Quick round up of last of the ACN Quarter Finals and Semi Preview

Gabon 1-1 Mali (Mali won 5-4 on penalties)

Shock. Thought Gabon would get there but no, horrible penalties and wasted chances saw the co-hosts crash out. Well played to Mali, go into the Semi on Wednesday looking confident (and maybe a bit tired)

Ghana 2-1 Tunisia (after Extra Time)

Ghana have never lost to Tunisia in the ACN and still that remains after a tense battle on Sunday evening which saw Ghana edge in late into extra time.

So the Semi Finals are Zambia vs Ghana (Ghana for me) & Mali vs Ivory Coast (Coast to win). Plus, ladies and gents, you can still buy tickets for the final as it has yet to sell out. Shame, as this has been a top tournament so far

ACN: Quarter Final Day 1; Yaya Toure- 'Rocket Man'

As the UK ground to a halt over a few flakes of snow. the African Cup Of Nations has reached fever pitch as the tournament reached the quarter final stage. The first game on Saturday looked a tasty opening course to this 4 course meal with Zambia taking on Sudan.

The game really kicked into gear after 15 minutes when Zambia took the lead with a goal from Stoppila Sunzu heading in a goal with little marking from the Sudanese it was an easy opener.

However Sudan kept on the pressure but couldn't get an equaliser before half time and it remained 1-0 to Zambia. 20 minutes into the second half and Sudan were dealt a huge blow, Ali Idris was sent off for a foul in the area which gave a penalty to Zambia. Christopher Katongo took the penalty but the first attempt was saved but he slotted in the the second attempt. It was all uphill for Sudan now. Their misery was compounded with a few minutes left when James Chamanga sealed a 3-0 win for Zambia.

Harsh on Sudan was this result as they do seem to have improved as the tournament has gone on but they will learn a lot from this years tournament.

The second course on Saturday was Ivory Coast taking on co-hosts Equatorial Guinea. Could they be the first side to score a goal against the 'Elephants' in this tournament?

A first half which saw plenty of possession and attack from the 'Coast saw them win a penalty after half an hour after Drogba was fouled however his penalty was saved and the home fans went ballistic. Their Joy was soon to be short lived as Drogba made up for his penalty miss with a shot drilled in to take the lead
10minutes before half time. The hosts needed to do something which no one else so far had, score!

Midway through the second half and the tie was effectively over, a powerful free kick by Yaya Toure was headed in by Drogba, a fantastic effort. However that a thumping 3-0 was guaranteed when Yaya Toure hit a 30 yard thunderbolt free kick into the top right of the net. Stunning strike which has to be my favourite goal so far of the tournament.

Zambia and the Ivory Coast through, who will join them in the final four?!

Groups C & D finale day action from the ACN and a Quarter Final preview

Here is a quick, late catch-up with the final day's action from group C and D. Group Cwent into the final games with everything all tied up with Gabon and Tunisia already qualified for the quarter finals and these two met in their final game whilst the other game saw Niger and Morocco lockhorns. It ended up with Gabon beating Tunisia 1-0 and Morocco rescuing some pride from an otherwise awful tournament by beating Niger 1-0. Big shock for me with the co-hosts qualifying from this
group but they have deserved it with some fantastic football. As for Morocco, less said the better.

The Group D finale saw a potential classic situation where the final group games would sort everything out. Ghana were top but were taking on Guinea who could still qualify and Mali faced Botswana knowing a win was vital. The end result saw Ghana draw 1-1 with Guinea and Mali beat Botswana 2-1 to see Mali qualify with Ghana for the knockout stages.

So the quarter finals look fascinating with two games on Saturday as Zambia play Sudan (Come on Sudan!)  and Ivory Coast facing the co-hosts Equatorial Guinea (heart says the co-hosts but head says Coast). On Sunday the other two fixtures commence with Gabon taking on Mali
(Gabon.....extra time) and a potential decider for the winners of the tournament in my opinion, Ghana squaring up to Tunisia (Ghana for me)

Let the fun begin.....


ADDENDUM:
It's worth having a look at the predictions in the group-by-group previews. In Group A, we said Senegal and Zambia - Zambia and Equatorial Guinea prevailed. In group B, we went for Ivory Coast (got that one right) and Angola (wrong - Sudan). Group C saw us go for Morocco and Tunisia. Sub Gabon for Morocco and we're there. And in Group D, we got them both right, and in the right order, as Ivory Coast and Mali progress. Five out of eight quarter-finalists. Not bad.

That's Conference! #10

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is having quite the Coupe d'Afrique des Nations and his goals - one in each game - have carried Gabon through to the knockout stages top of the group with three wins from three. He had a bit of help with the only one in the 1-0 win over Tunisia. Real time, it looked like it took a deflection, but repeat viewings show it didn't.
Rami Jridi was the goalkeeper, diving away from the ball:




That's Conference!

ACN Day 10: 42 years of hurt.....

Monday saw the finale of Group B. Ivory Coast had effectively already qualified from the group so for their final game they fielded a weakened side against Angola who were in the running for the second qualifying spot. The other game saw Sudan facing Burkina Faso with Sudan knowing if they
could achieve a win for the the first time in the tournament in 42 years they would be in the quarter finals, pah easy!

Half hour into both games and the deadlock was broken in one of the games, Emmanuel Eboué
scoring a simple goal for Ivory Coast and just a few minutes later Sudan take the lead against 'Faso with Mudather Eltaib scoring for Sudan. Could the dream about to become reality?!

As half time came, the games remained the same. Angola needed something and quickly to save
themselves.The Angolan hearts then took another blow a few moments after the hour mark. Bony scored a goal from nothing short of a few inches from the goal, suddenly Sudan had the chance here and they took it with a second late into the second half. Sudan had achieved the impossible!

A late goal from Burkina Faso couldn't dampen the spirits and Sudan qualified for the quarter-finals where they will face Zambia. Ivory Coast will face Equatorial Guinea on Saturday in what will be a tasty affair. A shock there? Oh I think there could be.....

