Battle for 2012 Africa Cup of Nations tickets continues

The battle among Africa football nations for tickets to the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations to be co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon continues today with some entertaining games to be played across the continent. Top on the bill of matches to be played today is the qualifying match between hitherto African giant Nigeria against […]

The battle among Africa football nations for tickets to the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations to be co-hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon continues today with some entertaining games to be played across the continent.

Top on the bill of matches to be played today is the qualifying match between hitherto African giant Nigeria against upcoming Madagascar. The match which was initially scheduled to hold at the Abuja ultra-modern stadium will be played at the JS Esuene stadium in Calabar.

Already the Super Eagles have moved into Calabar from Abuja where they initially camped for the match. The Nigerian team which did not impress its teeming supporter in South Africa during the 2010 FIFA World Cup is looking forward to today’s match to atone for its poor performance.

The Eagles who are coached by former international Austin Eguavoen will have the full backing of Nigerians to start the campaign on a good note.

Without being told, the Eagles know that they are no longer a dreaded side and as such the fear which usually gripped their opponents in the late 90s whenever they were to come face to face with the team is gone. Consequently, the players have vowed to put in everything to ensure that they pick the maximum points.

The Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, president, Alhaji Aminu Maigari has assured Nigerians that the Super Eagles will not fail to soar above their opponents today.

Apart from Nigeria versus Madagascar match, other countries will also take turns today to begin their journey to 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

Ethiopia vs. Guinea.

Addis Ababa Stadium

Guinea have more recent realizations than Ethiopia, who had been a tough side across the ‘50s to early ‘80s, winning the AFCON title in 1962. But they have worn off in time, qualifying last for the finals in 1982. The Syli National of Guinea, who did not qualify for the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations, want to make up for it this time, hence the hiring of a new coach, the multiplication of friendlies and local tournaments. But playing The Walya Antelopes in their ground at Addis Ababa will cause the Guineans some sweat.

DR Congo vs. Senegal

 Le Stade de la Kenya, Lubumbashi

This will be perhaps one of the mouth-watering clashes of the weekend, considering the stern determination both teams have to clinch a ticket for the finals of the 2012 AFCON. Secondly, a comfortable result here would consolidate their situation ahead of the game against the super weights of their Group E – Cameroon, who play minnows Mauritius this weekend. Expect anything at the Kenya Stadium in Lubumbashi today, from an encounter Senegal say they would play as if they were at home.

Liberia vs. Zimbabwe

 Samuel Kanyon Doe (SKD) Sports Complex, Paynesville

The Lone Stars of Liberia who have qualified only once for the Africa Cup of Nations are determined this time to get far. With a mixture of 23 local-based and 13 foreign-based players, the George Weah-inspired squad is confident of licking The Warriors of Zimbabwe led by Blackburn Rovers’ forward Benjani Mwaruwari.

Mozambique vs. Libya

Estádio da Machava, Maputo

Statistically, The Mambas of Mozambique have appeared four times at the Africa Cup of Nations finals (1986, 1996, 1998 and 2010) while Libya have shown up only twice (1982 and 2006) but rising to be runners-up in 1982. The Greens have not been brilliant as compared to The Mambas, who have shown some signs of improvement off late. However, both teams have one common rival in their Group C – Zambia, while the fourth member Comoros will have to brace themselves against the three predators.

Gambia vs. Namibia

Independence Stadium, Bakau

With the withdrawal of Mauritania from the 2012 AFCON campaigns, Group F is left with The Gambia, Namibia and Burkina Faso, slashing down the task to qualify probably, but the race remains tense especially for Gambia, who have not qualified for any African Cup of Nations finals. But playing host to Namibia, who have participated only twice (1998 and 2008), crashing out each time in the group stage, may not be hard nut to crack for The Scorpions, recently invigorated with young players from the junior teams. However, the mission here will be to grab a comfortable or dependable lead ahead of Burkina Faso encounter, which will surely be a decider for both.

Benin vs. Burundi

Stade de l’Amitié, Cotonou

Both teams from Group H will lock horns in Benin’s capital Cotonou with a true mission of obtaining some advantage capable of creating some guarantee for the rest of the competition ahead of a jam against Rwanda and group’s heavyweights Cote D’Ivoire. Burundi have never qualified for the AFCON finals while Benin have made it thrice but this time, both sides as well as Rwanda would vie to be second on the ticket behind Cote D’Ivoire, no matter what, to reach the biennial tournament.