Hold on! Did Guinea really beat Morocco last night? The same Morocco that blitzed Namibia 5-1 in their opening game? The AFCON is an amazing tournament in that teams suddenly always seem to emerge! Furthermore the quality of football has been impressive.

As true as the saying that “nothing is certain in football” one can usually always sort out the “riff raff” from the quality teams in major national tournaments. Sure there are major upsets here and there, but not enough. Thats were the AFCON brings me joy. 2 groups of death and many other teams capable of performing, makes for a tournament that by even the semis will be far from decided.

The quality of football is improving, The great man of football Pele has predicted that an African side will soon win the world cup. I agree with the man, i however feel that time is needed. His view illustrates that the man sees something that most others don’t. Africa may not be the premier continent, not even second, but we offer as much in terms of excitement, flair and the fans are nothing short of great! Its sad to see that most major footballing sites have short stories (if any!) on the tourney because its been thrilling stuff, just ask the bafana fans who actually bothered to watch on Wednesday!

Current AFCON results

24 January Ghana 1 – 0 Namibia
24 January Guinea 3 – 2 Morocco
23 January South Africa 1 – 1 Angola
23 January Tunisia 2 – 2 Senegal
22 January Sudan 0 – 3 Zambia
22 January Egypt 4 – 2 Cameroon
21 January Mali 1 – 0 Benin
21 January Nigeria 0 – 1 Ivory Coast
21 January Namibia 1 – 5 Morocco
20 January Ghana 2 – 1 Guinea

(image cred : football365.co.za)

Wow, what a great footballing year 2007 was. So many talking points, so many good moments. Man United, Real Madrid and Inter topping their respective high flying leagues, Quality goals galore, Young talent popping up everywhere!

A good year indeed! 2008 however is looking odds on favorite to top last years great displays. 2008 will see some great international tournaments take place, namely : Euro 2008 and Afcon 2008, both looking to be very tough tournaments. Here are my previews and possible predictions.

AFCON 2008

Group A

Ghana, Namibia, Guinea, Morocco

Namibia will be thrilled to have qualified for the tournament and in all honesty I think that this group is where the excitement will end for them. Ghana are the host nation, coupled with the fact that they were phenomenal at the last World cup (their finishing getting in the way of beating the almighty Brazil) makes them very capable favorites for this tournament, football though is never a cut and dried thing. Morocco will be looking to qualify for the next round, but have a potentially tricky task of beating surprisingly stubborn Guinea to it

Group B

Nigeria, Benin, Mali, Ivory Coast

Newcomers Benin will find the going tough in a group with Heavyweights Nigeria and Ivory Coast. Both teams will be looking towards semi final spots, knowing their countries expect nothing less. The mighty Elephants will be boasting a very star studded side, with depth in many departments. while the super eagles from Nigeria have a very consistent record of choking in the tournament having reached the semis a massive 12 times and winning the tournament only twice. Mali are no push overs though with a few highly esteemed names in their squad. Unlikely to see them progress past a tough group though.

Group C

Egypt, Sudan, Zambia, Cameroon

Egypt are the most decorated team in AFCON history. They will always pose a massive threat to the teams challenging in the tournament. They are current champions and have won the cup no less than 5 times! Cameroon have many many critics to silence! Too long have the indomitable lions been brimming with talent yet massively underachieving. Zambia are on their day absolutely great to watch. If they can find their form and marry it with consistency I would back them to be dark horses in this tournament. Sudan are largely in the tournament as a team that flew under the radar, will be interesting to see what they can do.

Group D

Tunisia, Angola, South Africa, Senegal.

Group D for Death. 4 teams with very high pedigrees. 2 former winners and 2 teams who have punched above their weight. Angola will not be an easy team to beat as they are one of the teams who managed a World cup spot in 2006. Tunisia are always dangerous in the AFCON. with many squad players with previous experience. Senegal are struggling to reach the high flying achievements of 2002 the nations’ most successful team. They do however possess a squad rich with talent and hard working individuals. South Africa will well be hoping that their miserable luck at AFCON ends. From the highs of 1996 and winning at Ellis park, we have finished second in 1998. We made the semis in 2000, the quarters in 2002, failed to reach the quarters in 2004, failed to score a goal in 2006!!! The light at the end of the tunnel could be Carlos Parriera. The next month should tell!

(image credit: BBC)