The New Times (Kigali) Government Supporting Daily

Africa: Nations Cup Draws Complete

21 November 2009

Kigali — ANGOLA versus Mali will be the opening game of the tournament. Group A will be based in Luanda, Group B will be in Cabinda in the north of the country, Group C will play in Benguela, and Group D will be based in Lubango.

Egypt versus Nigeria is Group C's opening game on January 12th in Benguela.

Nigeria's coach Shaibu Amodou was present at the draw and said that on paper Nigeria should emerge from Group B, but he added a word of caution.

"There are no small teams in football any more" he said.

Nigeria's former captain Sunday Oliseh described Nigeria's group as a "delicate" one.

"Mozambique gave us a lot of hassle during qualifying" he said.

Oliseh also thanked Mozambique for helping Nigeria qualify for the World Cup.

They scored a lone goal against Tunisia in the final qualifying game which helped to put Nigeria through to South Africa 2010.

Mozambique's most capped player and record goal scorer Tico-Tico said he thought it was a tough draw for his side.

"We'll just have to compete and see what happens" he said.

"Egypt are the champions of Africa so that won't be easy but if we believe in ourselves maybe we can spring some surprises," he says.

Former Angolan football legend Akwa said he thought all the groups looked difficult.

However, when asked how far Angola can go, he said "I believe we can reach the final".

Group B is being touted as the group of death with the prospect of Ghana and Ivory Coast renewing their rivalry.

However history favours Ghana as they've met seven times and the Ivorians have won just one of those encounters.

Group A

Angola

Mali

Algeria

Malawi.

Group B

Ivory Coast

Ghana

Togo

Burkina Faso.

Group C

Egypt

Nigeria

Benin

Mozambique.

Group D

Cameroon

Tunisia

Zambia

Gabon.

Tagged: Africa, Angola, Central Africa, East Africa, Rwanda, Soccer, Southern Africa, Sport

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Comments 1 to 1 of 1 Post a comment

  • oscarmedson
    Nov 23 2009, 05:32
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    The most intresting thing is that southern africa has been represented by the new teams likes of mozambique,malawi and zambia not all the one which claims are the giant of the southern africa.That means soccer is growing in the southern part despite the poverty of the stated contries.Its not about money but the passion of players if they want to make names for themselves and at the same time lift the flag of their contries.Thanks guys it was not easy to qualify it was a tough ride we are very proud of you.Prove them wrong on the ground don't play fotball in the news paper,So that they know your are not underdog.