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Last Updated: Thursday, 6 October 2005, 17:18 GMT 18:18 UK
Group One preview
By Durosimi Thomas

Our destiny is in our hands and we are going to look for three points
Togo striker Kader Coubadja, on the game against Congo

Needing only a point in their away match in Congo, Togo's Hawks are on the verge of a completing a fairytale run to the World Cup finals.

They are the favourites to qualify for the World Cup, at the expense of the much-fancied Senegalese, who need to beat Mali in Dakar and hope the Togolese lose in Brazzaville.

With Congo having no chance of qualifying for the Cup of Nations, it makes the task easier for the Togolese.

"This is the game of our lives," said Togo striker Kader Coubadja.

"We are not going to depend on another country to help us qualify for the World Cup.

"Our destiny is in our hands and we are going to look for three points and not one."

Stephen Keshi, Togo's Nigerian coach, will field his strongest squad in a quest to beat the Congolese on home soil.

The Senegalese camp has been far from peaceful, as there has been a furore over the exclusion of playmaker Khalilou Fadiga from the squad.

Diouf being sent off at the 2004 African Cup of Nations in Tunisia
The form of the tempestuous Diouf could be vital for Senegal

Coach Abdoulaye Sarr and Amara Traore have not been paid for five months but have vowed it will not deter them from piloting the team to a needed victory over Mali.

They will be strong in attack with El Hadji Diouf and Henri Camara hoping to start, making up for the absence of injured Marseille striker Mamadou Niang.

With no hope of reaching the World Cup or Cup of Nations, Mali hope to use the match to restore lost pride after their disastrous campaign.

Legend Salif Keita has taken charge of the federation, in a quest to arrest the decline of Malian football.

A win in Dakar could herald a new beginning for the national team.

The other game in the group, between Zambia and Liberia, was played last weekend but had no impact on World Cup qualifying.

Zambia won 5-0 in Monrovia but had already assured themselves a place at the Cup of Nations.


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