We take a look at group B, this group is comprised of three former champions and one country that is making only its second appearance at the tournament. It may look easy but will be one of the most fiercely contested groups in the tournament. Will Cape Verde produce a shock progression? Tunisia are outsiders to win the event of the teams in Equatorial Guinea.
Tunisia
Champions in 2004, and finally showing some championship qualities. Tunisia managed to top a tough group in qualification, and managed to display, grit, flair and the nerve to see out results. Hertha Berlin's Ben-Hatira looks to be out of the AFCON as he recovers from a toe injury. Jamel Saihi will shoulder most of the responsibility to take the team forward from the midfield. Ranked second, in Africa, finishing top of a group involving Senegal leaves the Tunisians with a strong possibility of winning this event. Can the Eagles of Carthage prevail?
Will finish top of the group, and expected to do so with a game to spare.
Zambia
Recent winners in 2012, and have shown a lack of consistency in the last eight months which has seen them spiral down the African rankings. With preparations disrupted by their narrow loss to South Africa and the withdrawal of Zesco United Nyambe Mulenga who fractured his right leg leaves the Chipolopolo in a tricky and poor position. Emmanuel Mayuka was the golden boot winner in 2012 and will be expected to produce the goals for Zambia. With limited game time at Southampton he will need to find some form soon. Zambia's squad is predominantly an experienced group and will look to use their old heads to prevail.
Do not look capable of progression. Likely to finish third.
Congo DR
The two time champions will look to progress as they search for a third AFCON title. A side well balanced with style, creativity, steel and comedians and is led by Yannick Bolasie, who has been a bright spark for Crystal Palace. The young winger will look to continue his talisman role as he was involved in majority of Congo DR's goals during qualification including a hat trick of assist on the final day. West Brom midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu is expected to hold the midfield with humorous TP Mazembe goal keeper in goal. The shot stopper probably has the best goal celebration at the tournament.
They should be able to qualify for the quarter finals as they have enough quality in the side to ensure safe passage. Watch Yannick Bolasie!
Cape Verde Islands
It is the smallest nation at the tournament. They must feel like Costa Rica at the 2014 World Cup who despite being surrounded by World Cup winners accepted the challenge and executed well. Will Cape Verde produce a scintillating showing? It will take a lot more than their resolve, defensive approach and superior fitness. They will need to find goals, and if they do? They have managed an impressive run in the last few months losing twice in seven games. They managed to lose one, and win one to fellow group members Zambia. We may see a fairy tale in this tournament from the Islanders.
Every tournament needs one and 2015 may belong to Cape Verde!
Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira
Twitter: @bchanakira2
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| Africa Cup of Nations [Image by Theo's Little Bot] |
Champions in 2004, and finally showing some championship qualities. Tunisia managed to top a tough group in qualification, and managed to display, grit, flair and the nerve to see out results. Hertha Berlin's Ben-Hatira looks to be out of the AFCON as he recovers from a toe injury. Jamel Saihi will shoulder most of the responsibility to take the team forward from the midfield. Ranked second, in Africa, finishing top of a group involving Senegal leaves the Tunisians with a strong possibility of winning this event. Can the Eagles of Carthage prevail?
Will finish top of the group, and expected to do so with a game to spare.
Zambia
Recent winners in 2012, and have shown a lack of consistency in the last eight months which has seen them spiral down the African rankings. With preparations disrupted by their narrow loss to South Africa and the withdrawal of Zesco United Nyambe Mulenga who fractured his right leg leaves the Chipolopolo in a tricky and poor position. Emmanuel Mayuka was the golden boot winner in 2012 and will be expected to produce the goals for Zambia. With limited game time at Southampton he will need to find some form soon. Zambia's squad is predominantly an experienced group and will look to use their old heads to prevail.
Do not look capable of progression. Likely to finish third.
Congo DR
The two time champions will look to progress as they search for a third AFCON title. A side well balanced with style, creativity, steel and comedians and is led by Yannick Bolasie, who has been a bright spark for Crystal Palace. The young winger will look to continue his talisman role as he was involved in majority of Congo DR's goals during qualification including a hat trick of assist on the final day. West Brom midfielder Youssouf Mulumbu is expected to hold the midfield with humorous TP Mazembe goal keeper in goal. The shot stopper probably has the best goal celebration at the tournament.
They should be able to qualify for the quarter finals as they have enough quality in the side to ensure safe passage. Watch Yannick Bolasie!
Cape Verde Islands
It is the smallest nation at the tournament. They must feel like Costa Rica at the 2014 World Cup who despite being surrounded by World Cup winners accepted the challenge and executed well. Will Cape Verde produce a scintillating showing? It will take a lot more than their resolve, defensive approach and superior fitness. They will need to find goals, and if they do? They have managed an impressive run in the last few months losing twice in seven games. They managed to lose one, and win one to fellow group members Zambia. We may see a fairy tale in this tournament from the Islanders.
Every tournament needs one and 2015 may belong to Cape Verde!
Article contributed by: Benedict Chanakira
Twitter: @bchanakira2
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