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 Herald Globe 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 Herald Globe.
More InformationCONCORD, New Hampshire: A federal judge in New Hampshire issued a crucial ruling on July 10 against President Donald Trump's executive...
DUBAI, U.A.E.: A cargo ship flagged under Liberia, known as the Eternity C, sank in the Red Sea following an attack executed by Yemen's...
WASHINGTON, D.C.: The Trump administration has started sending some weapons to Ukraine again, just a week after the Pentagon told officials...
ECAULT BEACH, France: On clear days, the white cliffs of the United Kingdom, are visible from northern France, where men, women, and...
ATLANTA, Georgia: The United States is facing its worst measles outbreak in more than three decades, with 1,288 confirmed cases so...
In the past month alone, 23 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Gaza—three more than the number of remaining living hostages held...
Poonch (Jammu and Kashmir) [India], July 13 (ANI): NY 49 RR of Romeo Force of the Indian Army organised the Cricket Premier League...
(Photo credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images) The potential tying run had just reached base Saturday when Milwaukee Brewers third baseman...
(Photo credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images) Left-hander Sean Manaea finally appears set to make his season debut for the New York Mets....
(Photo credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images) It was fitting that the Astros had to dig deep into their reconfigured bench in the latter...
(Photo credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images) After hitting their season's low point a week ago, the Cleveland Guardians have reversed...
(Photo credit: David Richard-Imagn Images) In a span of 10 pitches Saturday, the Cincinnati Reds ensured they wouldn't be swept for...