Congo U-20 avoid the big guns

Congo won the African under-20 title on home soil in February

African champions Congo-Brazzaville have avoided being drawn against the big names in the group stages of this year's World Under-20 Cup in Canada.

In Saturday's draw Congo were picked to face the hosts Canada, Chile and Austria in Group A.

Nigeria, who were runners-up to Argentina at the 2005 event, are in Group F alongside Japan, Scotland and Costa Rica.

The Gambia, who finished 3rd at the African Under-20 Championship in Congo earlier this year, will play Portugal, Mexico and New Zealand in Group C.

The continent's other representatives, Zambia, are in Group B with many people's favourites Spain as well as Uruguay and Jordan.

Defending champions Argentina, who are the most successful team in the biennial event and are chasing their sixth title, are in Group E where they will face the Czech Republic, North Korea and Panama.

Four-time winners Brazil are in Group D which also includes Poland, South Korea and the USA.

The tournament is run from 30 June until 22 July at six cities across Canada with advanced ticket sales already surpassing 500,000.