The four sides drawn together in Group 5 in the African qualifiers for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ are well accustomed to fighting for a place in the finals. Ghana, Libya, Gabon and Lesotho have each taken part in the qualifying competition on at least seven occasions, although the Black Stars are the only ones ever to go all the way, reaching Germany 2006 last time around.
Although the Ghanaians are clear favourites to advance from the group, they will surely be well aware of the dangers lying in wait after both Cameroon and Nigeria fell by the wayside on the road to the last FIFA World Cup™ finals. In terms of recent results, Ghana have a definite edge over their rivals but with some dangerous trips coming up they will need to be on their guard.
The Gabonese are coached by former France midfielder Alain Giresse, a key member of the sides that finished fourth at Spain 1982, third at Mexico 1986 and stormed to the UEFA European Championship crown in 1984. It remains to be seen whether Giresse can draw on his vast experience to see his charges through to the next phase.
Lesotho's hopes essentially rest on Lehlohonolo Seema, the first footballer from the country to play abroad. The midfielder is currently making a name for himself with Orlando Pirates in neighbouring South Africa.
The favourites
Ghana: By blending established stars such as Michael Essien (Chelsea) and Stephen Appiah (Fenerbahce) with promising youngsters like the 21-year-old Quincy Owusu-Abeyie (Celta Vigo), French coach Claude Le Roy is hoping he can guide the team past the Round-of-16 stage they reached at Germany 2006.
The outsiders
Libya: With a team almost entirely made up of players from clubs in Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates, the Libyans are hoping to bring back the glory days of 1982, when they hosted the CAF Africa Cup of Nations and finished runners-up.
The players to watch
Michael Essien (GHA), Stephen Appiah (GHA), Tarik El Taib (LYB), Daniel Cousin (GAB) and Lehlohonolo Seema (LES).
The crunch match
Ghana vs. Libya. The duo have faced each other five times before, with one win apiece and three draws. In the qualifiers for Mexico 1986, the Libyans claimed a home win and an away draw before being knocked out by Morocco.
A look back
Gabon and Ghana were also drawn together in Group 5 of the qualifying tournament for France 1998, the Ghanaians strolling to a 3-0 win in Accra before a 1-1 draw in Libreville. They were both eclipsed by Sierra Leone and Morocco, however, the latter winning the section to advance to the finals.
The stat
0: As surprising as it may seem, Ghana have failed to score against Libya in their two previous qualification meetings, losing 2-0 in Bin Ghashir and drawing 0-0 in Accra.
Did you know?
Gabon and Lesotho have never played each other in a FIFA men's or women's competition.
The question
Can Ghana confirm their status as favourites and repeat their run to Germany 2006?
