Playmaker's definitive AFCON preview!

The Africa Cup of Nations is just days away and the excitement for the tournament is building. 

It is the first AFCON in over two and a half years and only the second time the tournament will be played with 24 teams, following its expansion from 16. 

With the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar at the end of this year, it is a good time for neutrals to get a good gauge of which African sides could pose a threat to the European and South American dominance of the global competition.

This is a summarised preview of each of the 24 sides competing in Cameroon over the next month.

GROUP A - Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Ethiopia

BURKINA FASO

Manager: Kamou Malo

Captain: Charles Kabore

Ranking: 60th (11th in CAF)

1.    GK: Babayoure Sawadogo (Kadiogo)
2.    FWD: Djibril Ouattara (Olympic Safi)
3.    DEF: Oula Traore (Horoya)
4.    DEF: Soumaila Ouattara (FUS Rabat)
5.    DEF: Patrick Malo (Hassania Agadir)
6.    MID: Saidou Simpore (Al Ittihad)
7.    FWD: Eric Traore (Pyramids)
8.    MID: Dramane Nikiema (Horoya)
9.    DEF: Issa Kabore (Troyes)
10.    FWD: Bertrand Traore (Aston Villa)
11.    FWD: Mohamed Konate (Akhmat Grozny)
12.    DEF: Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen)
13.    DEF: Hermann Nikiema (Salitas)
14.    DEF: Issoufou Dayo (Nahdat Berkane)
15.    FWD: Abdoul Tapsoba (Standard Liege)
16.    GK: Herve Koffi (Charleroi)
17.    FWD: Zakaria Sanogo (Ararat-Armenia)
18.    MID: Ismahila Ouedraogo (PAOK Salonika B)
19.    FWD: Hassane Bande (Istra 1961)
20.    MID: Gustavo Sangare (Quevilly-Rouen)
21.    FWD: Cyrille Bayala (Ajaccio)
22.    MID: Blati Toure (Eskilstuna)
23.    GK: Farid Ouedraogo (USFA)
24.    MID: Adama Guira (Racing Rioja)
25.    DEF: Steeve Yago (Aris Limassol)
26.    FWD: Kouame Botue (Ajaccio)
27.    GK: Kilian Nikiema (ADO Den Haag)
28.    FWD: Dango Ouattara (Lorient)

Likely XI: Koffi; Kabore, Dayo*, Tapsoba, Malo; Guira, Bl.Toure; Be.Traore, Sangare; Bayala; Konate

The Stallions have some key absences for a variety of reasons, none more important than that of captain Charles Kabore. Despite that, they showed promise in their recent 2022 FIFA World Cup aufliying campaign, finishing just behind AFCON holders Algeria in their group. 

With four of the six third placed sides qualifying for the knockout stages, Burkina Faso will be confident of making it into the Round of 16 but deep progression into the tournament seems unlikely.

CAMEROON

Manager: Toni Conceicao

Captain: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting

Ranking: 50th (7th in CAF)

1.    GK: Jean Efala (Akwa United)
2.    DEF: Enzo Ebosse (Angers)
3.    FWD: Moumi Ngamaleu (Young Boys)
4.    DEF: Harold Moukoudi (Saint-Etienne)
5.    DEF: Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui (Gent)
6.    DEF: Ambroise Oyongo (Montpellier Herault)
7.    FWD: Clinton N’Jie (Dynamo Moscow)
8.    MID: Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Fulham)
9.    FWD: Stephane Bahoken (Angers)
10.    FWD: Vincent Aboubakar (Al-Nassr)
11.    FWD: Christian Bassogog (Shanghai Shenhua)
12.    FWD: Karl Toko Ekambi (Olympique Lyonnais)
13.    FWD: Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting (Bayern Munich)
14.    MID: Samuel Gouet (Rheindorf Altach)
15.    MID: Pierre Kunde (Olympiacos)
16.    GK: Devis Epassy (OFI Crete)
17.    DEF: Olivier Mbaizo (Philadelphia Union)
18.    MID: Martin Hongla (Hellas Verona)
19.    DEF: Collins Fai (Standard Liege)
20.    FWD: Ignatius Ganago (Lens)
21.    DEF: Jean-Charles Castelletto (Nantes)
22.    DEF: Jerome Onguene (Red Bull Salzburg)
23.    GK: Simon Omossola (Vita Club)
24.    GK: Andre Onana (Ajax)
25.    DEF: Nouhou Tolo (Seattle Sounders)
26.    MID: Jean Onana (Gironidins de Bordeaux)
27.    MID: James Lea Siliki (Middlesbrough)
28.    MID: Yvan Neyou (Saint-Etienne)

©PSG

Likely XI: A.Onana; Ebosse, Ngadeu-Ngadjui, Moukoudi, Oyongo; Kunde, Anguissa, Hongla; Toko Ekambi, Aboubakar, Choupo-Moting*

Toni Conceicao’s style of football can be described as progressive and relatively attacking with the intent to utilise a fluent 4-3-3 formation. Their progress in the CAF’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign a couple of months ago was proof of effectiveness, too, despite some iffy results and performances.

Conceicao’s style begins to click to a higher standard with Cameroon’s plethora of attacking options, the hosts will be eyeing up at the very least a semi-final spot and they will be expected to challenge for the trophy.

CAPE VERDE

Manager: Bubista

Captain: Vozinha 

Ranking: 73rd (14th in CAF)

1.    GK: Vozinha (AEL Limassol)
2.    DEF: Stopira (Fehervar)
3.    DEF: Diney (AS FAR)
4.    DEF: Roberto Lopes (Shamrock Rovers)
5.    MID: Nuno Borges (Casa Pia)
6.    MID: Marco Soares (Arouca)
7.    MID: Patrick Andrade (Qarabag)
8.    MID: DLisandro Semedo (Fortuna Sittard)
9.    FWD: Gilson Tavares (Estoril)
10.    MID: Jamiro Monteiro (Philadelphia Union)
11.    FWD: Garry Rodrogues (Olympiacos)
12.    GK: Marcio Rosa (Montalegre)
13.    DEF: Steve Furtado (Beroe Stara Zagora) 
14.    DEF: Carlos Ponck (Istanbul Baseksehir)
15.    FWD: Willis Furtado (Jerv)
16.    DEF: Dylan Tavares (Neuchatel Xamax)
17.    DEF: Steven Fortes (Oostende)
18.    MID: Kenny Rocha Santos (Oostende)
19.    FWD: Julio Tavares (Al Faisaly)
20.    FWD: Ryan Mendes (Al-Nasr)
21.    FWD: Djaniny (Trabzonspor)
22.    DEF: Jeffry Fortes (De Graafschap)
23.    GK: Keven Ramos (Mindelense)
24.    MID: Joao Paulo (Feirense)
25.    MID: Willy Semedo (Pafos)
26.    MID: Nenass (Aalesunds)

Likely XI: Vozinha*; Fortes, Ponck, R.Lopes, Stopira; Monteiro, Soares, Rocha Santos; Rodrigues, J.Tavares, Mendes

Azerbaijan, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cape Verde, Cyprus, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Morocco, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates and the United States. 26 players playing in 17 different countries across 4 continents.

Bubista has a balanced, experienced and exuberant squad at his disposal. Cape Verde threatened to finish above Nigeria in FIFA World Cup qualifying just a few months ago and with a front three of Garry Rodrigues, Julio Tavares and Ryan Mendes; they will be hoping to bloody a few noses in this competition with the knockout stages a minimum for the Selecao. 

