African Cup Of Nations 2006 (1 Viewer)

[Chxta]

The 25th Africa Nations Cup begins today at the Cairo International Stadium. The excitement and funfair are bound to continue through February 10 when the curtains would be drawn on the soccer showpiece.

And with some whiff of certainty, while the excitement lasts, there are bound to be displays either by individuals or teams that would charge at existing records in the 49-year old history of the African fiesta.

This edition of the championship is sure to give birth to new stars. Cameroun, Egypt and Ghana, which have been the most successful teams in the competition's history with four titles apiece, are expected to attempt a record fifth win; just as Nigeria, if she goes all the way to the final, is expected to equal Ghana's standing record of seven appearances in Nations Cup final match.

Equally, such records as the Burkina Faso '98 remaining the tournament with the highest goals scored (93), the fastest goal scored at 23 seconds by Egypt's Ayman Monsur, amid many others, are expected to be erased.

The debate over which, of the 16 teams that will do battle in the land of the Pharaohs are the real trophy 'hunters' and favoured to lift the golden diadem at the end of hostilities, is now on.

While it is becoming a fact that minnows perhaps no longer exist in the continent, going by the current situation, antecedents of participating nations and cup history, the odds seem to favour the big names to make Egypt 2006 their show. And eight of the established soccer playing nations with rich tournament history, make the pick. Egypt, Morocco, Cote d' Ivoire, Cameroun, Tunisia, Nigeria, Ghana and Senegal are preferred to lift the trophy.

Egypt

The Pharaohs, who have not been absent from the biennial gathering in the last 24 years, would be making their 20th appearance. Aside having won the title four out of the five times they appeared in any final match, Egypt have also won twice on home soil out of the three times they hosted (in 1959, 1974 and 1986).

Add these to the overwhelming support they are bound to get from their frenetic fans, whose last sip from the cup after the 1998 triumph has now gone stale, then you have a team which may power on to the final in a bid to assuage a people's thirst.

To do this, however, the Pharaohs, coached by a local hero Hassan Shehata, are not short on talent. With Ahmed Hossam (Mido) and Al Ahly's Mohammed Baraket set to lead their charge, they would also have the luxury of experience to be offered by ageless and recently recalled Hossam Hassan.

Morocco

Pitched in Group A with host nation Egypt and red-hot Cote d'Ivoire, they may not find it easy qualifying from the group stages. But opinions are not divided that once the Atlas Lions are able to wriggle out into the knockout stages, they are capable of going the whole hog.

With a tale dotted with anecdotes and spread over four years, it has been that of under-achievements and near-misses for the Moroccans. After missing out on qualification for the 2002 World Cup by the whiskers, specifically on goals difference to Senegal, they then left for Mali '2002 with high on hopes, only to be edged out in the group stage. Morocco then turned up at Tunisia '2004 as a losing finalist, only to again slip up in the race to the 2006 World Cup on the last day.

Nonetheless, if Mohammed Fakhir is able to fashion a winning formula for the 1976 champions, the youthful side would definitely offer much for opponents to chew. Captained by defence ace, Talal El Karkouri, with Bordeaux Marouane Chamakh spearheading the attack and recalled war-house, Noureddine Naybet giving some inspiration, the Atlas Lions may yet again make Moroccans smile as they did in Ethiopia '76. That tournament remains the only Nations Cup to have been settled on a league basis.

Cote d'Ivoire

Todate, their only glorious moment at the Nations Cup remains that of Senegal '92. Powered by disciplinarian local coach, Yeo Martial, the likes of Abdullahi Traore, Joel Tiehi and Allain Gouamane led the Elephants on a conquest of Africa. But after a long-term transition period, which saw the likes of Ibrahim Bagayoko and Aliou Badra fizzling out, a new breed of hugely talented youngsters are now dorning the Orange jerseys of Cote d'Ivoire.

Led by new skipper and Chelsea lynchpin, Didier Drogba, the new assemblage which includes Aruna Didane, Arsenal's Kolo Toure, Emmanuel Eboue, Bakary Kone, Bonaventure Kalou and midfield dynamo Didier Zokora is perhaps set to rewrite the record at this tournament. And if any one is in doubt, the manner they led their World Cup qualifying group ahead of the likes of Cameroun and Egypt should be enough to have a rethink.

Lest anyone should forget, the Ivorians having beaten host nation Egypt home and away in the run-up to the World Cup ticket, also posted heart-warming results in all their friendlies. Whether they would be able to translate all that into results now that the chips are down and not crumble under the world gaze, however remains to be seen. And that is what coach Henri Michel is set to handle.

Cameroun

After their record back-to-back defence of the African title in 2000 and 2002, Nigeria sent out the Camerounians in the last edition at the quarter final stage. Since then, it has not been a good tale for the Lions as they ceased being indomitable. What followed was another humiliation, as Cote d' Ivoire stopped them from a record sixth consecutive appearance at the World Cup.

But it should not be lost on anyone, the Lions may yet roar back to life in Egypt. With the world's second most potent striker, Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o Fils leading their assault on the continent, this could be another good tournament for the Lions. Boasting of such other world class players like Geremi Njitap, Lauren Etame Meyer, Desire Job, Idris Kanemi in goal and skippered by Rigobert Song, Cameroun has what it takes to stroll all the way.

Just before the competition began, President Paul Biya directed Roger Milla to go down to Egypt and offer encouragement to the Lions. That, no doubt, is because the government believes though the Authur George-tutored side may have missed out on a record in Germany, it could yet settle for another in Egpyt - that of possibly winning the African Nations Cup for a record fifth time.

Tunisia

A team that has hit a good run of form since shrugging off their Mali 2002 woeful showing, the current African champions are unarguably the bride of the African game. With a World Cup ticket in the kitty, the Carthage Eagles are in Egypt not only as champions but also as the most settled of the lots doing battle in Egypt. This is going by the fact that not much changes have been made to the winning team in the last four years.

With Frenchman, Roger Lemerre still steering the boat, and with such leading lights as Hatem Trabelsi, Radhi Jaidi, Ziad Jaziri, and Brazilian-born Dos Santos, still in their elements, Tunisia, is surely a force in the challenge. However, Ghana and Cameroun remain the only two countries that have been able to successfully defend their titles and whether Tunisia would join that golden club by successfully defending what they won two years ago on home soil, is what many a pundit would not put their money on.

Ghana

After a period in the doldrums of African football occasioned more by the leadership void created by the retirement of Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah rather than the side suffering a drought of talent, Ghana seems to have found new prongs in Steven Appiah, Michael Essien and Matthew Amoah. And this perhaps explains why after failing to qualify for Tunisia 2004, they have not only been able to bounce back to reckoning on the African scene, they would also later be debuting on the world stage later this year.

With the Black Stars set to open their challenge against Nigeria's Super Eagles tomorrow at the Port Said Stadium, the Ghanaians would begin their quest for a realistic chance of winning their fifth cup title after they last won the fourth 24 years ago in Libya.

Serbian Coach, Ratomir Dujkovic who is fast becoming known for his magic touch following his heroics with Rwanda in recent past, have managed to turn the Stars into a very effective side with a new-found self-belief and renewed sense of purpose. Add this to the fact that back home, the Ghanaian football authorities and administrators are not in their perennial state of disunity, the Ghanaians are sure to be focused and set for a possible place in the last four.

Senegal

El Hadji Diouf, Pape Bouba Diop, Khalilou Fadiga, Amdy Faye, Henri Camara, Moussa Ndiaye, Pape Sarr, Aliou Cisse and Ferdinand Coly, have all been in the team in the last six years. And that tells how compact the team has grown.

Now under the guide of former Senegalese international, Abdoulaye Sarr, the Teranga Lions definitely have the necessary experience and confidence to charge at glory and perhaps make this their first sip from the cup.

With Diop powering from the midfield and two-time African Footballer of the Year, Diouf combining well upfront with the tenacious and extremely quick Henri Camara, defenders should better be ready for combative Lions. They may not make it out of the group stages should they be out-smarted by Nigeria and Ghana. But if they are able to replicate the form that saw them through to Korea/Japan as well as the final of the 2002 Nations Cup, they would not only make the grades, but would sure be in good stead for the trophy.

Nigeria

There is certainly no nation with the record of most near misses when it comes to the African title like Nigeria. Six times it has been to the final, winning only twice and settling for silver four times. While she holds the record of most second place finishes, so she also does with third place finishes with five bronze medals. The conquest on home soil in 1980 and the Tunisia '94 victory remains the only bright spots in her 14 appearances.

