The Battle for Angola Part 1

South Africa is now all but out of the picture. That leaves one thing for the Syli Nationale to play for, the 2010 African Cup of Nations in Angola. Their rivals in this battle will be the Flames of Malawi. The next two matches will likely determine who progresses to Angola and who falls into the abyss of waiting for the 2012 qualifiers to begin.

Part 1 takes place on Sunday in Conakry. In their own backyard the Syli figure to have a substantial advantage. Malawi have had considerable struggles on the road throughout their history and this edition of World Cup qualifying has been no different. Aside from a win in Djibouti which hardly counts as Djibouti are the very definition of minnows.

If Guinea cannot defeat the Malawians at home then all will be lost. Assessing the two sides impartially reveals that Guinea are the better side. Their history is better, their recent history is better and their players are better. But better means nothing once the two teams take the pitch. Malawi proved that at home against Egypt last year. It is being better on the pitch that matters and all too frequently the team that is better ends up on the losing side.

The Syli Nationale most not allow this to happen on Sunday. With a new manager in Guinea legend Titi Camara all the players on the pitch must show they deserve to continue wearing the Guinea shirt. Ismaël Bangoura must find the back of the net, Pascal Feindouno must cease being the prima donna and be the magisterial playmaker he has been in the past, the back four must stop getting carved to pieces. Every player’s place in the team is on the line and some lesser capped players figure to take the pitch.

Now is the time to prove that Guinea can still be a force and can make it four consecutive quarterfinals at the Nations Cup in Angola.

On the road I would be worried, at home I am confident Guinea will take the first step towards Angola with aplomb.

Prediction: Guinea 3-0