It’s a tough Nations Cup
Oct 23, 2005
CAIRO - Group by group analysis of the draw for the African Nations Cup:
Opening match
January 20
Egypt v Libya (8pm)
Final
February 10 (7pm)
CAIRO - Group by group analysis of the draw for the African Nations Cup:
Group A
Seeding: 1. Egypt, 2. Morocco, 3. Ivory Coast, 4. Libya
Egypt won two of three previous Nations Cup tournaments they hosted, but just getting past the pool phase this time is going to be an achievement for the ‘Pharaohs’.
Morocco have young, exciting players, but are searching for a coach after Badou Zaki quit following the failure of the ‘Atlas Lions’ to qualify for the World Cup despite finishing a 10-match programme unbeaten.
The Ivorian ‘Elephants’ boast the deadliest African strike force in Didier Drogba and Aruna Dindane, but there is little hope for the improving but inexperienced and goal-shy Libyan ‘Greens’.
Group B
1. Cameroon, 2. DRC, 3. Togo, 4. Angola
Shock 2006 World Cup qualifiers Angola and Togo could not have wished for tougher preparations than tackling four-time Nations Cup winners Cameroon and revitalised DR Congo.
No country will be more desperate for success in Egypt than the ‘Indomitable Lions’ of Cameroon after throwing away a glorious chance to reach the World Cup.
Angola topped Nigeria in the qualifiers and Togo finished above Senegal and emerging coaches Luis Oliveira Goncalves and Nigeria-born Stephen Keshi must prove they are no one-competition wonders.
Group C
1. Tunisia, 2. South Africa, 3. Guinea, 4. Zambia
The one weak section with defending champions Tunisia favoured to top the table, leaving the other three teams to fight for the second ticket to the knockout phase.
Group D
1. Nigeria, 2. Senegal, 3. Ghana, 4. Zimbabwe
The strongest group with Nigeria, Senegal and Ghana capable not only of topping the table, but going all the way and lifting a trophy that symbolises African national team supremacy.
After failing to qualify for the World Cup next year, Nigeria and Senegal fall into the same category as Cameroon: nothing less than first prize will ease the pain.
The group winners and runners-up qualify for the quarter-finals.
Ends
January 20
Egypt v Libya (8pm)
Final
February 10 (7pm)
CAIRO - Group by group analysis of the draw for the African Nations Cup:
Group A
Seeding: 1. Egypt, 2. Morocco, 3. Ivory Coast, 4. Libya
Egypt won two of three previous Nations Cup tournaments they hosted, but just getting past the pool phase this time is going to be an achievement for the ‘Pharaohs’.
Morocco have young, exciting players, but are searching for a coach after Badou Zaki quit following the failure of the ‘Atlas Lions’ to qualify for the World Cup despite finishing a 10-match programme unbeaten.
The Ivorian ‘Elephants’ boast the deadliest African strike force in Didier Drogba and Aruna Dindane, but there is little hope for the improving but inexperienced and goal-shy Libyan ‘Greens’.
Group B
1. Cameroon, 2. DRC, 3. Togo, 4. Angola
Shock 2006 World Cup qualifiers Angola and Togo could not have wished for tougher preparations than tackling four-time Nations Cup winners Cameroon and revitalised DR Congo.
No country will be more desperate for success in Egypt than the ‘Indomitable Lions’ of Cameroon after throwing away a glorious chance to reach the World Cup.
Angola topped Nigeria in the qualifiers and Togo finished above Senegal and emerging coaches Luis Oliveira Goncalves and Nigeria-born Stephen Keshi must prove they are no one-competition wonders.
Group C
1. Tunisia, 2. South Africa, 3. Guinea, 4. Zambia
The one weak section with defending champions Tunisia favoured to top the table, leaving the other three teams to fight for the second ticket to the knockout phase.
Group D
1. Nigeria, 2. Senegal, 3. Ghana, 4. Zimbabwe
The strongest group with Nigeria, Senegal and Ghana capable not only of topping the table, but going all the way and lifting a trophy that symbolises African national team supremacy.
After failing to qualify for the World Cup next year, Nigeria and Senegal fall into the same category as Cameroon: nothing less than first prize will ease the pain.
The group winners and runners-up qualify for the quarter-finals.
Ends