AFCON 2015 Countdown: Favourites Emerge as Equatorial Guinea Faces Chaos
With just 15 days remaining before the kickoff of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), anticipation is growing across the continent. The 16 qualified nations have already submitted their preliminary or final squad lists — all except one: host nation Equatorial Guinea, which finds itself in turmoil just days before the tournament.
The Nzalang Nacional is now without a head coach after Spaniard Andoni Goikoetxea resigned, reportedly due to mounting pressure and poor preparation results. The timing could hardly be worse for the hosts, who are yet to name a pre-selection squad and have suffered consecutive defeats in friendlies against Benfica B and a fourth-tier Portuguese club.
While Equatorial Guinea navigates uncertainty, other teams are sharpening their preparations, and early favourites are beginning to emerge.
Algeria Lead the Pack After Stellar 2014
Algeria go into the tournament with high expectations following a strong 2014. The Fennecs impressed during the World Cup in Brazil, reaching the Round of 16 and pushing eventual champions Germany to extra time. Their form carried into the AFCON qualifiers, further solidifying their status as top contenders.
Senegal, Cameroon, Cape Verde — Serious Threats
Senegal, often touted for its raw talent, appears to have finally found the right balance under coach Alain Giresse. Despite criticism over some squad omissions — notably Demba Ba — the Lions of Teranga possess a deep pool of quality, reminiscent of their golden generation of 2002.
Cameroon, rebuilding after a dismal World Cup, also looks revitalised. With Stéphane Mbia now captaining a youthful and dynamic squad, the Indomitable Lions have quickly regained confidence, finishing top of their qualifying group.
Cape Verde, a rising force in African football, continue their quiet but impressive ascent. Quarter-finalists in 2013, the island nation is seen as a serious outsider capable of toppling more traditional powers.
Other Contenders: Burkina Faso, Ghana, Gabon
Last tournament’s runners-up Burkina Faso return with much of the same core group that took them to the 2013 final in South Africa. Led by stalwarts such as Jonathan Pitroipa and Aristide Bancé, they’ll be keen to prove their run wasn’t a one-off.
Ghana, meanwhile, are under pressure to deliver after their World Cup disappointment, which was marred by internal disputes and off-pitch controversy. With a talented squad, the Black Stars are always a threat, but consistency remains their biggest challenge.
And don’t rule out Gabon. With star forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang leading the charge, the Panthers are aiming to make a deep run — and doing it in neighbouring Equatorial Guinea might offer them an emotional edge.
Mali Suffer a Blow
Mali’s preparations have taken a hit with the confirmed absence of key striker Cheick Diabaté. The Bordeaux forward is ruled out of the tournament to undergo surgery on a longstanding knee issue, leaving coach Henryk Kasperczak to explore alternatives.
The Group of Death
Group C is widely acknowledged as the “Group of Death,” featuring Algeria, Senegal, Ghana, and South Africa — four heavyweights with legitimate title ambitions. Any of them could realistically go on to win the tournament, but at least one will see their dreams dashed in the group stage.
As the clock ticks down to January 17, AFCON 2015 is already shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory — rich in talent, storylines, and the enduring unpredictability of African football.