But are the Super Eagles of Nigeria poised for another cup-winning attempt? Perhaps yes, perhaps no. One almost certain thing, however, is that the Eagles are out on a face-saving campaign, after foolishly yielding the ticket to Germany 2006 to lowly Angola.

The team stringed together by Coach Austin Eguavoen, is certainly not anywhere near the two that won the cup in 1994 and perhaps 1980 in terms of quality. It is, however, rich enough in talent to hold Africa spell-bound in its quest for a third title.

 

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[Chxta]

As Arsenal take to the field at Goodison Park on Saturday January 21 one of their most consistent defenders over the last couple of seasons, Kolo Toure should have already worked up a sweat on a pitch far, far away.

Ivory Coast's tricky African Cup of Nations group A opener against Morocco will be 45 minutes old at that point and, as well as Toure, four other Premiership based players - Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal), Noureddine Naybet (Tottenham) and Talal El Kakouri (Charlton) - could be catching their breath in the changing rooms of the Cairo International Stadium.

In the two other games later the same day further representatives from Chelsea and Arsenal as well as Portsmouth, and Aston Villa will be playing for their countries when the clubs that pay their wages will be fighting for points to put towards their differing ambitions.

In all, 22 Premiership players will be at a tournament that runs from January 20 to February 10; more than double that figure will be absent from the top French league.

Against this backdrop it is easy to understand the likes of Sam Allardyce's frustrations at the timing of the biennial competition to establish Africa's champions. However, to football mad Africans and the impartial football fan alike, Egypt 2006 promises to be a feast of raw, passionate football to keep us entertained through the bleakness of a European winter.

Answer me this: given the choice that same day of watching Morocco v Ivory Coast then Togo v Democratic Republic of Congo, or Birmingham v Portsmouth followed by West Brom taking on Sunderland, which you would chose? Yeah, me too.

First held in 1957, before the European equivalent became a fixture on the football calendar, the 25th incarnation of the African Cup of Nations holds massive potential. The debate surrounding players missing from their respective clubs, whilst a familiar one, has only become a feature this century thanks to the influx of African players in to the major European leagues.

Pele's prediction of an African World champion emerging before the end of the last century may have failed to come true, but there can be no doubt that the continent's leading lights are beginning to breach the gulf in ability, in the process turning what was once a very local affair into a major world event.

Proponents of the competition claim that holding the event every two years has played a part in this. The economic realities of an impoverished confederation means the frequency of competition is necessary to raise standards and swell the coffers of countries light years behind their European counterparts in terms of infrastructure. That the event is held in January, too, is a function of climate rather than some form of Machiavellian mischief from the CAF.

Clubs pay good money for quality African players as proven international stars and do so in the knowledge that they will be called away every two years. You can also be sure that Allardyce will be watching the event more closely than you or I, perusing the next raft of players from which to find a bargain basement talent to whisk to the Reebok Stadium in the near future.

The club v country row may be a deafening and divisive sideshow but the football itself remains the real story.

The qualifying campaign for Egypt 2006 doubled up as that for the World Cup finals and produced the most intriguing results of any confederation. The traditional powerhouses of Cameroon, Nigeria, Morocco and Senegal all failed to top their groups and Germany will see four debutants - Togo, Angola, Ghana and Ivory Coast - take a bow.

Only Tunisia, the defending African champions after victory on home soil two years ago, bucked the trend of group upsets. As such there will be some bruised egos travelling to Egypt with major points to prove.

None more so than the much fancied Cameroonians. An injury time penalty miss by Pierre Wome in the final game of qualifying cost the Indomitable Lions group victory and caused much finger pointing and gnashing of teeth. They will not be short on motivation, then, despite a dispute over payments stretching back to last summer.

In a squad bristling with talent and experience they have unquestionably the competition's leading light in Barcelona's Samuel Eto'o, African player of the year since 2004.

Drawn in a group with Togo, Congo and Angola progression should be assured and there exists the real possibility that Eto'o could break the individual scoring record of nine set by Zaire's Mulumba Ndaye in 1974, also in Egypt.

Togo have failed to get past the group stages in five consecutive attempts and look unlikely to do so this time unless Arsenal's new signing, Emmanuel Adebayor can repeat his goalscoring feats of qualification where he finished top scorer with 10.

In reaching Germany so soon after bloody civil war blighted the country, Angola made arguably the football story of 2005 and so should not be underestimated whilst Congo look destined merely to make up the numbers.

Nigeria and Senegal are matched together in group D but much will depend on internal discipline if either of these sides are to make up for World Cup heartache.

The Super Eagles have flare in abundance but a penchant for self-destruction and previous tournaments have been characterised by clashes of egos. Off-field problems seem to crop up with even greater regularity and news that the squad were locked out of their Portuguese training camp hotel after failing to pay suggests all is not well with an association beset by conflict and ineptitude.

Senegal's problems are more of the on-field nature and no one will want a repeat of the scenes when, last time out, eliminated by hosts Tunisia, El Hadji Diouf earned a four match ban for violent conduct whilst a pitch invasion by substitutes and officials embarrassed all concerned. The World Cup quarter-finalists, however, will expect to reach at least the last four.

The same was hoped of Ghana until an injury picked up by Michael Essien robbed them of their stand-out performer. Zimbabwe have little in the way of pedigree but are fast improving and, despite being group underdogs will make the other three work to overcome them.

There are no such injury concerns for Ivory Coast for whom Drogba will lead the line with St Etienne playmaker Didier Zokora, coveted by Alex Ferguson, prompting from midfield. Zokora, should he carry his club form to Egypt, is set to be one of the stars of the tournament and, if he is ultimately Old Trafford bound, Ferguson, or more specifically the Glazers, may regret leaving it until after this month when it comes to settling the bill with the French club.

Home advantage may work in Egypt's favour. In Mido they possess one of the most potentially potent strikers the continent has produced and expectancy is great.

Libya complete group A and have little hope of anything other than avoiding embarrassment, despite massive investment from patron of the team Colonel Muammar Gaddafi. His son Al-Saadi, after a spell of bench-warming in Serie A (and a ban for drugs before he made his debut at Perugia) does not make the squad, removing something of the circus act feel that has dogged the squad in the past.

Tunisia look well set up to become the first side to retain the trophy since the competition expanded to 16 teams. A settled squad with the experience of what it takes under the steady guidance of Roger Lemerre, they are free of the problems usually associated with African teams and have been blessed with a straightforward group.

Guinea are a strong, physical side that are capable of springing a surprise whilst Zambia have exceeded expectations already by reaching a second consecutive finals. South Africa are riddled with problems and arrive in Egypt beset by stuttering form and a crisis of confidence ahead of hosting the 2010 World Cup.

Popular boss Stuart Baxter was jettisoned towards the end of qualification and interim boss Ted Dumitru, a no nonsense, gruff authoritarian with a history of success in the domestic league, has already upset Aaron Mokoena. The Bafana Bafana captain has refused to play for Dumitru and a callow squad has the look of one geared towards 2010 rather than the present day.

The usual suspects will all fancy their chances and the emergence of Ivory Coast and Angola along with a resurgent Ghana give the tournament an open feel. After all the negative stories concerning the tug of war over players who want nothing more than to do justice to the elevated status they enjoy within their nations' psyche, all should be forgotten once the games begin.

 

[Chxta]

EGYPT

Coach: Hassan Shehata
Captain: Ahmed Hassan
Nickname: The Pharaohs
Cup record: Winners 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998; Qualified 20 times
One to watch: Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam

A series of disappointing results culminating in a 2-1 defeat to South Africa in their final warm up game - for both team and stadium facilities - has not dampened any of the enthusiastic expectancy of a fervent home support that has been looking forward to this month since they were awarded hosting rights.

Two of the four titles Egypt have won have come on home soil but a demanding crowd could prove a double edged sword with fears that an intense home support could actually hinder the Pharaohs. Failure to reach the World Cup has only added to the desperation of the side to do well.

Perhaps as a tool for lifting flagging spirits, coach Hassan Shehata has drafter into the squad aging legend Hossam Hassan. A veteran of the 1998 tournament that Egypt won in emphatic fashion in Burkina Faso, the 39-year-old is unlikely to figure on the pitch all that much, but his winning mentality and status in Egyptian football, it is hoped, will raise the performances of those around him.

Shehata himself knows the pressures of playing for his country whilst hosting the tournament. In a decade long spell playing for the national team he played in three finals, the first of which was the 1974 version in the North African state. Taking over from Italian Marco Tardelli in 2004, Shehata has yet to convince and is still largely trading on his reputation as a player. Failure this month may well exhaust such good will.