ETHIOPIA

Manager: Wubetu Abate

Captain: Shimelis Bekele

Ranking: 137th (40th in CAF)

1.    GK: Jemal Tassew (Fasil Kenema)
2.    DEF: Suleman Hamid (Saint George)
3.    MID: Mesud Mohammed (Sebeta City)
4.    DEF: Mignot Debebe (Dedebit)
5.    DEF: Desta Yohannes (Defence Force)
6.    MID: Gatoch Panom (Wolaitta Dicha)
7.    FWD: Mujib Kassim (JS Kabylie)
8.    MID: Amanuel Yohannes (Ethiopian Coffee)
9.    FWD: Getaneh Kebede (Saint George)
10.    FWD: Amanuel Gebremichael (Saint George)
11.    FWD: Abubeker Nassir (Ethiopian Coffee)
12.    FWD: Dawa Hotessa (Adama City)
13.    MID: Firew Solomon (Defence Force)
14.    MID: Fitsum Alemu (Bahir Dar Kenema)
15.    DEF: Aschalew Tamene (Saint George)
16.    DEF: Yared Baye (Fasil Kenema)
17.    MID: Bezabeh Meleyo (Fasil Kenema)
18.    MID: Shimelis Bekele (Misr Lel Makkasa)
19.    DEF: Menaf Awol (Bahir Dar Kenema)
20.    DEF: Ramadan Yusef (Shire Endaselassie)
21.    DEF: Asrat Tunjo (Ethiopian Coffee)
22.    GK: Teklemariam Shanko (Ethiopian Coffee)
23.    GK: Fasil Gebremichael (Bahir Dar Kenema)
24.    FWD: Mesfin Tafesse (Hawassa City)
25.    FWD: Shimeket Gugesa (Fasil Kenema)

Likely XI: Tassew; Hamid, Bayeh, Tamene, Yusef; Panom, Bekele*, Yohannes; Gebremichael, Kebede, Nassir

From the opposite end of Cape Verde’s eclectic selection and collection of players is Ethiopia’s squad. Of their 25-man squad, 23 of them play in Ethiopia with only captain Shimelis Bekele and forward Mujib Kassim plying their trade elsewhere.

Ranked 137th in the world, Ethiopia are comfortably outside of the top 24 teams in Africa and only scraped through as a result of Madagascar’s implosion and coming up against fellow footballing minnows Niger. A group stage elimination seems almost inevitable. 

GROUP B - Guinea, Malawi, Senegal, Zimbabwe

GUINEA

Manager: Kaba Diawara

Captain: Ibrahima Sory Conte

Ranking: 81st (15th in CAF)

1.    GK: Aly Keita (Ostersund)
2.    MID: Morlaye Sylla (Horoya)
3.    DEF: Issiaga Sylla (Toulouse)
4.    DEF: Ibrahima Conte (Niort)
5.    DEF: Saidou Sow (Saint-Etienne)
6.    MID: Amadou Diawara (Roma)
7.    DEF: Ousmane Kante (Paris FC)
8.    MID: Naby Keita (Liverpool)
9.    FWD: Jose Kante (Kairat Almaty)
10.    FWD: Morgan Guilavogui (Paris FC)
11.    FWD: Mohamed Bayo (Clermont Foot)
12.    MID: Ibrahima Sory Conte (Bnei Sakhnin)
13.    DEF: Mohamed Ali Camara (Young Boys)
14.    MID: Ilaix Moriba (RB Leipzig)
15.    MID: Aguibou Camara (Olympiacos)
16.    GK: Moussa Camara (Horoya)
17.    FWD: Mamadou Diallo (Grenoble Foot)
18.    MID: Ibrahima Cisse (Seraing)
19.    MID: Mamadou Kane (Neftchi Baku)
20.    DEF: Pa Konate (Botev Plovdiv)
21.    FWD: Sory Kaba (Oud-Heverlee Leuven)
22.    GK: Ibrahim Kone (Hibernians)
23.    DEF: Mikel Dyrestam (Sarpsborg)
24.    DEF: Fode Camara (Horoya)
25.    DEF: Gaoussou Youssouf Siby (Wakriya)
26.    FWD: Seydouba Soumah (Kuwait SC)
27.    MID: Mory Konate (Sint-Truiden)

Likely XI: Mou.Camara; O.Kante, Moh.Camara, Conte, I.Sylla; Keita, IS.Conte*, Diawara; Kaba, J.Kante, Bayo

The loss of Antoine Conte and Florentin Pogba will frustrate a Guinean side that have, themselves, been frustrating of late. Their FIFA World Cup qualification for 2022 saw them finish below Guinea-Bissau and Morocco after a poor campaign.

The midfield partnership of Naby Keita and Amadou Diawara will be pivotal for the Guineans to progress and they will be looking to get out of the group stages but they are not expected to be around for long.

MALAWI

Manager: Mario Marinica & Meke Mwase

Captain: Limbikani Mzava

Ranking: 129th (35th in CAF)

1.    GK: Charles Thomu (Silver Strikers)
2.    DEF: Stanley Sanudi (Mighty Wanderers)
3.    MID: Charles Petro (Sheriff Tiraspol)
4.    DEF: Peter Cholopi (Mighty Wanderers)
5.    DEF: Dennis Chembezi (Polokwane City)
6.    MID: Chikoti Chirwa (Red Lions)
7.    MID: Micium Mhone (Blue Eagles)
8.    MID: Chimwemwe Idana (Nyasa Big Bullets)
9.    FWD: Richard Mbulu (Baroka)
10.    FWD: Francisco Madinga (Dila Gori)
11.    FWD: Gabadinho Mhango (Orlando Pirates)
12.    DEF: Mark Fodya (Silver Strikers)
13.    FWD: Peter Banda (Simba)
14.    FWD: Robin Ngalande (Saint George)
15.    DEF: Lawrence Chaziya (CIVO United)
16.    GK: Ernest Kakhobwe (Nyasa Big Bullets)
17.    MID: John Banda (Songo)
18.    FWD: Zebron Kalima (Silver Strikers)
19.    DEF: Limbikani Mzava (AmaZulu)
20.    FWD: Yamikani Chester (Mighty Wanderers)
21.    DEF: Gomezgani Chirwa (Nyasa Big Bullets)
22.    FWD: Khuda Muyaba (Polokwane City)
23.    GK: William Thole (Mighty Wanderers)

Likely XI: Thole; G.Chirwa, Cholopi, Chembezi, Mzava*; Petro, J.Banda, Idana; Madinga, Mbulu, P.Banda 

Malawi finished at the bottom of their CAF qualification group for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, behind Mozambique, Cameroon and the Ivory Coast. 

They managed a victory in a warm-up friendly against Comoros on New Years’ Eve but that came after a run of just one victory in their last 12 matches. Group stage elimination seems extremely likely in this competition. 

