Africa: Reactions After 2014 World Cup Playoff

Cairo, Egypt – The draw for the 2014 World Cup Playoff took place here today at the CAF headquarters in Cairo, Egypt. Cafonline.com sampled the reactions of some officials of the participating countries after the event.

Sewnet Bishaw (Head Coach, Ethiopia)

” It is a good draw for both teams and we will be looking forward to playing Nigeria again after meeting them at AFCON 2013. At that time we were just happy to get back into top level competition and were inexperienced but now we have had many more matches at this level so we will give it a good go against Nigeria”

Paul Put (Head Coach, Burkina Faso)

“It’s a balanced draw, facing a big football nation as Algeria. We have to do our homework in preparing for the big game. Our players have been active in preparations and we hope to take it from there. We have a good opportunity to qualify for the World Cup for the first time. The self- belief in our players after reaching this stage and also reaching AFCON 2013 finals will motivate us to try harder to make our first World Cup final ”

Bob Bradley (Head Coach, Egypt)

“After knowing our opponents, we have to start preparations. We have to make sure our team is strong, fit and focused for the game. We will love to play in Cairo and that is our dream.”

Fred Crentsil (Vice President, Ghana Football Association)

“It’s the most difficult game, looking at the pairings. It’s the final of finals. We need to start preparations immediately. Egypt is a formidable team, they are playing well and we have to be careful. We playing first at home also gives them an advantage.”

Nabil Daboussi (Executive Committee member, Tunisia Football Federation)

It is difficult for both teams, but the pitch will decide. We will announce our new coach very soon and we can start preparations immediately.”

Mohamed Raouaraoua (President, Algeria Football Federation)

“We are well-prepared. There are many new faces in our team who are talented and playing very well at club level. We are hoping to scale through and book our place at the World Cup in Brazil next year. Burkina Faso is playing well currently and will be tough opponents for sure but l believe our experience at this level should serve us well but what l know for sure is it will be an interesting and tight contest.

Source: CAFOnline.com