WHO CONQUERS AFCON 2013?

 Writer: Ebenezer Zor (ezee)

It is yet another era for the world to catch a glimpse of football made in Africa as South Africa host its bothers and sisters for the 29^th edition of the Orange African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament starting from January 19 to February 10, 2013 at five stadia – Soccer city Johannesburg, Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban, Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium at Port Elizabeth, Mbombela Stadium and Royal Bafonkeng Stadium.

Initially the competition was scheduled to be hosted by Libya but CAF decided to award the host authority to South Africa as a consequence of violence that broke out in Tripoli capital city of Libya a year ago.

The five stadia which were used for the 2010 World Cup hosted on African soil by South Africa perhaps might not have any bad omen on the tournament.

Historically the North African countries have won a lot of the previous editions comparing to other regions.

Federation (Region)                                       Champion(s)                                            Number

UNAF (North Africa)                 Egypt (7), Algeria (1), Morocco (1), Tunisia (1)      10 titles

UNIFFAC (Central Africa)         Cameroon (4), Congo DR (2), Congo (1)                  7 titles

WAFU (West Africa)                     Ghana (4), Nigeria (2), Côte d'Ivoire (1)                7 titles

CECAFA (East Africa)                              Ethiopia (1), Sudan (1)                                2 titles

COSAFA (South Africa)                         South Africa (1), Zambia (1)                         2 titles

Despite the excitement, drama and expectations amidst the chanting from fans to cheer their respectively country to victory, there will be pressure on officials to execute the laws of the game on the field of play, coaches to bring their technical brains on the table likewise the players to produce excellent results.

Consuming, the 2013 AFCON excludes two powerful football houses such as; most successful Pharaohs of Egypt who has won seven titles and Cameroon with four titles no forgetting the Taranga Lions of Senegal since the commencement of the competition in 1957.

With the absence of these countries who then conquer Africa?

Will it be the new convert; the Blue Sharks of Cape Verde, host South Africa, second time appearance Niger, two times champions, the Super Eagles of Nigeria, defending champions Zambia  or crème de la crème elephants of Cote D’Ivoire or the four times African champions, the Black Stars of Ghana?

Let’s steal a glance to the history behind these participating teams.

GROUP A.

South Africa: Coach, Gordon Igesund and Captain Bongani Khumalo of the Bafana Bafana (Boys boys or Go boys boys) of South Africa would have a lot to display to their denizens and the world at large as they attempt to give a good run for their money as they chase their second AFCON title over seventeen years. The last they won the cup was when they hosted 1996 and   The Bafana Bafana are making the eight appearance (1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2013) since time memorial. South Africa is currently ranked 87^th on the FIFA Coca Cola stands and 23^rd in Africa. They have also made three World Cup appearances first in 1998, 2002 and 2010. Aaron Makoena is the most capped player with 107 caps while Benni Maccarthy their top scorer of all times with 32 goals.

Angola: The name of their national team is Palancas Negras with Gustavo Ferrín doubling up as their coach with Kali as their skipper. Angola 84^th on the FIFA rankings and 21^st in Africa made its first appearance at the Germany 2006 World Cup and served as best quarter-finalist in the 2008 and 2012 AFCON. Angola already has made six appearances (1996, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012) and South Africa 2013 would be their seventh appearances in a roll. An Akwa 37 goal is the all time top scorer for the country.

The 23 man final Squad:

Goalkeepers: Lamas (Petro Atletico), Landu (Recreativo Libolo), Neblu (Primeiro Agosto)

Defenders: Amaro, Bastos (Primeiro Agosto), Dani Massunguna (Primeiro Agosto), Fabricio (InterClube), Lunguinha (Kabuscorp), Marco Airosa (AEL Limassol), Mingo Bille, Pirolito (both InterClube), Zuela (Apoel Nicosia)

Midfielders: Dede, Gilberto (both AEL Limassol), Manucho Dinis (Primeiro Agosto), Manuel (AS Aviacao), Miguel (Petro Atletico)

Forwards: Djalma (Kasimpassa), Geraldo (Parana), Guilherme Afonso (FC Vaduz), Mauncho (Real Valladolid), Mateus (Nacional), Yano (Progresso Sambizanga).

Morocco: The 1976 AFCON winners, the Atlas Lions of Morocco will battle for the ultimate in their fifteenth appearances under the watch of Coach Rachid Taoussi and Captain Houssine Kharja this January when the tournament kicks off. Already, the Moroccans have made four appearances at the topflight FIFA World Cup. Morocco on the African standings is 17^th and 74^th on the FIFA rankings. Most capped is Noureddine Naybet (115 caps) and top scorer Ahmed Faras with 42 goals.

