West African arch-rivals, Ghana and Nigeria clash in the titanic duel of the World Cup qualifiers this weekend across the continent. But Ghana have decided to take the risk of playing with an entirely home-based squad against astar-studded Nigerian team, who are more experienced with players in the big leagues of Europe.

While Ghanaians are gradually coming to terms with coach Cecil Jones Attuquayefio's decision, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have been preparing in the Togolese capital, Lome, although without some of the key players like Chelsea's Celestine Babayaro.

The last time Ghana defeated Nigeria was at the African Nations cup finals in Senegal nine years ago. The Black Stars came from behind to win 2-1 in the semi-final. Nigeria won by the same score in 1984 when both sides clashed at the Nations Cup in Ivory Coast.

But since they opened their rivalry in 1955, Ghana have prevailed in the 33 times both sides have met, winning 14 games as against Nigeria's five victories. Ghana have also scored the highest win between the two teams with a 7-0 thrashing of the Nigerians in Accra in June 1955. A year later, Nigeria recorded their heaviest victory margin over their rivals in a 3-0 triumph.

In the same group B, Sierra Leone are favourites when they host Sudan in Freetown on Saturday. The Sudanese have won two matches and their World Cup campaign received a boost after the 1-0 defeat of Ghana in Omdurman. Sierra Leone are in search of their first win in the first home match since the start of the qualifiers.

Anoother renewal of rivalry takes place in North Africa as Algeria travel to Cairo to face Egypt. Both teams were involved in a bitter confrontation 12 years ago in the qualifiers for the 1990 World Cup finals.

Egyptian coach, Mahmoud A-Gohary has convinced veteran striker, Hossam Hassan to return to the national side, after he threatened to quit two weeks ago. The Pharaohs will be in search of their first win in group C, while Algeria could be in strong contention for the single World Cup ticket even with a draw.

Senegal, who have also drawn all their three matches are at home to Namibia, who are bottom in the group.

There will only be one match in group D between Congo Democratic Republic and Ivory Coast in Kinshasa. The Ivorians travelled a week ago to Kinshasa. After Congo DR were massacred 6-0 by Tunisia, a new technical team was named to help coach Adelard Mayanga with the task. Congo DR are now bottom following the pull out of Congo, while the Elephants are probably the strongest side the group to deny the North Africans the World Cup ticket.