Words Chudi Onwuazor Pictured African Cup of Nations 2012 logo
After weeks of anticipation, the 16 teams in the African Cup of Nations finally know their fate after the group draw was made last Saturday in Equatorial Guinea’s capital Malabo.
The ACN, which kicks off on the 21st of January in the port city of Bata, is still reeling from the failure of big hitters such as Egypt, Cameroon, South Africa and Nigeria to qualify.
But in their absence will we see the most exciting competition yet?
There is a freshness about this tournament with Egypt’s stranglehold, having won the past 3 competitions, finally broken whilst three teams including hosts Equatorial Guinea are making their debuts.
“When you realise that eight of the last nine Nations Cup-winning sides will be absent from Equatorial Guinea and Gabon, you realise the extent of the revolution that has seeped into the bones of the African game,” wrote BBC Sport’s Piers Edwards.
So how do the four groups break down?
At first glance, Group A is the easiest. Senegal are no longer the side that shook up world football when they beat then reigning World Champions France in 2002, while Libya, Zambia and debutants Equatorial Guinea aren’t likely to pose a threat to any of the competitions big boys.
Group D looks to be the toughest with Mali, Guinea and tournament favourites Ghana all capable of advancing whilst Botswana won’t be pushovers either.
Joint hosts Gabon will be looking to capitalise on their home advantage having been drawn in a tough group against former winners Tunisia and Morocco (and Niger).
Most smart money is on a Ghana/Ivory Coast final (the draw means that the two could avoid each other until the 12th February) – Ivory Coast last won in 1992, but their current team is their best yet, while Ghana’s Black Stars came tantalisingly close in 2010, so is this finally their year?
The Groups
Group A: Equatorial Guinea, Libya, Senegal, Zambia(Bata)
Group B: Ivory Coast, Sudan, Burkina Faso and Angola(Malabo)
Group C: Gabon, Niger, Morocco and Tunisia(Libreville)
Group D: Ghana, Botswana, Mali and Guinea(Franceville)