ACN Day 9: Group A Finale

So Sunday saw Group A play their final games and both kicked off at the same time with Zambia and Libya both going for second place behind Equatorial Guinea. Libya faced hapless Senegal and Zambia faced the already-qualified hosts.

Libya started brightly against Senegal and took the lead after four minutes with a strike from Ihab Albusaifi but just five minutes later Senegal pulled back with a goal from Deme Ndiaye who headed in a corner. As half time came it remained 1-1 with the game involving 'the freedom fighters' and 0-0
in the game with the co-hosts.

Both games saw nervy starts to the second half then a goal came half an hour in as Zambia took the lead against Equatorial Guinea with Chris Katongo firing in a low shot from the edge of the area, now this gets interesting as Zambia take the second spot in the group if it stays like this.

With a few minutes of normal time left in both games Albusaifi scores again for Libya to make it 2-1. This now meant they needed co-hosts Equatorial Guinea to help them out by scoring twice against
Zambia to help them qualify.

However it was all in vain as Zambia beat the co-hosts 1-0 to seal their place in the quarter-finals. Sadness for Libya though but the shock of this group has to be how bad Senegal have been, pointless in too many ways.

Equatorial Guinea will face the Group B winners and Zambia with face either
Angola or Sudan in the last eight.

ACN Day 8: Does D stand for Group of Death?

On Day 8 of the ACN saw Group D play their 2nd games. The day started with Botswana facing Guinea. Botswana who had been unlucky against Ghana in their first game were looking to get a win to hopefully push for a place in the Quater Finals.

However the half time scored made horrible reading for Botswana, 4-1 to Guinea and Botswana were down to ten men after Patrick Motsepe is sent off for a horror challenge, ouch! The first half had been a cracker for Guinea and a horror show for Botswana, could the second half get better for them? In a word no, two late goals by Guinea sealed the defeat and a horrible scoreline of 6-1. The promise shown by Botswana against Ghana was now in ruins.

This left the next game looking very interesting as the two big names in Group D, Ghana and Mali facing off against each each other knowing a win was cruical. A tense first half saw no goals by either side but the breakthrough came with a lovely goal from the 'Middle Eastern Cash Wallet' Asamoah Gyan who scored with a stunning free kick. The lead for the Ghanaians was doubled short after with a lovely taken goal from 'Dede' Ayew to seal a 2-0 win.

Group D now looks like being the group of death in the tournament. Ghana being top with 6 points and Guinea and Mali on 3 points each. The final group games on Wednesday will be very tense.

ACN Day 7: Another one bites the dust

Short but sweet review of day 7 of the African Cup Of Nations

The first game saw Tunisa take on Niger and beat them 2-1, Niger dominated the game and let a goal in just few minutes before the end to see their hopes crushed by the Tunisians who make it through to the Quarter Finals. Although credit must go to William Tonji Ngounou, who scored Niger's first ever goal in this tournament. Well done that man!

The second game saw another cruical game involving a big side. Morocco had to beat co-hosts Gabon to stand any chance of making it through to the Quarter Finals (Senegal again anyone?)easy!
A goal from their captain Houssine Kharjah midway through the first half had settled any nerves. They looked to be cruising until the 77th minute when deja vue in this tournament kicked in again. Aubameyang scored for the co-hosts with a stunning volley which sent the home fans mental. Two minutes later the party could start Daniel Cousin (the ex Hull City man) made it 2-1 to Gabon. Then more drama, a penalty to Morocco close to 90th for handball which Kharjah slotted home 2-2.

Then came the twist. 94th minute free kick from Bruno Zita Mbanangoye for Gabon made it 3-2. Wow! Morocco like Senegal are out of the tournament

This tournament is breathtaking this year, get watching!

Unbelievable Jeff! #7

As we alluded to in the last ACN round-up, the last few minutes of the Equatorial Guinea v Senegal game were quite something. Let's pick the action up just as Moussa Sow equalises for the Teranga Lions:




Unbelievable Jeff

ACN Days 5 & 6: I was wrong......

So Day 5 of the ACN saw Group A sides play their second games of the tournament. By the end of the day someone had fallen by the wayside who I wouldn't have expected.

The first game of the day saw Zambia and Libya play a 2-2 draw. However in my opinion, both sides were the winners. The game was delayed by horrendous rain which meant the kick off was put back by an hour and fifteen minutes and the game was played on a very heavy pitch. Libya took the lead after a few minutes with a goal from Ahmed Saad Osman and a brilliant pass to him. The lead lasted till just past midway through the first half when Zambia pulled one back through Emmanuel Mayuka who smashed in a sublime volley. Half time came and saw both sides level.
The second half saw a goal in under 3 minutes, Ahmed Saad Osman grabbed his second for Libya, 5 minutes later it was all square as Zambia pulled level through Christopher Katongo. Thats how it remained. A fantastic effort by both sides in awful conditions. How would the next game cope on this pitch? Could Senegal overcome these conditions and get their tournament back on track?!

'The National Lightning'- Equatorial Guinea's suitable nickname - now knew if they beat Senegal they would knock the favourites out and put themselves into the Quarter Finals, simple! The first half ended 0-0 and it was all Senegal. 62 minutes came and the host nation went ape as a gorgeous cross was headed home by Randy to send the home fans mental. Senegal were now in panic as they had to get a positive result to stay in this tournament and in the 89th minute it came, Moussa Sow grabbing an equaliser with a volley from a few yards out. Senegal then went into "Hail Mary" mode and threw everything into attack.
Then their world collapsed. Equatorial Guinea's Kily sent the hosts into the quarter finals with a 25 yard wonder strike that sent the favourites out and one of the co-hosts into dreamland. As I type this I am still in shock as this result as I would never have expected this to happen!