SENEGAL

Manager: Aliou Cisse

Captain: Kalidou Koulibaly

Ranking: 20th (1st in CAF)

1.    GK: Seny Dieng (Queens Park Rangers)
2.    DEF: Saliou Ciss (Nancy-Lorraine)
3.    DEF: Kalidou Koulibaly (Napoli)
4.    DEF: Pape Abou Cisse (Olympiacos)
5.    MID: Idrissa Gueye (Paris Saint-Germain)
6.    MID: Nampalys Mendy (Leicester City)
7.    MID: Pape Gueye (Olympique de Marseille)
8.    MID: Cheikhou Kouyate (Crystal Palace)
9.    FWD: Boulaye Dia (Villarreal)
10.    FWD: Sadio Mane (Liverpool)
11.    FWD: Habib Diallo (Strasbourg)
12.    MID: Moustapha Name (Paris FC)
13.    FWD: Bamba Dieng (Olympique de Marseille)
14.    DEF: Abdoulaye Seck (Royal Antwerp)
15.    FWD: Keita Balde (Cagliari)
16.    GK: Edouard Mendy (Chelsea)
17.    MID: Pape Matar Sarr (Metz)
18.    FWD: Ismaila Sarr (Watford)
19.    FWD: Famara Diedhiou (Alanyaspor)
20.    DEF: Bouna Sarr (Bayern Munich)
21.    DEF: Ibrahima Mbaye (Bologna)
22.    MID: Mamadou Loum (Alaves)
23.    GK: Alfred Gomis (Stade Rennais)
24.    DEF: Abdou Diallo (Paris Saint-Germain)
25.    FWD: Mame Thiam (Kayserispor)
26.    DEF: Fodo Ballo-Toure (Milan)
27.    MID: Joseph Lopy (Sochaux)

Likely XI: E.Mendy; B.Sarr, Diallo, Koulibaly*, Ciss; Kouyate, N.Mendy, Gueye; I.Sarr, Dia, Mane

⛔Best save percentage (top 4 tiers, 15+ appearances):

8⃣5⃣%: 🐺JOSÉ SÁ🐺
8⃣1⃣%: Édouard Mendy
7⃣8⃣%: Luke Southwood
7⃣8⃣%: Mark Travers
7⃣8⃣%: Ross Doohan#Wolves @Wolves pic.twitter.com/SMdKTGYcqT

— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) January 4, 2022

As mentioned in the introduction, the footballing world will be looking at which African side could threaten at the FIFA World Cup at the end of the year. Well, the likeliest candidates to step up should be this Senegalese side.

After missing out on the knockouts in 2018 due to fair play, Senegal have continued their upward trajectory and a spine of Mendy-Koulibaly-Gueye-Mane could be enough to challenge on the global stage. Before we get there, though, they, ranked 20th in the world, will come in as the AFCON favourites.

ZIMBABWE

Manager: Norman Mapeza

Captain: Knowledge Musona

Ranking: 121st (31st in CAF)

1.    GK: Petros Mhari (Platinum)
2.    DEF: Godknows Murwira (Dynamos)
3.    DEF: Jordan Zemura (AFC Bournemouth)
4.    MID: Kelvin Madzongwe (Platinum)
5.    DEF: Gerald Takwara (Venda Football Academy)
6.    DEF: Alec Mudimu (Torpedo Kutaisi)
7.    MID: Ishmael Wadi (JDR Stars)
8.    MID: Kundai Benyu (Vestri)
9.    FWD: David Moyo (Hamilton Academical)
10.    FWD: Tino Kadewere (Olympique Lyonnais)
11.    MID: Never Tigere (Azam)
12.    DEF: Bruce Kangwa (Azam)
13.    MID: Thabani Kamusoko (ZESCO United)
14.    DEF: Onismor Bhasera (SuperSport United)
15.    DEF: Teenage Hadebe (Houston Dynamo)
16.    MID: Kudakwashe Mahachi (SuperSport United)
17.    FWD: Knowledge Musona (Al-Tai)
18.    FWD: Prince Dube (Azam)
19.    FWD: Admiral Muskwe (Luton Town)
20.    DEF: Peter Muduhwa (Highlanders)
21.    GK: Talbert Shumba (Free State Stars)
22.    DEF: Takudza Chimwemwe (Nkana)
23.    GK: Martin Mapisa (Zamora)

Likely XI: Mhari; Chimwemwe, Hadebe, Midumu, Zemura; Murwira, Madzongwe; Mahachi, Musona*, Kadewere; Muskwe

Off-field issues could cause Zimbabwe to pull out of the tournament at the very last moment. The Warriors have had their recent issues of being banned in the last five years or so by FIFA and another ban could be on the way with further government interference in the team being against FIFA guidelines. Zambia are on standby.

Should Zimbabwe get to play then they will be led by a caretaker manager after a run of 12 matches without a victory. Despite those issues, there is something interesting about their side – particularly going forward. A 4-2-3-1 with a four of Mahachi, Musona, Kadewere and Muskwe, supported by AFC Bournemouth’s Jordan Zemura could prove handy as they look, most likely, for a best-placed third-placed finish.

GROUP C – Comoros, Gabon, Ghana, Morocco

COMOROS

Manager: Amir Abdou 

Captain: Nadjim Abdou

Ranking: 132nd (38th in CAF)

1.    GK: Salim Ben Boina (Marseille Endoume)
2.    DEF: Kassim Abdallah (Marignane Gignac)
3.    DEF: Chaker Alhadhur (Ajaccio)
4.    DEF: Younn Zahary (Cholet)
5.    DEF: Abdallah Ali Mohamed (Lausanne Sport)
6.    MID: Nadjim Abdou (Martigues)
7.    FWD: Faiz Selemani (Kortrijk)
8.    MID: Fouad Bachirou (Omonia Nicosia)
9.    FWD: Ibroihim Djoudja (TS Sporting)
10.    MID: Youssouf M’Changama (Guingamp)
11.    MID: Nakibou Aboubakari (Sete 34)
12.    DEF: Kassim M’Dahoma (Avranches)
13.    MID: Rafidine Abdullah (Stade Lausanne)
14.    FWD: Ali M’Madi (Epinal)
15.    DEF: Benjaloud Youssouf (Chateauroux)
16.    GK: Moyadh Ousseini (Frejus St-Raphael)
17.    FWD: Nasser Chamed (Gaz Metan Medias)
18.    MID: Yacine Bourhane (Go Ahead Eagles)
19.    DEF: Mohamed Youssouf (Ajaccio)
20.    FWD: Ahmed Mogni (Annecy)
21.    FWD: El Fardou Ben Nabouhane (Red Star Belgrade)
22.    FWD: Said Bakkari (RKC Waalwijk)
23.    GK: Ali Ahamada 
24.    FWD: Faiz Mattoir (Cholet)
25.    FWD: Djoumoi Moussa (Saint-Prest)
26.    MID: Iyad Mohamed (Auxerre)
27.    FWD: Mohamed M’Changama (Nouadhibou)
28.    DEF: Alexis Souahy (Louisville City)

Likely XI: Ahamada; Ali Mohamed, K.Abdallah, M.Youssouf, Alhadhur; Abdou*, M’Changama; Bachirou, Chamed; Ben, M’Madi

Comoros are generally a poor side and they are in, arguably, the toughest group of the competition alongside Gabon, Ghana and Morocco. Given that, progress into the knockout stages looks distinctly unlikely.

However, there is a core to their team which could be promising. Their spine is made up of captain and former Millwall player Jimmy Abdou, Omonia Nicosia’s Faoud Bachirou and the prolific El Fardou Ben Nabouhane. A group stage exit looks inevitable, though.