A measure of guile is provided in the form of midfielder Mohamed Barakat, fresh from leading Cairo club Al Ahli to the African Champions League. A huge local favourite, if Egypt are to go all the way, Barakat will need to be on the top of his game from the first whistle to last.

Bullish box play from Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam is Egypt's most potent weapon in front of goal and that he is playing regularly for Spurs and scoring goals will be welcome news following a series of short lived and controversial spells in seemingly every major European league, despite his tender age of 22.

If Barakat's Al Ahli team-mate Mohamed Aboutrika is able to feed off the knock-downs of the big target man Egypt could be in business.

Fears abound that if the Pharaohs fail to progress from a group that is by no means a formality, local interest will evaporate to the detriment of the competition as a whole. A team looking to get back to the glory of their recent past, they are an outside bet to reach the final.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Mohamed Abou Moncef (Zamalek), Essam Al Hadari (Al Ahli), Abdelwahed El Sayed (Zamalek)

Defenders: Mohamed Abdelwahab (Al Ahli), Abdelzaher El Saqqa (Konyaspor, Turkey), Ahmed El Sayed (Al Ahli), Tarek El Sayed (Zamalek), Ahmed Fathi (Ismaili), Wael Gomaa (Al Ahli), Ibrahim Said (Zamalek)

Midfielders: Hosni Abd Rabou (Racing Strasbourg, France), Mohamed Aboutrika, Mohamed Barakat (both Al Ahli), Ahmed Eid Abdelmalek (Harras Al Hodoud), Ahmed Hassan (Besiktas, Turkey), Hassan Mostafa, Mohamed Shawki (both Al Ahli)

Strikers: Abdelhalim Ali (Zamalek), Hossam Hassan (Al Masry), Osama Hosni (Al Ahli), Ahmed 'Mido' Hossam (Tottenham Hotspur, England), Emad Moteab (Al Ahli), Amr Zaki (ENPPI)

IVORY COAST

Coach: Henri Michel
Captain: Didier Drogba
Nickname: The Elephants
Cup record: Winners 1992; Qualified 16 times
One to watch: Didier Drogba

Conspicuous by their absence at the last Nations Cup finals, Ivory Coast, fresh from a first World Cup qualification, are perhaps second only to Cameroon as favourites to lift the trophy next month.

With quality and strength through the entire team thanks to a host of players having racked up experience in strong leagues, as well as European competition, it is difficult to find fault with a team that finished above group rivals Egypt and Libya, as well as Cameroon in qualifying. A reversal at the hands of the Indomitable Lions back in September was the only significant blot on 18 months of success.

An attacking trident spearheaded by Didier Drogba, with support from firebrand Aruna Dindane, Belgian league footballer of the year in 2004, and Paris St Germain's Bonaventure Kalou should send shivers down the spine of every defence at Egypt 2006. Drogba's international record of 17 goals from just 22 games is staggering and his goals in qualifying were largely responsible for ensuring his side topped a difficult group.

In the middle Didier Zokora, the St Etienne playmaker coveted by a host of top European clubs, including Manchster United, can put his exceptional talents in the shop window this month and, were Ivory Coast to go all the way, would undoubtedly add to the eventual transfer fee he will command.

At the back Arsenal's Kolo Toure and Emmanuel Eboue form the backbone of a solid rearguard.

Coach Henri Michel is a veteran of the African circuit. Formerly in charge of Tunisia, Morocco and his home country Cameroon, he has twice been dismissed after failure at Nation Cup finals and so will be eager to avoid completing an unwanted hat-trick. His experience is clear to see in the way Ivory Coast approach games, more pragmatic that free flowing, and the 58-year-old's wise head has proved a boon for the side.

Always a breeding ground for exciting talent, only now are the West Africans really fulfilling their potential. Expect the Elephants to have a tournament they won't want to forget in a hurry.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Boubacar Barry (Beveren, Belgium), Gerard Gnanhouan (Montpellier, France), Jean-Jacques Tizie (Esperance, Tunisia)

Defenders: Arthur Boka (Racing Strasbourg, France), Guy Demel (Hamburg SV, Germany), Cyrille Domoraud (Creteil, France), Emmanuel Eboue (Arsenal, England), Blaise Kossi Kouassi (Troyes, France), Abdoulaye Meite (Olympique Marseille, France), Kolo Toure (Arsenal, England), Marc Zoro (Messina, Italy)

Midfielders: Kanga Akale (AJ Auxerre), Emerse Fae (Nantes, France), Christian Koffi Ndri (Le Mans, France), Siaka Tiene (St Etienne, France), Gilles Yapi Yapo (Nantes, France), Gneri Yaya Toure (Olympiakos Piraeus, Greece), Didier Zokora (St Etienne, France)

Strikers: Aruna Dindane (Racing Lens, France), Didier Drogba (Chelsea, England), Bonaventure Kalou (Paris St Germain, France), Arouna Kone (PSV Eindhoven, Netherlands), Bakary Kone (Nice, France)

MOROCCO

Coach: Mohamed Fakhir
Captain: Talal El Karkouri
Nickname: The Atlas Lions
Cup record: Winners 1976; Qualified 12 times
One to watch: Marouane Chamakh

Morocco surprised many observers when a youthful side went all the way to the final in Tunisa before going down to the hosts in a thrilling denouement to the finals. However, their bid to repeat, or even better that achievement will be guided by a coach who has only been in the job for a few weeks.

Mohamed Fakhir was appointed after the shock departure of Frenchman Philippe Troussier - known as the 'white witchdoctor' after successes with Nigeria, South Africa and Burkina Faso - at the tail end of 2005, following a disagreement over his contract terms.

Though the timing was less than ideal, Morocco have a coach who has enjoyed considerable success in domestic football and led Royal Armed Forces to victory in the African Confederation Cup in November.

The Atlas Lions remain a force to be reckoned with in African football and though it would be a surprise to see them reach another final, it is not beyond them to finish above one of Egypt and Ivory Coast, should other results work in their favour.

Added motivation comes from the disappointment of having missed out on the 2006 World Cup finals despite being the only side to go through the whole campaign undefeated. Too many draws cost them top place in their group as they finished second again behind Tunisia after failing to beat their arch rivals in their final group match in Tunis.

Fakhir has already begun clearing out many of the regulars from the last two years and has brought a new look to the team, continuing a radical policy of change that started in the wake of Morocco's failure to qualify for the 2002 World Cup.

His 23-man squad for the finals sees the return of experienced players like Noureddine Naybet and Youssef Chippo and the introduction of untested locally-based players such as Hafid Abdessadek and Houcine Ouchela from his old club.

The strike force also includes Jawad Zairi and Yousef Hadji, who have lacked form and regular football in France's Ligue 1 but were two of the key players in Tunisia.

Yet the true star of the team, this time round as the last, is Bordeaux forward Marouane Chamakh. French-born, the rangy striker had to choose between the two nations when he got a call up to the French Under-19 squad. His heart ruled and the country of his family benefited. 10 league goals last season showed the 22-year-old's promise but he has been less prolific this term.

The squad that went to Tunisa was supposed to be a transitional one, designed to blood new talent, and they almost won the competition. Two years on and they should be even better, though the pace of change in their opponents may have outstripped them.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Mustapha Chadili (Moghreb Tetouan), Tarek Jarmouni (Royal Armed Forces), Nadir Lamyaghri (Wydad Casablanca)

Defenders: Talal El Karkouri (Charlton Athletic, England), El Armine Erbate (Qatar SC, Qatar), Noureddine Naybet (Tottenham Hotspur, England), Abdeslam Ouaddou (Stade Rennes, France), Houcine Ouchela (Royal Armed Forces), Walid Regragui (Racing Santander, Spain)

Midfielders: Hafid Abdessadek (Royal Armed Forces), Youssef Chippo (Al Wakra, Qatar), Noureddine Kacemi (Grenoble, France), Badr El Kaddouri (Dynamo Kyiv, Ukraine), Houssine Kharja (AS Roma, Italy), Mohamed Madihi (Wydad Casablanca), Youssef Safri (Norwich City, England), Mohamed Yaacoubi (Osasuna, Spain)

Strikers: Hicham Aboucherouane (Lille, France), Mohamed Armoumen (Kuwait SC, Kuwait), Ali Boussabon (Feyenoord, Netherlands), Marouane Chamakh (Girondins Bordeaux, France), Youssef Hadji (Stade Rennes), Jawad Zairi (Sochaux, France)

LIBYA

Coach: Ilija Loncarevic
Captain: Tarek El Taib
Nickname: The Greens
Cup record: Runners up 1982; Qualified twice
One to watch: Tarek Tayeb

More famous for oil, international sanctions and the dictatorship of Colonel Muammar Gaddafi, this is only the second time the side has appeared at the finals, going all the way to a runners-up spot in 1982 when they hosted the event.

