South Africa’s chances of qualifying for the 2008 African Nations Cup finals will take a serious nosedive if they lose in Zambia on Sunday. Defeat would leave the 2010 World Cup hosts five points behind Group 11 leaders Zambia with four matches to play.
South Africa faces a total cost of R8,352-billion (,077-billion) for the construction of five new stadiums and the renovation of a further five for the 2010 World Cup finals, organisers said on Sunday. The cost is over three-and-half times higher than the R2,3-billion estimate made in 2004 when the country won its bid to become the first African host of the World Cup tournament.
Former Brazil coach Carlos Alberto Parreira has signed a four-year deal to take charge of 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa, officials said on Saturday. The deal was concluded in Rio de Janeiro on Friday after talks between Parreira and a delegation from the South African Football Association.
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For a team nicknamed the Black Stars, Ghana have certainly produced the brightest note for Africa at the World Cup finals. The debutants have finally confirmed the talent that has been seen in many of their youth teams down the years but never been replicated on the world stage.