Mourinho tips African Cup success

Now Africa can take it to the next stage Jose Mourinho

Former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho says an African team could reach the semi-finals of the 2010 World Cup.

"Both Nations Cup semis were played at a high level, but now Africa can take it to the next stage," said Mourinho.

"By next stage I don't mean win the World Cup, that would be too drastic, but an African team could get to the quarter-finals or even the semis."

Cameroon and Senegal are the only two African teams to reach the last eight of the World Cup.

The Indomitable Lions lost to England in the quarter-finals at the 1990 World Cup in Italy, while Senegal were stopped by Turkey at the 2002 tournament.

"So many of the footballers here play in top-level leagues in Europe," added the Portuguese coach who is in Ghana to watch the final between Egypt and Cameroon.

606: DEBATE Do you see any of these teams going byond the first round in 2010? femogiga

"There has been colour, enthusiastic crowds, positive atmosphere. I'm sorry that Ghana and Ivory Coast are not in the final but that's the beauty of the game."

Mourinho also dismissed talk that he would be interested in working with a national team, whether in Europe or Africa.

"I'm not interested at this moment with a national team job because I prefer to work every day, be involved in two, three matches a week", he said.