ACTUALITE |
22.10.2007
Difficult Draws for Fovourites
While some might have a walk over at the pool phase, others will not have it easy.
After the draws for the final phase of the 2008 African Nations Cup in Accra (Ghana), last Friday 19 October, the preparatory and psychological phase of the competition is expected to intensify in the coming days. As tradition holds, the various coaches and other members of the different technical teams will not only spend time analysing past matches of their opponents, but will be criss-crossing the different stadiums to spy on the strategies of their group opponents. A close look at pool A, B and D reveals that most favourite nations will not have it easy during the pool phase, while others might sail through with less hurdles.
This is the case in Group A, where host country Ghana has been drawn alongside Guinea, Morocco and Namibia. Though Ghana qualified automatically as host and has been waxing strong with a series of friendly matches against big football nations, the road to the finals might not be easy. Apart from their head Coach, Claude Leroy who is known to be a galvaniser, players to watch are Captain Stephane Appiah, and Michel Essien. The team’s wining spirit has not been at best. The other three opponents’ unpredictable Guinea, poor travellers Morocco and minnows Namibia are conscious of these challenges. While Guinea went through numerous hurdles before qualifying on the last day, Namibia, a little known in the football circles and Morocco were certain of their destiny before the final stage the qualifiers.
In Group B, described by many sports analysts as the group of death, it will be a free for all fight . Even on paper, it is difficult to say who will emerge at the top. Nigeria, three times winner with a burden of talents will be at logger-heads against Ivory Coast in a West African derby. While Nigeria will be out to confirm their supremacy, it will be an opportunity for Didier Drogba and his team mates to write their names in the golden books of African football. Next on the trot is Mali. Though the Malians have never lifted the continental trophy, their recent form in Togo and the reservoir of individual talents like Kanoute and Diarra is a force to reckon-with. Benin is another contender in the group. Despite her little experience and lack of renowned names in continental football, Benin might create surprises.
In group D, there is nothing to predict between former champions Tunisia, South Africa, one-time runners-up Senegal and shock 2006 World Cup qualifiers Angola. In this easy going pool, two teams are favourites on paper, that is Tunisia and South Africa for having won the trophy once. Apart from this factor, the chances are equal on paper for all the teams. However, while Tunisia and Angola have made recent tremendous progress, South Africa and Senegal have despite their early qualifications spent time either trying to organise their squads or settling match bonus issues.
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