Africa Cup Of Nations 2013 | Global Football Today

2013 African Cup of Nations Semifinal Preview

Posted by Brian Sanders on February 6, 2013 at 8:09 am Africa Cup of Nations 2013

Feb 062013

And then there were four.

The Cup of Nations continues to excite as the semifinals are here with some more twists to the plot.

Mali was able to outlast the hosts on penalties which sets up the chance to progress to the final for only the second time ever. All things considered when you have the kind of turmoil at home it is sometimes difficult to put together a good run like this. With captain Seydou Keita running the midfield they have once of the best in Africa to look to when the chips are down.

In a little bit of a surprise Ivory Coast, who looked so dominating in the group stage,was undone by a Sunday Mba goal that put Nigeria through to the semifinals. Can they progress to the final and win for the third time and first since the mid 80s? There is the talent here, it is only a matter of putting in the performance.

In a match-up that was the most interesting between Burkina Faso and Togo it was the lone extra-time goal by Jonathan Pitroipa that was the difference in putting The Stallions through to the semifinals for only the second time ever. There is the chance here if the play off Moumouni Dagano is quality but it will be asking a lot.

Ghana was more than happy with their situation of possible semifinals. After a nervous 2-0 win over Cape Verde they will be extremely tempted to look beyond to the final but that would spell disaster. There is quality at nearly every part of this squad and with as much on the line The Black Stars will be hard to beat.

Predictions

Ghana v Burkina Faso: Ghana is in a great situation but Burkina Faso has been upsetting the apple cart all tournament. It will take extra-time to find the winner here, but talent will out. Ghana 2-1 a.e.t.

Nigeria v Mali: Nigeria was not anticipated by the betters to be here when they had Ivory Coast as quarterfinal opponents but here they are. Mali will now fancy it more against Nigeria. For Nigeria players, who missed out on the last tournament, they will be thinking that after beating the favorites they can win it all. Nigeria on penalties 1-1 a.e.t.

Quarterfinals Set for 2013 ACON

Posted by Brian Sanders on February 2, 2013 at 8:50 am Africa Cup of Nations 2013

Feb 022013

As usual the thrills and upsets have been found as the unexpected always does in the African Cup of Nations.

Alone from Group A the hosts South Africa, after all the turmoil that they have had in recent years, are looking like they have something together. Debutant Cape Verde took their chance with Angola and Morocco fumbling their chances and voila they are into the knockout stage in their first tournament, bravo.

Group B was more straight forward with continental power Ghana exerting strong dominance over the opposition. The battle for second place was really down to DR Congo failing to take advantage as they drew with all opponents they played. In the deciding game against Mali DR Congo needed to win or not progress but Mali held firm and find themselves in the quarterfinals.

The best thing about Group C was the fans of Ethiopia who, like the Irish in this past summer’s European Championships, were the very best of fans at the tournament so far. While Nigeria was able to qualify it was the failure of champions Zambia to progress and it was Burkina Faso who were able to take advantage of the constant draws from the reigning champion.

Group D is more of the failure of the North Africans to take advantage of their opportunities and Togo finds themselves in the quarterfinals after the tragedy of the 2008 tournament. Ivory Coast breezed through and are looking like a champion should.

QUARTERFINALS

Mali v South Africa: the hosts are showing that they are progressing as a side and with the home fans it is a real possibility that they can ride this thorough to the semifinals. Prediction: South Africa 1-0

Ivory Coast v Nigeria: this is the most classic match-ups of the four quarterfinals as it is between possibly two of the three most talented sides, on paper. Thing is Ivory Coast has the experience of progression in recent years and its the experience that will make the difference here. Prediction: Ivory Coast 1-0

Burkina Faso v Togo: If someone said that both would make the quarterfinals they would be laughed at constantly, and yet here they are. Possibly the most interesting quarterfinal and most difficult to predict. Team chemistry will count for more than talent here. Prediction: Burkina Faso 2-1

Cape Verde v Ghana: Cape Verde making it this far is a great accomplishment but Ghana is one too far. Ghana has been in good form and should win this easily and have an excellent opportunity to make the finals. Prediction: Ghana 3-1

2013 Cup of Nations Group D

Posted by Brian Sanders on January 17, 2013 at 6:09 pm Africa, Africa Cup of Nations 2013

Jan 172013

If there was one group that would receive the undeserving title of ‘Group of Death’ (or the corollary Group of Life) it is Group D with the ever bridesmaid Ivory Coast, and North African powers Algeria and Tunisia with Togo rounding out an exciting group.

Algeria has been on the rise over the last few years. Currently sitting at 16 in the world, they are looking like the great side of the 80s where they were qualifying for World Cups and succeeding at the Cup of Nations. There are players in France, England, Italy, and Spain joined by domestic players which make for multiple starting lineups. This is one of the deepest and most talented squads of any in the tournament. It is all about hitting the ground running as they face North African rival Tunisia. Knockout round is success, group stage knockout failure.

