Senegal’s Stephan sacked

DAKAR (GoPharaohs.com) – On Thursday Guy Stephan became the third manager to be relieved of his post, following the eighth round of 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches in Africa last weekend.

Stephan’s sacking was announced on the heels of Senegal’s 2-2 draw with Togo, which left their place at next year’s World Cup finals in serious doubt.

The Teranga Lions (15 points) lie third in Group 1 behind Togo (17 points) and Zambia (16 points).

Stephan, who’s failed to live up to the lofty heights set by former manager Bruno Metsu, said the firing wasn’t unexpected.

“There was no debate [about whether he should be sacked].

“For the final matches, it will be up to my successor and I wish whoever it is good luck”, he added.

Metsu guided the Senegalese to its first-ever World Cup finals in 2002, overcoming traditional African heavy-weights Egypt, Morocco, and Algeria en route. Senegal went on to the quarterfinal round before losing to Turkey.

Earlier in the week, Algeria fired manager Ali Fergani after the Fenecs were held to a 2-2 draw with Zimbabwe that all but ended the North Africans’ hopes for a berth in next year’s African Cup of Nations finals in Egypt.

The Nigerian Football Association said Tuesday that it had “suspended” manager Christian Chukwu, whose Super Eagles drew 1-1 at home with Angola on Saturday. The draw leaves Nigeria tied with Angola on 15 points in African zone Group 4, but in second place thanks to the head-to-head tie-breaker.

Only the winners of the five groups will qualify for next year’s World Cup finals in Germany. The top three teams in each group meanwhile are guaranteed positions at the African Cup of Nations finals.