THE boys are gradually being separated from the men. From 46 countries that started the second round race to South Africa and Angola 2010, only 20 are still in contention after the last round of matches were decided last weekend.

In Abuja, the Super Eagles continued their fine run with an emphatic 4-1 bashing of the Leone Stars of Sierra Leone. That victory saw them finishing with the maximum 18 points after six matches. And the Shaibu Amodu-tutored side were the only side that did not drop a point in round two.

Other African giants like the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire and Nations Cup defending champions, Pharaohs of Egypt also lived up to expectation as they finished on top of their respective groups.

The surprise team of the round were the Stallions of Burkina Faso, who finished on top of group nine despite the looming presence there of former African champions, The Carthage Eagles of Tunisia.

While Burkina Faso dazzled, the Terranga Lions of Senegal, Palancas Negras of Angola and World Cup 2010 hosts, Bafana Bafana of South Africa emerged the super flops of the qualifiers. Angola who are hosting the continent’s "World Cup" will not be at the mundial, just as South Africa will not be in Angola for the Nations Cup.

Now that the field has been whittled down to 20 teams, for the final battle for a place to the 2010 mundial in South Africa, the qualifiers will no doubt be tougher and more interesting.

World soccer governing body, FIFA, has already fixed October 24 as date for the draw, for the third and final phase of the qualifiers. As soccer fans wait patiently to see who the Eagles will contend with at that crucial stage, the million naira question on the lips of everybody is: Will the Eagles keep shining? For now, we can’t, but keep our fingers crossed.

Meanwhile, we serve you, as usual, on our centre spread a special package on the journey so far. Enjoy it!