THE struggle for 2012 Africa Cup of Nations places reaches a climax this weekend with 21 countries chasing 10 tickets to Gabon and Equatorial Guinea next January and February.
Apart from the co-hosts, who participate automatically, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Senegal and newcomers Botswana have qualified for the biennial African football showcase that will be staged in an even-number year for the final time.
Countries who definitely will not be in Central Africa early next year include Egypt, winners of the past three tournaments but languishing at the bottom of Group G without a win in five matches, and four-time champions Cameroon.
There could be more big-name casualties with 2010 World Cup quarterfinalists Ghana needing a draw in Sudan to be sure of making it, while Nigeria must defeat Guinea 1-0 or by at least two goals to replace them at the top of the table.
South Africa are also walking a tightrope as even a home victory over Sierra Leone will not suffice if surprise leaders Niger collect maximum points in Egypt, who are fielding a young team with an eye on the 2012 Olympic Games.
Wins for Mali away to Liberia and Uganda at home to Kenya will assure them of places, Morocco are virtually certain to qualify if they win at home to Tanzania and Malawi advance if they return from Chad victorious.
Success for Uganda would trigger an outpouring of joy in a nation that last competed at the African tournament 33 years ago, while other hopefuls include the Cape Verde Islands, Central African Republic and Niger, countries who have never reached the finals.
Adding to the drama is that the best two runners-up from the 10 groups with four or less teams also book places and results versus the bottom side do not count, which has hit Cameroon hard as the six points and eight goals amassed against Mauritius became irrelevant.
Ghana have dropped club-less goalkeeper Richard Kingson and in-form midfielder Andre Ayew ahead of a Group I clash in Omdurman.
The fury of Nigeria centre-back and captain Joseph Yobo last month after battling to play on a Madagascar 'cabbage patch' has prompted officials to resurface the Abuja pitch for the top-of-the-table Group B showdown with Guinea. There is no place in the Super Eagles squad for long-time first-choice goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.
Libya will reflect political changes in the country by wearing new kit and singing a new national anthem in front of a new flag when they confront Group C leaders Zambia in Chingola, needing a win to swap places.
Afcon 2012 takes shape
THE struggle for 2012 Africa Cup of Nations places reaches a climax this weekend with 21 countries chasing 10 tickets to Gabon and Equatorial Guinea next January and February.
Apart from the co-hosts, who participate automatically, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Senegal and newcomers Botswana have qualified for the biennial African football showcase that will be staged in an even-number year for the final time.
Countries who definitely will not be in Central Africa early next year include Egypt, winners of the past three tournaments but languishing at the bottom of Group G without a win in five matches, and four-time champions Cameroon.
There could be more big-name casualties with 2010 World Cup quarterfinalists Ghana needing a draw in Sudan to be sure of making it, while Nigeria must defeat Guinea 1-0 or by at least two goals to replace them at the top of the table.
South Africa are also walking a tightrope as even a home victory over Sierra Leone will not suffice if surprise leaders Niger collect maximum points in Egypt, who are fielding a young team with an eye on the 2012 Olympic Games.
Wins for Mali away to Liberia and Uganda at home to Kenya will assure them of places, Morocco are virtually certain to qualify if they win at home to Tanzania and Malawi advance if they return from Chad victorious.
Success for Uganda would trigger an outpouring of joy in a nation that last competed at the African tournament 33 years ago, while other hopefuls include the Cape Verde Islands, Central African Republic and Niger, countries who have never reached the finals.
Adding to the drama is that the best two runners-up from the 10 groups with four or less teams also book places and results versus the bottom side do not count, which has hit Cameroon hard as the six points and eight goals amassed against Mauritius became irrelevant.
Ghana have dropped club-less goalkeeper Richard Kingson and in-form midfielder Andre Ayew ahead of a Group I clash in Omdurman.
The fury of Nigeria centre-back and captain Joseph Yobo last month after battling to play on a Madagascar 'cabbage patch' has prompted officials to resurface the Abuja pitch for the top-of-the-table Group B showdown with Guinea. There is no place in the Super Eagles squad for long-time first-choice goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama.
Libya will reflect political changes in the country by wearing new kit and singing a new national anthem in front of a new flag when they confront Group C leaders Zambia in Chingola, needing a win to swap places.
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