Group A

Hosts Equatorial Guinea have dodged the biggest names in the tournament, but still find themselves in a complicated group. The Central Africans, who only learned of their participation a couple of weeks ago, will have to compile a competitive squad in about a month’s time. In 2012, the Equtatoguineans naturalized a host of players in an unsuccessful attempt to provide starpower to the African minnows. Similar tactics seem in order to prepare the National Thunder for just their second ever Cup of Nations.

Gabon are undoubtedly this tournament’s darkhorses. The Black Panthers have quality up their spine from Bruno Manga in defence, to Ibrahim Ndong and Andre Poko in midfield, to Malick Evouna and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang in attack. Look for a sizeable supporters contingent to make the short trip to Bata for Gabon’s group stage matches.

Burkina Faso have benefitted from a spell of stability and continuity as Paul Put renewed his contract with the Black Stallions. Put understands the importance of fielding a balanced outfit with talented forwards. He will pin his goalscoring hopes on Jonathan Pitroipa who led the continent in scoring with six conversions during qualifiers.

Congo can count themselves lucky to be in Equatorial Guinea. Were it not for Rwanda fielding an ineligible player, Claude LeRoy and his men would have been eliminated in the preliminary rounds. Nevertheless the Red Devils bounced back admirably and with talented individuals such as Prince Oniangue and Thievy Bifouma, they just might be able to spring a surprise.

AFKSports Predicts:

Burkina Faso and Gabon advance in AFCON 2015