CapeVerde:The Blue Sharks under the watchful eyes of Coach Lúcio Antunes and Skipper Nando might attempt to upset the apple cart in their first debut of Africa most prestigious African Cup of Nations event.  Cape Verde occupies 69^th on the FIFA rankings and 15^th in Africa.
Squad:

Goalkeepers: Fock (Petro Atletico, Angola), Rilly (Mindelense), Vozinha (Progresso Sambizanga, Angola)

Defenders: Carlitos (AEL Limassol, Cyprus), Fernando Varela (FC Vaslui, Romania), Gege (Maritimo, Portugal), Guy Ramos (RKC Waalwijk, Holland), Josimar (FC Dordrecht, Holland), Nando (Chateauroux, France), Nivaldo (Academica Coimbra, Portugal), Pecks (Gil Vicente,

Portugal)

Midfielders: Babanco, David Silva (both Olhanense, Portugal), Marco Soares (Omonia Nicosia, Cyprus), Odair Fortes (Stade Reims, France), Roni (Fola Esch, Luxembourg), Stenio (Feirense, Portugal), Toni Varela

(Sparta Rotterdam, Holland)

Forwards: Djaniny (Olhanense, Portugal), Heldon (Maritimo, Portugal), Julio Tavares (Dijon, France).

GROUP B

Ghana: The four times African supernova headed by Coach James Akwasi Appiah, Captained by Asamoah Gyan will be in contention for their fifth Africa penultimate with some days ahead of the 29^th edition of AFCON. Ghana ranked 30^th on the world rankings and 4^th in Africa made its first appearance in 1963 equaling seventeenth participations in all. The senior national team, the Black Stars of Ghana is making their nineteen appearances. The Black Stars participated in both 2006 and 2010 World Cup respectively.

Below is the full list of the 23-man provisional squad:

Name	Club
Goalkeepers:
Adam Kwarasey	Stromsgodset
Fatau Dauda	AshantiGold
Daniel Adjei	Liberty Professionals
Defenders:
Harrison Afful	Esperance
Jerry Akaminko	Eskisehirspor
John Boye	Rennes
Richard Kissi Boateng	Berekum Chelsea
Jonathan Mensah	Evian
Awal Mohammed	Maritzburg
John Paintsil	Hapoel Tel-Aviv
Isaac Vorsah	Red Bull Salzburg
Midfielders:
Christian Atsu	FC Porto
Albert Adomah	Bristol City
Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu	Udinese
Anthony Annan	Osasuna
Kwadwo Asamoah	Juventus
Solomon Asante Berekum	Chelsea
Derek Boateng	Dnipro
Rabiu Mohammed	Evian
Mubarak Wakaso	Espanyol
Forwards:
Asamoah Gyan	Al Ain
Richmond Boakye Yiadom	Sassuolo
Emmanuel Clottey	Esperance

Mali: The Eagles, as the nickname of the Malian senior national team under the auspices of Coach Alain Giresse and captained by Mahamadou Diarra after the country placing second in the 1972 phase and making seventh appearances so far, might change the terrain as they prepare for their eight participation in grand style. The Eagles won bronze at the 2012 edition co hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. Mali occupies the 25^th on the FIFA standings and 3^rd in Africa.

Squad:

Goalkeepers: Soumbeyla Diakite (Stade Malien), Mamadou Samassa (Guingamp,), Aly Yirango (Djoliba AC)

Defenders: Adama Coulibaly (AJ Auxerre, France), Idrissa Coulibaly (Al Lekihwiya), Ousmane Coulibaly (Stade Brest), Salif Coulibaly (Djoliba), Fousseiny Diawara (AJ Ajaccio), Mahamadou Ndiaye (Vitoria Guimaraes), Adama Tamboura (Randers), Molla Wague (SM Caen)

Midfielders: Samba Diakite (Queens Park Rangers), Seydou Keita (Dalian Aerbin), Momo Sissoko (Paris St Germain), Samba Sow (Racing Lens), Kalilou Traore (Sochaux), Mahamane Traore (Nice), Sambou Yatabare (Bastia)

Forwards: Cheick Tidiane Diabate (Girondins Bordeaux), Cheick Fantamady Diarra (Stade Rennes), Sigamary Diarra (AC Ajaccio), Modibo Maiga (West Ham United), Mamadou Samassa (Chievo Verona).

