With Bafana Bafana tipped as one of the favourites after winning bronze at the last edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Ivory Coast last year, we take stock of how the group stages could pan out at the tournament from December 21 to January 18 in Morocco. Overview: This group is expected to be a two-horse race between host Morocco and Mali. Zambia and Comoros will need to dig deep if they’re to cause any upset.
Morocco remain favourites to clinch the title, not only because they are the hosts but also because they are Africa’s highest-ranked nation and 11th in the world. They’ve not won the Afcon since 1976, and if there’s a chance to finally end their wait, this is the moment. The Atlas Lions are also on a run of eight consecutive victories.
Their star Achraf Hakimi might not be in his element, having been nursing an ankle injury in recent months, but Morocco still have enough quality to soldier on in case the Paris St Germain superstar fails to totally shake off his injury. December 26:Zambia v Comoros (7.30pm); Morocco v Mali (10pm) December 29:Comoros v Mali; Zambia v Morocco (both at 9pm) Overview:SA will want to prove that their third-place finish in Ivory Coast was not a fluke by reaching another semifinal, as coach Hugo Broos has maintained is their target. But they are in a difficult group, and with countries knowing how capable they are, they will not take them lightly.
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Oswin Appollis will be a key player in the tournament for Bafana. After a disappointing previous Afcon performance, Egypt will be determined to go all the way, and Mohamed Salah’s turbulent times at Liverpool may be the fire he needs to lead the Pharaohs.
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