Oil money has been invested in the development of the team and improvements have been witnessed in a squad that has little in the way of experience outside the limited domestic league.

Al-Saadi Gaddafi has not made the squad after a couple of inactive, if still controversial, seasons at Serie A clubs Perugia and then Udinese. A drug ban before his only league game underlined that his Italian job was more to do with PR than footballing prowess.

Libya will start their campaign without having won a match for a year and with a cloud hanging over Croatian coach Ilija Loncarevic.

Loncarevic, who was sacked in 2004 only to return to the job a year later, has done little to quell rumours that the same fate awaits him soon after a poor showing in a warm up match in Doha, but the well-traveled coach whose most high profile post was with Dinamo Zagreb in his homeland, is hamstrung by a weak squad.

Libya only qualified courtesy of being placed in Egypt's qualifying group; a fourth placed finish from a six team pool enough to book their ticket as the hosts were already guaranteed a place.

With little in the way of stars Tarek Tayeb, who, unusually, has enjoyed time with clubs outside his homeland with CS Sfaxien in Tunisa and now Gaziantepspor in Turkey where he is a mainstay of the side, stands out.

A predatory eye for goal he may have but the service he will receive in difficult looking games is likely to be sparse at best. The first plane home will already be ready and waiting.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Samir Aboud (Al Ittihad), Luis de Agustini (Liverpool, Uruguay), Muftah Ghzalla (Al Ittihad)

Defenders: Younes Al Shibani (Olympic), Omar Daoud (JS Kabylie, Algeria), Mady Al Fitori (Al Hilal), Osama Hamadi, Mahmoud Makhlouf, Walid Osman (all Al Ittihad), Essam Ragab (Olympic), Naji Shushan (Al Ittihad)

Midfielders: Khaled Hussien (Al Nasr), Abdelsalam Khamis (Olympic), Jihad Muntaser (Treviso, Italy), Abdelnasser Slil, Marei Suliman (both Al Ittihad), Nader Tarhuni (Al Siliya, Qatar), Tarek Tayeb (Gaziantepspor, Turkey)

Strikers: Nader Kara (Olympic), Ahmed Masli (Al Ittihad), Ahmed Osman (Al Ahli Tripoli), Salem Rewani (Al Ittihad), Ahmed Zuway (Al Ahli Benghazi)

Fixtures: (Kick-offs in GMT)

20 January
Egypt v Libya: Cairo International Stadium (1700)

21 January
Morocco v Ivory Coast: Cairo International Stadium (1200)

24 January
Libya v Ivory Coast: Cairo International Stadium (1515) Egypt v Morocco: Cairo International Stadium (1800)

28 January
Egypt v Ivory Coast: Cairo International Stadium (1700) Libya v Morocco: Cairo Military Academy Stadium (1700)

 

[Chxta]

CAMEROON

Coach: Artur Jorge
Captain: Rigobert Song
Nickname: The Indomitable Lions
Cup record: Winners 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002; Qualified 14 times
One to watch: Samuel Eto'o

So long the standard bearers of African football, the strength in depth of the Indomitable Lions, coupled with typical West African muscle and individual flare, make them the stand-out pre-tournament favourites.

Winners in 2000 and 2002, on both occasions courtesy of a penalty shoot-out, their fortune from the spot deserted them last year when, in the closing minutes of qualifying, a penalty miss by Pierre Wome in the 1-1 draw with Sudan cost them a place at the World Cup finals, handing the group to Ivory Coast. The failure caused much consternation and loss of pride - not to mention Wome his place in the squad - but may galvanise this talented group to claim a record fifth African crown.

Spearheaded by the incomparable pace and verve of Barcelona's prolific Samuel Eto'o - one of five remaining squad members from the two previous successful campaigns and on course for a third successive African player of the year award - Cameroon are no one-man show, with quality from back to front.

Espanyol goalkeeper Idris Kameni is universally heralded as the finest the continent has to offer, whilst the steady midfield presence of Chelsea benchwarmer Geremi Fotso Njitap and a centre back pairing of Raymond Kalla and captain Rigobert Song, who will earn his 100th cap for his country during the finals, will present a mighty challenge for opposition attacks.

Experience, then, is in no short supply whilst exciting youth in the form of Jean Makoun of French club Lille and striker Achille Webo from Osasuna have augmented the squad over the last year.

Overseeing this gifted crop of players is Portuguese Artur Jorge. In charge for just over a year, Jorge has a formidable pedigree at both club and international level. The mastermind of FC Porto's European Cup victory in 1987, Jorge has managed clubs in France, Switzerland, Spain, the Netherlands, Russia and Saudi Arabia, as well as enjoying stints in charge of both Switzerland and his native Portugal.

The draw has been kind to Cameroon and the group stages should prove a formality to navigate. After the heartbreak of a failed World Cup campaign they will have a point to prove and the personnel with which to do it. Beware this wounded lion.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Pierre Ebede (Panathinaikos, Greece), Souleymanou Hamidou (Denzilispor, Turkey), Idriss Carlos Kameni (Espanyol, Spain)

Defenders: Benoit Angbwa (Alaves, Spain), Timothee Atouba (Hamburg SV, Germany), Stephane Bikey (Lokomotiv Moscow, Russia), Jean-Hugues Bilayi Ateba (Paris St Germain, France), Armand Deumi (FC Thun, Switzerland), Raymond Kalla (Sivasspor, Turkey), Geremi Fotso Njitap (Chelsea, England), Rigobert Song (Galatasaray, Turkey)

Midfielders: Eric Djemba Djemba (Aston Villa, England), Achille Emana (Toulouse, France), Guy Feutchine (PAOK Salonika, Greece), Jean Makoun (Lille, France), Daniel Ngom Kome (Murcia, Spain), Salomon Olembe (Al Rayan, Qatar), Alioum Saidou (Galatasaray, Turkey)

Strikers: Pierre Boya (Partizan Belgrade, Serbia and Montenegro), Rudolph Douala (Sporting Lisbon, Portugal), Samuel Eto'o (Barcelona, Spain), Achille Webo (Osasuna, Spain), Albert Meyong Ze (Belenenses, Portugal)

TOGO

Coach: Stephen Keshi
Captain: Abalo Dosseh
Nickname: The Hawks
Cup record: Qualified six times
One to watch: Emmanuel Adebayor

Togo's unexpected presence in Germany next summer may have football fans around the globe reaching for their Atlases, but in Africa even their presence in Egypt has raised many an eyebrow.

Yet to make it past the group stages in five attempts stretching back to 1972, the tiny West African state's team have proved perennial whipping boys. Not anymore.

The catalyst for their unlikely upturn in fortunes has been the appointment of Nigerian Stephen Keshi as coach. Keshi has appeared in a record equalling three finals for the Super Eagles, captaining them to glory in 1994, and has also tasted a European final when he played for Anderlecht in their Cup Winners' Cup defeat to Sampdoria in 1990.

An uncompromising defender in his day, it is no surprise that Togo's recent improvement has been built on the solidity of a powerful back four - expertly marshalled by veteran Abalo Dosseh - but the ace in the pack is undoubtedly new Arsenal signing Emmanuel Adebayor.

No one bettered the lanky 21-year-old's 10 goals in qualifying and if Togo are to continue the rich form that saw them undefeated after an opening day reversal to Zimbabwe, he will need to shine.

The arrival at Monaco of both Cristian Vieri and Marco Di Vaio paved the way for Adebayor's move to Highbury and he will be intent on proving to his new employers that backing his raw talent was a wise move.