Niger: The Niger national team nicknamed the Menas is making the second appearance since the onset of this event in 1956. Niger made the first appearance at the Equatorial Guinea and Dabon 2012 where they were paired in Group C with the likes of Gabon, Tunisia and Morroco but could not progress from the group stages. They will be under the auspices of Coach Gernot Rohr and Moussa Maâzou. Apparently the Menas is ranked 28^th in Africa and 105^th on the FIFA rankings.

List

Name	Club
Goalkeepers:
Moussa Alzouma	Garde Nationale
Daouda Kassaly	Chippa United
Saminou Rabo	Sahel SC
Defenders:
Ismael Alassane	Mangasport
Kader Amadou	Olympic Niger
Mohamed Bachar	AS Douane
Mohammed Chicoto	AS Marsa
Koffi Dankowa	ES Zarzis
Kourouma Fatokouma	Chabab Al-Hociema
Luky James	AS Douane
Issiakou Koudize	Garde Nationale
Mohamed Soumaila	Sfaxien
Midfielders:
Boubacar Issoufou	Free Agent
Idrissa Laouali	Mangasport
Lancina	Free Agent
Amadou Mountari	Le Mans
Williams N'Gonou	LB 07
Souleymane Sakou	Olympic Niamey
Babacar Talatou	Thanda Royal Zulu
Forwards:
Issoufou Dante	Wydad Fes
Kamilou Daouda	JS Saoura
Moussa Maazou	Etoile Sahel
Modibo Sidibe	Free Agent

DR Congo: The 1968 and 1974 winners the Leopards of DR Congo will also be making their sixteenth appearances at the AFCON 2012 (first in 1965). They have appeared at the World Cup once in 1974 hosted by West Germany. Head coach, Claude Le Roy and Captain Lomana LuaLua will have a lot to show the entire world. DR Congo is ranked 107^th on the FIFA rankings and 29^th in Africa.

List

Name	Club
Goalkeepers:
Landu Bakala	FC MK
Robert Kidiaba	TP Mazembe
Parfait Mandanda	Charleroi
Defenders:
Jean Kasusula	TP Mazembe
Larrys Mabiala	Kardemir
Chancel Mbemba	Anderlecht
Issama Mpeko	V Club
Cedric Mongongu	Evian
Landry Mulemo	Courtrai
Gabriel Zakuani	Peterborough
Midfielders:
Alain Kaluyituka	Al Ahli
Deo Kanda	TP Mazembe
Youssouf Mulumbu	West Bromwich
Cedric Makiadi	Freiburg
Kisombe Makuntima	Motema Pembe
Matumona Zola	RAEC Mons
Tresor Mputu	TP Mazembe
Forwards:
Manzia Budje	Shark XI
Yves Diba	Najran SC
Patou Kabangu	TP Mazembe
Tresor Lomana Lualua	Kardemir
Dieumerci Mbokani	Anderlecht
Luvumbu Nzinga	Rojolu

GROUP C.

Zambia: The chipolopolo boys of Zambia will be making their sixteenth appearances in the AFCON 2013 this year. Out of the fifteenth showcases, Zambia’s best assessment was champions of 2012 edition co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, runners up in 1974 and 1994. However Coach Herve Renard is the technical handler of the Zambians. Zambia is currently occupying 5^th in Africa and 34^th on the FIFA rankings.

Zambia Team: Goalie: Daniel Munyau (Red Arrows), Kennedy Mweene (Free State Stars), Joshua titima (Power Dynamos) Defenda: Hichani Himoonde (TP Mazembe), Francis Kasonde (TP Mazembe), Emmanuel Mbola (FC Porto), Joseph Musonda (Lamontville Golden Arrows), Davies Nkausu (Supersport United), Stopilla Sunzu (TP Mazembe) Midfilda: Isaac Chansa (Henan Jienye), Noah Chivuta (Free State Stars), Rainford Kalaba (TP Mazembe), Christopher Katongo (Henan Jienye), Felix Katongo (Petro Atletico), Chisamba Lungu (Ural Sverdlovsk Oblast), Mukuka Mulenga (Power Dynamos), William Njobvu (Hapoel Beer Sheva), Nathan Sinkala (TP Mazembe) Strika: James Chamanga (Dalian Shide), Emmanuel Mayuka (Southampton), Collins Mbesuma (Orlando Pirates), Jacob Mulenga (FC Utrecht), Jonas Sakuwaha (Al Merreikh)

Nigeria: The Super Eagles of Nigeria will aim at their third Africa crown after winning the coveted trophies in 1980 and 1994 respectively. Nigeria made its maiden appearance in 1963. The Super Eagles lies 52^nd on the FIFA rankings and 10^th in Africa. Coach Stephen Keshie and Captain Joseph Yobo will be under pressure to restore hope into the country by way of clinching the penultimate.