GABON

Manager: Patrice Neveu 

Captain: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang

Ranking: 89th (19th in CAF)

1.    GK: Jean-Noel Amonome (Uthongathi)
2.    DEF: Yoann Wachter (Saint-Melo)
3.    DEF: Gilchrist Ngeuma (Maccabi Ahi Nazareth)
4.    DEF: Sidney Obissa (Olympic Charleroi)
5.    DEF: Bruno Ecuele Manga (Dijon)
6.    DEF: Johann Obiang (Rodez)
7.    FWD: Aaron Boupendza (Al-Arabi)
8.    DEF: Lloyd Palun (Bastia)
9.    FWD: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Arsenal)
10.    MID: Mario Lemina (Nice)
11.    FWD: Kevin Mayi (Umraniyespor)
12.    MID: Guelor Kanga (Red Star Belgrade)
13.    DEF: Junior Assoumou (Bourges)
14.    MID: Serge-Junior Martinsson Ngouali (Gorica)
15.    FWD: Axel Meye (Ittihad Tanger)
16.    GK: Anthony Mfa Mezui (Rodange 91)
17.    MID: Andre Biyoko Poko (Altay)
18.    FWD: Fahd Ndzengue (Tabor Sezana)
19.    DEF: Anthony Oyono (Boulogne)
20.    FWD: Denis Bouanga (Saint-Etienne)
21.    FWD: Louis Ameka (Maghreb de Fes)
22.    MID: Nathanael Mbourou (Maritzburg United)
23.    GK: Donald Nze (Maniema Union)
24.    FWD: Ulrick Eneme Ella (Brighton and Hove Albion)
25.    FWD: Gaetan Missi Mezu (Tsarsko Selo)
26.    FWD: Jim Allevinah (Clermont Foot)
27.    DEF: Alex Moucketou-Moussounda (Aris Limassol)

Likely XI: Mfa Mezui; Palun, Assoumou, Manga, Obiang; Poko, Lemina; Bouanga, Kanga, Meye; Aubameyang*

Gabon ended up finishing second in their 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying group, behind Algeria, just a few months ago. However, that wasn’t necessarily the promising performance it appeared as they only squeezed above Libya following a Libyan collapse in the final three qualifiers.

The form of Aubameyang has been the subject of much debate and criticism in the Premier League. The Gabonese will be reliant on their talismanic captain to pose any threat to Ghana and Morocco. Whilst a comfortable victory over Comoros is likely, and therefore knockout football possible, anything beyond that seems improbable. 

GHANA

Manager: Milovan Rajevic 

Captain: Andre Ayew

Ranking: 52nd (8th in CAF)

1.    GK: Abdul Manaf Nurudeen (Eupen)
2.    DEF: Andy Yiadom (Reading)
3.    DEF: Philomon Baffour (Dreams)
4.    DEF: Jonathan Mensah (Columbus Crew)
5.    MID: Thomas Partey (Arsenal)
6.    MID: Edmund Addo (Sheriff Tiraspol)
7.    FWD: Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Dreams)
8.    MID: Daniel-Kofi Kyereh (St Pauli)
9.    FWD: Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace)
10.    FWD: Andre Ayew (Al-Sadd)
11.    MID: Mubarak Wakaso (Shenzhen)
12.    GK: Lawrence Ati-Zigi (St Gallen)
13.    FWD: Richmond Boakye (Beitar Jerusalem)
14.    DEF: Gideon Mensah (Gironidins de Bordeaux)
15.    MID: Joseph Paintsil (Genk)
16.    GK: Joe Wollacott (Swindon Town)
17.    DEF: Abdul Rahman Baba (Reading)
18.    DEF: Daniel Amartey (Leicester City)
19.    FWD: Samuel Owusu (Al-Fayha)
20.    MID: Mohammed Kudus (Ajax)
21.    MID: Iddrisu Baba (Real Mallorca)
22.    FWD: Kamaldeen Sulemana (Stade Rennais)
23.    DEF: Alexander Dijku (Strasbourg)
24.    GK: Richard Attah (Hearts of Oak)
25.    FWD: Benjamin Tetteh (Yeni Malatyaspor)
26.    DEF: Abdul Mumin (Vitoria Guimaraes)
27.    FWD: Maxwell Abbey Quaye (Great Olympics)
28.    MID: David Abagna (Real Tamale)

Likely XI: Wollacott; Yiadom, Mensah, Amartey, Baba Rahman; Partey, Baba; Wakaso, Kudus, J.Ayew; A.Ayew*

The Black Stars have, in recent history, been one of Africa’s best threats and main hopes at global tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup but their decline in the last decade has been evident, like when they failed to qualify for the 2018 tournament. Their 2022 qualification campaign has also gone badly, too, but they didn’t manage to controversially finish above South Africa in the group stages.

They have rarely been able to ever play a full strength side with the likes of Thomas Partey and Daniel Amartey having fewer than 40 caps each. However, they do have a strong core for this tournament which should see them progress into the last eight at least. 

MOROCCO

Manager: Vahid Halilhodzic

Captain: Romain Saiss

Ranking: 28th (2nd in CAF)

1.    GK: Bono (Sevilla)
2.    DEF: Achraf Hakimi (Paris Saint-Germain)
3.    DEF: Adam Masina (Watford)
4.    MID: Sofyan Amrabat (Fiorentina)
5.    DEF: Nayef Ageurd (Stade Rennais)
6.    DEF: Romain Saiss (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
7.    MID: Imran Louza (Watford)
8.    MID: Azzedine Ounahi (Angers)
9.    FWD: Ayoub El Kaabi (Hatayspor)
10.    FWD: Munir (Sevilla)
11.    MID: Faycal Fajr (Sivasspor)
12.    GK: Munir Mohamedi (Hatayspor)
13.    MID: Ilias Chair (Queens Park Rangers)
14.    FWD: Zakaria Aboukhlal (AZ Alkmaar)
15.    MID: Selim Amallah (Standard Liege)
16.    MID: Aymen Barkok (Eintracht Frankfurt)
17.    FWD: Sofiane Boufal (Angers)
18.    DEF: Sofian Chakla (Oud-Hervelee Leuven)
19.    FWD: Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla)
20.    DEF: Sofiane Alakouch (Metz)
21.    DEF: Souffian El Karouani (NEC Nijmegen)
22.    GK: Ahmed Reda Tagnouti (Wydad Casablanca)
23.    FWD: Ryan Mmaee (Ferencvaros)
24.    DEF: Samy Mmaee (Ferencvaros)
25.    DEF: Mohamed Chibi (AS FAR)
26.    DEF: Badr Benoun (Al Ahly)
27.    FWD: Soufiane Rahimi (Al Ain)
28.    FWD: Tarik Tissoudali (Gent)

Likely XI: Bono; Hakimi, Ageurd, Saiss*, Masina; Amrabat, Fajr; Boufal, Louza, Mmaee; En-Nesyri

Morocco are missing some key contributors to their improvement in recent years. Their 2018 FIFA World Cup squad included Mehdi Benatia and Hakim Ziyech, for example. One has retired and the other deemed unselectable due to disciplinary issues. Noussair Mazraoui misses out, too, alongside creative talents such as Adel Taarabt and Amine Harit. 

Despite all of that, Vahid Halilhodzic has managed to produce an impressive side that is cohesive in both defence and attack – Morocco are, according to the rankings at least, the second best team in Africa. A semi-final appearance is almost an obligation. 

