Canada’s men’s national team announced today that they will travel to Durban, South Africa for an international friendly match in November. The first-ever match between the two nations will occur a few days before the draw for FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010 qualifications.
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\u200b“We are delighted to have been invited to play the hosts of the 2010 World Cup in Durban,” said Canadian coach Dale Mitchell. “South Africa are looking to build a strong team and will provide a good test in our final match of 2007.”
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\u200bNot only will this be Canada’s first-ever match against South Africa, it will also be Canada’s first trip to the African continent in four and a half years. Canada defeated Libya 4:2 back on 12 February 2003 in Tripoli, Libya.
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\u200bThe South Africa match will be Canada’s 10th this season. Canada has four wins, three draws and two losses in 2007. All four of their wins have come on the road, three of which were at the CONCACAF Gold Cup in June. Under newly appointed head coach Dale Mitchell, Canada has two draws – one in Ísland and one in Toronto at BMO Field.
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\u200bCanada’s men’s senior team is currently ranked third amongst all CONCACAF countries in the September 2007 FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings. Next year, Canada will begin their qualifications road for the FIFA World Cup South Africa 2010.