Olawale Ajimotokan
27 October 2008
Lagos — The Colombian Soccer Federation (FCF) has restated its confidence in the national team chief coach Eduardo Lara ahead of the international friendly match against Nigeria by confirming his appointment as the helmsman of the Los Cafeteros.
Former youth coach, Lara was early in the month asked to step in as the national coach after the federation sacked Jorge Luis Pinto following the unimpressive performance of the side in the South American qualifying series for South Africa 2010.
The FCF rang changes in the national team after the losses by Colombia to Uruaguay and Chile seriously undermined the Los Cafeteros chances of making it to the World Cup finals.
However, in view of the confirmation which was handed to the 49 -year old Lara, his next big challenge will be on November 19 in Bogota against the Super Eagles who are also yearning for a high profile opposition to knock them in shape for the African qualifying round where they are pitched in testy Group B with Tunisia, Mozambique and Kenya.
The Argentine-trained Lara has got Colombia clawing back into contention for a ticket to the World Cup following the side's recent 0-0 draw with Brazil.
But they still have much work to do if they eventually hope to pick one of the zone's four automatic slots as they are currently placed sixth with 10 points after 10 matches in the marathon like qualifying contest where each country will be subjected to 18 matches.
Colombia will now be hoping to take advantage of the friendly against Nigeria which is their next official match on the cards before the resumption of the South American (Conmenbol) qualifying contest now on recess until early anext year.
After the Eagles' visit, Colombia will regroup for another build up match against a Catalan selection on December 23.
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