Having beaten Cameroon at the same stage of the competition in their last appearance in 2000, the Togolese will be hoping for a repeat, though their target should remain second place and another historic achievement in the country's football history.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Kossi Agassa (FC Metz, France), Safiou Salifou (Dyto Lome), Ouro-Nimini Tchangirou (Djoliba, Mali)

Defenders: Jean Paul Yaovi Abalo (Dunkerque, France), Eric Akoto (Admira Wacker, Austria), Ludovic Assemoassa (Murcia, Spain), Mohamed Zanzan Atte-Oudeyi (Lokeren, Belgium), Abdoul Gafar Mamah (FC105 Libreville, Gabon), Emmanuel Mathias (Esperance, Tunisia), Dare Nibombe (Mons-Bergen, Belgium), Massamesso Tchangai (Benevento,Italy)

Midfielders: Yao Aziawonou (Young Boys Berne, Switzerland), Kassim Guyazou, Audu Halirou (both AS Douanes), Cherif Toure Mamam (Metz, France), Alaixys Romao (Louhans-Cuiseaux, France), Moustapha Salifou (Brest, France), Junior Senaya (YF Juventus Zurich, Switzerland),

Strikers: Emmanuel Adebayor (Monaco, Arsenal, England), Mohamed Kader Coubadja (Sochaux, France), Mickael Dodji Dogbe (Bani Yas, United Arab Emirates). Adekanmi Olufade (Al Siliya, Qatar), Coubadja Sherif (Concordia Irhove, Germany)

ANGOLA

Coach: Luis Oliveira Goncalves
Captain: Fabrice Akwa
Nickname: The Palancas Negras
Cup record: Qualified three times
One to watch: Fabrice Akwa

Opening a newspaper to read about Angola in recent years, the chances are you weren't looking at the sports pages. The brutal civil war that ravaged a county whose independence came barely three decades ago has left the nation scarred and with a pitiful infrastructure struggling to cope with day-to-day life, let alone able to support a successful football team.

Booking a ticket to the World Cup finals and topping a group containing Nigeria has gone some way to changing that. The government has channelled some of the country's oil revenue into building a team that goes into their third Nations Cup finals confident of securing a first ever win.

Coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves, who has worked with the national team at virtually every age group, including the under-20 team that won the African Youth championship in 2001, was given backing to hunt across Europe for players with Angolan heritage, and with some success.

The majority of players unearthed were in the former colonial power of Portugal and it is in the Portuguese leagues where most of the squad ply their trade, though often outside the top division.

The Palancas Negras' talisman is Fabrice Akwa. Once hailed as the 'new Eusebio' when a prospect at Benfica, Akwa failed to live up to the billing in Lisbon or even in the more humble surroundings of Academica Coimbra. Yet the powerful 28-year-old, who has been an international for over 10 years, has rediscovered his form in the lucrative Qatari league with Al Wakra in recent times.

The country's most decorated player with the dual record of 31 goals in 68 appearances, Akwa will once more lead the line in Egypt.

After producing the most heartening story across the entire qualifying process last year, Angola will be intent on proving to their African peers that it was no fluke. They have only a slim hope of ultimate success but they have already earned the right to be taken seriously.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Goliath (Sagrada Esperanca), Joao Ricardo (unattached), Lama (Petro Atletico)

Defenders: Delgado (Primeiro Agosto), Jacinto, Jamba (both AS Aviacao), Kali (Santa Clara, Portugal), Lebo-Lebo (Sagrada Esperanca), Loco (Benfica Luanda), Marco Abreu (Poritimonense, Portugal)

Midfielders: Andre (Kuwait SC, Kuwait), Edson (Pacos Ferreira, Portugal), Figueiredo (Varzim, Portugal), Gilberto (Al Ahli, Egypt), Mendonca (Varzim, Portugal), Miloy (InterClube), Ze Kalanga (Petro Atletico)

Strikers: Akwa (Al Wakra, Qatar), Andre Titi Buengo (Clermont Foot, France), Flavio (Al Ahli, Egypt), Love (AS Aviacao), Mantorras (Benfica, Portugal), Maurito (Al Wahda, United Arab Emirates)

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Coach: Claude LeRoy
Captain: Lomana LuaLua
Nickname: Simbas
Cup record: Winners 1968, 1974; Qualified 15 times
One to watch: Lomana LuaLua

The Democratic Republic of Congo - who in their previous incarnation as Zaire took two African crowns in 1968 and 1974 - should be much tougher opposition at this year's African Nations Cup than when they lost every game in Tunisia two years ago.

The arrival of experienced coach Claude Le Roy, a past Nations Cup winner, has turned the Congolese from a ramshackle outfit into a team with a much-needed element of consistency and focus, as witnessed by a qualifying campaign that brought just two defeats.

In 1988, LeRoy led a Cameroon side including Roger Milla to the title in Morocco, where they beat Nigeria in the final. The Frenchman was also Cameroon's coach twenty years ago when they reached the deciding match at the 1986 Nations Cup in Egypt - only to lose to the hosts on penalties. Confirming his pedigree Le Roy coached hosts Senegal to a quarter-final place in 1992 but it has been more than a decade since he last appeared on the bench at the tournament.

Worryingly for the Simbas they will be without inspirational striker Shabani Nonda, who suffered a knee injury last month and underwent surgery that has ruled him out of the tournament.

Nonda, who plays for Serie A club AS Roma, also missed the finals in Tunisia after English coach Mick Wadsworth was appointed just weeks before the tournament began. His motley selection suffered three successive defeats, including an embarrassing loss to tiny neighbours Rwanda.

The leadership mantle passed from Nonda two years ago to English-based forward Lomana Tresor LuaLua, who got himself suspended midway through the competition after being sent off for kicking out at an opponent.

Recently recovered from a case of malaria after he forgot to take his medication on a recent visit to his homeland, LuaLua is again expected to lead Congo's charge but this time the firm hand of L eRoy is likely to better focus his enthusiasm in a tough group with perennial rivals Cameroon and two World Cup qualifiers in Angola and Togo.

The team will also have high hopes for a locally celebrated midfield containing Mbuta Mbala, Tresor Mpoutu and Milambo Mutamba, recently moved to Le Havre in France.

With little in the way of expectation to weigh them down after being drawn in a tough group, the Congolese have nothing to lose and can play without fear though it will be a surprise if they have any major impact on the tournament.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Francis Chansa (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Pascal Kalemba (Telestar, Gabon), Tampungu Dikete (Umtata Bush Bucks, South Africa).

Defenders: Gladys Bokese (Daring Club Motema Pembe), Herita Ilunga (St Etienne, France), Tshimalanga Kabundi (TP Mazembe Englebert), Christian Fuanda Kinkela (Amiens, France), Mayasisilwa Lubanzadio (SC Cilu), Cyrille Mubiala (Ajax Cape Town, South Africa), Dituabanza Nsumbu (AS V Club), Tshinyama Tshiolola (Ajax Cape Town, South Africa)

Midfielders: Ngasanya Ilongo (Daring Club Motema Pembe), Jean-Paul Kamudimba (Grimsby Town, England), Ngandu Kasongo (TP Mazembe Englebert), Franck Matingou (Bastia, France), Zola Matumona (AS V Club), Tresor Mputu (TP Mazembe Englebert), Mbuta Mbala (Yverdon, Switzerland), Marcel Mbayo (Sakaryaspor, Turkey), Mutamba Milambo (Le Havre, France)

Strikers: Lomana LuaLua (Portsmouth, England), Blaise Mbele (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Kabamba Musasa (Istanbulspor, Turkey)

Fixtures: (Kick-offs in GMT)

21 January
Cameroon v Angola: Cairo Military Academy Stadium (1515) Togo v DR Congo: Cairo Military Academy Stadium (1800)

25 January
Angola v DR Congo: Cairo Military Academy Stadium (1515) Cameroon v Togo: Cairo Military Academy Stadium (1800)

29 January
Angola v Togo: Cairo Military Academy Stadium (1700) Cameroon v DR Congo: Cairo International Stadium (1700)

 

[Chxta]

TUNISIA

Coach: Roger Lemerre
Captain: Riadh Bouazizi
Nickname: Carthage Eagles
Cup record: Winners 2004; Qualified 12 times
One to watch: Fancileudo dos Santos

The news from the Tunisian camp is that there is no news. A third consecutive World Cup appearance was confirmed in a qualifying group that threw up little in the way of surprises, though a nervy 2-2 draw in the final game with Morocco was needed to edge the group by a single point.

The reigning African champions, who secured a first continental crown by beating the same opposition in the final of a tournament they hosted with aplomb, have that rare luxury for an African side of a settled and happy squad that look well set to mount a strong defence of their title.

Under the expert stewardship of Frenchman Roger Lemerre, who guided France to European glory in 2000, the football mad country has finally delivered on the latent promise that has always existed and there is no reason to think that the good times will end anytime soon. Certainly not in a group that, far from a group of death, looks the group of an easy life for the Carthage Eagles.

With broadly the same squad from two years ago, Brazilians Fancileudo dos Santos and Clayton, who became naturalised Tunisians shortly before the last event, again look likely to star; dos Santos's predatory instincts and Clayton's willingness to get forward from defence to help with attacking forays a prominent feature of previous successes.

Yet the true star of the side remains 28-year-old Ajax right back Hatem Trabelsi. Coveted across Europe, Trabelsi missed much of the last Nations Cup finals through injury (though he did feature prominently in the final itself) and so will be keen to add to his reputation. The presence of the towering Radhi Jaidi adds weight, literally, to Tunisia's powerful rearguard as well as giving the Eagles an advantage at set-pieces in the opposite box.

