AFCON 2015: Algeria Emerge as Fan Favourites to Succeed Nigeria as Champions
As the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations draws near, anticipation is mounting across the continent over which nation will succeed Nigeria as the new kings of African football. And if early indicators are to be believed, Algeria may be leading the charge.
In a fan poll conducted by Africa Top Sports, more than 1,500 voters have already made their voices heard — and the Fennec Foxes of Algeria have emerged as the clear favourites. Their impressive performance at the 2014 FIFA World Cup, where they pushed eventual champions Germany to extra time in the Round of 16, seems to have left a lasting impression.
Alongside Algeria, traditional powerhouses Senegal and Cameroon are also drawing significant support, but the North Africans are rapidly pulling away in the popular vote. With their blend of technical skill, pace, and renewed confidence, many are asking: Who can stop the Fennecs this time?
Head coach Christian Gourcuff, appointed following the World Cup, is not shying away from the high expectations. The French tactician has embraced the pressure and is confident his team can live up to the hype.
“We have a lot of ambition and we’ll do everything in our power to go as far as possible,” Gourcuff said. “We want to win, and we’ll take on the pressure. We’ll travel to Guinea with a lot of ambition and humility. We have to prepare well to do Algerian football proud.”
The tournament, which kicks off on January 19, features 16 of Africa’s top national teams, divided into four competitive groups. The draw has already set the stage for early fireworks, particularly in Group C, widely considered the “Group of Death,” where Algeria will face off against Ghana, South Africa, and Senegal.
AFCON 2015 Group Breakdown:
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Group A: Equatorial Guinea, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Congo
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Group B: Zambia, Tunisia, Cape Verde, DR Congo
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Group C: Ghana, Algeria, South Africa, Senegal
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Group D: Ivory Coast, Mali, Cameroon, Guinea
With Nigeria failing to qualify for the tournament, the door is wide open for a new champion to rise. Algeria’s blend of World Cup-tested talent and fresh ambition could make them the team to beat in Equatorial Guinea.
But with the likes of Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, and Cameroon all boasting star-studded squads, nothing will come easy in the quest for African supremacy.
As kickoff approaches, one thing is clear — fans across Africa are ready for another thrilling chapter in the continent’s premier football competition. And for now, all eyes are on the Fennecs.
