AFCON 2015: Group D Preview – Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire Lead Fierce Battle
By BBC Sport – Football
Group D of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations promises to be one of the tournament’s most unpredictable and hard-fought groups. With four-time champions Cameroon, perennial contenders Côte d’Ivoire, and strong challengers Mali and Guinea, this pool is set for a tight contest in Equatorial Guinea.
Cameroon: A New Generation with an Old Mission
The Indomitable Lions return to the continental stage as group favourites, despite missing the last two editions in 2012 and 2013. Under German coach Volker Finke, Cameroon impressed during the qualifiers, notably finishing ahead of Côte d’Ivoire.
This revitalised squad blends youthful energy with seasoned leadership. Young attackers like Vincent Aboubakar and Clinton Njie bring pace and flair, while veterans such as Nicolas Nkoulou and Stéphane Mbia provide valuable experience and composure. With four AFCON titles (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002), Cameroon will look to reassert their dominance — but must guard against overconfidence in a group full of upset potential.
Côte d’Ivoire: Talent-Rich but Tactically Tested
Winners in 1992 and twice runners-up in the past decade, Côte d’Ivoire enter their 21st AFCON appearance with high expectations but a few question marks. The Elephants, now under the guidance of Hervé Renard, endured a turbulent qualifying campaign and only sealed their place on the final day, following a lacklustre draw against Cameroon.
Still, the squad is brimming with star power. Yaya Touré, Gervinho, and returning veteran Kolo Touré are central to the team’s hopes. Yet, inconsistency has plagued the Ivorians in recent tournaments. The challenge will be turning individual brilliance into a cohesive force capable of navigating a tricky group.
Mali: The Quiet Threat
Mali arrive with the credentials of back-to-back third-place finishes in 2012 and 2013, but their path to the 2015 finals was less assured. Despite a stuttering campaign — including a home defeat to Ethiopia — the Eagles, led by experienced manager Henry Kasperczak, will believe in their ability to advance.
At the heart of the team remains Seydou Keita, whose leadership and midfield control are key. Mali will need to rediscover the solidity and confidence of past campaigns to edge their way out of a crowded group.
Guinea: Resilient and Unpredictable
Perhaps the group’s most compelling underdog story, Guinea qualified for the tournament against all odds. Forced to play their home fixtures in Morocco due to the Ebola outbreak, Michel Dussuyer’s team showed remarkable resilience. They eliminated 2013 quarter-finalists Togo en route to the finals.
The Syli National boasts exciting talents like Ibrahim Traoré (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Mohamed Yattara (Lyon), and Seydouba Soumah (Slovan Bratislava). However, the potential return of Kevin Constant, formerly of AC Milan, remains uncertain due to squad management tensions.
Group D Outlook
With no clear weak link, predicting which two teams will progress from Group D is a challenge. Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire may enter as favourites, but Mali’s track record and Guinea’s determination make this one of the most balanced groups in the tournament.
Group D will unfold in Malabo, and every match could prove decisive. Only the most disciplined and focused sides will survive what promises to be a fiercely contested group stage.
