Group C in Africa features perhaps the best team in the region, the Ivory Coast.
Gambia
FIFA Rank: 113rd
CAF Rank: 30th
2010 qualifying result: Eliminated in the second round with nine points from six group games
Gambia has never reached a major FIFA tournament in its history, although the generation coming through did reach the under-20 World Cup back in 2007. Members of this squad include Kenny Mansally and Sainey Nyassi.
In 2010 qualifying, Gambia missed out on advancing to the third round by just one point after finishing behind Algeria. An inability to win on the road cost Gambia dearly in that round, but the most crushing result was drawing 0-0 to Senegal.
If Gambia has any glimmer of hope in winning group C, they must be able to defend their home turf, a task that appears too difficult for this current squad against higher competition.
Ivory Coast
FIFA Rank: 15th
CAF Rank: 1st
2010 Qualifying Result: Qualified
The Ivory Coast is still trying to get over the heartbreak of losing in the African Cup of Nations final on penalties to Zambia. Yet again in that tournament, they were unable to live up to the heavy expectations placed upon them.
The nation now is to the point that they expect to qualify for every World Cup and will be attempting to reach its third consecutive edition. A new generation of players are being integrated into the team as the Didier Drogba's of the country play their last international games. This will be an interesting subplot of the side's qualifying campaign as they seek to blood new players and manage the careers of veterans.
As favorite in this group, the nation will be embarrassed by anything other than an easy group stage where they wrap up advancement with time to spare, something they should be able to accomplish without too much trouble.
Morocco
FIFA Rank: 60th
CAF Rank: 10th
2010 Qualifying Result: Eliminated in round three with three points from six group games
Morocco has reached four World Cups but have not qualified for one since 1986 where they made the knockout stages. Since then they have been right on the doorstep of qualification several times, but unable to knock the door down.
2012 has so far been full of disappointment for Morocco after they failed to progress from the group stages of the African Cup of Nations. Losses to Tunisia and Gabon prevented the sides advancement, two sides Morocco should be beating if they want to make the World Cup.
This team stands the best chance of knocking the mighty Ivory Coast off, but will definitely need some improvement as well as a slice of luck to win the group.
Tanzania
FIFA Rank: 145th
CAF Rank: 42nd
2010 Qualifying Result: Eliminated in round two with eight points from six group games
The only major tournament Tanzania has reached was the 1980 edition of the African Cup of Nations and it is highly unlikely that will change this time around.
It was a tight battle for Tanzania just to advance to round two. They contested Chad, who is currently ranked 30 spots ahead of Tanzania. In the first leg in Chad, Tanzania came away with a huge 2-1 victory which put them in the drivers seat. The second leg saw the side fall 1-0 at home, but it was enough to progress thanks to the away goals rule.
One of the lowest ranked teams still in the competition, Tanzania has little hope of finishing anywhere but last place in this group.
Prediction
Ivory Coast should boss this group without much trouble.
1. Ivory Coast
2. Morocco
3. Gambia
4. Tanzania
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