing will be played in Nigeria. “So, that gives us a little advantage to even out whatever must have happened in the first leg,” he enthused.
Despite series of warning going the way of the Nigerians Eagles led by Mikel Obi have vowed to crush Ethiopia in the final playoffs so as to qualify for the 2014 World Cup.
Nigeria has won five of the previous seven matches against Ethiopia, while the Eagles lost to their rivals in 1994 and there have been two draws.
The Chelsea midfielder said there will be no hiding place for Ethiopia.
“It was a nice draw. Though I am not afraid of any team, Ethiopia will get thrashed. I am not saying they are not a good team but they are no match to us. We will give our very best as individuals and as a team,” Mikel assured.
CSKA Moscow forward Ahmed Musa said that they will give their best as usual to beat Ethiopia and get the 2014 World Cup ticket.
“We couldn’t have asked for better opponents. With all due respect to them, they will be beaten well in both legs. We know what Nigeria expects and that is outright victory. We won’t look down on them but we will prepare hard for them,” Musa assured.
The tie involving the Black Stars and Pharaohs of Egypt promises to be exciting and explosive but Black Stars captain, Asamoah Gyan acknowledged the match would be difficult.
“We are not surprised at all because we knew by all means we would meet one of the five,” Gyan said after the draw.
“Home and away ties are always very tricky. I don’t think it’ll be a problem, it all depends on the team. All that is important is that we score more goals to make the second leg easier,” Gyan believes.
The 27-year-old striker claimed Egypt have a better chance to prepare for the encounter than Ghana.
“It’s a bit scary, you know as a team they have played for so many years, but unfortunately their league has been inactive for a while so they only train most of the time.”
“But I also believe in our team, though they [Egypt] are giants in Africa. It will be a do or die affair, a mental game so we really have to prepare,” Gyan said.
He asked Ghanaians to support the Black Stars ahead of the crucial game: “Everywhere is still Ghana; whether in Kumasi, Sekondi, Accra or Tamale, it’s the same Ghanaians that will support us.”
Responding to the draw, Egypt boss Bob Bradley said he was happy to be playing the second leg of their tie with Ghana at home: “I wasn’t really bothered about avoiding one team in particular. All I wanted was for us to play the second leg at home. “The authorities now have the chance to sort out the problems the country is facing, and I hope with all my heart that the match will be played at Cairo International Stadium in front of our fantastic fans. My sole objective is to reach Brazil 2014 and I want to do it for the people of Egypt.”
The message coming from the camp of Tunisia is all about hard work, if the words of Tunisia Football Federation, TFF President Nabil Dabbousy are anything to go by.
He seemed indifferent about being paired with Cameroon. “There is no preferable opponent. All teams are respectful,” Dabbousy commented.
Tunisia, who have made it to the playoff after the FIFA imposed sanctions on Cape Verde for fielding an ineligible player, sacked their coach Nabil Maaloul after their last defeat.
“It’s not a coaches’ clash now. It is all related to the players. Players will be facing players. We have a big data base for all the good Tunisian players,” he added.
But Tunisia player Anis Bogelban has another point of view, insisting the qualification will be the responsibility of “players, technical staff, TFF officials and even fans.”
They are bidding for their fifth appearance in the World Cup as they made it in 1978, 1998, 2002 and 2006.
Algeria on their part are contented the Stallions of Burkina Faso after avoiding Arab rivals, Egypt
Algeria Football Federation, Chairman Mohamed Raouraoua was euphoric about avoiding Arab opponents in the African World Cup qualifiers playoff.
“All teams are tough and have the opportunity to qualify. We did not want to meet our Egyptian brothers, and that was granted. Thank God,” Raouraoua sighed.
Algeria’s last World Cup qualifiers play-off was against Egypt in 2009, in which the pair drew on aggregate and had to play a decider at a neutral venue in Sudan. Algeria claimed the ticket after a 1-0 victory leaving tension between the two Arab countries, which began on the field and grew into clashes between spectators and even reached wider political problems.
“We are well-prepared and, after the 2010 tournament, many new faces joined the team — all really talented and skilled, playing in big teams locally and all over the world,” he added.
The Foxes captain, Madjid Bougherra, echoed Raouraoua expressing pleasure for the draw result. “I am happy that we are playing Burkina Faso not Egypt again. It is good that the second leg will be at home” the 30-year-old Center Back told the Algerian Radio.
However, Algeria coach Vahid Halilhodzic thinks that the two teams have equal opportunities.
“I warn players not to be over-confident or arrogant especially as most of our team members are young and don’t have enough experience.” the Greens’ Bosnian Halilhodzic said.
On the other side, Burkina Faso coach Paul Put insisted that nothing is impossible in football, expressing respect to Algeria but showing confidence at the same time.
“Everything is possible in football. Burkina Faso have a good opportunity to qualify for the World Cup. We will prepare for Algeria well, especially as the first match will be at home and between our supporters,” Belgian Put said.
Burkina Faso never made it to the most prestigious tournament while the North African Algeria are bidding for their fourth appearance as they participated in 1982, 1986 and 2010.
Following the draw, Savic reminded the ten participating teams of the need to respect fair play and FIFA’s principles in contesting the ties: “We are going to see some very fine matches, as we always do with African teams. FIFA would like to offer its assistance in the organisation of these games but demands in return that each match be played in a sporting spirit.”
—Taiwo Adelu