ACCRA, Feb 1 (AFP/Internet): Tire best and worst prepared teams for the African Nations Cup meet in a final-round Group B match on Wednesday with no guarantee that even victory will not spell defeat.

A win for Algeria or a draw against mini-league pacesetters South Africa in Kumasi at the same time would ensure both of quarter-finals berths at the expense of the Congolese and point-less Gabonese, who cannot qualify.

Gabon came to the biennial tournament with high hopes of reaching the last eight under burly Brazilian coach Antonio Dumas from a group generally considered the weakest of the four.

They played 15 warm-up matches — eight at home, four in Libya and one in Cote d'Ivoire. Egypt and Burkina Faso — whfle a cash crisis induced by civil war restricted DR Congo to two friendlies against neighbours Congo.

But the finals have broughtonly disappointment with. Gabon flattering to deceive when taking an early ,'ad against South Africa through Shiva Nzigou, 16. whose appearance made him the youngest footballer to play at the 43-year finals. '

South Africa brutally exposed the frailties of veteran goalkeeper Jacques Deckoussou and replacement Germain Mendome fared no better against Algeria as the Azingo Nationale Tost 3-1 again and had Eric Engo sent off.

Dumas seeks comfort in the performances of Nzigou from French club Nantes, saying his football brain marks him but as a potential successor to African superstars like Roger Milla and George Weah.

"Shiva can go far." Dumas told reporters.

He is a modest boy who has not been affected by the publicity surrounding his record. He does not know what nerves are and has the right approach to succeed."

Congolese coach Basilua Lu-sadusu had a resigned look as he waited in the hotel lobby for

the key to his room, saying the lack of preparations and absence of some players from Europe had hit Simba (Lions) hard.

"Because we finished third two years ago under similar circumstances, some thought our lack of practice would not count against us. Now they know lightning does not always strike twee."

Congo hardly created a chance In a drab goalless stalemate with Algeria and were fortunate to lose only 1-0 to South Africa, who hit the woodwork and had two shots cleared off the line by Michael Dlnzey.

Dinzey from German Bundesliga club 1860 Munich finds the unprofessional approach of a country crowned African champions in 1968 and 1974 difficult to understand or accept.

'The organisation is so bad," he wearily told reporters.

We do not look or act like a team representing a once great football nation. Money is important, but some of the players are obsessed by it"