Ivory Coast in recent years, while boasting excellent talent, has not been able to overcome the final hurdle of a continental title. This looks to be the last chance for many of these players as there are quite a few who are on the wrong side of 30. While there is talent bursting at the seam it is down to Sabri Lamouchi bring it all together and bring success to the Ivory Coast.

Togo has qualified for their first competition since the 2010 tournament which they withdrew due to the shooting of the team bus, one of the great tragedies of recent years. For the relatively small nation to have the success that they have in the last decade is sensational. Emmanuel Adebayour is back in international play and is the key to any success that is possible in such a difficult group. If they somehow make it to the knockout stage it will be miraculous.

Tunisia must consider themselves snake bit. They have a talented squad that is made up of domestic players, due to the very high level of competitiveness of the league, and they land in a group as difficult as this. The Eagles of Carthage constantly have good squads entering this tournament and with this current crop it is only a matter of goals. Herein is where they squad is diversifying as players come from outside Tunisia. If Issam Jemaa gets rolling he is one of the best weapons available. Knockout stage is something to be considered a success.

Quarter Finalists: Ivory Coast and Algeria

2013 Cup of Nations Group C

Posted by Brian Sanders on January 17, 2013 at 6:02 pm Africa, Africa Cup of Nations 2013

Jan 172013

Champions Zambia and constant power Nigeria look to give Burkina Faso and Ethiopia headaches as Group C rounds itself out.

Burkina Faso seems to be going for the best ratings players they have got, if you play games like EA Sports FIFA and Football Manager. They are going with a all foreign based lineup to possibly catch lightning in a bottle as they take on the likes of continental power Nigeria and reigning champions Zambia. Aside from the problem that surround this nation with fielding ineligable players, a coach that was banned for match fixing striker Alain Traore can give this nation hope as it looks to succeed where other teams have not.

Ethiopia is the other feel good story of the tournament. Having been in the international wilderness the country has returned. Nearly every player is based within the country and so has had little exposure. Former US youth international Faud Ibrahim is a part of the squad. Not much is expected but so were the same expectations of Sudan in 2012 and they made the knockout stage. Third place would be very respectable after so long out side of the international scene.

Nigeria has always been a constant player in the Cup of Nations while stumbling when it comes to the World Cup. Now they have a coach at the helm in Stephen Keshi who was in the same position as these players less than two decades ago. There is anger in the camp at Newcastle United who refused to release Shola Ameobi but that not withstanding this is a very quality side which can do damage and if on a roll a championship is within their grasp.

After winning for those compatriots who died many years in a plane crash reigning champions Zambia have the monumental task of the follow up to their spectacular play. The characteristics is they are a cohesive team that doesn’t rely on star power as do other nations to continue their success. The return will be much more difficult than it was last time. If they win again they will be one of the more desired teams in 2014 in Brazil.

Quarter finalists: Nigeria and Zambia

2013 Cup of Nations Group B

Posted by Brian Sanders on January 17, 2013 at 5:57 pm Africa, Africa Cup of Nations 2013

Jan 172013

Ghana comes into every Cup of Nations thinking that this will be the one where they finally break their streak without a win. This group did grant themselves the favors of being able to make a mistake or two before the knockout stage while the remainders fill up the rest.

Congo comes in with a strong domestic based squad. While African club giants TP Mazembe are the PSG of the country some players have found Belgium as a place where they can play. Fact is this is the weakest side in the group with tough prospects of doing much especially when you face Ghana, the group favorites right out the gate. They may have the great Claude Le Roy as coach but that wont be enough when there is no talent to coach.

Ghana is the favorites here and for good reason. A first glance on the roster and the team is full of talented players playing in top leagues all over the world. There is considerable experience all over which when push comes to shove can be the real difference maker. All eyes are on Asahmoa Gyan to score the goals and with the strong midfield they have to provide service that is what is to be expected. Not making the semifinals would be a failure.

Mali has had a strong side for some time constantly making Cup of Nations for last decade and a half. There is some good experience around with many players with over 20 caps and over half of the team playing in Ligue 1 of France. There is the quality here in the side to top Niger for the second place spot in the group and they need to step up when they face each other in the first game to gain the upper hand. Failure would be not making the knockout stage.

Niger is making their second ever appearance in the Cup of Nations after debuting in the 2012 edition. They proved to be a quality side and looked decent in qualifying. Many of the same players who qualified last go are here and now it would seem that there is the legitimate chance to make the knockout stage with the crucial Mali game first followed by the winnable Congo game second. Good results in the first two games before playing Ghana and they could be in with a shout.

