AFCON 2015: Who Will Succeed Nigeria as Champions?
As the countdown to the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) narrows, excitement is mounting across the continent. Sixteen teams are set to battle for continental glory in Equatorial Guinea, with the tournament kicking off on January 17. The big question on everyone’s mind: Who will succeed Nigeria as the new kings of African football?
While the defending champions Nigeria failed to qualify, the tournament still boasts a host of powerhouses — and dark horses — all vying for the prestigious title.
Tournament Groups:
Group A:
– Equatorial Guinea (hosts)
– Burkina Faso (2013 runners-up)
– Gabon
– Congo
Group B:
– Zambia (2012 champions)
– Tunisia
– Cape Verde (quarter-finalists in 2013)
– DR Congo
Group C (Group of Death):
– Ghana
– Algeria
– South Africa
– Senegal
Group D:
– Ivory Coast
– Mali
– Cameroon
– Guinea
Who Are the Favourites?
According to the latest Africa Top Sports.com poll, Algeria currently leads the pack as the tournament favourite. The Fennecs enjoyed an outstanding 2014 — reaching the Round of 16 at the World Cup and finishing strongly in the CAN qualifiers — and are seen as the most in-form team going into the competition.
However, they’ll face stiff competition from traditional giants like Ivory Coast, Ghana, Cameroon, and Senegal, all of whom boast rich talent and tournament experience. Don’t count out surprise packages either: Cape Verde and Burkina Faso could spring upsets, just as they did in recent editions.
🏆 Have your say — vote now in the Africa Top Sports.com poll and join the conversation in the comments:
Who will lift the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations trophy?
Let the countdown begin!
