Wednesday, November 20, 2013
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ITS A WEST AFRICAN WORLD CUP! Congrats to Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast and Algeria
After months of World Cup
qualifiers which eventually ended in Tuesday’s second leg play-off showdown, Nigeria,
Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Algeria, and Ghana just sealed their places as Africa’s
representative for next year’s World Cup in Brazil.
NIGERIA: Current African champions Nigeria became the first African
side to qualify for the 2014 World Cup after beating Ethiopia 2-0 in Calabar on
Saturday. Chelsea starlet on loan to Liverpool Victor Moses booked the first
goal for the Super Eagles when he converted from the penalty spot after
Ethiopia’s Aynalem Hailu was fouled by the referee for handling the ball in the
area. The second goal for the Nigerian team came later on in the game;
substitute Victor Obinna sealed Nigeira’s place in Brazil when his free-kick
found its way to the back of the net giving Nigeria a comfortable 4-1 aggregate
win.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria
qualified for the World Cup in 1994 and current head coach, Stephen Keshi
captained the team back then, Keshi will once again make his appearance at the
World Cup, only this time, he will be leading an entire team. The Super Eagles also qualified for the World
Cup in 1998, 2002 and 2010, and for the 2014 World Cup, Nigeria is now through to
their 5th finals.
CAMEROON: Cameroon became the second West African nation to qualify
for the World Cup right after Nigeria. The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon are
back in action after years of confusion, while they still have a lot of work to
do ahead of the 2014 WC, they were able to defeat Tunisia 4-1 convincingly in
the second leg of the play-offs which off cause thrilled their fans across the
world. Spoke to one fan Samuel, he said: “I can’t wait to fly to Brazil to
witness mycountry play next year.”
On their way to Brazil in their 7th
World Cup appearance, let’s all hope that Coach Finke will be able to put the
house in order. Already, he seems to be in the right direction with Samuel Eto’o back in the team and with the county in focus and not individuals, the Indomitable Lions are
bound to make a comeback. Till date, their WC best performance was in the 1990 where they bowed out of the tournament in the
Quarter-finals.
IVORY COAST: Joining Nigeria and Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire has also
qualified for their third World Cup in a row after ruling out Senegal on a 4-2
aggregate. However, despite their victorious celebration, the fans are
still unhappy with the team’s coach. Local fans including journalists of the
African favorites are all calling for the removal of current head coach Sabri
Lamouchi whom according to them ‘lacks depth of knowledge and proven experience’
they will need for the upcoming World Cup. The Elephants’ jittery performance against
the Teranga Lions in Casablanca, Morocco on Saturday rekindled a waning
animosity for the former Inter Milan midfielder, who is now Ivory
Coast coach. The Elephants completed their race for the World Cup after
coming from behind to hold the Teranga Lions of Senegal to a 1-1 draw in the
playoff second leg on Saturday in Casablanca and advance 4-2 on aggregate.
Team captain and current Galatasaray
striker who led the Elephants to their first ever World Cup 7 years ago, Didier
Drogba is looking to rewrite history this time. The Ivoirians failed to go past
the group stage during their two previous appearances in 2006 (Germany) and
2010 (South Africa)
“We want to do better at next
year’s World Cup. The previous two were difficult,” he concluded.
GHANA: The Black stars of Ghana booked their tickets to next year's
World Cup finals in Brazil, despite losing 2-1 to Egypt in the second leg of
their play-off.Ghana made it to their third
successive finals thanks to a 6-1
victory in the first leg from last month which helped them win on a 7-3
on aggregate. The Pharaohs, who needed to score at least five unanswered goals to turn the tie their favor worked very hard backed by a vociferous crowd but the expected result remained elusive.
Ghana made their debut at the World Cup in 2006 in Germany, before reaching the quarters four years later in South Africa, losing to Uruguay painfully on penalties.
Ghana made their debut at the World Cup in 2006 in Germany, before reaching the quarters four years later in South Africa, losing to Uruguay painfully on penalties.
Fighting for a chance for Brazil
2014, Amr Zaki gave Egypt a faint hope in Caira when he scored after 25
minutes, Gedo rifled in a second late on. However, Black stars returnee Kevin-Prince
Boateng struck on 89 minutes to give Ghana the last word.
ALGERIA: Joining 4 West African countries, Algeria qualified for
the 2014 World Cup after beating Burkina Faso 1-0 in their World Cup second leg play-off in Blida. Algeria's captain Madjid Bougherra led by example scoring
the decisive goal against Burkina Faso and hand Les Fennecs the final African
slot for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Bougherra’s 49th minute effort ensured the North
African side sealed their place in Brazil on the away goals rule after a 3-3
aggregate draw. Trailing by one goal after last month's first leg, Algeria showcased a strong and reseliant side as they were bent on rewriting the history books with their debut qualification to next year's World Cup.
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