Kickoff (Cape Town)
23 September 2008
Gabon coach Alain Giresse is eyeing a big thumping of Libya on the final day of the first round of World Cup qualifying in order to beat off potential competition from Ghana for the top spot in Group 5.
The Azingo Nationale are three points behind the Libyans but lead Ghana on a goal difference of plus one even and Giresse is confident a big win will ensure they finish above both sides and pick the automatic slot available in Group 5.
"I've made all the calculations in terms of all the groups, and our situation is not necessarily the easiest," Giresse told FIFA.com.
"We know we have to win, but our goal difference could be decisive. To sum up, I'll be asking my players to give their all. If we allow ourselves to dream for a bit, a 4-0 win would still allow us to finish first."
Gabon gave themselves a massive lift in the qualifiers when they beat the Black Stars 2-0 at home in June but Giresse still feels luck has not been on their side.
"If I was surprised by our [2-0] victory against Ghana, I also believe we lacked a little luck and could have done even better. We've never been able to field our two star players Cousin and Eric Mouloungi together, for example.
"Last month, I nearly did but Daniel lost his passport. He'll be back against Libya, but Eric will be suspended."
Those difficulties notwithstanding Gabon are looking good to progress to the next round and Giresse is expecting his side to make their domination count this time against the Greens of Libya who will go into the game needing just a point to qualify for the next round.
"Before we take on the Libyans, I'm expecting nothing less than what we managed in the away match against them," said Giresse.
"We could have played without a goalkeeper, such was our complete domination. We'll need to be strong to make that domination a reality again. But if we have the good fortune to get through this round, that's when the hard part will begin."
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