The trio made their World Cup debut in 2006 but they face the prospect of missing out on a place in the 2010 South Africa finals.

They face an uncertain fate as the second round of the World Cup qualifiers comes to conclusion this weekend.

Four-time African champions Ghana share second spot in Group 5 with Gabon as both sides have nine points apiece, three adrift of surprise leaders Libya.

Ghana will have an easy task against pointless Lesotho at home, but they will be hoping that Libya avoid defeat against Gabon.

Should Ghana defeat Lesotho and Libya beat or draw with Gabon, the Black Stars will be well equipped to reach the final phase as one of the eight best second-placed sides.

But if Gabon overcame Libya at home, the three sides would be level on 12 points, leaving the goal difference to determine who would make it through to the next round.

Anyway, Ghana shouldn’t take a win over Lesotho for granted, according to their midfielder Anthony Annan, who plays for Norwegian side Rosenborg.

“We know that today every country in Africa is capable of playing good football and Lesotho will be giving everything,” he told BBC Sport.

“We all have to give our maximum efforts if Ghana is to qualify."

Adebayor Boost

Togo are also in a critical situation. They lie at the bottom of the three-team Group 11 on three points, one short of Swaziland and three adrift of leaders Zambia, who completed their fixtures.

The Sparrow Hawks need to claim all three points against Swaziland in Ghana’s capital Accra to stand any chance of progressing as one of the best second-placed teams.

A win for Swaziland would see them overtake Zambia at the summit while Togo would find themselves eliminated.

Togo will be boosted by the return of Arsenal striker Emmanuel Adebayor, who earlier threatened not to take part in the anticipated clash.

The towering striker was frustrated with the Togo Football Federation treatment of the national team, especially in travel arrangements.

But he has now vowed to do his best to help Togo maintain their chances of booking a place in the 2010 World Cup.

“This is a very important game for the future of football in my country and that's why I have put aside my concerns,” he told BBC Sport.

“We respect Swaziland and what they have achieved in recent times but we will stop them on Sunday.

“It is important for us to beat them massively so that we can qualify for the next stage and we will deliver.”

Angola, for whom play Ahli duo Sebastiao Gilberto and Flavio Amado, will battle it out with Uganda to acquire second spot in Group 3.

Benin, who have already guaranteed their progress as the group leaders, lie on top with 12 points, five ahead of Uganda and Angola.

Angola’s task looks much easier than Uganda’s one as they take on minnows Niger, who collected just three points so far.

Uganda have to overcome Benin.