Qualification is still open for Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal.
With Zimbabwe already out of the race for the quarter finals after recording two successive defeats, the two Group D tickets for the round of eight remain open to Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal. While, Ghana and Senegal (three points each) absolutely need to win tomorrow's matches, Nigeria (six points) only needs a draw against Senegal to go to the next level.
The Black Stars of Ghana, who would be playing against the "point-distributor" of the group, seem favoured. But Zimbabwe Coach, Charles Mhlauri, has warned that the Warriors would not be an easy ride. Mhlauri, who has blamed the poor performance of his team on the lack of concentration in the defence, says he has the honour of his country to fight for tomorrow. "We will not lie down against Ghana. We will take the game very seriously so as to take something back home", he said.
Ghana will be without midfielder, Laryea Kingston and possibly captain Stephen Appiah; two of their most influential players. Kingston has been given a four-match ban by the disciplinary committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following the red card he got last Friday during the match against Senegal. Habib Beye, the player with whom he had the off-the-ball dispute, has also been given a four-game ban. Ghana's captain, Stephen Appiah, on the other hand has a swollen right foot. Although he is receiving treatment round-the-clock, it is not yet certain if he would be on the line up tomorrow.
Nigeria absolutely needs a draw against Senegal in their match at Port Said Stadium to top the group. Nigerian coach, Austin Eguavoen says he has a team that is focussed and capable of beating any team. "We will work harder and with some luck we will achieve our targets here". Senegal coach, Abdoulaye Sarr, is also upbeat. He explains that his team fell to Ghana because they lacked motivation. "We will do our best to ensure we beat Nigeria in our last game and qualify for the quarter-final", he said.