Could Day 6 have any shocks? Unfortunately not. Sudan and Angola played out a thrilling 2-2 draw which saw Sudan get their first ACN point for 36 years. Ivory Coast knocked out Burinka Faso with a 2-0 win. The second goal was a peach of an og from 'Faso's Koné who headed into his own net from around the edge of the area. Unimpressive from Coast but now they know one of their rivals are out.

ACN: Day 4

Short and sweet review of day 4 and the opening games of Group D.

Day kicked off with Ghana vs Botswana (Ghana I think could be easily be a Semi Final/Finalist in my humble opinion). Ghana went on to to win 1-0 with a goal from their captain John Mensah after 25 minutes from a deflected shot just outside the area. However he went from hero to zero midway through the second half making a clumsy challenge on a Botswana breakaway midway through the second half to see a red card, Ghana hung on to win 1-0.

The second game saw Mali take on Guinea which also ended 1-0 to Mali. They took the lead after a ball cut back to Bakaye Traore is hit from outside the area but takes a deflection and goes into the back of the net, unlucky Guinea! This is how it remained and Mali get the three points.

So all the teams have played their first games now and the second set of games start today (Wednesday) as in Group A Libya take on Zambia (1-1 I think) and Equatorial Guinea face Senegal (2-1 to Senegal I think)

Til tomorrow...

Unbelievable Jeff #6

More from the Africa Cup of Nations, and here's something quite exceptional from Youssouf Msakni making it 2-0 for Tunisia against North African rivals Morocco.




Unbelievable Jeff!

ACN: Day 2 & 3

After the opening day shocks could day 2 live up to the first day?

The first game on Sunday saw the 'Elephants' from the Ivory Coast take on Sudan. The 'Coast fielded a strong side to take on the unfancied Sudan and took the lead after Drogba scored shortly before half time, was that enough to take them to a half time lead? It was, only just though as the Elephants 'keeper Boubacarr pulled off a sensational save with moments to go from a superb shot from Sudan's Moutata.

Ivory Coast went on to win the game 1-0 but a far from convincing display by them took them home but sudan can hold there heads high as they certainly gave the stronger opposition a lot to think about

The second game of the day saw Burinka Faso take on Angola, a largely dull first half lead to a bright opening after the half time oranges with Angola taking the lead early in the second half after a balls up in the Faso defence let in Mateus to score to take the lead for Angola.
Then six minutes later the first contender for Goal of the tournament, a superb free kick which beat a six man taken by Traore, superb.

Then Faso hearts were broken, 10 minutes later came a goal from Manucho who hit a shot from outside the area to take the points, heartbreak for Burinka Faso but Angola get their first points


Day three of the competition saw Group C kick off and the other joint hosts Gabon make their debut in this years tournament as they took on Niger. Gabon took the lead after about half an hour through a goal from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon's main man of course) who managed to head home after Niger keeper flapped at the cross. The Gabon joy eurupted again 4 minutes before half time. Stephane Nguema tapped in from a few yards after the Niger keeper couldnt hold to a save. The scoreline didn't changed in the second half and Gabon walked away with the points after a good display.

The second game of the day saw Morocco taking on Tunisa, the two big North African Rivals come clasing horns. a pacy first half with chances with both saw Tunisa scoring late in the first half through a free kick from Korbi but this game going into half time had plenty of goals still in it.

At the half time break Morocco decided to bring on QPR's Adel Taraabt, he should be able to boost there goal scoring chances surely?! It didnt, and after 76 minutes his and Morocco's hearts took another kick as another superb goal in this tournament was scored by Tunisa's Msakni as he danced through the defence and slot home. Morocco got a goal back 10minutes later through their Captain, Kharjah. It wasn't to be a revival though and Tunisa held on

Group D starts today (Tuesday) with Ghana, Botswana,Mali & Guinea entering the fun

The Opening Day Of The African Cup Of Nations

So arriving home from a family meal last night I thought I would switch the old tv on to check the results of the opening day of the tournament just to see if anything exciting had happened.

Blimey, my jaw nearly hit the floor

The opening game saw one of the joint hosts, Equatorial Guinea pull a shock 1-0 win over Libya. A game which saw many chances and more goals ruled out than awarded. The hosts won the game with three minutes left when Javier Balboa (Ex-Real Madrid, La Liga fans) curled in the winner with three minutes left to break the "Freedom Fighters" (see what I did there) hearts. A shock win for me on this one

The second game looked a simple game on paper, Zambia taking of Senegal, easy peasy for Senegal, after all they are one of the favourites and have 'Strawberry Syrup' boy on fire.

It finished 2-1, to Zambia. Yes, Zambia. 2-0 after 20 minutes through goals from Emmanuel Mayuka and Rainford Kalaba, Senegal pulled one back through Dame Ndoye. In the second half Syrup boy slammed a header against the post when it was harder to do that then to put it in the goal, doh!

An interesting day one of this tournament and already one of the fancied teams could be in trouble


More updates to come through the week

Why I love the Africa Cup of Nations

As we are now past the midway point of January we now suddenly have the first major footballing tournament of 2012 rearing its lovely head in to our view. That's right, its time for the Africa Cup of Nations!

This biennial tournament (although there is one next year, confused? Yes....) is quite simply the most bonkers football tournament on the planet. That is a bold statement I hear you say but this tournament has everything; passion, emotion and some great games. Yes the quality of the games can at times be terrible and dull but the atmosphere is invariably incredible.

So the 2012 tournament is here. South Africa? check.....oh no celebrating too early and sitting back cost them, Nigeria?....oh under exile, Cameroon? Choked. Egypt and Algeria? They also fell by on the wayside.

So who does this leave as the front runners? Senegal, Ivory Coast, Morocco and Ghana have to be considered as potential champions going into the tournament but could the hosts Gabon and Equatorial Guinea be dark horses? Unlikely, both will need good home support to get them going. Home field advantage could spur them on but both lack consistent form.

