The dream is practically over

Tunis - What a shame! Guinea’s national team has missed its big chance to shorten its distance to leader Morocco with a victory in Africa qualification group 5 and to temporarily take second place. Instead, the team centered on mid-fielder Pablo Thiam from VfL Wolfsburg lost late Saturday afternoon (11.06.05) in Tunisia 0-2 (0-1). Goals were scored by Jose Clayton in a penalty kick (37) and Adel Chedli (79).

This considerably lowers the chances for participation in World Cup 2006 in Germany. Guinea is still in third place, but with eight games played it is in danger of being passed up by fourth-place Kenya, which has played two fewer games. Even more discouraging is the fact that first place has receded further into the distance. Morocco’s point cushion remains at four, and might grow after the next playing day. A victory for Morocco over Botswana would take all chances of obtaining a World Cup ticket away from the Thiam Team.