Giants Ghana, Senegal, Algeria and Egypt will fancy their chances with Nigeria conspicuous by their absence having failed to qualify
The 31st edition of the African Cup of Nations kicks off today at 18h00 when hosts Gabon clash with Guinea-Bissau. The showpiece tournament will take place in a politically charged environment but the hope is that football will be the ultimate talking point.
Giants Ghana, Senegal, Algeria and Egypt will fancy their chances with the Super Eagles of Nigeria conspicuous by their absence having failed to qualify. That failure reinforces the unpredictability and inconsistency in African football; anything can and probably will happen in Gabon when Africa’s most dazzling talents fight for the continent’s ultimate prize.