My eyes focus on one team; Libya. Call me Mr Soppy but there is something slightly emotional about seeing the Mediterranean Knights qualify for the tournament given what has happened to this country in the last 12 months and one of their players, Walid Kahatroushi, fought against Gaddafi in the uprising.

Given this is Euro Football blog this tournament could well be a dream for European clubs; unknown stars could from some of the surprise qualifiers could prove to be a bargain in the summer (or late January, if they're quick) transfer window and lets not forget that 20 or so Premiership stars could be on show.

So settle back, close the curtains, put your TV on and be warmed by this special tournament.

follow Loz on Twitter. He's our main man when it comes to the ACN

Coupe d'Afrique des Nations previews - group C

The fourth and last of our Coupe d'Afrique des Nations previews, following A, B and D, is, inevitably, C.

Gabon
Nickname: The Panthers. Some of these countries don't even try.

Co-hosts Gabon name St Etienne striker Pierre-Emerick Aubamayeng, but his two brothers don't make it due to injury. As an aside, Aubamayeng senior captained the country on their first appearance in the finals in 1994. Pierre-Emerick is the star man with the ageing Daniel Cousin alongside him.

Goalkeepers: Yann Bidonga (Mangasport), Stephane Bitseki Moto (US Bitam), Didier Ovono (Le Mans, France)
Defenders: Georges Ambourouet (Missile FC), Moise Brou Apanga (Brest, France), Bruno Ecuele Manga (Lorient, France), Rémy Ebanega (US Bitam), Edmond Mouele (Mangasport), Rodrigue Moundounga (Olympique Beja, Tunisia), Charly Moussonou (Missile FC), Henri Ndong (US Bitam)
Midfielders: Andre Biyogo Poko (Bordeaux, France), Cedric Boussougou (Mangasport), Lévy Madinda (Celta Vigo, Spain), Bruno Mbanangoye Zita (Dinamo Minsk, Ukraine), Cédric Moubamba (US Bitam), Lloyd Palun (Nice, France)
Forwards: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (St Etienne, France), Daniel Cousin (FC Sapins), Fabrice Do Marcolino (Laval), Roguy Méyé (Zalaegerszeg, Hungary), Eric Mouloungui (Nice, France), Stéphane Nguéma (US Bitam)

Morocco
Nickname: Lions of the Atlas. The Barbary lion is extinct in the wild, but remains the national emblem. The same fate befell the Atlas bear and Barbary leopard. You have to conclude that Moroccans just like killing things they hold dear.

Eric Gerets names a strong squad, though Mounir El Hamdaoui pays for his lack of involvement at Ajax. Ahmed Kantari has only just returned from an Achilles injury, but is included. They've a wealth of talent up top. Keep an eye on Nordin Amrabat, Oussama Assaidi and the mercurial Adel Taarabt. Karim El Ahmadi, Younes Belhanda and the veteran Youssouf Hadji are all classy. They also have Marouane Chamakh. These lads are in with a shot.

Goalkeepers: Nadir Lamyaghri (Wydad Casablanca), Issam Badda (FUS Rabat), Mohamed Amsif (Augsburg, Germany)
Defenders: Jamal Allioui (Al Kharytiyath, Qatar), Michael Chrétien (Bursaspor, Turkey), Badr El Kaddouri (Celtic, Scotland), Abdelhamid El Kaoutari (Montpellier, France), Mehdi Benatia (Udinese, Italy), Abdelfattah Boukhriss (FUS Rabat), Mustapha Mrani (MAS), Ahmed Kantari (Brest, France)
Midfielders: Houcine Kharja (Fiorentina, Italy), Adil Hermach (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia), Karim El Ahmadi (Feyenoord, Netherlands), Younes Belhanda (Montpellier, France), Mbark Boussoufa (Anzhi Makhachkala, Russia), Youssouf Hadji (Rennes, France), Mehdi Carcela (Anzhi Makhachkala, Russia)
Forwards: Nordin Amrabat (Kayserispor, Turkey), Oussama Assaidi (Heerenveen, Netherlands), Youssef El Arabi (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia), Adel Taarabt (Queens Park Rangers, England), Marouane Chamakh (Arsenal, England)

Niger
Nickname: The Ménas. That, as if you needed telling, is the Hausa name for the Dama gazelle, a Saharan native whose numbers are dwindling as their habitat is destroyed. Bit of an over-reaction to a homewares store closing.

For their first appearance in the finals, Niger name seven locally-based players. Moussa Maazou who plays in Belgium is their star man and it was he who scored against reigning champions Egypt that set up both their qualification and Egypt's failure to do so. Jimmy Bulus and Jimmy Bullard are two different people.

Goalkeepers: Daouda Kassaly (Coton Sport, Cameroon), Rabo Saminou (Sahel SC), Lossény Doumbia (DC Motema Pembe, DR Congo)
Defenders: Koffi Dan Kowa (ES Zarzis, Tunisia), Kader Amadou Dodo (Olympic FC), Mohamed Chikoto (Platinium Stars, South Africa), Mohamed Soumaïla (Olympic FC), Djibrilla Moussa (AS Garde Nationale), Souleymane Mazadou (Union Sportive Marignanaise, France), Jimmy Bulus (Hussein Dey, Algeria), Issiaka Koudizé (AS Garde Nationale)
Midfielders: Idrissa Laouali (AS FAN), Abdoul-Karim Lancina (Coton Sport, Cameroon), William Tonji Ngounou (IF Limhamn, Sweden), Olivier Harouna Bonnes (Lille, France), Yacouba Ali (Africa Sports, Ivory Coast), Idrissa Saïdou (Coton Sport, Cameroon), Boubacar Talatou (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Moutari Amadou (Akokana FC), Issoufou Boubacar (FC Phuket, Thailand)
Attackers: Moussa Maazou (Zulte Waregem, Belgium), Issoufou Alhassane Danté (Raja Casablanca, Morocco), Kamilou Daouda (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia)

Tunisia
Nickname: Eagles of Carthage. I went to Carthage once. The place is in ruins (thank the Romans at the end of the Punic Wars for that), I saw no eagles, but I did get bollocked for taking a photo of the President's house. That President was Zine El Abadine Ben Ali. AND WHERE IS HE NOW? Take that, you massive, corrupt, murdering arsehole.

