AFRICAN qualifying matches for the 2002 World Cup begin over the weekend of April 7-9, according to a statement from world governing body FIFA. Second-leg matches in the knockout first round are scheduled for April 21-23 and the 25 victors will be divided into five groups with the winners advancing to the finals in Japan and South Korea. A record 50 African nations have entered, including Nations Cup holders Egypt and 1998 World Cup qualifiers Cameroon, Morocco, Nigeria, South Africa and Tunisia.