The time has come when Africa's finest football team will be crowned. The 2015 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on 17 January and will see new champions crowned on the 8th of February. Nigeria, the current champions failed to qualify after Congo and South Africa produced master class qualifying displays. With Morocco fresh from hosting the Club World Cup, having turned down the opportunity to host the prestigious tournament citing Ebola virus fears a replacement was acquired with three other nations turning down the opportunity. Equatorial Guinea got the nod to host the tournament. The Tournament will bring the curtain down on some illustrious careers and herald the beginning of some. What does 2015 hold for African football?
We look at Group A, which comprises of hosts Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Burkina Faso and Congo (not DR Congo).
The hosts are in turmoil and will continue to feel the heat when the tournament commences. Having sacked coach Andoni Goikoetxea last week after shocking preparations they are looking for another coach. Stephen Keshi is a name being thrown around and could be an ideal replacement. Equatorial Guinea lost to Benfica B and a fourth tier side and with no coach, confidence low and a poor run of form they will need a miracle to get out the group and turn it all around.
Gabon are favorites to progress quite comfortably. Having made it to the quarter finals in 2012, they will look to improve on that. Spearheaded by the pacy Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the side will look to use their pace and intricate passing to advance.
Congo Brazzaville who managed a win over Nigeria and peeped the champions will look to build on that. A lack of consistency may be their undoing. Their first appearance in several decades and will look to make it count. They will vie for the other spot with Burkina Faso.
The 2013 finalists are one of the dark horses. They are led by Aristide Bance the blonde center forward. The side managed to win fans over with a high octane, entertaining, high spirited showing. They were unfortunate to lose out and will have a tough time replicating the 2013 display.
Group A will prove likely to be a three way battle, with Gabon and Burkina Faso likely to be the winners.
Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira
Twitter: @bchanakira2
 |
| Africa Cup of Nations [Image by Theo's Little Bot] |
The hosts are in turmoil and will continue to feel the heat when the tournament commences. Having sacked coach Andoni Goikoetxea last week after shocking preparations they are looking for another coach. Stephen Keshi is a name being thrown around and could be an ideal replacement. Equatorial Guinea lost to Benfica B and a fourth tier side and with no coach, confidence low and a poor run of form they will need a miracle to get out the group and turn it all around.
Gabon are favorites to progress quite comfortably. Having made it to the quarter finals in 2012, they will look to improve on that. Spearheaded by the pacy Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, the side will look to use their pace and intricate passing to advance.
Congo Brazzaville who managed a win over Nigeria and peeped the champions will look to build on that. A lack of consistency may be their undoing. Their first appearance in several decades and will look to make it count. They will vie for the other spot with Burkina Faso.
The 2013 finalists are one of the dark horses. They are led by Aristide Bance the blonde center forward. The side managed to win fans over with a high octane, entertaining, high spirited showing. They were unfortunate to lose out and will have a tough time replicating the 2013 display.
Group A will prove likely to be a three way battle, with Gabon and Burkina Faso likely to be the winners.
Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira
Twitter: @bchanakira2
Post a Comment