Sami Trabelsi's side are a decent outside bet and look a solid outfit. Sami Allagui is the man to watch up front alongside Issam Jemaa and Karim Haggui is a solid Bundesliga performer, but there's a good range of experience across the 23 players. Winners? No. Semi-finalists however...

Goalkeepers: Rami Jeridi (Stade Tunisien), Aymen Mathlouthi (Etoile du Sahel), Moez Ben Cherifia (Esperance)
Defenders: Khalil Chammam (Esperance), Anis Boussaidi (Rostov, Russia), Aymen Abdennour (Toulouse, France), Bilel Iffa (Club Africain), Karim Haggui (Hannover, Germany), Ammar Jemal (FC Cologne, Germany)
Midfielders: Adel Chedli (Etoile du Sahel), Oussama Darragui (Esperance), Mejdi Traoui (Esperance), Khaled Korbi (Esperance), Wissem Ben Yahia (Mersin, Turkey), Yassine Chikhaoui (FC Zurich, Switzerland), Hocine Ragued (Karabukspor, Turkey), Jamel Saihi (Montpellier, France)
Forwards: Issam Jemaa (Auxerre, France), Zouhaier Dhaouadi (Club Africain), Youssef Msakni (Esperance), Saber Khelifa (Evian, France), Amine Chermiti (FC Zurich, Switzerland), Sami Allagui (Mainz, Germany)

Going through from this group: Morocco and Tunisia in no particular order.

The fun and games begin on Saturday with hosts Equatorial Guinea playing Libya and Senegal against Zambia later on that evening. We'll be covering it as best we can, hopefully with new writers for all you that are bored of the usual drivel.

Coupe d'Afrique des Nations previews - group D

We did group A and group B in conventional order, but y'know what? Screw convention. Here's a look at group D.


Botswana
Nickname: The Zebras. Safety in numbers, but a weak one is always liable to be picked off by a hungry leopard.

Botswana's preparation threatened to be spoiled by a row over bonuses for the players who had threatened to strike over the issue. Had they done so, the under-20s were set to represent the country at their first finals. All bar seven are locally based with six playing over the border in South Africa and their qualification is a genuine feel-good story.

Goalkeepers: Modiri Marumo (Bay United, South Africa), Noah Maposa (Gaborone United), Kabelo Dambe (Rollers)
Defenders: Mompathi Thuma (BDF XI), Ndiyapo Letsholathebe (Police XI), Musa Ohilwe (Gaborone United), Mosimanegape Ramohibidu (BMC), Monametsi Kelebale (NICO), Tshepo Motlhabankwe (Mochudi Centre Chiefs)
Midfielders: Mogogi Gabonamong (SuperSport United, South Africa), Joel Mogorosi, Pontsho Moloi, Othusitse Pilane (all Mochudi Centre Chiefs), Boitumelo Mafoko (Cape Town Santos, South Africa) Ofentse Nato (Gaborone United), Phenyo Mongala (Bloemfontein Celtic, South Africa), Patrick Motsepe, Tshireletso (BDF XI), Mogakolodi Ngele (Rollers)
Forwards: Jerome Ramatlhakwane (Unattached), Diphetogo Selolwane (SuperSport, South Africa), Onalethata Tshekiso (Rollers), Moemedi Moatlhaping (Bay United, South Africa)

Ghana
Nickname: Black Stars. So called because there's a black star on their flag, nothing Ron Atkinson about it at all.

Asamoah Gyan was a big doubt for the Black Stars, but makes the squad after making good progress following a hamstring injury. Kevin Prince Boateng's controversial retirement from international football and Michael Essien's injury woes are big blows, but it's still a strong side. The Ayew boys both make it and they are top players, André is the new African Player of the Year. These guys could go all the way.

Goalkeepers: Adam Kwarasey (Stromsgodset, Norway), Daniel Adjei (Liberty Professionals), Ernest Sowah (Berekum Chelsea)
Defenders: Samuel Inkoom (Dnipro, Ukraine), John Paintsil (Leicester City, England), Daniel Opare (Standard Liege, Belgium), Masawudu Alhassan (Genoa, Italy), Lee Addy (Dalian Aerbim, China), John Boye (Rennes, France), John Mensah (Lyon, France), Jonathan Mensah (Evian, France), Isaac Vorsah (Hoffenheim, Germany)
Midfielders: Charles Takyi (St Pauli, Germany), Emmanuel Agyemang Badu (Udinese, Italy), Derek Boateng (Dnipro, Ukraine), Anthony Annan (Vitesse Arnhem, Netherlands), Mohammed Abu (Stromsgodset, Norway), Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese, Italy), Sulley Muntari (Internazionale, Italy), Andre Ayew (Marseille, France)
Forwards: Prince Tagoe (Bursaspor, Turkey), Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain, UAE), Jordan Ayew (Marseille, France)

Guinea
Nickname: National Elephants. Trying to dissociate themselves from the ivory trade, presumably and understandably, Guinea go to great lengths to make sure they're only domestic elephants and not imported ones.

Former France u21 international Abdoul Razzagui Camara is awaiting international clearance, but is included in Michel Dussuyer's squad. Kevin Constant, the Genoa midfielder, misses out with injury and that's a blow. Bobo Balde and Pascal Feindouno are set for their fourth finals.

