The African draw for the 2010 World Cup took place in Durban

It is too early to say the Ivory Coast will storm through as group winners?

Can Sudan translate a good year domestically into international progress?

And though South Africa have qualified for the World Cup as hosts, what of their 2010 Cup of Nations credentials?

This debate is now closed. A selection of comments is below.

There are no more small countries in African football.My advise to countries in Africa who cannot afford foreign technical advisers is for them to go to Nigeria to recruit coaches from the vast reserve of talented former players. These crop of players have played at the highest level, both in Africa and in Europe.These guys can repeat the miracle Steven Keshi performed with Togo in any other African country.Such talented,experienced and exposed players can also be found in many other African countries.
Anthony Okosun, USA

The draws involving Nigeria is to me a solid group,although people may think that it is a work over for Nigeria,but they must be aware that there are no minnows in football and start thorough preparations. They should endeavour to win con vincincely in every match.Good preparation,solid organization and available resources will ensure that they triumph.
Ihechukwu Ibeji, Nigeria

Zimbabwe this time will make it to our first world cup appearance because there is no big guns in our group.
Tendai M Mandaza, zimbabwe

I was happy to see Tanzania's Group. Besides Cameroon, I am hoping they take maximum points against Cape Verde and Mauritius home and away. and get the Lady luck at home to Cameroon. I am hoping the work has started back home in Tanzania. Come on Tanzania this is our chance to be counted.
Remedios Antao, USA

As a fan of the Guinea National Team, Les Syli Nationale, for the last 10 years or so, I really want to see us qualify for the World Cup. Guinea has been a powerhouse in African Football since the 1970s, and has been one of the most entertaining teams to watch. The only reason why we are 'unknown' internationally, is that we have yet to qualify for the World Cup. I expect Guinea to breeze through the first round of qualifiers, as neither Zimbabwe, Namibia, or Kenya have the ability to match us technically. Pascal Feindouno and Fode Mansare lead a skillful generation of Guinea players that deserve to grace the world stage. I would warn the likes of Cameroon, Ivory Coast, or Ghana, that if any one them meets Guinea in the later rounds of qualifying, they best be prepared for a tough fight, as we are technically the level of Senegal, who qualified for the quarter-finals of the 2002 World Cup. Allez Les Syli Nationale!!!
Marco Idris, Australia

As for sierra leone we are underdog but we are going to set the upset.
Nathaniel, Sierra leone

It could have been better, but I think Tanzania is in a good group. We could snatch one of the eight best runner-up positions and advance to the next round. Tanzania head coach, Marcio Maximo should start planning now for each game. After our courageous attempt to qualify for Ghana 2008, he has a pretty good idea of what improvements the national team needs.
Yohanne Kidolezi, Tanzania

If Zimbabwe fail to qualify from Group 2, they will never qualify for any World Cup Finals. Come on, Zimbabwe! Make the nation proud and show everyone that despite a myriad of problems, this beautiful country can still reach dizzy heights.
Jaison Jamela, Zimbabwe

My country cannot even beat Benin,Togo, Mali in the African Cup of Nations qualifiers. How are we going to beat Nigeria, South Africa and the vastly improved Equitorial Guinea. I hope our officials equip the team with all they need, so they can do their best to qualify. God bless our beloved nation, mama Salone.
Mikar, a Sierra Leonean based in London