As Milutin Sredojević’s Cranes fly from their training camp in Dubai, UAE tonight to go to the 31st edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will kick off on Saturday when hosts Gabon take on debutants Guinea-Bissau, the British Broadcasting Corporation has rated Uganda as the ultimate underdogs.
It is the first time in 39 years that Uganda are at the tournament. And in a curious twist of fate they are paired in a group with Ghana, who were hosts in 1978 – the last time Uganda qualified – and beat the Cranes 2-0 in the final.
Uganda were named National Team of the Year at the recent Caf awards and goalkeeper Denis Onyango was named Africa-based Player of the Year. They are a team on the rise but it would be a major shock if they went deep into the tournament.
Guinea-Bissau are making their first appearance at the finals. Their qualification is virtually the stuff of fairytales: one of the world’s poorest countries overcoming 2012 champions to top their group, having previously won only four of 32 matches in their history.
With a squad almost entirely made of expatriates who are based in the lower leagues of Portugal, few expect Guinea-Bissau’s run to continue but what a story it is already.
Who can win it?
Reigning champions Ivory Coast have a new-look squad following the international retirements of legendary players such as Yaya Toure and Didier Drogba. They struggled in qualifying but the same was true before they won the trophy two years ago. New recruit Zaha is tipped to be used as the main striker for the Elephants – it will be intriguing to see how that works out.
Ghana might be considered the Germany of Africa – they always seem to come good at tournaments. But the last of their four titles came in 1982 and they have suffered defeat in the final three times since then, including on penalties to Ivory Coast last time out. Can they go one better in Gabon?
Algeria boast Africa’s hottest property in 2016, Mahrez, and his Leicester team-mate Slimani as well as Porto midfielder Yacine Brahimi. They were unbeaten in qualifying and have strength in depth in their squad. They will be confident in their chances of winning a second title.
Senegal qualified with a 100% record and if they can maintain that kind of form, and Mane clicks up front, they will surely have a good chance of being there at the finals stages of the tournament. Alongside Mane, they have big talent in the likes of Napoli defender Kalidou Koulibaly, West Ham midfielder Cheikhou Kouyate and Fenerbahce striker Moussa Sow.
Egypt also enjoyed a strong qualifying campaign and have the pedigree to perform when it matters most. Like Senegal, they will look to one player more than any other – Salah is charged with providing the inspiration to win matches.
However, it is notoriously difficult to predict Nations Cup winners – Zambia caused a huge upset to take the title in 2012, giants Nigeria are once again absent, Ghana’s fifth title is proving elusive and the competition is getting tougher all the time.
As Ghana’s Andre Ayew says: “I think the Cup of Nations is becoming increasingly difficult to win because all the teams are getting stronger.”