Quarter finalists: Ghana and Niger

2013 Cup of Nations Group A

Posted by Brian Sanders on January 17, 2013 at 5:49 pm Africa, Africa Cup of Nations 2013

Jan 172013

The best story in the group with the host country is simple, it is the debut of Cape Verde who persevered through the qualifications and knocked out the mighty Cameroon at the last hurdle. But beyond that there is only the question of which country who will be falling flat on their face with the other three nations of Angola, Morocco and South Africa.

South Africa is hosting for the first time since 1996, when they won coincidentally. Thing is that that was considered possibly the best team they ever fielded. Not qualifying for a tournament since the 2008 edition. Where the big concern comes from is the lack of goal production. Thing is there is no great talent that can step up. Being the host team places certain pressure but it is foreseeable that the crowd boost will help carry the weight in a group of the debutant and two under performing sides. Knockout stage can be expected but after that it is all down to whom they play.

Angola was able to have back to back quarterfinal appearances immediately following their lone World Cup appearance in 2006. That period can be construed as their golden era, but that is now o er and the players who were key then are gone. This Angola squad is mostly a domestically based squad and in terms of domestic league in Africa that is not high praise. Most of the success possibilities of this tournament rest on striker Manucho who has a rather good scoring record. In a group of the hosts, Morocco, and Cape Verde anything can happen.

Morocco is the conundrum of epic proportions that this writer never seems to be able to interpret. The country has one of the best domestic leagues which can be a key factor in supplying quality players as needed to fill up the roster beyond the obvious starting 11. Recently Morocco has been plagued by constant distractions and continued infighting and failure that would impress the Dutch. With that current manager Rachid Taoussi there was the need to try and shake up the setup so no big names of Adel Taarabt, Marouane Chamakh, or Houssine Kharja. Reliance will come from the midfield and the talented Younes Belhanda, will his passes connect with the players up top who play all over Europe. Failure is not making the knockout stage while success is solid progression in the knockout stage.

When it is your first rodeo there are no expectations. Cape Verde is the smallest nation to qualify for the Cup of Nations ever. Progressing against the traditional power of Cameroon was as great as a success as the country has had. While that is spectacular the ability to do more is not in the cards. Last debutant had difficulty in being able to show up in a tournament setting after the first game. Look for more the same here.

Quarterfinals: Morocco and South Africa

2013 African Cup of Nations field set

Posted by Brian Sanders on October 15, 2012 at 10:25 pm Africa, Africa Cup of Nations 2013, Breaking News, Global Football Today

Oct 152012

The unusual fashion of qualifying for the 2013 African Cup of Nations is finished and the field of 16 teams is set for South Africa.

While most of the soccer/football world only saw the rioting of the Senegalese fans who forced the abandonment of the second leg of the Ivory Coast Senegal clash which was standing at 2-0 by way of a brace from Didier Drogba and the Senegal fans started trying to break through and attack the visiting fans from the Ivory Coast.

While some historians can claim the old argument of the rivalries of the numerous tribes but this will most likely have reprimands coming to Senegal and its their fans who are to blame.

In more interesting action for those in America the only player from Major League Soccer, Kei Kamara, was representing Sierra Leone as they were looking to qualify for their first major tournament played at Tunisia to a 0-0 draw which allowed the Eagles of Carthage to progress on aggregate 2-2 via away goals.

Angola was able to count on a brace from Machucho to win 2-0 over Zimbabwe and win on aggregate 3-3 on away goals.

Most recent champions Zambia conceeded to Uganda to equalize on aggregate 1-1 which lead to a legendary penalty shootout winning 9-8 via Stoppila Sunzu making good on his spot kick to save the reigning champions from total embarrassment.

After many years of not qualifying Ethiopia shocked the up and coming Sudan side winning the second leg 2-0 and providing the most necessary as they progressed 5-5 on aggregate.

Of all the exciting results was the failure of Cameroon to progress to the tournament as tiny Cape Verde won on aggregate 3-2 despite losing the second leg 2-1. A highlight was the debue and goal by 16 year old Malaga player Fabrice Olinga. A player who will have many larger clubs around the world monitoring his development over the coming years.

Other results were Mali winning 7-1 on aggregate over Botswanna, Ghana defeated Malawi 3-0, Nigeria routed liberia 8-3, Morocco brushed past Mozambique 4-2, Niger surpassed Guinea 2-1, Algeria conquered Libya 3-0, Congo progressed 5-2 over Equitorial Guinea, Togo beat Gabon 3-2 thanks to Adebayor’s winner, and Burkina Faso outscored the Central African Republic 3-2.

Excitement in January will be on how the unexpected qualified nation will make out in the summer season of South Africa.

No doubt the 2013 African Cup of Nations will bring out the excitement that came from the 2012 version.

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