The participants in the final phase of the 29th edition of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations face challenging hurdles before reaching their goal. Currently, only South Africa is assured of participating as the host country. This stage also sees the reintroduction of the 16 teams from the previous edition, held seven months ago in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, with Zambia emerging as the victor.
Egypt, a seven-time African champion, has already been eliminated. Ivory Coast is determined to avoid a similar fate but must be cautious against Senegal. Motivated by their loss to Zambia in the 2012 CAN final, the Elephants, led by Didier Drogba, aspire to secure the title. Drogba, in his final major international competition, aims to replicate his success with Chelsea in the UEFA Champions League but in Ivorian colors. Sabri Lamouchi relies on key players like Kolo and Yaya Touré.
Facing the formidable Lions of Teranga, with one of the continent’s best offensive lines, poses a challenge for the Elephants. The double confrontation begins on September 8 in Abidjan and concludes next month in Dakar.
Other notable teams, including Nigeria, Algeria, and Cameroon (absent in 2012), seek redemption. The absence of stars like Jon Obi Mikel and Peter Odemwingie doesn’t deter Nigerian coach Stephen Keshi, who believes in his team’s ability to dominate Liberia.
West African derbies dominate the fixtures, with Algeria versus Libya in the north, Ethiopia against Sudan in the east, Equatorial Guinea challenging DR Congo in the center, and a fierce duel between Angola and Zimbabwe in the south.
Zambia, aiming for a second title, faces a tough test against Uganda. Despite starting their journey to the 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil with a defeat, Zambia, under Hervé Renard, has rebounded, as seen in their victory against Ghana. The French technician acknowledges the challenges of a two-legged qualification but emphasizes the team’s focus on securing their ticket to the tournament.