Goalkeepers: Aboubacar Camara (Alcoyano, Spain), Abdoul Aziz Keita (AS Kaloum), Naby Yattara (Arles-Avignon, France)
Defenders: Thierno Bah (Lausanne, Switzerland), Dianbodo 'Bobo' Baldé (Arles-Avignon, France), Ibrahima Sory Bangoura (Djoliba, Mali), Lanfia Camara (WS Woluwe, Belgium), Morlaye Cissé (EGS Gafsa, Tunisia), Ibrahima Diallo (Waasland Beveren, Belgium), Kamil Zayatte (Buyuksehir, Turkey), Oumar Kalabané (Al Dhafra, United Arab Emirates)
Midfielders: Mamadou Dioulde Bah (VfB Stuttgart, Germany), Habib Jean Balde (Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Sadio Diallo (Bastia, France), Pascal Feindouno (Sion, Switzerland), Naby Soumah (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia)
Forwards: Alhassane Bangoura (Rayo Vallecano, Spain), Ismael Bangoura (Al Nasr, United Arab Emirates), Ousmane Barry (Etoile du Sahel, Tunisia), Abdoul Razzagui Camara (Sochaux, France), Ibrahima Conté (Ghent, Belgium), Ibrahim Traoré (VfB Stuttgart, Germany), Ibrahima Yattara (Al Shabab, Saudi Arabia)

Mali
Nickname: The Eagles. Soaring majestically across the planes, picking off small rodents but never the larger prey. Sums Mali up about right. They've got style and will crush smaller nations before running out of ideas of how to take on the really big fish.

Another decent outside bet, Alain Giresse has a decent squad to pick from. Barcelona's Seydou Keita is undoubtedly the star, but there are plenty of others to watch, notably Modibo Maiga up top and a phalanx of Traorés in midfield

Goalkeepers: Oumar Sissoko (Metz, France), Soumbeyla Diakité (Stade Malien), Alimamy Sogoba (As Réal)
Defenders: Ousmane Coulibaly (Brest, France), Idrissa Coulibaly (Esperance Tunis, Tunisia), Drissa Diakité (Nice, France), Cedric Kanté (Panathinaikos, Greece), Mohamed Fofana (Toulouse, France), Adama Tamboura (Metz, France ), Mouhamadou N'Diaye (Vitoria Guimarães, Portugal), Abdoulaye Maiga (USM Alger, Algeria)
Midfielders: Seydou Keita (Barcelona, Spain), Kalilou Traoré (OB Odense, Denmark), Bakay Traoré (Nancy, France), Abdou Traoré (Bordeaux, France), Samba Diakité (Nancy, France), Mahamané Traoré (Metz , France), Sidi Koné (Lyon, France), Samba Sow (Lens, France)
Forwards: Modibo Maiga (Sochaux, France), Garra Dembélé (Freiburg, Germany), Cheick Tidiané Diabaté (Bordeaux, France), Mustapha Yatabaré (Guingamp, France)

Going through from this group: Ghana top, Mali second.

Coupe d'Afrique des Nations previews - group B

Group A got a going over here and we continue now in highly predictable, orthodox fashion by running the rule over group B next.


Angola
Nickname: Sable Antelopes. The critically endangered Giant Sable Antelope is native to Angola. That's all we got.

Former German u21 international Nando Rafael is included by Lito Vidigal, though doesn't yet have FIFA permission to use him. Rafael fled Angola's civil war as a child and needs to be granted change of international status before being able to play. With or without him, they look a bit tasty up front, less so at the back.

Goalkeepers: Carlos (unattached), Hugo (Kabuscorp), Wilson (Primeiro Agosto),
Defenders: Amaro (Primeiro Agosto), Dani Massunguna (Primeiro Agosto), Kali (Primeiro Agosto), Marco Airosa (AEL Limassol, Cyprus), Mingo Bille (Primeiro Agosto), Zuela (Atromitos, Greece)
Midfielders: Andre Makanga (Al Jahra, Kuwait), Dede (AEL Limassol, Cyprus), Gilberto (Lierse, Belgium), Mabina (Petro Atletico), Miguel (Petro Atletico), Osorio (Recreativo Caala), Xara (Petro Atletico)
Forwards: Djalma (FC Porto, Portugal), Flavio (Lierse, Belgium), Jose Pierre Vunguidica (Preussen Munster, Germany), Love (Petro Atletico), Manucho (Real Valladolid, Spain), Mateus Galiano (Nacional, Portugal), Nando Rafael (FC Augsburg, Germany)

Burkina Faso
Nickname: The Stallions. Either some MOR indie rock band like Foals or a tribute to Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure.

Chelsea's 16-year old midfielder Bertrand Traoré and he's set to be the third-youngest player at the finals. He's named alongside his brother Alain of AJ Auxerre in France. Burkina Faso's participation was only confirmed after a protest from Namibia about the eligibility of Cameroon-born defender Hervé Zengué. They were cleared, but Zengué has failed to make the cut for the tournament.

Goalkeepers: Daouda Diakité (KV Turnhout, Belgium), Moussa Germain Sanou (St Etienne, France), Adama Sawadogo (Missile, Gabon)
Defenders: Ibrahim Gnanou (Alania Vladikavkaz, Russia), Bakary Koné (Olympique Lyon, France), Paul Koulibaly (Charleroi, Belgium), Saidou Mady Panandétiguiri (Valletta, Malta), Mamadou Tall (Persepolis, Iran)
Midfielders: Wilfried Balima (Sheriff Tiraspol, Moldova), Charles Kaboré (Olympique Marseille, France), Mahamadou Kéré (Konyaspor, Turkey), Mohamed Koffi (Petrojet, Egypt), Djakaridja Kone (Dynamo Bucharest, Romania), Jonathan Pitroipa (Stades Rennes, France), Florent Rouamba (Sheriff Tiraspol. Moldova), Bertrand Traoré (Chelsea, England)
Forwards: Aristide Bancé (Samsunspor, Turkey), Moumouni Dagano (Al Khor, Qatar), Prejuce Nakoulma (Gornik Zabrze, Poland), Issiaka Ouédraogo (FC Admira Wacker Modling, Austria), Abdou Razak Traoré (Lechia Gdansk, Poland), Alain Traoré (AJ Auxerre, France), Narcisse Yameogo (AD Camacha, Portugal)

Cote d'Ivoire
Nickname: Elephants. Big, lumbering, physical specimens. A bit like Didier Drogba, but without the falling over.