Final Team:

Goalkeepers: Vincent Enyeama (Maccabi Tel Aviv/ISR), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheba/ISR), Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers)

Defenders: Elderson Echiejile (FC Braga/POR), Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod FC/ISR), Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce/TUR), Efe Ambrose (Celtic/SCO), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den Haag/NED), Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars)

Midfielders: Mikel Obi (Chelsea/ENG), Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis/SPA), Ogenyi Onazi (SS Lazio/ITA), Raheem Lawal (Adana Demirspor/TUR), Obiora Nwankwo (Calcio Padova/ITA), Fegor Ogude (Valerenga/NOR), Gabriel Reuben (Kano Pillars)

Forwards: Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow/RUS), Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak Moscow/RUS), Victor Moses (Chelsea/ENG), Ikechukwu Uche (Villarreal/SPA), Ejike Uzoenyi, Sunday Mba (Enugu Rangers)

Burkina Faso: The Les Estalon (stallions) after eight appearances (first in 1978) will have a taste of the AFCON summing up to ninth appearances. The Stallions ranked 24^th in Africa and 89^th on FIFA rankings best result was manifested when they took the fourth place during Burkina 1998 AFCON. Paulo Put is their head coach while Moumouni Dagano is the skipper of his side.

Name	Club
Goalkeepers:
Abdoulaye Soulama	Asante Kotoko
Germain Sanou	St Etienne
Daouda Diakite	Lierse
Defenders:
Mohammed Koffi	Petrojet
Bakary Kone	Lyon
Paul Koulibaly	Dynamo Buccarest
Mady Panandétiguiri	Antwerp
Henry Traoré	Ashanti Kotoko
Midfielders:
Wilfried Balima	FC Sheriff Tiraspol
Charles Kaboré	Marseille
Djakaridja Koné	Evian Thonon
Préjuce Nakoulma	Gornik Zabrze
Issouf Ouattara	Chernomorets Burgas
Jonathan Pitroipa	Rennes
Ali Rabo	Al Shorta
Florent Rouamba	FC Sheriff Tirasplo
Wilfried Sanou	Kyoto Sanga
Abdoul Razack Traoré	Lechia Gdansk
Alain Traoré	Lorient
Forwards:
Aristide Bancé	Augsburg
Moumouni Dagano	Lekwiya
Wilfried Hughes Dah	Al Dhaid Sharja
Pierre Koulibaly	Al Dhaid Sharja

Ethiopia: Head Coach Sewnet Bishaw and Captain Degu Debebe will lead the Black Lions of Ethiopia to chance their second title in their 11^th appearance since 1957. Ethiopian hosted and won the third edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1962 after beating United Arab Republic (now Egypt) by 4-2 in the grand finale in Addis Ababa. Currently Ethiopia is 110^th on the FIFA rankings and 31^st in Africa.

Name	Club
Goalkeepers:
Jemal Tassew	Coffee
Sisay Bancha	Dedebit
Zerihun Tadele	St. George
Defenders:
Degu Debebe	St. George
Biadgelegn Elias	St. George
Alula Girma	St. George
Abebaw Butako	St. George
Aynalem Hailu	Dedebit
Siyoum Tesfaye	Dedebit
Berhanu Bogale	Dedebit
Midfielders:
Asrat Megersa	EEPCO
Addis Hintsa	Dedebit
Minyahil Teshome	Dedebit
Behailu Assefa	Dedebit
Yusuf Saleh	Syrianska, Sweden
Shimeles Bekele	St. George
Yared Zinabu	St. George
Dawit Estifanos	Coffee
Forwards:
Saladin Said	Wadi Degla, Egypt
Getaneh Kebede	Dedebit
Oumed Ukuri	St. George
Adane Girma	St. George
Fuad Ibrahim	Minnesota Stars, USA

GROUP D.

Cote D’lvoire: Chelsea’s striker and captain of the elephants, Didier Drogba will lead their charges to upset the applecart for the upcoming AFCON. The Ivorians have made two appearances at the World Cup; first in Germany 2006 and South Africa 2010. Aside that they have appeared 20 times in the AFCON (first in 1965) and winners of 1992 Confederation Cup. Francois Zahoui heads the technical bench.  Cote D’lvoire will mark their 21^st appearances. They are currently Africa’s number one and 14^th on the FIFA rankings released late this year.

