You’ve heard all about them by now, haven’t you?
Ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations that kicked off on Friday night, pundits and bookmakers identified teams worthy enough to bear the ‘favorites’ tag — and I’m pretty sure you believed them. Not that I blame you, but here’s a spoiler: Afcon 2019 has no real favorites.
Well, maybe there are, but the queue blurs beyond hosts and record champions Egypt. The traditional powerhouses aren’t particularly striking this time, which only feeds the theory that favorites have grown somewhat extinct at the continental showpiece over the years.
The last time a team widely tipped for the title fulfilled those expectations was in 2010, Egypt emerging champions at a third successive edition. Since then, it has largely been a case of hit-and-miss for anyone who has dared to predict the destination of the glittering winners’ prize.
Nobody quite believed Zambia had triumphed in 2012 until skipper Christopher Katongo hoisted the trophy on one weird February night in Libreville. The next three tournaments were won by heavyweights alright, but none was in exactly vintage shape: Stephen Keshi’s Nigeria hardly sparkled when they arrived in South Africa, Ivory Coast in 2015 was in the twilight of a golden generation, and Cameroon two years ago turned out a patched-up side shorn of some of its best players.
The Afcon’s latest instalment offers even fewer guarantees. It is a very open field — a large one, too — and any team, from Ghana who barely look primed for a first crown in 37 years to debutants Burundi, could spring a surprise on us all.
Okay, the Burundi extremity seems a bit of a stretch, but, still, if you wish to back a team for glory, the smart money is probably on the side you least expect to achieve it. From a pack of 24, by all means, do take your time in making a choice.
Sammie Frimpong — Daily Mail GH
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