Another of the favourites, it's a strong Elephants squad named by Francois Zahoui. All the familiar names are there; Drogba, Tioté, the Touré boys, Kalou, Zokora, Gradel, Eboué... they just keep coming. They have underperformed in recent tournaments, but there can be no excuses with this squad.

Goalkeepers: Barry Boubacar (Lokeren, Belgium), Gerrard Gnanahouan (Avranches, France), Daniel Yeboah (Dijon, France)
Defenders: Siake Tiené (Paris St Germain, France), Arthur Boka (Stuttgart, Germany), Benjamin Angoua Brou (Valenciennes, France), Igor Lolo (FC Kuban Krasnodar, Russia), Didier Zokora (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Emmanuel Eboué (Galatasaray, Turkey), Kolo Touré (Manchester City, England), Souleymane Bamba (Leicester City, England)
Midfielders: Kafoumba Coulibaly (Nice, France), Jean-Jacques Gosso Gosso (Orduspor, Turkey), Didier Ya Konan (Hannover, Germany), Cheick Tioté (Newcastle United, England), Max Gradel (St Etienne, France), Yaya Touré (Manchester City, England)
Forwards: Gervinho (Arsenal, England), Seydou Doumbia (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Didier Drogba (Chelsea, England), Salomon Kalou (Chelsea, England), Wilfried Bony (Vitesse Arnhem, Netherlands), Abdul Kader Keita (Al Sadd, Qatar)

Sudan
Nickname: Nile Crocodiles. The longest crocodiles in the world.

It's an entirely domestically-based squad - the only one at the finals - named by the Nile Crocodiles, so at least these boys know each other. The country hadn't split when the qualifying began, so this is the last time they'll appear as a single nation.

Goalkeepers: Mouez Mohjob (Al Hilal), Bhaldien Mohammed (Al Merreikh), Akram Al Hadi (Al Merreikh)
Defenders: Mosab Omar (Al Merreikh), Ngemaldien Abdullah (Al Merreikh), Ahmed Al Basha (Al Merreikh), Bala Jaber (Al Merreikh), Mowaia Bashir (Ittihad Madani), Siefaldien Ali (Al Hilal), Khaliefa Ahmed (Al Hilal)
Midfielders: Hisam Mustaffa (Al Hilal), Baderaldien Aldoud (Al Merreikh), Faisal Musa (Al Merreikh), Amier Kamal (Al Merreikh), Nazer Hamed (Al Hilal), Mohamed Al Tahir (Al Hilal) Alaadine Yousif (Al Hilal), Mohammed Ahmed Bashir (Al Hilal), Mohammed Moussi (Al Nsoor)
Forwards: Ramadan Alagab (Al Mourada), Mohammed Sheikh Eldin (Al Hasahesa), Eltaib Mudather (Al Hilal), Abdulrahman Hassan (Al Merreikh)

Going through from this group: Cote d'Ivoire top by miles, Angola to join them in the second round as they look likely to score more than they concede, i.e. do a Newcastle.

Coupe d'Afrique des Nations previews - Group A

Yes, this is Euroballs and not Africaballs, CAFBalls or whatever, but for a month or so, we'll be sat in front of the TV watching the Africa Cup of Nations. It's generally entertaining fare and gives us a look at players we wouldn't otherwise get to see. We also love the nicknames.

Trivialising things is something we do well and suffice to say that 2011 was quite a year for Africa. Revolutions in the north, it's biggest country divorcing from itself, it's biggest economy seeking draconian media laws and uprisings in the south against self-styled Sun Kings. And this is before Zimbabwe kicks off it's traditional pre-election brutality. Again with the trivialising and possibly distasteful analogy, it was quite a year for football as well. A changing of the guard, if you will. Egypt's revolution exposed huge rifts in the squad and the three-time reigning champions failed to qualify. Neither did big-hitters Cameroon and South Africa while Nigeria were banned by their own government from participation and Togo were late inclusions in qualification after the amoral ban by CAF for failing to fulfil fixtures at the last edition of the tournament on the trifling grounds that they'd been shot up in Cabinda. All of which leaves Cote d'Ivoire, Senegal and Ghana as stand-out favourites. It's a co-hosted affair with the tiny, mineral-rich Equatorial Guinea making their first appearance at the finals and big neighbours Gabon sharing duties and taking two of the 16 spots on offer with Botswana and Niger also appearing for the first time.

We start our previews in the alphabetically-ordered fashion by having a look at Group A.


Equatorial Guinea
Nickname: Nzalang Nacional. Bit of a mouthful, not especially inspiring. Same number of syllables as the name of the country (FACT!) which makes neither particularly chantable on the terraces.

Brazilian coach Gilson Paulo names seven naturalised players in his squad. Danilo Emanuel is Brazilian while Lawrence Doe is from Liberia and Thierry Fidjeu is Cameroonian by birth. Former Spain u18 international Ivan Zarandona does not make the cut though. Co-hosts, this is their first appearance at the finals.