Zambia, Guinea and a fast fading South Africa look to be playing for second place whilst Tunisia will already have one eye on the latter stages.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Ali Boumnijel (Club Africain), Khaled Fadhel (Erciyespor, Turkey), Hamdi Kasraoui (Esperance).

Defenders: Anis Ayari (Samsunspor, Turkey), Clayton (Qatar SC, Qatar), Karim Hagui (Racing Strasbourg, France), Radhi Jaidi (Bolton Wanderers, England), Issam Merdassi (CS Sfaxien), Karim Saidi (Feyenoord, Netherlands), Hatem Trabelsi (Ajax Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Midfielders: Slim Benachour (Vitoria Guimaraes, Portugal), Chaoki Ben Saada (Bastia, France), Riadh Bouazizi (Erciyespor, Turkey), Adel Chedli (FC Nuremberg, Germany), Kais Ghodhbane (Samsunspor, Turkey), Sofiane Melliti (Vorskla Naftohaz Poltava, Ukraine), Jaohar Mnari (Nuremberg), Hamed Namouchi (Glasgow Rangers, Scotland)

Strikers: Haykel Guemamdia (Racing Strasbourg, France), Zied Jaziri (Troyes, France), Issam Jomaa (Racing Lens, France), Amine Ltifi (Esperance), Francileudo dos Santos (Toulouse, France)

ZAMBIA

Coach: Kalusha Bwalya
Captain: Elijah Tana
Nickname: Chipolopolo
Cup record: Runners up 1974, 1994; Qualified 12 times
One to watch: Collins Mbesuma

The trip north for Zambia coach Kalusha Bwalya will bring back happy memories. It was in Egypt that Bwalya took his Nations Cup bow as a player in 1986. The North African state has proved a happy hunting ground in the past when, in 1974, Zambia embarked on a run to the final, where the Chiolopolo were only denied ultimate glory by Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo).

Can Bwalya pull off something of a repeat? It's unlikely, however, few would have given Zambia much hope in a qualifying group containing Togo, Mali and Senegal, yet they ran the World Cup quarter-finalists close for second place after handing eventual winners Togo their only defeat of the campaign.

The majority of the squad ply their trade in the poverty of the country's domestic league but, after missing out altogether last time, a resilient and close knit squad will be determined to excel back on the big stage.

Of those who play in Europe, Portsmouth's Collins Mbesuma is probably the best known and, whilst he has endured something of a stuttering start on the English south coast after impressing Alain Perrin last summer, his record in African football is impressive.

A big, strong target-man who can hold the ball up well and bring others into play, Mbesuma scored 35 goals last season for the Kaizer Chiefs, both a club and league record, as his former side retained their South African title and Mbesuma picked up that country's player of the year award.

Invention in midfield usually comes through Andrew Sinkala and Bwalya will be hoping that the break from Cologne's disastrous Bundesliga run prior to the winter hiatus will give him fresh impetus to put in a performance on a par with his reputation within the country.

If it does, there is no reason why the Chipolopolo can't progress to the knock out stages.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: George Kolola (ZANACO), Kennedy Mweene (Free State Stars, South Africa)

Defenders: Clive Hachilensa (Free State Stars, South Africa), Misheck Lungu (Primeiro Agosto, Angola), Joseph Musonda (Free State Stars, South Africa), Billy Mwanza (Lamontville Golden Arrows, South Africa), Kennedy Nketani (ZANACO), Elijah Tana (Petro Atletico, Angola), Mark Sinyangwe (Green Buffaloes)

Midfielders: Ian Bakala (Primeiro Agosto, Angola), Isaac Chansa (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), James Chamanga (Umtata Bush Bucks, South Africa), Rainford Kalaba (Nice, France), Chris Katongo, Felix Katongo (both Jomo Cosmos, South Africa), Numba Mumamba (ZANACO), Clifford Mulenga (Örgryte, Sweden), Andrew Sinkala (FC Cologne, Germany)

Strikers: Linos Chalwe (unattached), Harry Milanzi (Primeiro Agosto, Angola), Collins Mbesuma (Portsmouth, England), Lameck Njovu (Lusaka Dynamos), Dube Phiri (Red Arrows)

SOUTH AFRICA

Coach: Ted Dumitru
Captain: Sibusiso Zuma
Nickname: Bafana Bafana
Cup record: Winners 1996; Qualified six times
One to watch: Benni McCarthy

To say that South Africa arrive in Egypt in less than fine fettle would be an understatement to rival labelling Sam Allardyce not the tournament's biggest fan.

After limping through a qualifying campaign that saw them lose four out of 10 matches (including embarrassing defeats at the hands of Uganda and Burkina Faso) as well as popular boss Stuart Baxter, the joy at hosting the 2010 World Cup has been tempered by the realisation that, at present, they do not have a team of sufficient quality to compete on the international stage.

Baxter's replacement, for the short-term at least, is the outspoken and pugnacious Ted Dumitru, and the uncompromising nature of the man who won back-to-back league titles with Mamjelodi Sundowns and Kiaizer Chiefs has already had an impact.

Captain and midfield dynamo Aaron Mokoena has withdrawn from the squad and refused to play under Dumitru after he called a vote on the Blackburn player's leadership that found in the negative. Accusations and counter accusations over travel plans and assurances notwithstanding, the Bafana Bafana don't have the liberty of losing such an important player without suffering the consequences.

Dumitru, prior to the bust up, suggested the team's settled nature and playing away from the pressures of a home crowd makes them serious contenders, but this fighting talk sounds hollow.

There does remain quality in the side. Benni McCarthy, whilst perhaps short of the 2004 form that saw him win the Champions League with FC Porto, still possesses the trickery and gangly athleticism to trouble any defence.

Arminia Bielefeld's Sibusiso Zuma - who won the captaincy vote - came joint 29th in the FIFA world player of the year awards back in 2001. A speedy winger who can also play up front, Zuma has a knack of drawing fouls in and around the penalty area. A tactic not to everyone's taste but an effective tool for a side that needs all the breaks it can get at the moment.

And youth has been given its chance with several uncapped players in the squad. Defender Tshepo Masilela, despite having yet to play top league football, is included alongside former Marseille and Watford defender Pierre Issa though the latter has not played for the last six months because of a contract dispute in Greece.

Commendable forward thinking or desperation, only time will tell. But, without a win in their nine matches prior to a shock friendly win over Egypt in their final warm up match, it's going to take something dramatic to turn fortunes around in a month.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Moneeb Josephs (Ajax Cape Town), Calvin Marlin (SuperSport United), Avril Phadi (Jomo Cosmos)

Defenders: Siboniso Gaxa (SuperSport United), Pierre Issa (OFI Crete, Greece), Ricardo Katza (SuperSport United), Mbulelo Mabizela (Valerenga, Norway), Tshepo Masilela (Premier United), Vuyo Mere (Mamelodi Sundowns), Jimmy Tau (Kaizer Chiefs)

Midfielders: Mlungisi Gumbi (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Joseph Makhanya (Orlando Pirates), Siyabonga Nkosi (Bloemfontein Celtic), Daniel Tshabalala (Orlando Pirates), Simphiwe Tshabalala (Free State Stars), Elrio van Heerden (FC Copenhagen, Denmark), Benedict Vilakazi (Orlando Pirates)

Strikers: Benni McCarthy (FC Porto, Portugal), Lebohang Mokoena (Orlando Pirates), Katlego Mphela (SuperSport United), Nkosinathi Nhleko (Viking Stavanger, Norway), Siyabonga Nomvete (Orlando Pirates), Sibusiso Zuma (Arminia Bielefeld, Germany)

GUINEA

Coach: Patrice Neveu
Captain: Dianbobo Balde
Nickname: Syli Nationale
Cup record: Runners up 1976; Qualified eight times
One to watch: Pascal Feindouno

A quarter-final appearance last time round was a major achievement for the Syli Nationale but they will be confident of a repeat after a kind draw in the group stages.

An upturn in on-field fortunes in recent years, off the back of a crop of exciting youngsters emerging together, has not been matched by organisational development. The squad arrive in Egypt under a cloud of financial difficulties. Coach Patrice Nevue, in charge since 2004, even threatened to quit if not paid salary arrears, whilst talismanic striker Pacal Feindouno resigned the captaincy last year in protest over missing monies and poor administration of the team.

But once the football starts all will be forgotten by a powerful, physical side capable of upsetting the rhythm of more cultured opponents.