Full Squad

Goalkeepers

Barry Boubacar (Lokeren-Belgium) ,Yeboah Daniel (Dijon-France) , Sangaré Badra Ali (IAFC-CIV)

Defenders

Bamba Souleman (Trazbonspor-Turkey) , Boka Arthur (Stuttgart-Germany) , Eboué Emmanuel (Galatasaray-Turkey) , Lolo Igor (FC Kuban Krasnodar-Russia) , Tiené Siaka (PSG-France) , Touré Kolo Habib (Manchester City-England) , Ismaël Traoré (Brest-France)

Midfielders

Abdul Razack (Manchester City-England) , N’Dri Koffi Romaric (Real Saragosse-Spain) , Max Gradel Alain (AS Saint-Etienne-France) , Tioté Cheick Ismaël (Newcastle-England) , Touré Yaya Gnegneri (Manchester City-England) , Ya Konan Didier (Hanovre-Germany) , Zokora Didier (Trazbonspor-Turkey)

Strikers

Didier Drogba (Shanghai Shenhua-China) , Salomon Kalou (Lille-France), Koné Arouna (Wigan-England) , Traoré Lacina (Anzhi Makhachkala-Russia) , Bony Wilfried (Vitesse Arnhem-Netherlands), Yao Kouassi Gervais (Arsenal-England)

Tunisia: The Carthage Eagles is the pseudonym of the Tunisian senior national team. The Tunis ranked 8^th in Africa and 45^th on world standings has made fourteen appearances and won the 1978 phase of the Africa Cup of  Nations. Meanwhile, Tunisia has made four appearances in the FIFA World Cup. Would Coach Samir Trabelsi and Captain Aymen Mathouthi shock Africa?

Squad:
Goalkeepers: Moez Ben Cherifia (Esperance), Farouk Ben Mustapha (CA Bizertin), Aymen Mathlouthi (Etoile Sahel)
Defenders: Aymen Abdennour (Toulouse), Anis Boussaidi (Tavria Simferopol), Khalil Chammam (Esperance), Chamseddine Dhaouadi (Etoile Sahel), Fatah Garbi (CS Sfaxien), Walid Hichri (Esperance), Bilel Ifa (Club Africain)
Midfielfders: Hatten Baratli (Club Africain), Wissem Ben Yahia (Mersin Idmanyurdu), Oussama Darragi (FC Sion), Chadi Hammami (Kuwait SC), Wahbi Kharzi (Bastia), Khaled Mouelhi, Youssef Msakni (both Esperance), Mejdi Traoui (Esperance)
Forwards: Fakhreddine Ben Youssef (CS Sfaxien), Zouhair Dhaouadi (unattached), Hamdi Harbaoui (Lokeren), Saber Khlifa (Evian Thonon Gaillard), Issam Jomaa (Kuwait SC).

Algeria: The Desert Warriors have been to the World Cup thrice first in 1982, 1986 and 2010. However South Africa 2013 will be their 15^th appearance. Algeria best result was when they hosted 1990 and won on home soil. Algeria is 19^th on the world rankings and 2^nd in Africa. The head coach is Vahid Halilhodžić and Madjid Bougherra as their skipper.

ull Squad
Goalkeepers: Rais Mbolhi (Krylia Sovetov/ Russia), Cedric Si Mohammed((JEM Béjaia/Algeria) and Azzeddine Doukha(USM Harrach/Algeria).
Defenders : Essaid Belkalem(JS Kabylie/Algeria), Carl Medjani(Ajaccio/ France), Rafik Halliche (Academica / Portugal), Ali Rial(JS Kabylie/Algeria), Mehdi Mostefa(Ajaccio/ France), Liassine Cadamuro(Real Sociedad/Spain), Djamel Mesbah(AC Milan/ Italy) and Faouzi Ghoulam(Saint Etienne/ France).
Midfielders : Adlene Guedioura(Nothingham Forest/ England), Medhi Lacen(Getafe/ Spain), Khaled Lemmouchia(Club Africain/ Tunisia), Saad Tedjar(USM Alger/Algeria), Hameur Bouazza(Santander/ Spain), Ryad Boudebouz(Sochaux/ France), Foued Kadir(Valenciennes/  France), Sofiane Feghouli(Valence/ Spain) and Djamel AbdounAbdoun Djamel (Olympiakos/ Greece).
Strikers: Hilal Soudani(Guimares/ Portugal), Islam Slimani(CS Constantine/Algeria), Mohamed Amine Aoudia(CR Belouizdad/Algeria) and Ishak Belfodil(ES Sétif/Algeria).

Togo:  The Togo national team code named the Hawks had already made six appearances (first in 1972) and South Africa 2013 will be their seventh participation in the history of the tournament. The Hawks made their first world cup appearance at the Germany 2006. The Hawks are 71^st on the FIFA rankings and in 16^th Africa are yet to win African Cup of Nations.