This weekend, qualifying for The Great Tournament resumes with matches all over the planet. Injuries and intrigue surround various matches with some outcomes determining whose dream of playing in South Africa in 2010 will become a closer reality or a nightmare in the failure to advance. Therefore let’s breakdown some of the key matches of the Asian & African qualifying zones.
AFRICA
Gabon vs Libya
The matchup between Gabon and Libya features the top two teams in Group 5 of Round 2 of African qualifying. The significance of the result of this game is that a draw could see Ghana out which would be a shocker. Libya leads the group with 12 points followed by Gabon & Ghana with 9. Ghana should have no problem handling last place Lesotho at home but if they draw and Gabon draws, Ghana is out on goal differential. The Black Stars will be without their star Michael Essien. Gabon is coached by former French international Alain Giresse and will have the advantage of playing in the capital city of Libreville where they are impenetrable allowing 0 goals.
Senegal vs. Gambia
This matchup in Group 6 features another continental favorite on the verge of elimination. Senegal is in 3rd place with 8 points trailing Gambia on goal differential with both teams 1 point back of group leader Algeria. Gambia has only beaten Senegal once in their history back in 1962 in the Senegalese capital of Dakar. The Scorpions are looking to draw upon that experience to give them the 3 points needed to advance to the next round. The Teranga Lions will once again be without 2 of its European stars, Marseille striker Mamadou Niang & Bordeaux defender Souleymane Diawara for the home game in Dakar. This game is being hailed as the most important match in Gambia football history.
ASIA
Iran vs. Korea DPR (N.Korea)
This match features the two countries most hated by the U.S. government, right now. According to Bush this would be the “Evil Empire Cup.” I hate politics and 99% of politicians are corrupt so let’s talk about the match. This match may be more important to Iran than N. Korea. The Iranians drew with Saudi Arabia in their last match and will need a victory to keep pace with the North Koreans and Saudi Arabians who lead Group 2. Its still early but now is the time to get points especially as the domestic leagues get deeper into their seasons. Iran is anchored by the Osasuna midfield duo of Jevad Nekounam & Masoud Shojaei whose presence should help Team Melli overcome the absence of talisman Ali Karimi whose is still beefing with the Iranian federation. The North Koreans will rely on leading scorers Hong Yong-Jo & Jong Chol-Min to put pressure on the Iranian defense in Tehran.
