treva
ICC Chairman
Group B
A look at Group B in detail
Congo
Congo have had mixed fortunes in the African Cup of Nations. Back in 1972 they won the cup for
the first time, but ever since then they have slowly gone downhill. In the past 7 African
Cup of nations they have only managed to qualify once. This time round they have a young side hungry
to bring back the form of the past, and produce some quality football that they know Congo can do.
Without many star players, they will need to work as a team if they are to succeed against the likes
of Ghana, Morocco and South Africa in their group. Blackburn defender Christopher Samba is their
stand out player, with many others from French, German, South African, Gabon and Congo sides. They
are very much underdogs in Group B, but they have very chance of sneaking in under the eye of the other
nations.
Player to Watch: Christopher Samba - The 6ft 4in Blackburn defender, is the only Congo player to
be playing in one of the top leagues in the world. Moving from Hertha Berlin in 2007 to Premier League
side Blackburn, he has featured 34 times, and scored 4 goals. At age 23 he is a great young prospect, with
most of the weight of the side on his shoulders. He is a regular starter at Blackburn and will be looking
to give his national side Congo some of the form he has hit with Blackburn. Definitely one of the best
defenders in the tournament, and easily Congo's man to watch. Look out for the defenders strong tackles
and towering headers.
Group Prediction: 4th
Ghana
Ghana have a fantastic record in the African Cup of Nations, but recent African Cup of nations form has not
reflected that history, or their FIFA World Ranking. The highest ranked nation in the competition, and home
support still doesn't give them status as favourites to lift the trophy. What they do have is quality in numbers.
Their top players include Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien, Fenerbah?e and Ghana captain Stephen Appiah and
Sulley Ali Muntari from Portsmouth. There is no doubt that this team has enough quality and support to win
this year's African Cup of Nations, but will poor form in the
competition come to haunt them again. All of
those Ghana supporters will certainly hope not.
Player to Watch: Asamoah Gyan - This 22 year old has already shown his talent at international level, winning
2 caps and scoring 3 goals. This young prospect shows that even among world class players, a young player can
still be recognised as a quality player. He will be hoping to add to his tally of three goals in his short
international career and on the way helping his side through to the quarter finals. Gyan may be young but
his presence is definitely felt when he goes up for headers. He may not be the tallest but he is very strong
in the air and is a good target man. Watch out also for his cool finishing.
Group Prediction: 1st
Morocco
A very mixed history for Morocco in the African Cup of Nations. They have won the competition once back in 1976,
but have had very poor spells also. They have come third, fourth (twice), second and made the quarter finals.
Between those finishes they have been poor, not qualifying 9 out of 22 entries, and made just round one 6 times.
After making it to the final, only to be runners up in 2004, they will be looking to recapture some of the good
form everyone knows they can produce. They have quite a few well capped players such as Mustapha Hadji, Talal
El Karkouri and Marouane Chamakh in their side. They have a good opportunity to make it passed round one and
into the quarter's here in Group B.
Player to Watch: Marouane Chamakh - One of the stars of this Morocco side, at 24 he has played 36 times for
Morocco scoring 12 goals. With a record of 1 goal per 3 games he is Morocco's most prolific goal scorer. They
will need him to be on form in this year's competition, as he holds the key on whether Morocco can progress
or not.
Group Prediction: 2nd
South Africa
Since being allowed to participate in the African Cup of Nations in 1994 they have won it, come second, third
and made the quarter finals. But in the past two competitions they haven't made it past the 1st round. They will
be hoping to return to the top of African football this year. Unlike many of the other nations, there are a
few players based in the home country. There are some quality overseas players such as Aaron Mokoena
(Blackburn), Benni McCarthy (Blackburn) and Quinton Fortune (Leeds). Are South Africa going to be able to
prove to the world that they are one of the best sides in Africa by making it through to the quarter finals?
Player to Watch: Benni McCarthy - The greatest goal scorer South Africa have ever had with 33 goals
in 69 caps. A skillful striker that can and will take on even the best defences and score goals. He loves the
ball played into his feet so he can do his work past the defenders. Has a great first touch and is
lethal one on one. If South Africa get past the first round then he could be a contender for top goal scorer
of the competition.
Group Prediction: 3rd
Benni McCarthy is a force to be reckoned with
