By Ed Dove
The Africa Cup of Nations is only days away.
The tournament is notoriously hard to predict; the favourites rarely ever win—as the Ivory Coast know so well—while unfancied sides such as Zambia (winners in 2012) and Burkina Faso (runners-up in 2013) have enjoyed long runs in the competition.
Doubtless, some of the big names and star players will stutter, while there will surely be a revelation or two to emerge from among the tournament’s less heralded stars.
Can Cameroon complete their post-World Cup redemption? Can Algeria build on their success in Brazil? Are Equatorial Guinea really as hopeless as everyone’s saying?
Read on for Bleacher Report’s five bold predictions for the 2015 event.
Herve Renard to Sort out the Ivorian Defence
Some of you may argue that this prediction isn’t bold, but rather, blind.
It’s true that the Ivorian defence has seemed hopeless at times over the last six months. They were leaky and unconvincing during the World Cup and subsequently shipped four against both Cameroon and the Democratic Republic of Congo during qualification.
No team to have made it to the 2015 Afcon conceded more than the Elephants’ 11 during qualification.
However, there is room for optimism.
The side look more stable with Sylvain Gbohouo between the sticks instead the erratic Copa Barry, while Kolo Toure will surely be motivated knowing that the end of his international career is on the horizon.
If Renard can organise his defensive unit and ensure that Cheick Tiote protects them effectively, then the Elephants should have a platform upon which they can launch an assault on the Afcon title.
The Revolution to Continue
After an exceptional start to life under new coach Shakes Mashaba, enthusiasm for the manager’s revolution had begun to cool.
Mashaba’s “no prisoners” approach means three of South Africa’s most talented midfielders—Thulani Serero, Kamohelo Mokotjo and May Mahlangu—will all be absent from the Cup of Nations.
The tragic death of Senzo Meyiwa also robs Bafana Bafana of an influential and calming figure.
Also concerning is the absence of Eric Mathoho, the towering defender who is suspended for the opener against Algeria.
However, South Africa beat Zambia, held their own against much-fancied Cameroon and cruised past Mali in pre-tournament friendlies to reignite confidence in the fallen southern giants.
Ghana to Fall at the First Hurdle
I’ve made no secret of my concerns for the Black Stars heading into this tournament.
The Group of Death will claim two victims, and at the time of writing, I fear that Ghana may be one of them.
Algeria are arguably the most complete outfit in the tournament, while South Africa and Senegal have built on impressive qualifying campaigns with some excellent results in friendlies.
Ghana, by contrast, looked sluggish during qualifying—losing to Uganda in Kampala—and have various other issues to contend with.
They will be weaker for the loss of Kwadwo Asamoah, a player who not only brings versatility and the experience of winning one of Europe’s major leagues, but who can also bring a much-needed sprinkle of stardust to the heart of the park.
I also question whether Avram Grant, having only been coach for such a short amount of time and having not overseen a competitive fixture, will be able to familiarise himself with the resources at his disposal to get the best out of them.
Unless he can get a grip on the Black Stars quickly, the Group of Death may get the better of the West African heavyweights.
Burkina to Do It Again
In 2013, Burkina Faso were the revelation of the Afcon.
The Stallions ousted Zambia, Togo and Ghana—with a little help from the Nelspruit sand—before falling, 1-0, to Nigeria in the final.
Surely lightning won’t strike twice. Right?
Well, actually, it wouldn’t take too much for the West Africans to return to the last two once again.
The side have enjoyed stability over the last few years, and the additions of Jonathan Zongo and Narcisse Bambara have strengthened the starting XI. They only just missed out on World Cup qualification and lost only once during qualification (away in Gabon).
The draw has worked out favourably for the Stallions, and a return to the final is well within their sights.
Central Midfielders: A New Mould
Africa has long had a tradition of producing excellent central midfielders.
Players in the mould of Papa Bouba Diop and the recently retired Stephen Appiah have been regular features of the continent’s finest exports, while numerous greats of the African game, such as Michael Essien, Yaya Toure and Sunday Oliseh, also operated (or still operate) in the middle of the park.
At the 2015 Cup of Nations, however, I expect a new breed of central midfielder to emerge and dominate the contest.
North Africans Ferjani Sassi and Nabil Bentaleb are subtle creative talents, capable of dictating contests and also spotting an opening route to goal.
Andile Jali of South Africa will look to replace the absent Thulani Serero with his twinkle toes, while Ibrahim Ndong has the intelligence and astute positioning ability to underpin Gabon’s progression from Group A.