Former Black stars player, Abdul Karim Razak, has warned the big soccer nations in Africa to be on their guard, because countries like Mali and Senegal are coming up strongly. Speaking to GNA Sports, Razak popularly called the "Golden Boy" in his hey days said countries like Senegal, Mali, and Burkina Faso are gradually picking up and therefore Ghana, Nigeria and other soccer giants must watch out.

He said, "Gone are the days when countries like Ghana, Nigeria and Egypt have total dominance in African football adding that, the era is over." Razak said the recent Cup of Nations is a typical example of the assessment of the so-called minnows of African soccer because all such nations have performed beyond expectation.

Razak who specifically mentioned Ghana and Nigeria said the two countries are experiencing a decline in their soccer while the likes of Mali and Senegal have come of age. He said these countries must find better ways of improving their game, or continue to experience more decline which might not augur well for them.

Razak, the coach of the Malian Champions Stade Malien, led them to hold champion club Accra Hearts of Oak to a one all draw at Accra Spots Stadium last Sunday, said his players are ready to learn whatever is imparted to them hence their impressive performance. The Golden Boy who sounded very confident of the return encounter, said his side hope to have a repeat performance to ensure that they qualify for the next stage of the competition and possibly win it.