Goalkeepers: Danilo Emanuel (America, Brazil), Felipe Ovono (Sony de Ela Nguema), Achil Pensi Muokembe (The Panthers)
Defenders: Lawrence Sokota Doe (Al Shabab, Oman), Jose Bokung (Deportivo de Mongomo), Rui Fernando da Gracia Gomes (Logrones, Spain), David Álvarez (Langreo, Spain), Armando Sipoto Buale (Badajoz, Spain), Raúl Ivan Fabiani Bosio (C. D. Alcoyano, Spain)
Midfielders: Ben Esono Konate (The Panthers), Daniel Vazquez Evuy (Villaviciosa, Spain), Rolan de la Cruz Biyogo (Fortaleza, Colombia), Juvenal Edjogo Owono (Sabadell, Spain), Narcisse Ekanga Amia (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Raúl Juan Máximo Eyama (Deportivo de Mongomo), Jose Javier Balboa Osa (SC Beira-Mar, Portugal), Fousseiny Kamissoko (Al Shabab, Oman)
Forwards: Ellong Douwala Viera (Sony de Ela Nguema), Rodolfo Bodipo (Deportivo de A Coruna, Spain), Ivan Bolado Palacios (Cartagena, Spain), Iban 'Randy' Iyanga (Union Deportiva Las Palmas, Spain), Thierry Fidjeu Tazemeta (Konyaspor, Turkey), Daniel-Bladimir Ekedo (San Roque de Lepe, Spain)

Libya
Nickname: Mediterranean Knights. A new nickname for a reborn nation, even if it does sound like a seedy porn star, a crap Wham single or a themed fancy dress party aboard a cruise liner. If they really wanted a new image for the nation, we'd have suggested 'FUCK YOU GADAFFI'.

Despite the upheaval in the country, Libya were quietly impressive in qualifying, going unbeaten, but finishing second behind Zambia. Veteran striker Osama Al Fazaani pulled out citing personal reasons, but Ahmed Zuway and Younes Al Shibani return after missing the Pan-Arab Games. Braga's Djamal Abdallah is the star man.

Goalkeepers: Samir Aboud (Al Ittihad), Joumaa Gtit (Al Ahly), Mohamed Nachnouch (Al Ittihad)
Defenders: Mohamed Al Moghrabi (Olympique Khourigba, Morocco), Mohamed Mounir (FK Jagodina, Serbia), Younes Al Chibani (Olympique Khourigba, Morocco), Ali Salama (Olympique Beja, Tunisia), Oussama Achtiba (Al Najma, Lebanon), Ahmed Al Alwani (Al Madina), Rabii Al Lafi (Club Africain, Tunisia), Abdelaziz Belrich (Al Ittihad)
Midfielders: Jamal Abdallah (FC Braga, Portugal), Mohamed Al Snani (US Monastir, Tunisia), Marwan Al Mabrouk (Al Ittihad), Aboubakr Al Abidi (Al Nasr), Moataz Ben Amer (Al Ahly Benghazi), Walid Al Khatrouchi (Al Ittihad), Abdallah Al Cherif (Al Madina), Oussama Abdelsalam (Al Akhdhar), Faicel Al Badri (Al Hilal)
Forwards: Ahmed Saad (Club Africain, Tunisia), Ahmed Al Zwei (CA Bizertin, Tunisia), Ihab Al Boussifi (Al Ittihad)

Senegal
Nickname: Lions of Teranga. Not just any old lions, oh no, but lions of Teranga. Which are different and better than normal lions.

One of the favourites for the tournament, Senegal name a strong side packed with familiar names. Demba Ba, Moussa Sow and Papiss Demba Cissé make for a formidable strike force and while it looks light in midfield, there's plenty of versatility in the players named. Armand Traoré switches allegiance from France for whom he was a youth international.

Goalkeepers: Khadim Ndiaye (ASC Linguere), Bouna Coundoul (New York Red Bulls, USA), Pape Latyr Ndiaye (Ouakam)
Defenders: Kader Mangane (Rennes, France), Souleymane Diawara (Marseille, France), Lamine Sané (Bordeaux, France), Jacques Faty (Sivasspor, Turkey), Moustapha Bayal Sall (St Etienne, France), Pape Malickou Diakhaté (Granada, Spain), Cheikh Mbengue (Toulouse, France), Armand Traoré (QPR, England), Omar Daf (Brest, France)
Midfielders: Rémi Gomis (Valenciennes, France) , Mouhamed Diamé ( Wigan, England), Guirane N'Daw (Birmingham City, England), Ndiaye Dème Ndiaye (Arles-Avignon, France)
Forwards: Issiar Dia ( Fenerbahce, Turkey), Moussa Sow (Lille, France), Papiss Demba Cissé (Freiburg, Germany), Souleymane Camara (Montpelier, France), Mamadou Niang (Al Sadd, Qatar), Demba Ba (Newcastle United, England), Dame N'Doye (FC Copenhagen, Denmark).

Zambia
Nickname: Copper Bullets. Sounds like a euphemism in Viz's matchless Profanisaurus for turds.

James Chamanga was an injury doubt, but has recovered sufficiently to boost Zambia's attacking options. Young Boys' forward Emmanuel Mayuka is the star man. Gabon has unhappy memories for Zambia. It was there in 1993 that the brilliant national team was wiped out in a plane crash.

Goalkeepers: Kennedy Mweene (Free State Stars, South Africa), Kalililo Kakonje (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Joshua Titima (Power Dynamos)
Defenders: Francis Kasonde, Hichani Himonde, Stopilla Sunzu (all TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Nyambe Mulenga (Zesco United), Davies Nkausu (SuperSport United, South Africa), Joseph Musonda (Golden Arrows, South Africa), Kampamba Chintu (BidVests Wits, South Africa)
Midfielders: Nathan Sinkala (Green Buffaloes), Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazembe DR Congo), Noah Chivuta (Free State Stars, South Africa), Isaac Chansa (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Clifford Mulenga (Bloemfontein Celtics, South Africa), Chisamba Lungu (Ural Oblast, Russia), Jonas Sakuwaha (El Merreikh, Sudan), Felix Katongo (Green Buffaloes), Christopher Katongo (Henan Jienye, China)
Forwards: Evans Kangwa (Nkana), Collins Mbesuma (Golden Arrows, South Africa), Emmanuel Mayuka (Young Boys, Switzerland) and James Chamanga (Dalian Shide, China)

Going through from this group: Senegal top by plenty, Equatorial Guinea last by plenty. Probably Zambia to edge out Libya for the second spot.