Africa Puts One Finger on Trophy: News Analysis

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Thursday, June 06, 2002

Africa Puts One Finger on Trophy: News Analysis

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Four years ago, it was the checkered Croatians who stunned the world by pocketing bronze medals in France.

Who will be the 2002 version of the dark horse in Korea/Japan World Cup finals? Senegal, Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon or Tunisia?

The five African teams ran for two wins, three draws and two losses after Thursday's matches, with the underdog Senegal having a clear way to advance into the second round.

Senegal jumped out under the spotlight with a 1-0 upset win over defending champions and European champions France at the opener of the World Cup finals.

Thursday's 1-1 draw with Denmark almost secures their berth in the last 16. The West African team need only one point from their final group match against Uruguay, when Denmark, with an identicalfour points after two matches, face France.

Ghanaian legend Abedi Pele, who was always low-pitched about Africa's performances in the World Cup, changed his tone after Senegal's draw.

"In Germany in 2006 we will be more powerful. In 2010 we will explode. I am ready to bet that in 2010 it will be our turn, especially if it happens in our back yard," Abedi Pele was quoted by AFP as saying on Thursday.

African football was never at the center of the World Cup finalstage until Morocco became the first African nation advancing intothe last 16 in 1986.

Cameroon was the first African team that raising the eyebrows as the African Lions breezed into the quarter-finals in Italy in 1990. Neither Cameroon or any other African nations, like 1996 Olympic gold medalists Nigeria, entered the last eight again in following World Cups.

The first World Cup in the new century could open a new era forAfrican football as more than one African teams having chances andabilities to enter the second round.

Nigeria, most of whose players are in European leagues, lost 1-0 to the hottest favorite Argentina in the first game in Group F. But what the world learns from the match is not just a result.

The graceful Nigerians showed a new version of the African football - tactically good and with better team work.

The African teams never deferred to the Europeans physically, nor technically, or mentally. What they lacked was order.

But this time in Asia, they are as good as any European and South American teams.

Then, why not Africa?

Senegal coach Bruno Metsu said after Thursday's match, "I thinkit's a great victory for Africa."

It is only at the first stage of the World Cup drama. They could be better if they keep their belief.

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