GROUP D – Egypt, Guinea-Bissau, Nigeria, Sudan

©Getty / Simon Stacpoole/Offside

EGYPT

Manager: Carlos Queiroz

Captain: Mohamed Salah

Ranking: 45th (6th in CAF)

1.    GK: Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly)
2.    DEF: Mohamed Abdel Monem (Future)
3.    FWD: Omar Kamal (Future)
4.    MID: Amir El Solia (Al Ahly)
5.    MID: Hamdy Fathy (Al Ahly)
6.    DEF: Ahmed Hegazi (Al Ittihad)
7.    MID: Trezeguet (Aston Villa)
8.    MID: Emam Ashour (Zamalek)
9.    FWD: Mohamed Sherif (Al Ahly)
10.    FWD: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)
11.    MID: Ramadan Sobhi (Pyramids)
12.    MID: Ayman Ashraf (Al Ahly)
13.    DEF: Ahmed Abou El Fotouh (Zamalek)
14.    FWD: Mostafa Mohamed (Galatasaray)
15.    DEF: Mahmoud Hamdy (Zamalek)
16.    GK: Mohamed Abou Gabal (Zamalek)
17.    MID: Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal)
18.    MID: Mohanad Lasheen (Tala’ea El Gaish)
19.    MID: Abdallah El Said (Pyramids)
20.    DEF: Mahmoud Alaa (Zamalek)
21.    MID: Ahmed Sayed (Zamalek)
22.    FWD: Omar Marmoush (Stuttgart)
23.    GK: Mohamed Sobhy (Pharco)
24.    GK: Mahmoud Gad (ENPPI)
25.    DEF: Akram Tawfik (Al Ahly)
26.    FWD: Ibrahim Adel (Pyramids)
27.    DEF: Mohamed Hamdy (Pyramids)
28.    FWD: Marwan Hamdy (Smouha)

Likely XI: El Shenawy; Alaa, Hegazi, Ashraf, Fatouh; Elneny, El Solia; Salah*, El Said, Trezeguet; Mohamed

The seven-time AFCON winners are set up for brutal counter-attacking under Carlos Queiroz. This is a side built to pose problems at the 2022 FIFA World Cup with a solid back-line, led by former West Brom centre-back Ahmed Hegazi, allowing the threat of Mohamed Salah, Trezeguet and Mostafa Mohamed to be effective on the break.

As for this tournament, though, there could be the danger of stodginess and over-reliance on Salah against teams they are expecting to beat, such as Guinea-Bissau and Sudan. The Egyptians will expect to get out of their group and they could be set up well for a deep run.

GUINEA-BISSAU

Manager: Baciro Cande

Captain: Jonas Mendes

Ranking: 106th (24th in CAF)

1.    GK: Jonas Mendes 
2.    DEF: Fali Cande (Portimonense)
3.    DEF: Leonel Ucha (Marinhense)
4.    DEF: Simao Junior (Vilafranquense)
5.    MID: Panutche Camara (Plymouth Argyle)
6.    MID: Bura Nogueira (Farense)
7.    FWD: Mauro Rodrigues (Sion)
8.    MID: Joao Jaquite (Vilafranquense)
9.    FWD: Steve Ambri (Sochaux)
10.    MID: Pele (Monaco)
11.    FWD: Jorginho (Wisla Plock)
12.    GK: Maurice Gomis (Ayia Napa)
13.    FWD: Frederic Mendy (Vitoria Setubal)
14.    DEF: Fernandy Mendy (Alloa Athletic)
15.    DEF: Jefferson Encada (Leixoes)
16.    MID: Moreto Cassama (Stade Reims)
17.    FWD: Mama Balde (Troyes)
18.    FWD: Piqueti (Al-Shoulla)
19.    FWD: Joseph Mendes (Niort)
20.    MID: Sori Mane (Moreirense)
21.    DEF: Nanu (Porto)
22.    DEF: Opa Sangante (Chateauroux)
23.    MID: Alfa Semedo (Vitoria Guimaraes)
24.    GK: Manuel Balde (Vizela)

Likely XI: Jon.Mendes*; Nanu, Simao Junior, Sangante, Ucha; Bura, Pele; Piqueti, Semedo, Fr.Mendy; Jos.Mendes

Despite being one of the weaker sides in the competition, and in a very tough group alongside Egypt and Nigeria, there is a strong core to the Guinea-Bissau side that could be impactful with midfield options such as Pele and Alfa Semedo.

Joseph Mendes’ form in the early stages of FIFA World Cup qualification was promising but he has since drifted on both a club and international level. If he can be re-ignited for this tournament then his side might stand a chance but a group stage elimination is likely.

NIGERIA

Manager: Augustine Eguavoen 

Captain: Ahmed Musa

Ranking: 36th (5th in CAF)

1.    GK: Maduka Okoye (Sparta Rotterdam)
2.    DEF: Ola Aina (Torino)
3.    DEF: Jamillu Collins (Paderborn)
4.    MID: Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City)
5.    DEF: William Troost-Ekong (Watford)
6.    DEF: Semi Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion)
7.    FWD: Ahmed Musa (Fatih Karagumruk)
8.    MID: Frank Onyeka (Brentford)
9.    FWD: Odion Ighalo (Al-Shabab)
10.    MID: Joe Aribo (Rangers)
11.    FWD: Henry Onyekuru (Galatasaray)
12.    DEF: Zaidu (Porto)
13.    FWD: Chidera Ejuke (CSKA Moscow)
14.    FWD: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City)
15.    FWD: Moses Simon (Nantes)
16.    GK: Daniel Akpeyi (Kaizer Chiefs)
17.    FWD: Samu Chukwueze (Villarreal)
18.    MID: Alex Iwobi (Everton)
19.    FWD: Taiwo Awoniyi (Union Berlin)
20.    DEF: Chiedozie Awaziem (Alanyaspor)
21.    DEF: Tyronne Ebuehi (Venezia)
22.    DEF: Kenneth Omeruo (Leganes)
23.    GK: Francis Uzoho (Omonia Nicosia)
24.    FWD: Umar Sadiq (Almeria)
25.    MID: Kelechi Nwakali (Huesca)
26.    DEF: Olisa Ndah (Orlando Pirates)
27.    GK: John Noble (Enyimba)
28.    FWD: Peter Olayinka (Slavia Prague)

Likely XI: Okoye; Omeruo, Troost-Ekong*, Awaziem, Aina; Ndidi, Onyeka; Samu, Iwobi; Iheanacho, Musa

Defenders Leon Balogun and Shehu Abdullahi as well as forwards Emmanuel Dennis and Victor Osimhen had to withdraw from a very strong and impressive Nigerian squad for a variety of reasons. Despite Dennis and Osimhen being fairly major absentees, this is still a strong Super Eagles side. 

Nigeria have underperformed throughout Gernot Rohr’s reign and the German has finally been relieved of his duties a month before the tournament. Augustine Eguavoen and Jose Peseiro are overseeing a side that will be expected to challenge for the trophy.

