World Cup Draw Review: Africa

The World Cup qualifying draw for all continents (barring South America who didn't need a draw) took place on Saturday in Brazil. The continent of Africa is using a format that begins with a preliminery round that has 24 teams playing in 12 playoffs. The 12 winners will then move on to the second round which will be a group stage. The preliminery round of 24 teams includes some notable quality teams, such as Congo, Congo DR, Togo and Kenya. Assuming these four move on to the second round of qualifying they will most likely be joined by Namibia, Liberia, Mozambique, Burundi, Rwanda and the winners of Equitorial Guinea vs Madagascar, Tanzania vs Chad and Somalia vs Ethiopia (Ethiopia is favored in this rivalry). Mauritania will be the only African nation to not partake in qualification this time around. These playoffs will take place on November 11th with the return legs on November 15th.

The second round was also drawn on Saturday and here's a review of the groups as well as what we can expect. Group A features, South Africa, Botswana, Central African Republic and the winner of Somalia vs Ethiopia. Only the winner of each group progresses from this round and I think South Africa should be the winner of this group easily. If there's any challenge it will come from Botswana.

Group B includes Tunisia, Cape Verde, Sierre Leone and the winner of Equitorial Guinea vs Madagascar. This group will come down to Tunisia winning surely, but the Cape Verde Islands have an outside chance granted they defeat the teams they are expected to and get an upset over Tunisia.

In Group C we have Cote d'Ivoire, Morocco, Gambia and the winner of Chad vs Tanzania. This will arguably be the group of death in Africa. Cote d'Ivoire should be one of the strongest on the continent, while Morocco aren't that far removed from being one of the continent's top level nations. Gambia won't be a walk over either and can easily take points from either of the top 2 teams. If Morocco plays to the top of their ability we will have a close one here.

Ghana, Zambia, Sudan and the winner of the Burundi and Lesotho tie make up Group D. At first glance Ghana are the clear favorites but Zambia are traditionally tough in qualifying while Sudan can hold their own. Ghana should be good enough to win the group but an upset wouldn't be out of the question.

Ghana National Team

Group E involves Burkina Faso, Gabon, Niger and the winners of Sao Tome and Principe vs Congo. I think its safe to assume that Congo will win the preliminery matchup and join the group. Burkina Faso are the 4th highest ranked team in Africa and have the quality to win the group but Gabon has every opportunity to win the group as well. Niger and Congo should give the top 2 enough problems to make this group a close one.

Nigeria should win Group F in all likelyhood, but they like to make things harder than it should be in qualifying. Malawi joins them in the group with the winners of Seychelles vs Kenya and Djibouti vs Namibia joining them.

Group G includes multiple time African Nations Cup Champion Egypt. They usually dominate the Nations Cup, (winning the last 3 tournaments) then fall flat in World Cup qualifying (last qualifying in 1990). They are joined by some tough opposition in Guinea, Zimbabwe and the winner of Comoros vs Mozambique. Guinea are very formidable and can seriously challenge Egypt for the group and Zimbabwe are the highest ranking 3rd seeded team. Mozambique are the highest ranking of the nations in the first round playoffs as well. If Egypt falter, and there's plenty opportunity to do so, Guinea or even Zimbabwe can win this group and shock the world.

Algeria, Mali and Benin were drawn into Group H with the winner of Eritrea and Rwanda joining them. Algeria and Mali will fight for the group while Benin and Rwanda will likely decide the outcome by taking points from one of the top 2.

Cameroon

Group I, Cameroon, Libya and the winner of Guinea-Bissau vs Togo and Swaziland vs Congo DR should be interesting. Cameroon are favorites undoubtedly but the group will realistically involve Togo and Congo DR. Both nations are not that far removed from being serious threats in World Cup qualifying. Libya also poses a threat and are not second seeded for no reason. Cameroon should be fine but 1 mistake may be enough in this group to derail them.

The final group will be made up of Senegal, Uganda, Angola and the winner of Mauritius vs Liberia. 2002 qualifiers Senegal and 2006 qualifiers Angola stand out in this group. I think it will be closer than the rankings and seedings suggest.

The Final Round this time around in Africa will be full of excitement and interest. The 10 group winners will be drawn into 5 playoffs with the 5 winners qualifying for the World Cup. Potentially we could have South Africa, Tunisia, Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana, Burkina Faso/Gabon, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Cameroon and Senegal/Angola in 2 game playoffs for their spot at a World Cup. Imagine, South Africa vs Nigeria, Tunisia vs Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana vs Algeria, Burkina Faso/Gabon vs Cameroon and Egypt vs Senegal/Angola for a spot in the World Cup. There will no doubt be some thrilling matchups and thrilling finishes in Africa with the World Cup on the line!