African Friendlies

The football world settled down this week for international friendlies on the Road to 2010.

While much of the world focused on Diego Maradona's coaching debut with Argentina, African squads went about their business.

Here, a recap from the BBC of the six friendlies that took place on Wednesday. South Africa played Cameroon, as well ...

Colombia 1 Nigeria 0 A Nigerian side hit badly by withdrawals went down to a goal from striker Radamel Falcao Garcia nine minutes from time in Palmira. Sani Kaita was sent off for protesting as the Super Eagles thought the goal came from an offside position.

Egypt 5 Benin 1 African champions Egypt overwhelmed Benin in a dominant display. Two of Egypts goals came from striker Emad Motaeb and two from star midfielder Mohamed Aboutrika. Benin's consolation came just five minutes from the end as the hosts eased off.

Ghana 0 Tunisia 0 A lacklustre Black Stars performance from a less than full-strength side. The Carthage Eagles had the better of the early exchanges but their finishing was also wayward. On the plus side for Ghana captain Stephen Appiah played as did Dede Ayew.

Israel 2 Ivory Coast 2 Israel were denied victory over the Elephjants by an 85th minute equaliser from Boubacar Sanogo in this draw. Didier Drogba made his return to the international side after injury.

Morocco 3 Zambia 0 The Atlas Lions pounced to take an early lead in just the third minute of the game, through Houssine Kharja. A penalty awarded some 20 minutes later allowed the home team to double their lead in Casablanca before Nabil Baha completed the win just after the hour mark.

Venezuela 0 Angola 0 Venezuela and Angola played to a sloppy scoreless draw in a friendly of bungled passes and shots on goal under pounding rain on Wednesday. Angola's Marco Airosa was sent off in injury time at La Carolina Stadium in the city of Barinas after receiving a second yellow card.