CFU News - Warner hails Africa's success at U20 W/Cup

Warner hails Africa’s success at U20 World Cup

 

Issued on July 9, 2007

 

FIFA Vice President Jack Warner has hailed the progress of Africa’s four teams into the round of sixteen in the ongoing FIFA Under 20 World Cup in Canada.

 

Warner, who arrived in Trinidad on Saturday from the Championship, is carded to return to the Finals this week.

 

He felt that the progress of the four nations – Congo, Zambia, Nigeria and Gambia was a obvious sign of strength from the Africans who were demonstrating their ability to compete and stand out on the world stage.

 

Congo ended hosts Canada’s hopes of advancing to the second round with a 2-0 win in Edmonton on Sunday while Gambia stunned Portugal and New Zealand to advance, Nigeria beat Scotland and Costa Rica and drew with Korea while Zambia beat Uruguay 2-0 on Saturday to sneak into the second phase.

 

Ottawa will host an All-Africa clash on Thursday between Zambia and Nigeria while Congo takes on CONCACAF giants Mexico on the same day in Montreal. Gambia faces Austria a day earlier in Edmonton.

 

“Africa has brought a level of class and excitement to the tournament, as they have done in previous tournaments, that has been thoroughly enjoyed by all who have been witnessing the action so far. I think they have demonstrated all the qualities that you expect from teams at a youth World Cup and moreso from Africa, despite the obstacles they may have to overcome. That talent, passion and desire for success is obvious among them,” Warner said.

 

An African team has never won a FIFA Under 20 Championship.

 

“One of the African teams has to face Mexico which is of course one of CONCACAF’s main hopes and that will be another story by itself.  But it will not surprise me if an African team goes all the way in this tournament,” Warner added.

 

Nigeria ended up second to Argentina at the 2005 Finals with Morocco coming fourth, while Ghana and Egypt finished second and third respectively in 2001 won by hosts Argentina. Ghana also lost the final to Brazil in 1993.

 

The Round of 16 schedule is now set, with anxiously waiting Costa Rica missing out on a spot at the death thanks to the two African victories.  Canada, the only nation not to score in these finals, also became the first hosts to be eliminated at the U-20 group stage since Malaysia in 1997.