Tough World Cup Draw For African Challengers

A heavy dose of reality crashed down upon African countries in hopes of a Fifa World Cup title after Friday's draw pitched the continent's most-fancied teams in challenging groups.

In the build-up to the draw in Cape Town, where locals flooded the city center for the most colorful of street parties, most of the talk centered upon Ghana and Ivory Coast spearheading Africa's unlikely quest.

But now the tables have turned on the Black Stars, among landed in Germany, Australia and Serbia (Group D) while the Ivorians face Brazil, Portugal and North Korea (Group G). Two of the continent's leading countries may now exit at the first hurdle , and it's hard not to feel some sympathy for Didier Drogba's Ivory Coast. Boasting a high-caliber team packed with seasoned Europe-based campaigners like Kolo Toure, his brother Yaya, Didier Zokora and Emmanuel Eboue, the West Africans surely deserved a break on their 2006 experience.

On that occasion, the Ivorians' Inaugural finals pitched them against a dangerous Argentina and a star-Studded Dutch side - a challenge that Proved too much, especially on the Elephants gifted both teams early leads 2-0.

Four years on, arguably the least they deserved was a sporting chance of progress but now their fate rests largely with their opener against Portugal in Port Elizabeth.

A result there could ease the Intriguing clash with Brazil five days later, and the Ivorians will be desperate to enter their final game against North Korea, with a second round place still at stake.read Morehttp://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/piersedwards/2009/12/tough_world_cup_draw_for_afric.html

Tough World Cup Draw For African Challengers