CAN 2022 (January 9-February 6) promises to be hotly contested. Discover the favorites, outsiders and possible surprises of the African Cup of Nations.
In Cameroon, 24 nations will try to include their name in the prize list of the prestigious competition of the African continent. Between Algeria, reigning champion, and promising novices from the Comoros, an overview of the competing teams.
Big favorite: Algeria
If like any competition, and even more the African Cup, everything is far from over, the ultra favorite of this CAN 2022 remains Algeria despite everything. Holders of the title, Djamel Belmadi’s men will come to Cameroon in scarecrows. They have also just won (even if it was a “local” team) the Arab Cup 2021. And with an incredible series of 34 games without losing, as much to say that confidence is great in the unbeatable Fennecs.
Favorites: Senegal, Cameroon, Egypt
Behind Algeria, three nations stand out: Senegal, Cameroon and Egypt. The Lions of Teranga, led by Sadio Mané and the wall Edouard Mendy, will want revenge for the final lost in 2019 against the Algerians (1-0). Never titled, the Senegalese dream of finally lifting the trophy with their “golden generation”.
At home, Cameroon, which may not have the best team in its history, will still be a favorite for the supreme title. Karl-Toko Ekambi’s teammates will have the advantage of the field and the public (a gauge of 80% against 60% for the others). And for once, they had no extra-sporting problems before the competition (in terms of bonuses in particular). Enough to go to the end?
Another Liverpool player will want to take his selection to the top: Mohamed Salah. The Pharaoh, whose team is coached by Carlos Queiroz, will want to confirm Egyptian power in Africa with why not an eighth title.
Outsiders: Ivory Coast, Morocco, Tunisia
Led by Sébastien Haller, goalscorer for Ajax Amsterdam, Côte d’Ivoire could return to the top during this CAN 2022. The Ivorians, titled in 2015 for the second time in their history and trained by Patrick Beaumelle, could well create the surprise.
The Morocco of Vahid Halilhodzic is often expected but always disappointing in competition. We will still have to rely on the Atlas Lions, without Hakim Ziyech, who have a very homogeneous group with players capable of making a difference. During the second round of the Africa qualifiers for the World Cup, the Moroccans also finished with 6 wins in as many games.
Wahbi Khazri’s Tunisia never makes noise but it often advances very far in the competition. Around a team of very good local players and a few playing in Europe, the Carthage Eagles remain capable of the best.
To watch: Nigeria, Ghana, Mali
Initially placed in the underdogs, Nigeria is finally deprived of its striker Victor Osimhen. It will therefore be necessary to see how the Super Eagles, who however have other offensive weapons (Iwobi, Iheanacho), will organize themselves, they who are a real safe bet on the African continent.
The Ghana of the Ayew brothers will also be to watch in this CAN 2022. It has been a while since the Black Stars have shone in Africa but their cohesion is still causing damage. Especially if the mayonnaise sets.
Finally, Mali is surely the team that nobody expects but it is certainly the one that will surprise more than one. With a golden generation shining in Europe, the Malian Eagles and their iron defense could well be the big sensation of the competition.