SUDAN

Manager: Burhan Tia

Captain: Salah Nemer

Ranking: 125th (33rd in CAF)

GK: Ali Abu-Eshrein (Al-Hilal), Ishag Adam (Al-Hilal), Mohamed Mustafa (Al-Merrikh)

DEF: Moaiad Abdeen (Alamal Atbara), Mohamed Amin (Motala), Alsadeg Hassan (Al-Shorta El-Gadarif), Amjed Ismaeil (Al-Ahly Shendi), Mustafa Karshoum (Al-Merrikh), Mazin Mohamedein (Tuti SC), Salah Nemer (Al-Merrikh), Awad Zaid (Al-Ahli Khartoum)

MID: Jumaa Abbas (Al-Hilal), Mustafa Alfadni (Al-Hilal), Muhamed Almunzer (El Hilal El Obeid), Mohamed Al Rashed (Al-Merrikh), Captain Bashir (Alamal Atbara), Muhamed Hasoun (Hay Al-Wadi), Muhamed Kesra (Hay Al-Arab), Walieldin Khedr (Al-Hilal), Dhiya Mahjoub (Al-Merrikh), Alsheikh Muhamed (Khartoum NC), Sharif Omer (Hilal Al-Fasher), Abdel Raouf (Al-Hilal), Suliman Zakaria (Hay Al-Arab)

FWD: Mohamed Abdelrahman (Al-Hilal), Musab Ahmed (El Hilal El Obeid), Yasin Hamed (Nyiregyhaza Spartacus), Al-Jezoli Nouh (Al-Merrikh)

Likely XI: Abu-Eshrein; Abdeen, Nemer*, Karshoum, Hassan; Mahjoub, Al Rashed, Khedr; Nouh, Abdelrahman, Hamed

Sudan head into this tournament with 17 players having been capped once, in a warm-up goalless draw against Zimbabwe, or not at all due to lots of issues with COVID-19.

Burhan Tia’s preferred formation of 4-3-3 can still take place with a genuine core and spine in place but Sudan were already one of the weakest sides in the competition and an early exit is extremely likely.

GROUP E – Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone

ALGERIA

Manager: Djamel Belmadi

Captain: Riyad Mahrez

Ranking: 29th (3rd in CAF)

©DR

1.    GK: Moustapha Zeghba (Damac)
2.    DEF: Aissa Mandi (Villarreal)
3.    DEF: Mehdi Tahrat (Al-Gharafa)
4.    DEF: Djamel Benlamri (Qatar SC)
5.    DEF: Mohamed Amine Tougai (ES Tunis)
6.    MID: Ramiz Zerrouki (Twente)
7.    FWD: Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City)
8.    FWD: Youcef Belaili 
9.    FWD: Baghdad Bounedjah (Al Sadd)
10.    MID: Sofiane Feghouli (Galatasaray)
11.    FWD: Yacine Brahimi (Al-Rayyan)
12.    MID: Haris Belkebla (Stade Brest)
13.    FWD: Islam Slimani (Olympique Lyonnais)
14.    MID: Sofiane Bendekba (Al-Fateh)
15.    MID: Farid Boulaya (Metz)
16.    GK: Alexandre Oukidja (Metz)
17.    DEF: Alexandre Bedrane (ES Tunis)
18.    FWD: Adam Ounas (Napoli)
19.    MID: Adem Zorgane (Charleroi)
20.    DEF: Youcef Atal (Nice)
21.    DEF: Ramy Bensebaini (Borussia Monchengladbach)
22.    MID: Ismael Bennacer (Milan)
23.    GK: Rais M’Bohli (Al-Ettifaq)
24.    DEF: Ilyes Chetti (ES Tunis)
25.    DEF: Houcine Benayada (ES Sahel)
26.    FWD: Mohamed El Amine Amoura (Lugano)
27.    MID: Said Benrahma (West Ham United)
28.    DEF: Reda Halaimia (Beerschot)

Likely XI: M’Bohli; Atal, Mandi, Benlamri, Bensebaini; Bennacer, Zerrouki, Zorgane; Mahrez*, Slimani, Brahimi

Algeria are the reigning champions of this competition after their 2019 success. Since then, Djamel Belmadi has been able to develop an exciting group of young players, balanced out with some experienced and successful nigh-on veterans, to create one of the 2021 AFCON favourites.

They had some difficult matches against Burkina Faso in recent World Cup qualification but managed to finish top-of-the-group before winning the 2021 FIFA Arab Cup last month in Qatar. This is a side, led by captain Riyad Mahrez, that will expect to once again challenge for the trophy.

EQUATORIAL GUINEA

Manager: Juan Micha 

Captain: Emilio Nsue 

Ranking: 114th (28th in CAF)

1.    GK: Jesus Owono (Alaves)
2.    DEF: Miguel Angel Maye (Futuro Kings)
3.    DEF: Marvin Anieboh (Cacereno)
4.    MID: Federico Bikoro (Hercules)
5.    DEF: Cosme Anvene (Deportivo Unidad)
6.    FWD: Iban Salvador (Fuenlabrada)
7.    MID: Ruben Belima (Hercules)
8.    MID: Jose Machin (Monza)
9.    FWD: Oscar Siafa (Olympiacos Volos)
10.    FWD: Emilio Nsue
11.    DEF: Basilio Ndong (Start)
12.    GK: Mariano Magno Mba (Deportivo Unidad)
13.    GK: Manuel Sapunga (Futuro Kings)
14.    FWD: Pedro Oba Asu (Futuro Kings)
15.    DEF: Carlos Akapo (Cadiz)
16.    DEF: Saul Coco (Las Palmas)
17.    MID: Josete Miranda (Niki Volos)
18.    FWD: Dorian Jr (Langreo)
19.    FWD: Luis Nlavo (Braga)
20.    MID: Santiago Eneme (Nantes)
21.    DEF: Esteban Obiang (Antequera)
22.    MID: Pablo Ganet (Real Murcia)
23.    DEF: Luis Meseguer (Navalcarnero)
24.    MID: Alex Balboa (Alaves)
25.    GK: Aitor Embela (Somozas)
26.    DEF: Javier Akapo (Ibiza Islas Pitiusas)
27.    MID: Jannik Buyla (Gimnastic de Tarragona)
28.    DEF: Luis Enrique Nsue (Cano Sport)

Likely XI: Owono; C.Akapo, Cosme, Meseguer, Ndong; Ganet, Bikoro; E.Nsue*, Machin, Belima; Salvador

After a few years of underperformance, Equatorial Guinea started in the preliminary stage of CAF’s 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification. They cruised that and then posed a threat to 2018 FIFA World Cup entrants and potential AFCON winners Tunisia in the group stage, finishing just a couple of points behind the north Africans.

A heavily-Spanish-influenced squad, in terms of clubs played for and, in a few instances, places of birth, Equatorial Guinea do have some of the cliché’d tendencies of Spanish footballing identity. A passing and controlling style is their preference. The knockout stages would be viewed as success but it is expected to be a tough campaign in a tough group alongside Algeria and Ivory Coast.

