Preview-Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal battle it out in Group of Death conclusion

الثلاثاء، 31 يناير 2006 - 00:21

كتب : Mohamed Sabe

The first round of the African Cup of Nations concludes on Tuesday with Group D action as leaders Nigeria face Senegal and Ghana play tournament outsiders Zimbabwe.

Senegal have the toughest job of all in the so called "group of death".

The Teranga Lions will be looking to beat pace setters Nigeria in Port Said and hope that contenders Ghana stumble against Zimbabwe to secure their ticket to the quarter-finals without any complications.

Nigeria, on the other hand, need only one point to clinch their second round berth after bagging a perfect 6 points from their first two encounters.

Senegal and Ghana share second spot in Group D with 3 points each while Zimbabwe lie in last place with no points.

Nigeria skipper Jay-Jay Okocha remains doubtful for Tuesday's encounter through injury.

Senegal's striking duo Henry Camara and El-Hadji Diouf remain Senegal's only hope to make through to the next round and make up for missing the 2006 World Cup finals.

Meanwhile, Ghana, who have a relatively easier task, may have to do without captain Stephen Appiah when they take on the Zimbabwean Warriors.

The Fenerbahce midfielder sustained a right foot injury in Ghana's 1-0 win over Senegal last week and is yet to recover completely.

The Black Stars will have veteran Samuel Kuffour back after the Roma defender recuperated from the injury he picked up against Nigeria in the opening match.

Ratomir Dujkovic's side have no choice but to beat Zimbabwe to keep their chances of advancing alive, but it won't be easy to do so against the dogged Warriors who seem to determined to leave Egypt on a high note.

The match will take place in the coastal city of Ismailia.

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