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“An African win is not impossible”

AS THE eyes of the world begin to focus their attention on next year’s World Cup in South Africa, an African football legend has backed a ‘home’ nation to win it.

Liberian George Weah voiced his opinion last week following Algeria becoming the fifth and final African team to secure a World Cup finals berth in next summer’s football extravaganza.

Adamant that African teams were ready to make their mark on the 2010 finals, Weah said: "We hope for that [an African win], it's not impossible. It's a difficult task but it's not impossible.

"Ghana just won a junior World Cup [FIFA Under-20 World Cup]. Why not?

"Years ago, we couldn't partake in the best player of Europe and the world. It happened. There is a high possibility that an African team can win a World Cup if it can prepare well."

The feelgood factor emanating from Weah can be found throughout the various African nations that have qualified for the finals.

Expressing their joy at having made it in to the ultimate football showcase, Cameroon player Achille Webo said: “It's amazing. We're very happy.

Talking up the chances of Ghana, coach Milovan Rajevac said: “This team is very hungry to go again. They are aware of what they can achieve and they have the quality to go on and on.”

Ivory Coast star Didier Drogba added: “This is the second time Ivory Coast is in the World Cup. You know, the country has never done that before. So, it is good for us. We are really happy."

Former African Footballer of the Year, Nigeria’s Victor Ikpeba said of the current Super Eagles’ chances in 2010: "This has shown that there is a lot of talent in the team and we will see this at next year's World Cup."

Published: 23 November 2009
Issue: 1399

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