As the 2014 World Cup qualification intensifies around the world, the playoffs for the five African spots are upon us.
The first legs will be played between October 11-15 and the second leg a month later. The draw details and analysis of the possible outcomes are below.
Who do you think will qualify?
Ivory Coast v Senegal
There have been 16 matches between these two countries in all competition and Ivory Coast have won 10, while Senegal have won four and two games have ended in draws. Senegal’s four wins, however, have come via friendly matches.
On paper, Ivory Coast are favourites and with the current crop of Ivory Coast players should provide enough ammunition to blast pass Senegal.
Ethiopia v Nigeria
Ethiopia have played Nigeria seven times in all competition, out of which Nigeria have won five, drawn once and lost once to Ethiopia, two decades ago.
Nigeria have always dominated their opponents and are the current African champions, with their current crop of players budding well in Europe.
The last time Ethiopia met with Nigeria, they lost two-nil in the group match in the 2013 African Cup of Nations. It would be hard to look past Nigeria in this fixture.
Tunisia v Cameroon
These teams have played 14 times in all competition, out of which Cameroon have won eight times and Tunisia twice with four draws.
In the recent qualifiers, Tunisia have not looked very impressive and if Cameroon can settle their internal woes then they should be able to overcome Tunisia.
Ghana v Egypt
The 18 matches between these sides have resulted in eight wins for Egypt, five wins for Ghana and five draws.
It should be noted that three of Egypt’s eight wins have come from friendlies.
It’s quite close between these two. Egypt are wrapped with a rich history of football passion and success in the African Cup of Nations, while Ghana have been the most consistent African team in recent times.
Still, it’s going to be very difficult for Ghana in Egypt.
Burkina Faso v Algeria
Algeria have won eight times while Burkina have won four, five draws rounding out the results of their 17 meetings through the years.
On paper Algeria appear dominant, sitting in third in FIFA’s African rankings. But Burkina Faso were runners-up in the 2013 African Cup of Nations. Its going to be close.
I am sure that by the end of the first leg much of the dust would have settled, helping us to separate the contenders from the pretenders.
Adrian
Guest
Ivory coast beat senegal 3-2 and Bakina Faso beat Algeria 2-1....Invory Coast, definietly one foot in Brazil know, dont think Faso...are there yet and believe that Algeria will have a lot to say in the second game
Adrian
Guest
Tonight will see the african world cup play-offs....any one knows where to watch them???
pete4
Guest
Hoping for a few upsets in the African qualifiers. We are coming 7th in this anyway :) "The highest number of ticket applications were made by residents in Brazil (4,368,029) followed by those from the USA (374,065), Argentina (266,937), Germany (134,899), Chile (102,288), England (96,780), Australia (88,082), Japan (69,806), Colombia (55,379), and Canada (49,968) in that order" Tickets for Brazil 2014 in heavy demand http://www.fifa.com/worldcup/media/newsid=2193401/
Liberia Sets New African And World Record In Examination
Guest
Should I pick teams? No I can't bcoz those games are close games bt the usually teams will qualify except peharps Egypt vs Ghana
Ben of Phnom Penh
Roar Guru
I am surprised by the exit of Zambia and I also thought Botswana had a chance, despite having a tiny pool of players to draw upon. Alas neither made it. Nigeria should be too good for Ethiopia however their qualification wasn't entirely smooth and they did struggle a little in their group whereas Ethiopia looked pretty comfortable. Ghana v Egypt should be a cracker. I think Egypt will have too much in the tank for the Black Stars however the recent unrest in Egypt will no doubt affect the players. Just how remains to be seen. I think we are all going for Cameroon for purely sentimental reasons. I still can't see the lions in action without reminiscing about Roger Milla and his dance routine. Great days. Tunisia have really suffered as a result of their domestic issues, yet Cameroon has a football administration that makes Indonesia look like the height of good governance. Still, sentimentality wins the day (as does their colourful national kit).