Soccer News of Friday, 18 January 2013

Source: GFA

Nyantakyi makes case for more African slots at World Cup

Ghana Football Association President Kwesi Nyantakyi has backed calls for Africa to be given more qualifying slots at the World Cup than the current five places.

Africa has five places in the 32-team World Cup, compared to 13 from Europe, up to five from Asia and up to five from South America.

But Nyantakyi added that Ghana's run to the quarterfinals of the last World Cup has ''enhanced the reputation of African teams'' after throwing his support behind Cameroonian Football Federation president, Mohammed Iya's demand for an increase in qualifying slots.

The Black Stars came close to a semi-final place at the 2012 World Cup but lost their quarter final clash on penalties.

Iya says half of the European teams that earn a spot at soccer's premier tournament are no better than many African teams adding that Africa's federations are ''convinced we deserve more.''