3rd Meridian Cup and Gala match in Bari, Italy

The third edition of the Meridian Cup will be held in Bari, Italy from 27th January to 2nd February 2001. Africa will be represented by the U-17 teams of Cameroon, Ghana, Mali and Nigeria, while Europe will be represented by Italy, Portugal, Czech Republic and Spain.

The 3rd edition of the Meridian Cup has adopted a new format: Each national team will play four matches, and all four matches will be against teams from the other continent. The points gained will be added to the continent’s total and the overall winner of the Meridian Cup will be either Africa or Europe. All the players from all the four teams representing the winning continent will receive gold medals. In addition, there will be separate trophies for the best teams and the best players, as well as a Fair-Play award.

The new format is unique in international football; for the first time, players will be representing their continent. This will promote the exchange of cultures and will offer the young footballers a unique learning experience within the framework of a footballing festival. The fixtures of the tournament will be as follows:

Saturday, 27.1.2001 Ghana / Czech Rep., Nigeria / Portugal, Mali / Spain, Cameroon / Italy

Monday, 29.1.2001 Czech Rep. / Nigeria, Portugal / Ghana, Spain / Cameroon, Italy / Mali

Wednesday 31.1.2001 Nigeria / Spain, Ghana / Italy, Mali / Portugal, Cameroon / Czech Rep.

Friday 2 February 2001 Czech Rep. / Mali, Portugal / Cameroon, Spain / Ghana, Italy / Nigeria

A Gala Match will be held on 2nd February between African and European football legends for players aged between 35 and 45 years. The purpose of this gala match is to collect funds for the development projects which are held within the UEFA/CAF Meridian partnership project.

The African selected All-Star team will be formed of the following players: GOALKEEPERS Ahmed Shobeir (EGY), Chokri El Ouaer (TUN),Thomas N’Kono (CMR), Badou Zakki (MOR)

DEFENDERS Basile Boli (CIV), Andre Kana-Biyick (CMR), Stephen Tataw (CMR), Stephen Keshi (NGR), Augustine Eguavon (NGR), Taoufik Hechiri (TUN), Fran?ois Amegasse (GAB), Idrissa Traore (MLI)

MIDFIELDERS Abedi Pel? (GHA), Kalusha Bwalya (ZAM), Ismail Youssef (EGY), Zied Tlemcani (TUN), Japhet N’Doram (CHA), Abdoulaye Traore (CIV), Doctor Khoumalo (RSA)

ATTACKERS Ahmed El Kass (EGY), Mohamed Timoumi (MOR), Rabah Madjer (ALG), Lakhdar Belloumi (ALG), Rachidi Yekini (NGR), Jules Bocande (SEN), Roger Milla (CMR), Joel Tiehi (CIV), Cyrille Makanaky (CMR), Youssef Fofana (CIV) COACH: Abdel Majid Chetali (TUN) Courtesy CAF