IVORY COAST

Manager: Patrice Beaumelle 

Captain: Serge Aurier

Ranking: 56th (10th in CAF)

1.    GK: Ira Eliezer Tape (San Pedro)
2.    FWD: Karim Konate (ASEC Mimosas)
3.    DEF: Ghislain Konan (Stade Reims)
4.    MID: Jean Michael Seri (Fulham)
5.    DEF: Wilfried Kanon (Pyramids)
6.    DEF: Willy Boly (Wolverhampton Wanderers)
7.    DEF: Odilon Kossounou (Bayer Leverkusen)
8.    MID: Franck Kessie (Milan)
9.    FWD: Wilfried Zaha (Crystal Palace)
10.    FWD: Jean Evrard Kouassi (Trabzonspor)
11.    MID: Maxwel Cornet (Burnley)
12.    MID: Habib Maiga (Metz)
13.    MID: Jeremie Boga (Sassuolo)
14.    DEF: Simon Deli (Slavia Prague)
15.    MID: Max Gradel (Sivasspor)
16.    GK: Sylvain Gbohou (Wolkite City)
17.    DEF: Serge Aurier (Villarreal)
18.    MID: Ibrahim Sangare (PSV Eindhoven)
19.    FWD: Nicolas Pepe (Arsenal)
20.    MID: Serey Die (Sion)
21.    DEF: Eric Bailly (Manchester United)
22.    FWD: Sebastian Haller (Ajax)
23.    GK: Badra Ali Sangare (JDR Stars)
24.    FWD: Christian Kouame (Anderlecht)
25.    MID: Hamed Traore (Sassuolo)
26.    GK: Abdoul Karim Cisse (ASEC Mimosas)
27.    MID: Jean-Louis Akpa Akpro (Lazio)
28.    FWD: Yohan Boli (Al-Rayyan)

Likely XI: B.Sangare; Aurier, Bailly, Kossounou, Cornet; Kessie, Seri, I.Sangare; Boga, Haller, Zaha

FIFA took the decision to ban Ivory Coast goalkeeper Sylvain Gbohou on New Years’ Eve, after The Elephants had named their squad. Gbohou has been the Ivorian number one for a long time now and that has complicated Patrick Beaumelle’s preparation.

Despite defeat to Cameroon in their final qualifier and eventual qualifying elimination for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, there is quite an exciting generation coming through with Kossounou, Kessie, Ibrahim Sangare and Boga forming a strong spine, surrounded by pedigree players like Aurier, Bailly, Cornet, Haller and Zaha. This is an intriguing Ivory Coast side that will see themselves as challengers – despite having not got past the quarter-finals since they won the tournament in 2015. 

SIERRA LEONE

Manager: John Keister 

Captain: Umaru Bangura 

Ranking: 108th (25th in CAF)

1.    GK: Mohamed Nbaile Kamara (East End Lions)
2.    DEF: Osman Kakay (Queens Park Rangers)
3.    DEF: Kevin Wright (Orebro)
4.    MID: Mohamed ‘Medo’ Kamara 
5.    DEF: Steven Caulker (Gaziantep)
6.    MID: John Kamara
7.    MID: Kwame Quee (Vikingur Reykjavik)
8.    MID: Saidu Fofanah (Kallon)
9.    FWD: Augustine Williams 
10.    FWD: Kei Kamara (HIFK)
11.    FWD: Sullay Kaikai (Wycombe Wanderers)
12.    FWD: Alhaji Kamara (Randers)
13.    MID: Alhassan Koroma (Linense)
14.    FWD: Mohamed Buya Turay (Henan Songshan Longmen)
15.    DEF: Yeami Dunia (Bo Rangers)
16.    GK: Ibrahim Sesay (Bo Rangers)
17.    DEF: Umaru Bangura (Neuchatel Xamax)
18.    DEF: David Sesay (Wealdstone)
19.    FWD: Mustapha Bundu (Aarhus Gymnastikforening)
20.    DEF: Saidu Mansaray (Bo Rangers)
21.    MID: Idris Kanu (Peterborough United)
22.    MID: Issa Kallon (Cambuur)
23.    GK: Isaac Caulker (Kallon)
24.    MID: Prince Barrie (Bo Rangers)
25.    DEF: Daniel Francis (Rot Weiss Ahlen)
26.    MID: Saidu Bah Kamara (Bo Rangers)
27.    MID: Abu Dumbuya (East End Lions)
28.    FWD: Musa Noah Kamara 

Likely XI: MN.Kamara; Kakay, Bangura*, Caulker, Dunia; Medo, J.Kamara; Kallon, Kaikai, Bundu; K.Kamara

Manchester-born manager, and former Dover Athletic and Margate midfielder, John Keister has a squad of players that can pose a genuine threat. Steven Caulker has been granted FIFA permission to play for Sierra Leone and joins captain Umaru Bangura at the heart of a defence that could be solid with former Bolton midfielder Medo Kamara in-front of it.

Their attacking options, especially out-wide, are aplenty with the likes of Sullay Kaikai, Mustapha Bundu, Idris Kanu and Alhassen Koroma in behind former Norwich striker and MLS stalwart Kei Kamara. A point or three will still be viewed as a bonus, though.

GROUP F – Gambia, Mali, Mauritania, Tunisia

GAMBIA

Manager: Tom Saintfiet 

Captain: Pa Modou Jagne

Ranking: 150th (46th in CAF)

1.    GK: Modou Jobe (Black Leopards)
2.    MID: Yusupha Bobb (Piacenza)
3.    FWD: Albie Jallow (Seraing)
4.    MID: Dawda Ngum
5.    DEF: Omar Colley (Sampdoria)
6.    MID: Sulayman Marreh (Gent)
7.    FWD: Lamin Jallow (Fehervar)
8.    MID: Ebrima Daboe (Roma)
9.    FWD: Assan Ceesay (Zurich)
10.    FWD: Musa Barrow (Bologna)
11.    FWD: Modou Barrow (Jeonbuk Hyundai Motors)
12.    DEF: James Gomez (Horsens)
13.    DEF: Pa Modou Jagne (Dietikon)
14.    DEF: Noah Sonko Sundberg (Levski Sofia)
15.    MID: Ebrima Sohna (Fortune)
16.    DEF: Mohammed Mbye (Ifo Bromolla)
17.    MID: Bubacarr Jobe (Norrby)
18.    GK: Baboucarr Gaye (Rot-Weiss Koblenz)
19.    FWD: Ebrima Colley (Spezia)
20.    FWD: Bubacarr Trawally (Ajman)
21.    DEF: Saidy Janko (Real Valladolid)
22.    GK: Sheikh Sibi (Virtus Verona)
23.    FWD: Muhammed Badamosi (Kortrijk)
24.    FWD: Dembo Darboe (Shakhtyor Salihorsk)
25.    DEF: Bubacarr Sanneh
26.    DEF: Ibou Touray (Salford City)
27.    FWD: Yusupha Njie (Boavista)
28.    MID: Ebou Adams (Forest Green Rovers)

Likely XI: M.Jobe; Janko, O.Colley, Sanneh, Jagne*; Marreh, Darboe; Mu.Barrow, Mo.Barrow, E.Colley; Ceesay

The Barrow brothers will be key to Gambia’s chances of progressing in this tournament. Modou Barrow, formerly of Swansea City and Reading, as well as Bologna’s impressive Musa Barrow are likely to link up with Ebrima Colley in an attack that should pose serious threat to their opposition.

Gambia have been fortunate to be drawn in one of the weaker groups in the competition with the leading lights, Tunisia and Mali, having their own major flaws, alongside a poor Mauritania side. Given that, they will be confident of sneaking into the Round of 16. 

