With just a matter of days to the big kick off of the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea, we take a look at the favourites for this year’s edition. So many countries will fancy their chances of being crowned champions and make history here in Equatorial Guinea.
Here are the countries who look likely to become champions of Africa in 2015.
Algeria (The Desert Warriors): There can be no doubt about it, Algeria played the best football of any African nation in 2014. The Desert Warriors as they are called last won the AFCON in 1990 as hosts. It was the only time Algeria would lift the trophy having failed to win the tournament in several attempts. However with their current generation of talented players, the country hope and believe this will be their year. Algeria find themselves in the group of death, drawn against Ghana, South Africa and Senegal. When a country has players playing in Europe’s top flight and are instrumental in their clubs they will always fancy their chances. Algeria won all but one of their games in qualification. The Desert Warriors have momentum with them and will be aiming to carry it into the tournament and who would bet against them becoming champions
Ivory Coast (The Elephants): The Ivory Coast in recent years have always been tipped to win the African Cup of Nations. The Elephants have disappointed each time they looked favourites to win the tournament. They lost to Zambia in the final in 2012 in a dramatic penalty shootout. Though the Yaya Toure lead side were far from convincing during the qualification, they cannot be ruled out of being the tournaments favourites. With the likes of captain Yaya Toure, Gervinho, Wilfried Bony, Ishmael Tiote, Seydou Doumbia just to mention a few in the side, you just cannot write them off. Many have associated Ivory Coast’s failure in recent years to their inability to cope with pressure of being the team to beat. Maybe this time they have come of age and will be looking to make amends for their disappointing times. The Elephants have only won the tournament once, in 1992 beating Ghana in the finals
Ghana (Black Stars): The Black Stars are again amongst the favourites to win the AFCON. Ghana have played in at least the semi-final stage in each of the previous four Africa Cup of Nations tournaments. However the Stars had an awful 2014 campaign, from a disgraceful World Cup attitude to the poor performance in the qualifiers: which lead to the sacking of the head Coach, James Akwasi Appiah. Even when the Black Stars were not at their best, they still managed to top their group over the qualification. Ghana have appointed the experienced Avram Grant as the new man to lead the team into the tournament. A new man a new era, with Grant’s pedigree and the players at his disposal, this year could be the year Ghana wins it for the fifth time in their history. However Ghana will have to qualify from a group that has Algeria, South Africa and Senegal, it’s the group of death. Winning the tournament is certainly not impossible for the Black Stars of Ghana.
Tunisia (Eagles of Carthage): They were unbeaten in the qualifiers, coming top of a group with Senegal and Egypt in contention. The Eagles of Carthage last won the Africa Cup of Nations on home soil in 2004 beating local rivals Morocco in the final. After an impressive display in the qualifiers it will be no surprise if a repeat of 2004 is on the card. The North Africans will face Zambia, Cape Verde and DR Congo in group stages. With their current run of form and confidence, they will be difficult to beat.
Cameroon (The Indomitable Lions): After a forgettable World Cup campaign in Brazil, the Lions have regrouped are back on track. Cameroon overhauled their squad and were impressive in the qualifiers. Cameroon are actually playing like the Lions they are and will hope to dominate Africa by winning the ultimate prize. Africa has seen the Indomitable Lions dominate the continent in this kind of form in 1984, 1988 and a back to back in 2000 and 2002. With their current performances winning their fifth Africa Cup of Nations could be within their reach. The Indomitable Lions beat Ivory Coast to the top of the standings in qualifiers. They will face Mali, Guinea and again Ivory Coast in group stages of the AFCON. It is by no means an easy group but Cameroon have all it takes to sail through and get their hands on the most prestigious trophy in Africa.
So there you go, they are the favourites to win the African Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea but Africa has not been short of surprises. Even though they are the favourites, countries like South Africa, Senegal and Zambia will have their eyes set on the trophy. Africa cannot wait for the tournament to commence from January 17 to February, 8 2015. This year’s edition promises lots of excitement, will there be upsets? Will the big gangs dominate Africa as expected? The answers will be revealed from January 17, 2015 when the tournament kicks off. Which country will you place your bet on to win the African Cup of Nations this time? We shall see on February 8th, 2015.
Thank you for reading. Follow me on twitter @AtsrimPhillip. Support LWOS by following us on Twitter – @LastWordOnSport and @LWOSworld – and “liking” our Facebook page.
Feel free to discuss this and other footy related articles with thousands at r/football.
Have you tuned into Last Word On Sports Radio? LWOS is pleased to bring you 24/7 sports radio to your PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone. What are you waiting for?
