voldemort

Namibia can still mathematically qualify by defeating Guinea and hoping that Ghana rack up a cricket score against Morocco to wipe out the Atlas Lions' superior goal difference.

But it would rank as one of the biggest shocks in the tournament's 51 year history if the limited Brave Warriors could sneak through from Group A in second, however, and in truth it is Guinea who have everything to play for in Sekondi.

Having only lost to Ghana due to Sulley Muntari's late, late show on day one - a goal almost as spectacular as the opening ceremony itself - the Sylli Stars clawed their way back into a postition of real strength in terms of progressing from Group A with their 3-2 victory over Morocco on their next showing at Accra's new national stadium.

It was a positive performance both mentally and tactically from the Guineans last Thursday, and French coach Robert Nouzaret should have little reason to fear his side won't get the three points they need against Namiba.

Much has been made of Ghana's inability to carve Namibia open last time out, and while the Namibians had improved as a unit, the respectable scoreline was just as much down to Ghana's profligate finishing and a particularly bad day at the office for the low-on-confidence Asamoah Gyan.

Namibia's main threat will come through the overlapping right winger Quinton Jacobs, who takes up good positions on the counter attack, and the vision of their coverted midfielder Collin Benjamin, who is really a striker by trade. Nonetheless, they remain underdogs.

A win for Guinea would see them qualify for the quarter finals so long as hosts Ghana don't lose to Morocco; should the hosts succumb to the Lions, then a three way tiebreak determined first by goal difference, then by red cards accrued, then by yellow cards, then by lots, would decide which two teams would progress. It seems unlikely to come to that.

TEAM NEWS

Guinea: Guinea will have to do without the great Pascal Feindouno for two games following his red card againt Morocco and will likely field a 4-3-3 formation against the group's bottom side as they throw everything into securing three points.

Namibia: Arie Schans side have no new injury worries, but the Dutchman might be tempted to revert Hamburg's Collin Benjamin back to a striking role due to the lack of a goal threat displayed thus far by the Brave Warriors.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Guinea- Ismael Bangoura: The Dynamo Kyiv forward secured the MTN Man of the Match award almost by default against Morocco following the red card of the far more deserving Feindouno, who was truly world class before he temporarily lost control. Nonetheless, the award, and his finely taken goa,will have done Bangoura's confidence wonders, and he could be ready to show his club form in this one.

Namibia- Collin Benjamin: I have a sneaky feeling we might see the Hamburg man get a chance in his prefered position up front. But even if Benjamin starts in midfield he will be keen to find the net in what will surely be Namibia's final fling at Ghana '08. Out of favour with his German club, a good performance might secure the Nambian poster boy a transfer to another team where he can make a fresh start.

PREDICTION

Guinea will miss the suspended Pascal Feindouno in the quarterfinals should results go their way and they get that far, but they won't need him against Namibia. Guinea are a very fine side and I tip them to beat Namibia easily and join Ghana in the next round.

Guinea 3 Namibia 0

source:goal.com