WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
Africa now switches the focus to Russia in Soccer World Cup qualifiers
By November, Africa’s five places in Russia will be decided, but several groups could be wrapped up earlier
Libreville - After the drama of the Africa Cup of Nations that concluded on Sunday, African soccer faces a busy year of World Cup qualifiers in which newly crowned continental champions Cameroon face an uphill task to make it through. By November, Africa’s five places in Russia will be decided, but several groups could be wrapped up earlier. Cameroon, who beat Egypt 2-1 in the Nations Cup final in Libreville, have to beat neighbours Nigeria both home and away in back-to-back fixtures in August and September to stand any chance of qualifying. Egypt are seeking their first World Cup place since Italy in 1990. Repeated failure has since made it almost a national obsession. They have made a good start, leading their group by two points from Uganda, who they meet next in August. "It’s still a way off so we have to see," said coach Hector Cuper when asked about the World Cup campaign after Sunday’s defeat. Ivory Coast and Senegal, who both flopped at the Nations Cup, can redeem themselves...
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