MALI

Manager: Mohamed Magassouba 

Captain: Hamari Traore

Ranking: 53rd (9th in CAF)

1.    GK: Ibrahim Mounkoro (Mazembe)
2.    DEF: Hamari Traore (Stade Rennais)
3.    DEF: Charles Traore (Nantes)
4.    MID: Amadou Haidara (RB Leipzig)
5.    DEF: Kiki Kouyate (Metz)
6.    DEF: Massadio Haidara (Lens)
7.    MID: Moussa Doumbia (Stade Reims)
8.    MID: Diadie Samassekou (1899 Hoffenheim)
9.    FWD: El Bilal Toure (Stade Reims)
10.    FWD: Kalifa Coulibaly (Nantes)
11.    MID: Lassana Coulibaly (Salernitana)
12.    DEF: Moussa Sissako (Standard Liege)
13.    DEF: Senou Coulibaly (Dijon)
14.    MID: Adama Noss Traore (Hatayspor)
15.    DEF: Mamadou Fofana (Amiens)
16.    GK: Djigui Diarra (Young Africans)
17.    DEF: Falaye Sacko (Vitoria Guimaraes)
18.    FWD: Ibrahima Kone (Sarpsborg)
19.    FWD: Moussa Djenepo (Southampton)
20.    MID: Yves Bissouma (Brighton and Hove Albion)
21.    MID: Adama Traore (Sheriff Tiraspol)
22.    GK: Ismael Diawara (Malmo)
23.    MID: Aliou Dieng (Al Ahly)
24.    DEF: Issaka Samake (Horoya)
25.    FWD: Lassine Sinayoko (Auxerre)
26.    MID: Mohamed Camara (Red Bull Salzburg)
27.    MID: Rominigue Kouame (Troyes)
28.    MID: Hamidou Traore (Giresunspor)

Likely XI: Diarra; Hama.Traore*, Kouyate, S.Coulibaly, M.Haidara; Samassekou, Bissouma, A.Haidara; A.Traore, Djenepo; K.Coulibaly

Mali have, as mentioned with The Gambia, been drawn into a relatively kind group and progress into the knockout stages will be seen as a must. They steamrolled their also very kind 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification group, too, just a few months ago.

📈 Best tackle success %s in #PL (2021/22; 40+ tackles won):

8⃣8⃣%: @Yves_Bissouma* (50 tackles won)
8⃣0⃣%: Mitchell (60)
7⃣7⃣%: Rodri (41)
7⃣4⃣%: Emerson Royal (48)
7⃣1⃣%: Cash (47), McGinn (46)
7⃣0⃣%: Rice (44)

* reached 💯 Prem appearances on Sunday. #BHAFC @OfficialBHAFC pic.twitter.com/uiAGhH0C1O

— playmakerstats (@playmaker_EN) January 3, 2022

A midfield trio of Diadie Samassekou, Amadou Haidara and Yves Bissouma is extremely impressive and provides a good platform for their array of middling attacking talent, led mainly by Moussa Djenepo, to thrive. It might be functional and low-scoring but this is a strong Mali side.

MAURITANIA

Manager: Didier Gomes Da Rosa

Captain: Ismail Diakhate 

Ranking: 103rd (23rd in CAF)

1.    GK: M’Backe N’Diaye (Nouakchott Kings)
2.    DEF: Souleymane Karamoko (Nancy-Lorraine)
3.    DEF: Aly Abeid (Valenciennes)
4.    DEF: Harouna Abou Demba 
5.    DEF: Abdoul Ba (Al-Ahli Tripoli)
6.    MID: Khassa Camara (NorthEast United)
7.    FWD: Idrissa Thiam (ASAC Concorde)
8.    MID: Guessouma Fofana (Cluj)
9.    FWD: Hemeya Tanjy (Nouadhibou)
10.    FWD: Adama Ba (RS Berkane)
11.    FWD: Oumar Camara (Beroe Stara Zagora)
12.    MID: Almike N’Diaye (GOAL FC)
13.    DEF: Diadie Diarra (GOAL FC)
14.    MID: Mohamed Dellahi Yali
15.    DEF: Houssen Abderrahmane (Francis Borains)
16.    GK: Mohamed El Mokhtar (Douanes)
17.    MID: Abdallahi Mahmoud (Istra 1961)
18.    MID: Yacoub Sidi Ethmane (AS Vita)
19.    FWD: Souleymane Doukara (Giresunspor)
20.    DEF: Abdoulkader Thiam (US Boulogne)
21.    DEF: El Hassen Houeibib (Al-Zawraa)
22.    GK: Babacar Diop (Nouadhibou)
23.    MID: Mouhamed Soueid (Nouadhibou)
24.    MID: Ibrehima Coulibaly (Le Mans)
25.    FWD: Pape Ibnou Ba (Le Havre)
26.    MID: Bodda Mouhsine (Nouadhibou)
27.    FWD: Aboubakar Kamara (Aris Thessaloniki)
28.    MID: Beyatt Lekweiry (Douanes)

Likely XI: Diop; Karamoko, Ay.Ba*, Diarra, Abeid; I.Coulibaly, Dellahi; Ad.Ba, Fofana, O.Camara; A.Kamara

Despite being ranked higher than a few teams left in the competition, it would be difficult to find many teams worse or make many arguments against Mauritania being one of the weakest in the tournament.

Former Fulham striker Aboubakar Kamara will be set to be their star man leading the line of a Mauritania side that come into the tournament on the back of one win in their last 11 matches. They will be expected to finish at the bottom of this group.

TUNISIA

Manager: Mondher Kebaier 

Captain: Wahbi Khazri

Ranking: 30th (4th in CAF)

1.    GK: Farouk Ben Mustapha (ES Tunis)
2.    DEF: Bilel Ifa (Club Africain)
3.    DEF: Montassar Talbi (Rubin Kazan)
4.    DEF: Omar Rekik (Arsenal)
5.    DEF: Oussama Haddadi (Yeni Malatyaspor)
6.    DEF: Dylan Bronn (Metz)
7.    FWD: Youssef Msakni (Al-Arabi)
8.    MID: Saif-Eddine Khaoui (Clermont Foot)
9.    FWD: Yoann Touzghar (Troyes)
10.    FWD: Wahbi Khazri (Saint-Etienne)
11.    FWD: Seifeddine Jaziri (Zamalek)
12.    DEF: Ali Maaloul (Al Ahly)
13.    DEF: Ali Abdi (Caen)
14.    MID: Hannibal Mejbri (Manchester United)
15.    MID: Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane (ES Tunis)
16.    GK: Aymen Dahmen (CS Sfaxien)
17.    MID: Ellyes Skhiri (Cologne)
18.    MID: Ghailene Chaalali (ES Tunis)
19.    MID: Hamza Rafia (Standard Liege)
20.    DEF: Mohamed Drager (Nottingham Forest)
21.    DEF: Hamza Mathlouthi (Zamalek)
22.    GK: Bechir Ben Said (US Monastir)
23.    FWD: Naim Sliti (Al-Ettifaq)
24.    DEF: Mohamed Amine Ben Hamida (ES Tunis)
25.    MID: Anis Ben Slimane (Brondby)
26.    GK: Ali Jemal (ES Sahel)
27.    FWD: Issam Jebali (Odense)
28.    MID: Aissa Laidouni (Ferencvaros)

Likely XI: Ben Mustapha; Drager, Talbi, Bronn, Maaloul; Skhiri, Ben Slimane; Sliti, Khaoui, Mejbri; Khazri*

There has been a lot of uncertainty in Tunisia’s build-up. Youssef Msakni and Seifeddine Jaziri, who are not necessarily expected to be starters, have already tested positive for COVID-19 and their replacements not allowed.

However, on-the-pitch, despite a relatively weak side in comparison to some of the other pre-tournament favourites, Tunisia have been impressive. They were runners’ up at last month’s FIFA Arab Cup and saw off an impressive and improved Equatorial Guinea in 2022 FIFA World Cup qualification a couple of months ago. They are expected to get past the Round of 16 but anything further than that will surely be a bonus.