Africa hots up in Olympics qualifiers

The continent of Africa gets busy this weekend as countries aim to book a ticket to an eight-nation tournament in Senegal with the top three finishers securing tickets to Rio 2016 Olympics in Brazil. Nigeria travel toPointe Noire with the hope of finishing up positively after a 2-1 home victory over Congo in the first leg. The Zambia-Ivory Coast, South Africa-Zimbabwe and Tunisia-Morocco ties are also delicately balanced while Egypt and Mali should progress at the expense of Uganda and Gabon respectively. Zambia must do without defender Boyd Mkandawire, red-carded during a goalless first leg in Abidjan, and be wary having held Nigeria away in the All-Africa Games only to fail at home. South Africa, angered by what they believe was a "home town decision" that earned Zimbabwe a penalty and an undeserved 1-1 draw, warmed up for the return game with an impressive 2-0 victory over Rwanda. "It has been a long time (15 years) since South Africa last competed at the Olympics football tournament and I think this team has what it takes to reach Rio," predicted coach Owen Da Gama. Dominant Morocco could build only a 1-0 home lead over Tunisia while Mali, who will lack suspended leading scorer Adama Niane, enjoy home advantage and a 1-0 lead against Gabon. Only a miraculous comeback can save Uganda after a 4-0 drubbing in Egypt with Kahraba, real name Mahmoud Abdel Moneim, the two-goal destroyer-in-chief.

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