JOHANNESBURG. Dec 31 (AFP): Even success did not guarantee survival in Africa this year with the coaches of Nigeria and South Africa losing their, iqbs. after securing World Cup places.

Frenchman Philippe Troussier replaced local Amodu Sahibu at the helm in Nigeria and masterminded the three consecutive victories that ensured the 'Super Eagles' of an invitation to France '98.

But as Troussier dreamt of pitting stars like Taribo West. Sunday Ollseh. Finidi George. Emmanuel Amunike, Daniel Amokachi. Jonathan Akpo-borie and Voctor Ikpeba against the best in the world, his world collapsed.

The White Wizard's objected to certain conditions when renewing his contract and quit only to be snapped up by minnows Burkina Faso, who stage the African Nations' Cup in February.

An extensive search for a replacement finally netted Bora Milutinovic, the widely-travelled Yugoslav fired by Mexico after guiding them to the World Cup.

Clive Barker, the diminutive man who led hosts South Africa to the 1996 Nations' Cup title and World Cup qualification, paid the ultimate price for five tosses in six warm-up matches.

No African country has dared tackle France. Germany and Brazil within three months and although two of the defeats were by one-goal margins, an expectant public turned against the coach they once worshipped.

Further reverses against the United Arab Emirates and

Uruguay in the inaugural Confederations Cup tightened the noose and although Barker claimed he resigned, subsc-Suent statements contradicted lis.

The press were relentless Jn their vendetta to find a scapegoat for our reCent defeats and I was the one who had to go." said Barker, whose replacement will be named on Saturday.

While Nigeria had little difficulty mastering Guinea. Kenya and Burkina Faso in World Cup eliminators. South Africa needed a fortunate final -round win over surprise packets Congo to secure group honours.

The number of World Cup places allocated to Africa rose from three to five after the 1994 finals in the United States, despite dismal displays by Cameroon and Morocco.

Both get a chance to make amends next June with Cameroon holding off determined Angola while the expected Ghanaian challenge never materialised and Sierra Leone came second behind Mo-

Tunlsla will Join Cameroon. Morocco. Nigeria and South Africa In France after comfortably winning a group Egypt were favoured to head, especially after slamming seven goals past Namibia in the opening round.

Hosts Burkina Faso and holders South Africa automatically qualified for the Nations' Cup and the scramble for the other 14 berths produced considerable drama with many groups going to the wire.

As the dust settled. Zimbabwe remained the only leading team never to quality, finishing third behind Ghana and

Angola after a first-day win in Sudan was declared null and void when the East Africans withdrew.

Togo are back following a 14-year absence, qualifying at the expense of George Weah-led Liberia, and a draw in Gabon .secured little Namibia a first appearance at the continental snowcase.

Club competitions were once more dominated by North Africa with Raja Casablanca of Morocco winning the first Champions League. Etoile du Sahel of Tunisia the Cup-Winners Cup and Compatriote Esperance the CAF Cup.

The Champions League heralded prize money and minileagues and a surprise final appearance for Obuasi Goldfields of Ghana while top seeds Za-malek of Egypt and Orlando Pirates of South Africa disappointed.

Ikpeba. a frequent scorer for French championship chasers Monaco, was voted African footballer-of-the-year. the fourth Nigerian ‘to collect the trophy in five years.

It was not a vintage season for the record number of Africans performing in Europe, though, with only ficpeba making the final 50 for the foot-bal)er-of-the-year award won by Brazilian superstar Ronaldo.

Ghana came fourth behind hosts Morocco. South Africa and Ivory Coast in the youth tournament, but were the best African performers on the world stage with another fourth place.

Egypt won the African Junior title from Mall only for third-Claced Ghana to excel at the ighest level. finishing runners-up to Brazil In the World Youth Championship.