DAEGU, South Korea, - Ghanaian footballing legend and FIFA member Abedi Pele said Thursday he is convinced that an African country will win the 2010 World Cup finals.

Former Marseille star Pele, now vice-president of the Ghanaian Football Federation, said he was delighted with the strong African showing at this year's finals with Senegal beating France in the opening game and then holding Denmark 1-1.

And he told AFP he was prepared to bet that an African nation would win the 2010 jamboree.

"The Africans no longer have a complex with more and more of their players starring with major clubs in Europe. The Africans see they are sometimes better than the Europeans. They are with them on a daily basis.

"And they say: 'why not us?'"

According to Pele the days are gone when an African team would have the talent - but throw matches away through tactical errors and indiscipline.

"That has changed. Look how the Senegalese forced the French back in their own half. That shows we are strong tactically.

"Physically there is nothing to say. But we are now getting to the stage where technique will make the difference. And in Africa the technique is there. On the mental side of things the players understand that a good match has to be quickly put behind them. What is important is the one which follows on.

"Former stars have told them, 'hey, watch out. The next match will be tougher," Pele said.

"I am ready to bet that in 2010 it will be our turn, especially if it happens in our back yard," which is FIFA's plan.

"In Germany in 2006 we will be more powerful. In 2010 we will explode.

"See you there."