That group no one wants to be in: Four former champions South Africa, Algeria, Senegal and Ghana. The group of death which will see two quality sides depart early with nothing. The stakes are raised, and they must all hit the ground running. With affairs off the field likely to be more telling on how the group will look like at the end. Let's look at the four teams:
South Africa
After years of underperforming, overpaying coaches that never delivered and an over reliance on stars that were past their prime, something had to change. The former Under 23 mentor who is in his second spell as Bafana Bafana coach hit the ground running as he topped the qualifying group which saw South Africa knock out Nigeria. The team has had a resurgence in the last few months which was also entwined recently with having to also deal with the passing of captain and goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa. A well balanced squad, which may have one weakness, the inexperienced shot stoppers. Up front Tokelo Rantie will have lots to prove in front of goal; not just for the Bafana fans but the Bournemouth fans. The attacker will be in the company of Kaizer Chiefs' Bernard Parker.
Bafana Bafana have a very good chance of progressing, and will need to take their chances and maintain their defensive discipline. They will battle with Senegal to edge that second or third spot.
Ghana
Five tournament debutants and a new coach in Avram Grant leaves the Black Stars in unfamiliar territory. Many a time, we have seen quality coaches fail on the big African stage. How will the Israelite fare? Without the troublesome pair of Kevin Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari, the Black Stars will rely heavily on their prolific striker Asamoah Gyan and the creative Andre Ayew. The Ghanaians have a habit of getting drawn into tough groups and failed to progress in the World Cup due to this. Without another star player in Kwadwo Asamoah the task only gets tougher for the Black stars. Individual performances cost them in Brazil last year, with Jordan Ayew the main culprit. They will look to play more as a team if they are to progress.
Tough task, but they will find it tough against resolute and more complete sides in the form of Algeria and Senegal. Outside shot of progression, third at best.
Senegal
Diafra Sakho and Sadio Manè are out of the AFCON. A huge blow to the Senegalese squad as two of their most inform attacking players are out. Also without the services of Demba Ba whose form has been exceptional with 16 goals in 19 games for Besiktas due to the war of words between the striker and Alain Giresse the coach. A costly choice as two of their chief attackers look to be out, despite Giresse holding thumbs on Mane. The side will turn to Mame Biram Diouf and Papiss Cisse. How will they fare? They boast a handful of inform players and will be favorites to win the show piece. They must first maneuver a way out the group of death.
They are one of three teams with an all round squad. What can stop them is failure to click. Expect them to get that elusive second spot ahead of Ghana and South Africa.
Algeria
They are the number one side in Africa. Exceptional at the World Cup as they showed their all round qualities. They are the favorites to not just top the group but to also win the tournament. They have a strong defense and a phenomenal attack. They will have a key player in the form of Riyad Mahrez who has started to show his abilities with elusive runs and defense splitting passing, combining with Yacine Brahimi and Nabil Bentalib who will be the engines in midfield who also add goal threats. The World Champions battled against Algeria and its difficult to find a weakness in this side.
Group winners and favorites to land the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations trophy. This side are Africa's best, hope they show it.
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| Africa Cup of Nations [Image by Theo's Little Bot] |
After years of underperforming, overpaying coaches that never delivered and an over reliance on stars that were past their prime, something had to change. The former Under 23 mentor who is in his second spell as Bafana Bafana coach hit the ground running as he topped the qualifying group which saw South Africa knock out Nigeria. The team has had a resurgence in the last few months which was also entwined recently with having to also deal with the passing of captain and goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa. A well balanced squad, which may have one weakness, the inexperienced shot stoppers. Up front Tokelo Rantie will have lots to prove in front of goal; not just for the Bafana fans but the Bournemouth fans. The attacker will be in the company of Kaizer Chiefs' Bernard Parker.
Bafana Bafana have a very good chance of progressing, and will need to take their chances and maintain their defensive discipline. They will battle with Senegal to edge that second or third spot.
Ghana
Five tournament debutants and a new coach in Avram Grant leaves the Black Stars in unfamiliar territory. Many a time, we have seen quality coaches fail on the big African stage. How will the Israelite fare? Without the troublesome pair of Kevin Prince Boateng and Sulley Muntari, the Black Stars will rely heavily on their prolific striker Asamoah Gyan and the creative Andre Ayew. The Ghanaians have a habit of getting drawn into tough groups and failed to progress in the World Cup due to this. Without another star player in Kwadwo Asamoah the task only gets tougher for the Black stars. Individual performances cost them in Brazil last year, with Jordan Ayew the main culprit. They will look to play more as a team if they are to progress.
Tough task, but they will find it tough against resolute and more complete sides in the form of Algeria and Senegal. Outside shot of progression, third at best.
Senegal
Diafra Sakho and Sadio Manè are out of the AFCON. A huge blow to the Senegalese squad as two of their most inform attacking players are out. Also without the services of Demba Ba whose form has been exceptional with 16 goals in 19 games for Besiktas due to the war of words between the striker and Alain Giresse the coach. A costly choice as two of their chief attackers look to be out, despite Giresse holding thumbs on Mane. The side will turn to Mame Biram Diouf and Papiss Cisse. How will they fare? They boast a handful of inform players and will be favorites to win the show piece. They must first maneuver a way out the group of death.
They are one of three teams with an all round squad. What can stop them is failure to click. Expect them to get that elusive second spot ahead of Ghana and South Africa.
Algeria
They are the number one side in Africa. Exceptional at the World Cup as they showed their all round qualities. They are the favorites to not just top the group but to also win the tournament. They have a strong defense and a phenomenal attack. They will have a key player in the form of Riyad Mahrez who has started to show his abilities with elusive runs and defense splitting passing, combining with Yacine Brahimi and Nabil Bentalib who will be the engines in midfield who also add goal threats. The World Champions battled against Algeria and its difficult to find a weakness in this side.
Group winners and favorites to land the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations trophy. This side are Africa's best, hope they show it.
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