Africa's best chance to win a World Cup

Jun 28, 2009

IF the just concluded Confederations Cup is anything to go by, then Africa is surely set to host its first World Cup. South Africa not only successfully staged the Confederations Cup, but also sent out a strong message of Africa's determination to win it

Opinion By James Lwanga - Senior sub Editor, Sports

IF the just concluded Confederations Cup is anything to go by, then Africa is surely set to host its first World Cup. South Africa not only successfully staged the Confederations Cup, but also sent out a strong message of Africa's determination to win its first ever World Cup trophy.

The Bafana Bafana thrilled all with their adopted Samba football by reaching the semi-finals of the competition. As Joel Santana's side impressed, Egypt also further boosted Africa's confidence by stretching Brazil before beating world champions Italy.

South Africa 2010 therefore provides the continent with its best opportunity to win the world's biggest soccer competition.

In 1990 the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon with talents like Roger Milla and Francois Omam Biyik seemed set to attain the feat only to be ejected at the quarter-finals after questionable refereeing decisions.

Senegal also sparkled 12 years later with defending champions France amongst its victims before losing to Turkey also at the last eight.

One of the things that Africa can bank on next year is the continent's huge support.South African spectators showed with their noisy vuvuzelas that they can match the most passionate of supporters.

A World Cup trophy for Africa will be a bold message that the continent's footballers are after all as good as their counterparts from the traditional aristocrats. Better FIFA ranking and more World Cup slots will thereafter be inevitable.

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