Winner
Favourites have a nasty habit of falling by the wayside at the Cup of Nations, a fact that the Ivory Coast know only too well.
However, this time I believe that the Elephants may finally exorcise the demons that plagued the ‘Golden Generation’ for so long.
Offensively, the Ivorians, as ever, look particularly strong, with Wilfried Bony surely buoyed after his recent £28-million transfer to Manchester City, and African Player of the Year Yaya Toure in his prime.
Defensively there are concerns, but having axed Sol Bamba, Copa Barry and Arthur Boka during qualification, there was a marked improvement and, given more time to work with the unit as a whole, Herve Renard will surely guarantee a measure of organisation and competency.
Mentally, as well, Mr Motivator may be able to ensure that the Elephants do not suffer the kind of collapse that has haunted them in the past.
Surely it can’t go wrong again … can it?
Top Scorer
I’m torn between Bony and Eric Choupo-Moting. Both players have been in fine fettle at club level so far this season and will have designs on lifting the African title in February.
Ultimately, I’m going to plump for Bony as top scorer, mainly because I question whether Cameroon have enough creativity in midfield to fuel their attackers.
Bony, by contrast, should benefit from the sterling work of Toure, Gervinho and others, and will be relishing contests to come against Guinea and Mali.
Player of the Tournament
With the exception of players such as the aforementioned Toure and Gervinho, Africa can’t call upon too many truly world-class operators at the moment.
Two men who could step into this upper echelon are Charles Kabore and Nicolas N’Koulou.
The former remains the lynchpin of Burkina Faso’s side and has the capacity to drive the Stallions deep into the tournament. Currently playing in Russia with Kuban Krasnodar, the central midfielder is more than capable of making a big move back to one of Europe’s major leagues on the back of a good Afcon.
N’Koulou is another player who has been linked with a move to one of Europe’s giants. Ahead of rookie goalkeeper Fabrice Ondoa, and potentially shorn of Stephane Mbia, his central defensive partner, the stylish N’Koulou will be keen to blossom at his second-ever Afcon showing.
Can he celebrate by lifting the title with Cameroon?
Breakout Star
Happily, there are quite a few names to choose from here, with numerous bright young things populating the African game.
Tunisia could be set for a long run in the competition, with the draw having opened up nicely for them. I expect Ferjani Sassi to demonstrate why his subtle, measured passing ability and his astute work in the heart of the park deserve the highest recognition.
Dark Horses
There are a few contenders here. I could name South Africa, whose unity and confidence may see them escape from the Group of Death. However, will Shakes Mashaba regret axing influential midfielder Thulani Serero?
Burkina Faso, by contrast, look to be a fairly complete outfit. The defensive unit is almost the same as it was in 2013, with only Narcisse Bambara replacing Mani Panandetiguiri at left-back, while Alain Traore remains fit and should be in a position to complement the incisive attacking talents of Jonathan Pitroipa.
With Kabore pulling the strings, they could be set to surprise one or two observers. Could a return to the final be on the cards?
Disappointment
Ghana could be set for a tough time of it in the Group of Death. There are simply too many uncertainties hanging over the Black Stars and they may well be set up for a fall.
The taxing nature of Group C means that the four-time winners cannot afford a slip up, however, the team are still finding their feet under Avram Grant, who only recently took the helm.
The Black Stars were unconvincing during qualification and were even defeated by minnows Uganda. Can Grant effectuate change in the little time he has?
Finally, the injured Kwadwo Asamoah will be a major loss. He can do a job up and down the left flank and also brings something a different to the heart of the park. Without him, Ghana’s central midfield risks being full of endeavour but low on inventiveness.
I expect Ghana to be one of the Group of Death’s victims … and I suspect one or two South Africa fans will hope I’m right.
Match of the First Round
I’m particularly looking forward to Bafana Bafana’s opener against Algeria.
Considering the status and the prestige of their opponents, there is a hope that South Africa will feel unburdened and repeat some of their marvellous performances of the pre-tournament friendlies.
However, the Fennecs are menacing foe and will, themselves, be looking to demonstrate why they are considered among the tournament favourites.
Can the North Africans assert themselves in the Group of Death, or can Mashaba’s side show that they are the real deal, rather than a work in progress?
What are your Afcon predictions? Comment below and let us know.
Ed Dove
@EddyDove
EddyDove.com