As the 16 Teams to the Africa Cup of Nations begins final preparations for the biggest football fiesta inAfrica, we shall be taking a critical look at who and what to expect from the teams.
Some of the continents’ biggest football stars will be on show whenSouth Africahosts the 2013 AFCON from 19 January to 10 February.
The 16 participating teams are yet to finalize their squads, but assuming the big names get chosen to represent their countries, here’s a quick gleam at some of the players who could be lighting upSouth Africa’s stadiums in few weeks.
SOUTH AFRICA:
The host’s probably most recognizable player will be Kaizer Chief’s left- footed midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala. He is best remembered for scoring the opening goal of the 2010 FIFIA World cup with a scorching shot past Mexican goalkeeper Oscar Perez.
Bafana Bafana who recently lost their Assistance Coach Austin Mphijidi, will be looking for a goal scorer to emerge and become a regular contributor in the African Cup of Nations, asSouth Africa’s all time top goal scorer, Benin McCarthy, once did.
It is on the stage of major events that previously undiscovered stars emerge. It should be no different in AFCON 2013. The team didn’t have to worry about playing qualifiers but kept themselves busy engaging some teams in friendlier with recent games againstPolandandKenyaboth away losing 1-0 and wining 1-2 respectively. Obviously they will miss Everton’s Steven Pieener who recently called his international stint to a stop.
ZAMBIA:
Defending Champions “the Chipolopolo” contain fewer big name stars than many of the other leading teams, but that’s what they‘re about: “team”. A good number of their players will be familiar to South African football fans as they ply or have plied their trade in the country’s Premier Soccer League.
Striker Christopher Katongo was a star with Jomo Cosmos and the PSL’s top scorer before he moved to Denish Club Brondby. He has since played inGermany,GreeceandChina, where he now represents Hanan Jianye.
Another Striker Familiar to South Africans is Collins Mbesuma. He has played for five South African Clubs and his first stint, with Kaizer chiefs, was particularly memorable as he scored close to a goal a game to win the 2004/5 PSL player of the season award.
IVORY COAST:
Tournament favourites Ivory Coast, appropriately, boast more star names than any other team, ranked 16th in the world and number one inAfrica. They are also the most experienced and oldest team in the finals.
Star Striker Didier Drogba, remains a top class marksman at the age of 34 with his double strike againstSenegalbefore the riot in their last AFCON qualifier.
The Shanghai Shenhusa Talisman will spearhead the Elephant’s title challenge along with midfielder Yaya Toure 29 Manchester City midfielder enforcer and his elder brother Kolo Toure will be in charge of the midfield and defense respectively.
Other names to look out for will be Arsenal Striker, Gervinho, Didier Zokara, Solomon Kalou etc as they look to win the elusive trophy since 20years.
GHANA:
Last editions 4th placed team, and also one of the top seeds for AFCON 2013, was Africa’s best performing team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup, narrowly missing out on the semifinals after a controversial loss toUruguay.
They are four time African Champions but the last of the titles came way back in 1982. The Black stars have a young squad that is only going to get better.
Asamoah Gyan is one of their better known players. He missed the penalty that could have taken them to world cup semis, but that doesn’t deny himGhana’s current highest international scorer.
Midfielder Sulley Muntari is another experienced campaigner and if the gaffer can convince Real Madrid star Michael Esien to play in South Africa, Ghana will be a force to reckon with.
To be continued in next edition….
