Africa's World Cup task

Senegal will open the World Cup against France

Africa's five representatives at the 2002 World Cup finals have an extremely tough task ahead of them as BBC Sport Online's Jenny Horrocks reports.

World Cup debutants Senegal have a baptism of fire ahead of them with the honour of openning the World Cup Finals against the defending champions France in Seoul on 31 May.

The Senegalese Lions can draw some comfort from the fact that the majority of their squad play for French clubs.

Senegal's danger man Diouf

However, that's a sword that cuts both ways, and the French will be very familiar with most of the squad's strengths and weaknesses.

These two have never met in a full international although France were invited to play Senegal in Dakar in the early 90's.

They sent a second string team which was seen at the time as a bit of a snub, even though they beat their hosts 3-1.

Denmark and Uruguay make up a group which emphasises the need for the Lions to prepare thoroughly for a rough ride.

Cameroon

Cameroon's German coach Winfried Schaeffer will have a head start in preparing the Indomitable Lions for their fifth World Cup appearance.

Coach Winfried Schaeffer

The reigning African champions will play Germany, Saudi Arabia, and take on the Republic of Ireland in their opening fixture.

Recent plans to play Germany in a friendly early next year will now almost certainly be laid to rest.

Cameroon have the best World Cup record of Africa's five representatives, and are the only team from the continent to have reached the quarter-finals, at Italia '90.

Nigeria

Nigeria have an extremely difficult task ahead at their third World Cup appearance. Argentina, Sweden and England are their opponents.

The Nigerians reached the second round at USA '94, and only missed out on a quarter-final place in extra-time against Italy.

Nigeria's fanatical fans

In the first round of those finals, they were beaten 2-1 by Argentina.

The Super Eagles also played England and Sweden in friendly internationals in 1994.

At Wembley stadium Nigeria lost 1-0 against England, which was the first game in charge for their current coach Shaibu Amodu.

In Stockholm, they were beaten 3-1, a match in which Arsenal's Nwankwo Kanu made his international debut.

At France '98, the Super Eagles opened their tournament with an impressive 3-2 victory against Spain in their openning fixture and defeating Bulgaria to qualify for the 2nd round.

Their 4-1 defeat at the hands of Denmark prevented the team from going further.

South Africa

South Africa's second World Cup appearance promises to be another challenging affair, drawn against Spain, Slovenia and Paraguay.

Quinton Fortune

Two of South Africa's squad have extensive experience of Spanish football.

Benni McCarthy currently plays for Celta Vigo, and Quinton Fortune spent many years at Atletico Madrid, but has now been put on the transfer list by Manchester United.

Tunisia

Tunisia have the easiest draw of the African teams, drawn against co-hosts Japan, Belgium and Russia.

This will be their third World Cup appearance.

Tunisia's Adel Sellimi

They disappointed at France '98, losing 2-nil against England and 1-0 against Colombia, ending their campaign with a 1-1 draw against Romania.

At the 1978 finals in Argentina the North Africans beat Mexico 3-1.

It was the first win for an African nation at the World Cup.

But they were defeated 1-nil by Poland, and held to a goalless draw with West Germany, earning them a first round exit.