News24
13 Jun 2019, 13:12 GMT+10
Cairo - Hosts are favoured not only to win Group A at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations this June, but to go on and lift the trophy a record-extending eighth time.
They possess in serial Liverpool scorer Mohamed Salah an African superstar and can expect passionate support as they seek a first title since edging Ghana in the 2010 final.
have faced all their group rivals, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and , before at the Cup of Nations, winning seven matches and losing only one.
While the hosts are poised to top the standings, there is little to choose between the other three teams with the top two finishers guaranteed round-of-16 places.
Here, AFP Sport assesses the prospects of the Group A sides ahead of the June 21 tournament opener between and in Cairo.
The two-time champions struggled to qualify with a nervous 1-0 last-match win over modest Liberia in Kinshasa squeezing them through as runners-up beneath .
An experienced squad, the Congolese are extremely unpredictable when it comes to the Cup of Nations as their last two appearances demonstrated.
Outsiders in 2015, they finished third behind the Ivory Coast and Ghana in Equatorial Guinea, then made a timid last-eight exit two years ago in Gabon when more was expected of them.
Cedric Bakambu brings stealth and Yannick Bolasie and Elia Meschak pace to the attack while the defence is likely to include Arthur Masuaku from Premier League club West Ham United.
Verdict: Could be heading home after first round, or reach the quarter-finals
As prepare to stage the Cup of Nations a record fifth time, they can draw confidence from an outstanding record when they play host to the best African national teams.
They won in 1959, 1986 and 2006 and finished third in 1974 after coming up short in a five-goal semi-final thriller against World Cup-bound Zaire (now ).
Fanatical support has always been a key factor with numerous visiting coaches complaining that the endless noise from the stands prevents their touchline instructions being heard.
While Salah is the talisman, he will be surrounded by vastly experienced internationals like Tarek Hamed, a tireless midfield enforcer and often an unsung hero.
Verdict: Salah, home advantage and history makes them favourites
After going 39 years without qualifying since finishing 1978 runners-up to hosts Ghana, will make back-to-back appearances in the Cup of Nations.
They had a comfortable qualifying passage under French coach Sebastien Desabre, not losing nor conceding in five matches before a dead-rubber defeat in Tanzania.
Winless in Gabon two years ago, the Cranes are banking on veteran South Africa-based goalkeeper Denis Onyango to inspire a better showing this time.
"Denis is utterly dependable and his experience will hopefully rub off on the other players," says Desabre. "Our target is decent results, especially in our opener against ."
Verdict: Will do well to reach knockout phase
The lowest ranked of the four teams will rely heavily on stars based in South Africa as they aim to progress beyond the group stage for the first time in four attempts.
But the reliance of coach and former national team captain Sunday Chidzambwa on those operating in their neighbouring country has drawn criticism from a former star.
"The coach should have cast his net wider and found places for the best local talent," said ex-national team defender David Kutyauripo of a squad lacking any home-based stars.
Coaches emphasise the importance of not losing their first match in a tournament, but it is the probable back luck of that they must face and Salah on opening night.
Verdict: Capable of making second round for first time
Get a daily dose of Hong Kong Herald news through our daily email, its complimentary and keeps you fully up to date with world and business news as well.
Publish news of your business, community or sports group, personnel appointments, major event and more by submitting a news release to Hong Kong Herald.
More InformationMOSCOW, Russia: This week, Russia became the first country to officially recognize the Taliban as the government of Afghanistan since...
PARIS, France: Fast-fashion giant Shein has been fined 40 million euros by France's antitrust authority over deceptive discount practices...
DHARAMSHALA, India: The Dalai Lama is set to address a significant three-day conference of Buddhist leaders this week, coinciding with...
Rio de Janeiro [Brazil], July 7 (ANI): Leaders of BRICS nations reiterated support for 'comprehensive reform' of the United Nations,...
New Delhi [India], July 6 (ANI): A team of Crime Branch cracked down illegal trade of Chinese Manjha and nabbed three with huge consignment...
BEIJING, July 7 (Xinhua) -- China on Sunday released a list of what it has determined to be the 30 most pressing scientific questions,...
NEW YORK CITY, New York: With just weeks to spare before a potential government default, U.S. lawmakers passed a sweeping tax and spending...
PARIS, France: Fast-fashion giant Shein has been fined 40 million euros by France's antitrust authority over deceptive discount practices...
PALO ALTO/TEL AVIV: The battle for top AI talent has claimed another high-profile casualty—this time at Safe Superintelligence (SSI),...
FRANKLIN, Tennessee: Hundreds of thousands of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles are being recalled across the United States due to a potential...
REDMOND, Washington: Microsoft is the latest tech giant to announce significant job cuts, as the financial strain of building next-generation...
LONDON UK - U.S. stock markets were closed on Friday for Independence Day. Global Forex Markets Wrap Up Friday with Greeback Comeback...