Nevue, despite never holding what would be considered a top managerial post after a nomadic existence that has taken him from the French lower leagues to Africa via spells in China, is hailed as an astute tactician. He has targeted a positive result in the opening fixture against South Africa as a springboard for a successful tournament.

If Guinea are to put in a strong showing, much will depend up the performance of Feindouno. Whilst no longer captain, commitment to the cause has never been questioned during the 24-year-old's seven-year international career. Based in France since a teenager, he made his name by scoring an 89th-minute goal in the final game of the season that ensured a Ligue 1 title for Girondins Bordeaux in 1999. A move to St Etienne saw him score 13 league goals last season.

The captaincy has been taken over by Celtic's giant defender Dianbobo Balde. A towering fixture in the side, Balde's recent club form has been erratic at best and question marks hang over a defence in which he is the elder statesman.

That Feindouno will be sharing striking responsibilities with Stoke City's Sambegou Bangoura shows the weakness in the Guinea squad compared to some of their more exalted peers but breaking out of the weakest group is a realistic ambition for this young side.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Kemoko Camara (Hafia FC), Naby Diarso (Satellite FC), Aboubacar Bangoura (AS Chateauneuf, France)

Defenders: Dianbobo Balde (Glasgow Celtic, Scotland), Ibrahima Camara (Parma, Italy), Morlaye Cisse (Sedan, France), Mamadou Alimou Diallo (Lokeren, Belgium), Daouda Jabi (AC Ajaccio, France), Mamadi Kaba (FC Gueugnon, France), Oumar Kalabane (AJ Auxerre, France)

Midfielders: Ousmane Bangoura (Charleroi, Belgium), Sekouba Camara (AS Kaloum), Fode Mansare (Toulouse, France), Ibrahima Souare (Jura Sud Foot, France), Kanfory Sylla (Ethnikos, Greece), Mohamed Sylla (Leicester City, England), Pablo Thiam (VfL Wolfsburg, Germany)

Strikers: Ibrahima Bangoura (Troyes, France), Ismael Bangoura (Le Mans, France), Sambegou Bangoura (Stoke City, England), Kaba Diawara (AC Ajaccio, France), Pascal Feindouno (St Etienne, France), Ibrahima Yattara (Trabzonspor, Turkey)

Fixtures:

22 January
Tunisia v Zambia: Harras El-Hedoud Stadium, Alexandria (1515) South Africa v Guinea: Harras El-Hedoud Stadium, Alexandria (1800)

26 January
Zambia v Guinea: Harras El-Hedoud Stadium, Alexandria (1515) Tunisia v South Africa: Harras El-Hedoud Stadium, Alexandria (1800)

30 January Tunisia v Guinea: Harras El-Hedoud Stadium, Alexandria (1700) Zambia v South Africa: Alexandria Stadium (1700)

 

[Chxta]

NIGERIA

Coach: Austin Eguavoen
Captain: Jay-Jay Okocha
Nickname: Super Eagles
Cup record: Winners 1980, 1994; Qualified 14 times
One to watch: Obafemi Martins

Nigeria can be viewed as the Holland of Africa: blessed with all the raw talent in the world, far too often internal indiscipline, fuelled by inflated egos, as well as a shambolic national association that prove more hindrance than help, prevents them fulfilling their potential.

Last winners in 1994, and finalists in 2000, losing 4-3 on penalties to Cameroon when co-hosting the tournament with Ghana, the Super Eagles' star has been on the wane in recent years. Despite finishing their duel Nations Cup and World Cup qualifying group with the same points as eventual winners Angola, a 1-0 defeat in the second round of matches in Luanda cost them when the two sides' head-to-head record came in to play. The sides drew 1-1 when they met in Nigeria.

The romance of Angola's fairytale run to Germany did not soften Nigerian disappointment on missing their first World Cup since 1990; and did not save innovative and respected coach Christian Chukwu his job.

Present incumbent Austin Eguavoen - part of the 1994 squad that shone in the USA and were African champions, along with assistants Samson Siasia and Daniel Amokachi - knows his fate should Nigeria fail to reach at least the semi-final stages in Egypt.

Though the inspirational Austin 'Jay-Jay' Okocha - player of the tournament in Tunisia two years ago - is likely to be making his last appearance at an international tournament, Nigeria's hopes rest squarely on the broad shoulders of Inter Milan's Obafemi Martins. A powerful, direct striker, he has established himself with the Milan giants and recently signed a lucrative long-term contract.

Nigeria are blessed with attacking flair and a host of stars have experience in big European leagues; though the loss of Middlesbrough's prolific Aiyegbeni Yakubu, who has decided in Boro's favour in the club v country battle, may be keenly felt.

Youth has also been given a chance with teenage talents John Obi Mikel and Sani Kaita included along with the Italian-based teenage striker Obinna Nsofor, who has yet to win a cap at senior level.

Both Obi Mikel - who is the subject of an as-yet unresolved tug of war between Chelsea and Manchester United - and Kaita were part of the Nigerian side that finished runners-up at the World Youth Championship in the Netherlands in June.

Smarting from World Cup elimination, the Super Eagles could well soar to ultimate heights. The only opponent they need fear is themselves.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Dele Aiyegnuba (Enyimba), Austin Ejide (Etoile Sahel, Tunisia), Vincent Enyeama (Bnei Yehuda Tel Aviv, Israel)

Defenders: Joseph Enakarhire (Dinamo Moscow, Russia), Obinna Nwaneri (Esperance, Tunisia), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow, Russia), Taye Taiwoo (Olympique Marseille, France), Joseph Yobo (Everton, England)

Midfielders: Yusuf Ayila (Dinamo Kyiv, Ukraine), Sani Kaita (Sparta Rotterdam, Netherlands), Garba Lawal (Iraklis, Greece), Paul Obiefule (Viborg, Denmark), John Obi Mikel (Lyn Oslo, Norway), Christian Obodo (Udinese, Italy), Austin Okocha (Bolton Wanderers, England), Wilson Oruma (Olympique Marseille, France)

Strikers: Julius Aghahowa (Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine), Nwankwo Kanu (West Bromwich Albion, England), Stephen Makinwa (Palermo, Italy), Obafemi Martins (Inter Milan, Italy), Obinna Nsofor (Chievo Verona, Italy), Peter Odemwingie (Lille, France), John Utaka (Stade Rennes, France)

GHANA

Coach: Ratomir Dujkovic
Captain: Stephen Appiah
Nickname: Black Stars
Cup record: Winners 1963, 1965, 1978, 1982; Qualified 15 times
One to watch: Matthew Amoah

These are heady times for the Black Stars after a sustained period of underachievement stretching back fully twenty years.

No country has won more continental championships than the West Africans but their fourth and last came way back in 1982 when they defeated host nation Libya in a sudden-death penalty shoot-out.

Despite being blessed with stars of the calibre of Michael Essien, Stephen Appiah, Matthew Amoah and Osei Kuffour, this most recent qualification campaign looked in danger of faltering after an early defeat to Burkina Faso and a draw with Uganda threatened to undermine their challenge. However, the erratic form of group heavyweights South Africa and DR Congo gifted them the opportunity to make up the ground with something to spare.

Much of Ghana's newfound resilience - and their debut World Cup appearance - can be attributed to the wily Serbian coach Ratomir Dujkovic, who became the Black Stars' fifth coach in two years when he replaced Portuguese Mariano Barreto in December 2004, who had quit as coach in September to return home and manage domestic club Maritimo.

Dujkovic came to international prominence when he led Rwanda to their first African Cup of Nations finals in Tunisia two years ago, ironically at the expense of Ghana, and much is expected of his side in Egypt.

Appiah and Essien - who became Africa's most expensive footballer when Chelsea paid Lyon £24 for his services - form as formidable a middle two as you will find in international football but news that the Chelsea man will be missing after sustaining an injury on club duty is a major blow.

Fenerbache have benefited massively from Appiah's effective box-to-box midfield industry since his switch from Juventus but even more will be required of him in the absence of his more heralded partner.

Another concern is, despite a parsimonious defence that let in just 4 goals in 10 qualifiers, just where the goals will come from. Fleet-of-foot Vitesse Arnhem striker Matthew Amoah scored some vital goals to get Ghana to Germany and nine goals in 17 starts for the Dutch side this season suggests he is a man in form. And he'll need to be if Modena striker Asamoah Gyan fails to recover from a training ground injury picked up after joining up with the squad.

