South Africa Media ON WC2006 Draw

No easy qualifying road to the Finals -Sunday Times

Complacency that Bafana Bafana will have a smooth road to a third consecutive appearance at the World Cup Finals could backfire.

This, despite being drawn in a qualifying group that currently lacks the feared sides dominating African football.

The draw for the 2006 World Cup showpiece in Germany was held in Frankfurt on Friday night. Only the winners of the five groups in the African zone will qualify for the Finals.

Former Bafana goalkeeper and coach Roger de Sa believes it could be a tougher road than expected. "We could be going into unknown territory, and I fancy both Ghana and the Democratic Republic of Congo giving us problems, especially if they can call on their overseas-based stars."

However, the Wits University coach said qualifying is certainly well within Bafana's capabilities.

Favouring the South Africans over Ghana and the DRC is that they haven't really struggled to beat them in their previous encounters.

The top three finishers in the same five groups, made up of six teams each, will also qualify for the Nations Cup to be hosted by Egypt.

While the other African finalists at the World Cup last year, Senegal and Nigeria are expected to cruise through easily in Group 1 and 4 respectively, Egypt and Ivory Coast won't go down without a fight against the reigning African champions Cameroon in Group 3.

Completing Group 3 is Libya, Sudan and Benin, none of whom is expected to trouble the Indomitable Lions. Senegal's worry in Group 1 will be their neighbours Mali, while Zambia could also fancy their chances against Togo, Liberia and Congo.

If Zimbabwe's latest brilliant run is anything to go by, then they could give Nigeria a good run for their money in Group 4. This is their maiden Nations Cup appearance. Also in this group are Algeria, Angola, Gabon and Rwanda, all capable of shaking the favourites.

The Finals of the 18th World Cup will take place between June 9 and July 9 in 2006, with the opening match in Munich and the last in Berlin.