African Cup of Nations Groups Finalized!

The groups have been announced! They are as follows:

Group A (Accra)
Ghana
Namibia
Guinea
Morocco

Group B (Sekondi)
Nigeria
Benin
Mali
Ivory Coast

Group C (Kumasi)
Egypt
Sudan
Zambia
Cameroon

GROUP D (Tamale)
Tunisia
Angola
South Africa
Senegal

So what does this mean for Tunisia? Well, based on previous experiences, it is clear that our biggest hurdle will be facing Senegal so early in the tournament (our first game is on the 23rd of January). The result of that game will go a long way to showing whether Tunisia has the ability to go far in Ghana. Senegal has some very high caliber players at their disposal and I will relish the opportunity of seeing us match up against names like Diouf (assuming he’s officially changed his mind about retiring!) Niang, and others. I like that we start off with our toughest match, it leaves no room for complacency. A positive result would kickstart our campaign and give us a big confidence boost while a negative one would leave no room for error (that would be bad news for the Angola and SA cuz we’d come out focused; knowing that a second loss would put us out).

We faced South Africa in the last edition of the ACN and dealt with them quite easily. They didn’t win a single match in Egypt 06’. We also played against them in the final of the 96 tournament which they hosted (a game we lost). So as you can see there is a history there. However, just because their team hasn’t been so hot lately there is no reason to underestimate them. They will be guided by their new coach Alberto Parreira who is focused on getting the team ready to make a good run at the 2010 world cup. Many eyes will be on South Africa in order to figure out just where they are in their development. Nevertheless, I would classify them as the weakest team in the group. They’ll be looking to get back on track after their COSAFA cup fiasco.

Angola is somewhat of an unknown quantity for me. I’m not really familiar with their notable players (besides Flavio from Al Ahly of Egypt). They did make the last world cup and fought bravely despite not being able to make the second round. I didn’t get to see all their matches and have not kept up with any of their news recently. I think they have a bigger chance then South Africa to pull of a surprise. Still though, they have their work cut out for them because Tunisia and Senegal are definitely the favorites for first and second in group D.

Meanwhile, there’s always a “group of death” conversation. In the last world cup it was Holland, The now separated Serbia & Montenegro, Argentina, and Cote d’Ivoire. I think that Cote d’Ivoire just managed to be selected in another one for Ghana 2008: My pick for the group of death is Goup C which comprises Cote d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Mali, and Benin. We don’t need to go into how good the first two teams are but Mali is a team that could very well surprise either one. They have one of La Ligas most prolific strikers in Kanoute and their defensive midfielders are very talented. I’m talking about none other than Momo Sissoko, and Mahamadou Diarra. With those two guys operating as destroyers you can bet that Mali will be difficult to score against. No disrespect, but, on paper, Benin doesn’t pose a real threat to the other three teams. But hey, at least they made it to the tournament! Recent world cup qualifiers Togo can’t even say that.

BBC seems to think Ghana got off easy. I guess they’re referring to them not being drawn with Ivory Cost or Cameroon but if you take a closer look, their group isn’t a stroll in the park by any means. Guinea and Morocco should never be underestimated. Tunisia knows that better than anyone. Both teams are very good and I anticipate them giving Ghana a run for its money… with Ghana securing a place for the second round anyway after some nervous moments.

Cameroon, Egypt, and Sudan will battle mightily too. Tunisia knows first hand just how good Sudan can be. Cameroon and Egypt should heed the message. Those guys know how to play. GolTV describes Zambia as “revitalized” so maybe they can pose a threat too. Still though, Cameroon and Egypt should be too much for Sudan and Zambia. You never know though… This group is also of special significance because if we make it past the first round (we better!), we will face one of these teams (that means the possibility of Cameroon or Egypt straight off the bat in the second round).

Here is a link for the fixture list.

What are your thoughts on this draw? If you have anything to say, get at me, and the rest of the readers of course! I’m sure my fellow blogger Massaer will have an opinion or two. We’ve talking about the possibility of Senegal v Tunisia for quite a some time now and I feel like we somehow willed this draw into existence. Time to put up or shut up (in late January that is).

More to come on this topic and others…