The Black Stars have proved their calibre already this year and go into the tournament as one of the favourites. But thoughts of Germany may divert focus from the task in hand and without Essien they may struggle to exert their talents.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Sammy Adjei (Moadon Sports Ashdod, Israel), George Owu (AshantiGold), Philemon McCarthy (Feyenoord Academy)

Defenders: Yakubu Abubakari (Vitesse Arnhem), Issah Ahmed, Aziz Ansah (both Asante Kotoko), Francis Dickoh (FC Nordsjaelland, Denmark), Daniel Edusei (Egaleo, Greece), Samuel Osei Kuffour (Roma, Italy), Emmanuel Pappoe (Hapoel Kfar Sava, Israel), John Painstil (Hapoel Tel Aviv, Israel), John Mensah (Cremonese, Italy), Hans Sarpei (VfL Wolfsburg, Germany)

Midfielders: Stephen Appiah (Fenerbache, Turkey), Baba Adamu (Krylya Sovietov Samara, Russia), Godwin Attram (Al Shabab, Saudi Arabia), Haminu Dramani (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia & Montenegro), Laryea Kingston (Krylya Sovietov Samara, Russia), Hamza Mohammed (Real Tamale United)

Strikers: Louis Agyemang (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Matthew Amoah (Borussia Dortmund, Germany), Joetex Frimpong (Enyimba, Nigeria), Prince Tagoe (Hearts of Oak)

SENEGAL

Coach: Abdoulaye Sarr
Captain: Ferdinand Coly
Nickname: Teranga Lions
Cup record: Runners up 2002; Qualified 10 times
One to watch: Mamadou Niang

After the fairytale that was 2002, a harsh reality has set in for Senegal since.

Unlucky to lose the Nations Cup final that year, to Cameroon on penalties after a goalless final in Mali, the Teranga Lions then went to the Far East for their debut World Cup appearance. Beating World and European champions France in the opening game set the tone for an exhilarating run to the quarter-finals and earned a number of players lucrative contracts in Europe.

But these foundations have proved difficult to build on. Their performance in Tunisa will be long remembered, but not for the right reasons. A 1-0 quarter-final defeat to the hosts saw a petulant El Hadji Diouf lose his cool to such a degree that he earned a three-match ban for violent conduct, extended to four games on appeal.

His personal fit of pique was compounded by a general fracas and unseemly pitch invasion by Senegal substitutes and coaching staff after Tunisia's goal.

On the football side, the architect of that success, Frenchman Bruno Metsu, left for the riches of club management in UEA soon after the World Cup adventure, replaced by compatriot Guy Stephan, a coach for France that tumultuous afternoon in the Far East. He could not repeat his predecessor's magic and now Senegal are coached by one of Metsu's former assistants, Abdoulaye Sarr.

Defeat to Togo early in qualifying undermined their attempts to reach Germany and, despite the seasons of experience earned by a squad containing only a solitary home based player in goalkeeper Mamadou Diouf, the Lions have yet to roar menacingly since Japan.

Taking chances, should they come, should not prove a problem with Henri Camara, who scored seven goals in qualifying, Marseilles' Mamadou Niang and Diouf all in form going in to the finals. Though a lack of genuine creativity in midfield, where athleticism and strength is in abundance, may prove their undoing in a tough group.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Pape Mamadou Diouf (Jeanne d'Arc), Cheikh Tidiane Ndiaye (Rennes, France), Tony Sylva (Lille, France)

Defenders: Habib Beye (Olympique Marseille, France), Ferdinand Coly (Parma, Italy), Omar Daf (Sochaux, France), Pape Malikou Diakhate (Nancy, France), Lamine Diatta (Olympique Lyon, France), Souleymane Diawara (Sochaux, France), Boukary Drame (Paris St Germain, France), Guiranne Ndaw (Sochaux, France)

Midfielders: Issa Ba (Chateauroux, France), Pape Bouba Diop (Fulham, England), Dino Djiba (Metz, France), Abdoulaye Diagne Faye (Bolton Wanderers, England), Amdy Faye (Newcastle United, England), Frederic Mendy (St Etienne, France)

Strikers: Rahmane Barry (Lorient, France), Henri Camara (Wigan Athletic, England), Souleymane Camara (Nice, France), El Hadji Diouf (Bolton Wanderers, England), Diomansy Kamara (West Bromwich Albion, England), Momar Ndiaye (Metz, France), Mamadou Niang (Olympique Marseille, France).

ZIMBABWE

Coach: Charles Mhlauri
Captain: Peter Ndlovu
Nickname: Warriors
Cup record: Qualified twice
One to watch: Benjani Mwaruwari

If, as most observers agree, group D is the 'group of death' then Zimbabwe are the most predictable fatality. Pitched against three heavyweights with realistic ambitions of lifting the trophy, it is difficult to envisage anything other than a repeat of their maiden appearance in Tunisia - the group wooden spoon and an early flight home.

In truth, just by qualifying for a second successive finals, the Warriors have achieved great things already. That the majority of the squad play their club football in the South African leagues tells its own story, but the experience of competing at this level can only add to their burgeoning reputation as an emerging side under the enthusiastic and innovative stewardship of Charles Mhlauri.

The 36 year-old Bulawayo-born Mhlauri has a reputation as a modern thinker after benefiting, as many African coaches have, from German training programmes and enjoyed success with domestic clubs before taking charge of the national team in 2004.

Though past his prime, the Warriors still look to captain Peter Ndlovu for inspiration. Benjani Mwaruwari, who missed the 2004 tournament through injury, will be looking to justify becoming the most expensive signing in Portsmouth's history after his £4.1m move from Auxerre earlier this month.

Prior to the switch, Mwaruwari had bagged just one goal in eleven starts, and has hardly kicked a ball in competitive anger since early November. The portents do not look good and the Warriors will need all their fighting spirit just to avoid a chastening experience, though a recent 2-0 victory over Germany-bound Angola suggests they have it in them to cause at least one shock.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Tapuwa Kapini (Highlanders), Energy Murambadoro (CAPS United), Gift Muzadzi (Buymore)

Defenders: Cephas Chimedza (Germinal Beerschot, Belgium), Zvenyika Makonese (Santos, South Africa), James Matola (Buymore), George Mbwando (SSV Jahn Regensburg, Germany), Dumisani Mpofu (Umtata Bush Bucks, South Africa), Bekithemba Ndlovu (Silver Stars, South Africa), Charles Yohane (Wits University, South Africa)

Midfielders: Francis Chandidia (Buymore), Lloyd Chitembwe (CAPS United), Edzai Kasinauyo (Moroka Swallows, South Africa), Edelbert Dinha (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Joel Lupahla (SuperSport United, South Africa), Tinashe Nengomasha (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Esrom Nyandoro (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Ronald Sibanda (AmaZulu)

Strikers: Brian Badza (CAPS United), Shingirai Kawondera (unattached), Gilbert Mushangazhike (Jiangsu Shuntian, China), Benjani Mwaruwari (Portsmouth, England), Peter Ndlovu (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa).

Fixtures:

23 January
Nigeria v Ghana: Port Said Stadium (1515) Zimbabwe v Senegal: Port Said Stadium (1800)

27 January Ghana v Senegal: Port Said Stadium (1515) Nigeria v Zimbabwe: Port Said Stadium (1800)

31 January Nigeria v Senegal: Port Said Stadium (1700) Ghana v Zimbabwe: Ismailia Stadium (1700)

 

[Chxta]

All stolen from Soccernet

 

[Hambon]

Good Stuff baby....go greens!!

 

[loyada]

certainly would watch the games
curious about some countries (togo,angola) that I didn't have chance to see them play

 

[JCK]

Now I lost interest in the whole cup.

 

[Wings]

Am waiting eagerly for the first match tonight. About time for some African flair. Hope some new kids benefit from the exposure.

 

[Chxta]

Now I lost interest in the whole cup.

Why?

 

[Rami]

This is the most unoriginal opening ceramony ever!!

In the fifteen minutes I watched, Lord of The Rings soundtrack, Shakira music, Samira Sa'eed lip-syncing....I am sure that there are a lot of other things I didn't pick up!!

 

[Chxta]

Opening ceremony is boring. I am waiting for kick off in 25 minutes...

 

[Enron]

Carlos Idriis Kameni is the man.

 

[Rami]

Ya we all are...its just a comment.

For some bizzare reason I watched Miss Egypt a year or two ago, they also used Lord of The Rings soundtrack over there!! I mean WTF!! did they even watch the movie before deciding on the soundtrack and associate it with the event

 

[Tom]

I'm not going to pretend I care, but its always amusing watching the atrocious quality of the football on bbc highlights

 

[loyada]

I'm not going to pretend I care, but its always amusing watching the atrocious quality of the football on bbc highlights

at least better than the EPL

 

[Tom]

yes, it certainly is.....

 

[loyada]

TBH , some selections play bad football