treva
ICC Chairman
Group D
A look at Group D in detail
Libya
Apart from the 1 time they came runners-up in 1982, they have only made round 1 once and the
rest they have not participated or made it to the African Cup of Nations. In 2006 it was the 1st
time in 24 years that they made it into the competition, and they will be looking to build on that
this time around. Libya have been placed in the slightly un-noticed group out of the 4. Libya came
out on top after winning 5 and drawing one in their easy Group 1 of the qualifiers. They will be looking
to improve on last year's performance by being the surprise package of Group D.
Player to Watch: Tarek Al-Tayeb - The short left midfielder is arguably Libya's best player. The Libyan
winger came 5th and 6th in 2003 and 2004 in the African Player of the year competition. The 30 year old has played 24 times for his
country, scoring 4 goals. His quick pace will be key to many of Libya's attacks, and he is certainly the man to look out for.
Group Prediction: 4th
Nigeria
Probably the biggest of the 4 African teams in Group D. Nigeria have won 2 African
Cup of Nation titles, back in 1980 and 1994. In the last 4 competitions they have
come 3rd three times and made 2nd once. They hope to go one step further this time,
as they face up with Libya, Tunisia and Zimbabwe. They have quality all over the pitch,
with many premiership stars such as John Obi Mikel (Chelsea), Joseph Yobo and Yakubu
(Everton, John Utaka (Portsmouth), as well as Obafemi Martins who has recently joined
Italian side Palermo from Newcastle.
Player to Watch: Yakubu - Yakubu is one of the best finishers in English football. Yakubu has a great record
at club and international level. The Everton striker has scored 115 goals in 285 career appearances, including internationals, which
averages at just under a goal every 2 and a half games. Certainly a candidate for top goal scorer, and will fit in perfectly alongside his other
strike partners.
Group Prediction: 1st
Tunisia
Alongside Nigeria, Tunisia come into this group with top quality players and form.
Champions 2 years ago, and quarter finalists last time round, they will hope for some
good results right from the off. The match between them and Nigeria has been placed
down as one of the biggest games of the group stages, and will be certainly a game of
quality football. Big players such as Riadh Bouazizi, Jaouhar Mnari and Mehdi Nafti will be
instrumental in their title hopes. Certainly a side who could go all the way, but they will
have to hit top form to do so.
Player to Watch: Issam Jomaa - The 24 year old striker has played 18 times for his country, scoring in 8 of them.
His strength and acceleration is something to look out for whilst he chases a through ball. Definitely one who could
win games for Tunisia, and he may have to if the big stars don't perform.
Group Prediction: 2nd
Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe have made the African Cup of Nations twice in the past 2 competitions, but
haven't qualified or entered from 1957 to 2002. Zimbabwe have many experienced players,
with a total cap count of 552, they go in to the tournament as probably the most experienced team.
With little quality though they will most likely struggle against the likes of Nigeria and Tunisia, but if
they get it right, they are more than capable of producing an upset or two.
Player to Watch: Benjani - The Portsmouth striker is easily Zimbabwe's best player. 11 goals in 37 for his country
shows that pedigree he has for goals. A very skillful player who can be a talisman at times for the side he plays for.
With not many star players around him, he will have to try and light up Zimbabwe's performances, but with his
superb finishing skills, he is definitely up there with the best in this competition.
Group Prediction: 3rd
Yakubu - The top-class striker will
be a key man in Nigeria's title hopes
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