AFCON Preview: Group E “Defending Champions, 2015 Host
and Winners

By Ngome Michael

The 50,000 seater Japoma Complex will welcome hostilities of the 33rd edition of the African Cup of Nations on the following days.

Tuesday January 11- Algeria Vs Sierra Leone

Wednesday January 12- Equatorial Guinea Vs Ivory Coast.

Sunday January 16- Ivory Coast Vs Sierra Leone and Algeria Vs Equatorial Guinea.

Thursday January 20- Ivory Coast Vs Algeria and Sierra Leone Equatorial Guinea.

Yet another tricky fallout of August 17 pairings, group head, Algeria return to Cameroon not only to defend their title but to equally set a new record of most unbeaten international match record.

The Desert Foxes tread on a high level of confidence following a recent 3-0 win over Ghana, three days to kick-off, FIFA Arab Cup title and 34 match unbeaten run.

Djamel Belmadi and Algeria will look to Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez in dying moments for assists and goals. Youcef Balaili, 30, possesses exceptional dribbling skills and blends perfectly with teammates will be another assert for Algeria in Douala.

Belmadi is expected to field 2019 familiar title winning faces in his results producing 4-4-2 formation. The champions with the current display of tactical flexibility remain undisputed favorites.

The Nzalang Naćional making a third appearance with the most the successful outing back in 2015 when they hosted and finished fourth will hope to maintain this trajectory in the AFCON.

Placed side by side with group adversaries, Juan Micha’s team comprise of little known players who have found a thing in sticking together.

Pedro Obiang, Jose Machine are among a few who ply their trade Europe with the latter capable of making threatening runs.

One problem Micha will have deal with in Cameroon is a poor defense that conceded 7goals during the qualifiers.

All is not well in the Ivorian camp as AFCON countdown draws near. Veteran keeper, Sylvian Gbohou on December 30 2021 received a ban from FIFA for consuming a ban substance. Prior the team’s jetting off for Cameroon, the experienced Alain Max Gradel learned of the unexpected death of his father.

Patrice Beaumelle and the the two time champions will need to quickly overcome the emotional dark moments before starting their campaign.

A disappointing world Cup qualifier for an “all star” team under reconstruction, The Elephants of Ivory Coast will have go deep into the tournament so as to win back the hearts of supporters.

The squad depth is huge. Captain Serge Aurier, Wilfred Zaha, Eric Bailly, goal porcher, Sébastien Haller and inform Maxwell Cornet will have revert back the wining mentality of Ivory Coast.

After more than two decades of absence, the Leone Stars reappear in the AFCON final to challenge heavyweights.

John Keister is hoping to see the side go beyond the group stages in their third spell. To achieve this objective Sierra Leone will have to be at its extreme best.

MLS fifth all time top scorer, Lie Kamara whose goal from the spot against Benin sealed qualification will have to work closely with new call-ups by Kiester.

While all set to host group E, only results of the next four matchdays will stand to confirm or condemn some hasty conclusion across the horizon.