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With the African Nations Cup kicking off on the 19th of January in South Africa, here is an analysis of the four teams in Group C and a prediction as to where they will finish in the group.
Group C consists of: Zambia, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and Ethiopia.
Team Analysis: Zambia
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Zambia are the current holders of the African Cup of Nations. They shocked the world over when they stunned the Cote D’Ivoire 7-8 last year.
Zambia have a rather respectable record in Africa, with two quarter-final appearances, two second-place finishes and three third-place finishes in the continental competition.
Although not blessed with the wealth of talent that some of the continent’s giants have, the Copper Bullets have always striven to punch above their weight when they play in the AFCON.
The defending champions will be hoping to stun the world once again as they head to South Africa to try and retain their title.
Key men:
The Chipolopolo have a smattering of men who play across Europe and they will be key if the Zambians are to get out of their group and progress in the competition.
Southampton forward Emmanuel Mayuka will lead the line for the Zambians along with Utrecht man Jacob Mulenga.
At the back, Arsenal target Stophira Sunzu will look to keep out the opponent with Porto’s Emmanuel Mbola. Christopher Katongo will also look to infuse the squad with his experience.
Midfielders William Njovu of Hapoel Be’er Sheva and Chisamba Lungu of Ural Sverdlovsk Oblast in Russia will run the show in the middle of the park.
Predicted Finish: Quarter-finals
Team Analysis: Nigeria
The Super Eagles are one of Africa’s heavyweights and are considered perennial favourites for the continent’s premier competition.
The Green and Whites finished third in four separate African Nations Cups and have won the tournament twice.
With considerable pedigree in the team, Nigeria will be expected to show the world exactly what their squad is capable of.
Key men:
The Nigerians have several players in Europe who boast of excellent quality.
At the back are former Everton defender Joseph Yobo, currently at Fenerbahce, Braga full back Elderson Echiejile, Celtic’s Efe Ambrose and ADO Den Haag’s Kenneth Omeruo.
Nigeria’s quality arguably lies in midfield, with Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel and Valeranga’s Fegor Ogude in the thick of the action.
Nigeria have several forwards at their disposal, including fleet-footed Ahmed Musa at CSKA Moscow, Emmanuel Emenike at Spartak and Mikel’s club mate Victor Moses.
Predicted Finish: Finals
Team Analysis: Burkina Faso
Originally part of the nation of Upper Volta, the Burkinabe have a record that is poor at best when it comes to the African Cup of Nations.
With the exception of 1998, when they finished fourth in the competition, they have failed to get out of Round 1.
With the quality on display in their group, they could well be out of the AFCON before the knockout stages begin, but should things click for them, they could well be potential giant killers as the continent’s showpiece goes on.
Key men:
Burkina Faso have several quality players who will take to the field this month.
Key to them in defence will be Olympique Lyonnais’ Bakary Kone and Dynamo Bucharest’s Paul Coulibaly.
In midfield, play will surely centre around Marseilles’ Charles Kabore and Evian’s Djakaridja Kone.
Patrolling the wings will be Jonathan Pitroipa of Rennes and Gaziantepspor’s Abdou Razack Traore, while Alain Traore of FC Lorient and Augsburg’s Aristide Bance will lead the line in South Africa.
In goal, either Lierse’s experienced custodian Daouda Diakite or Saint-Etienne’s Germain Sanou will play.
Predicted Finish: Round 1
Team Analysis: Ethiopia
Even if Ethiopia do not make it out of their group at this year’s AFCON, they deserve a medal just for qualifying.
For a nation splintered by civil war and insurgency for far too long, the Ethiopian people have much to celebrate when the East African nation take to the turf in South Africa.
Champions in 1962, the Ethiopians seldom qualified for the AFCON since then. One can hardly blame them, with the internal strife that tore their nation apart.
Having now qualified, they will hope to go some way in an attempt to recapture the glory of 1962.
Key Men:
Only three players do play outside of their home nation: Minnesota Stars’ Fuad Ibrahim, Saladin Said of Egypt’s Wadi Degla and Syrianska midfielder Yousef Saleh.
Nevertheless, veteran Asrat Megersa will surely look to dictate things in midfield.
With several young players in the competition, including 19-year-old Alula Girma and Getane Kebede, who is twenty, Ethiopia will look to lay the foundations for future triumphs this time around.
Predicted Finish: Round 1
