The 2022 (technically 2021) AFCON is the 33rd edition of the tournament which will be hosted in Cameroon.
The tournament should have been played in the summer of 2021.
However, due to the Covid pandemic and the World Cup being played in December 2023, they had to go back to their previous scheduling, so the finals will be played from January 9th to February 6th.
There are six groups with the top two teams going into the last 16, along with the best four third-placed teams.
Below is my group by group preview and predictions ……
GROUP A
BURKINA FASO
Best Finish: 2nd – 2013
Star Man: Bertand Traoré
One to Watch: Zakaria Sanogo
After not qualifying for the 2019 tournament, Burkina Faso qualified for these finals top of their group, ahead of Malawi, with three wins and three draws from six games, only conceding two goals.
Previous to 2019, they qualified for five straight tournaments with, including a runner up finish, they were third in 2017. This is their 13th appearance in the finals.
They look well placed to make it out of the group, with a new younger generation mixed with experience.
No doubt they will be led by the flair and goal scoring abilities of Bertrand Traoré, but will count on their skipper at the back Issoufou Dayo as well as the defensive abilities of Steeve Yago and Edmond Tapsoba. Going forward, Abdoul Tapsoba is maybe one to watch but Zakaria Sanogo could really be a breakout star.
With a few established names out, mostly in the attacking areas, Burkina Faso will now rely heavily on their tight and compact defensive play. A strong and physical team, they like to close spaces, then play quick and direct counter attacking football to nick a goal then defend with their lives.
FIFA RANK: 60
PREDICTION: LAST 16
CAMEROON
Best Finish: 1st – 84, 88, 2000, 2002, 2017
Star Man: Vincent Aboubakar
One to Watch: Andre-Frank Zambo-Anguissa
The hosts are one of the AFCON powerhouses, having won it five times. This is their 20th appearance and in their last 10 finals, they have only failed to reach the QF’s once and won in three times in that period.
They qualified top of their group, but just a point ahead of Cape Verde, who inflicted their only loss in qualifying.
With the added advantage of hosting the tournament, Cameroon are expected to have a deep run to the later stages. They have quality throughout the squad from goalkeeper André Onana, to defenders Michael Ngadeu-Ngadjui & Collins Fai.
Midfielder Andre-Frank Zambo-Anguissa who will dictate play from deep. Also forwards, captain Vincent Aboubakar, Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting and Clinton N’jie who could surprise a few.
With a Portuguese manager since 2019, it would come as no surprise that Cameroon like to play a slick, keep ball type football. They have an athletic team who like to press, play quickly and overrun their opponents in all areas of the pitch.
FIFA RANK: 50
PREDICTION: Runners Up
CAPE VERDE
Best Finish: QF – 2013
Star Man: Ryan Mendes
One to Watch: Djaniny
This is only Cape Verde’s third appearance in the finals, and I can imagine they will not be too thrilled at drawing Cameroon, as they finished runner up to them in qualifying.
However, they did beat them and finished the group unbeaten. In 2015 they failed to get out of the group stages and will be looking to better that this time around.
In order to do this, they will need to draw on their defensive solidity starting with goalkeeper Vozinha and defenders Carlos Ponck, Stopira and Jeffry Fortes.
The experience in midfield of captain Marco Soares pulling the strings and the goals of star man Ryan Mendes, who will hope to get support from Garry Rodrigues and Djaniny who has a trick or two up his sleeve.
Cape Verde has a distinct Latin influence in their team, having previously had a Brazilian and now with their fourth Portuguese manager.
Their defence is in their attack, as they really like to keep the ball and play neat and tidy, pass and move football. They often wait for the right openings to create goalscoring opportunities.
FIFA RANK: 73
PREDICTION: LAST 16
ETHIOPIA
Best Finish: 1st – 1962
Star Man: Getaneh Kebede
One to Watch: Abubeker Nassir
Although Ethiopia are playing in their 11th finals, it will be only their second appearance since 1984. A founder member of the African football Confederation and a former big player, they will be happy just to be back in the big time.
They qualified as group runners up, four points behind Ivory Coast and just a point ahead of Madagascar. They won all three games at home but lost all three away.
They are the favourites to finish bottom and it will be a tall order to get out of the group. There is not much international experience in the squad, with all but just two players playing outside the country.
In order to cause an upset, they will need to draw on the experienced players such as their main man and captain Getenah Kebede, also midfielders Shimelis Buckle and Gatoch Panom, defender Aschalew Tameness and young forwards Amanuel Gebremichael and Abubeker Nassir who they have real high hopes for.
Ethiopia like to switch between technical ball playing football and quick wing play. They like to play football and keep the ball on the ground, but also like to use the width to run in behind players.
Being far from a physical team, they often use nippy and nimble players to move the ball quickly to create openings.
FIFA RANK: 137
PREDICTIONS: Group Stage
GROUP B
GUINEA
Best Finish: 2nd – 1976
Star Man: Naby Keita
One to Watch: Amadou Diawara
Guinea are playing in their 13th finals, they’ve been to six of the last nine finals, but never been past the QF’s stage, since they came runner up in 1976.
They qualified second in the group, two points behind Mali and two points ahead of Namibia, losing just one game. Guinea’s not had a great build up as their French manager since 2019 Dider Six was sacked in October, with assistant manager Keba Diawara taking the reins.
They will take heart from being knocked out in the last tournament by eventual winners Algeria.
Naturally, they will be expected to get out of the group this time around but if they are to go any further, they will need big performances from their main man Naby Keita, along with the promising Amadou Diawara in midfield and Ibrahima Sory Conté. Also, Abdoulaye Cissé at the back and the experience of Seydouba Soumah up front.
Guinea are another team who like to or try to play neat and tidy attacking football. Due to not being overly physical, they are really heavy on keeping the ball in midfield, then trying to burst into life in the final third to win games.
FIFA RANK: 81
PREDICTION: LAST 16
MALAWI
Best Finish: Group Stage – 1984, 2010
Star Man: John Banda
One to Watch: Richard Mbulu
One of the real rank outsiders, Malawi are playing in just their third finals and have never been out the group stages.
It will be hard for them to make it out this time. They did well to qualify as runners up, two points behind Burkina Faso but two points ahead of Uganda and did not concede a single goal at home.
Malawi are so determined to do well, they demoted their manager to assistant and brought in Romanian Mario Marinica, as technical director and interim head coach.
He will look to players such as captain John Banda and Gerald Phi in midfield. Also, experienced defenders Stanley Sanudi and Limbikani Mzava as well as striker Richard Mbulu who is usually relied upon to get the goals.
Although they are trying to be more attacking, I doubt Malawi will deviate much from their tight and compact defensive style of play. They like to stifle their opponents with a rigid and disciplined system, then try to nick a goal on a set play or one-off attack.
FIFA RANK: 129
PREDICTION: Group Stage
SENEGAL
Best Finish: 2nd – 2002, 2019
Star Man: Sadio Mané
One to Watch: Ismaïla Sarr
It’s a surprise when you think of all the talent Senegal’s had over the years, that they have never won this tournament.
Two runners up finishes is all they have to show, and losing the final in 2019 must hurt but make them even more determined this time around.
They qualified as group winners, five points from Guinea-Bissau, winning four and drawing two, concdeing just two goals. Senegal are the highest Fifa ranked team in this tournament.
Another run to the finals has to be their minimum, especially with quality throughout the squad from goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, to defenders captain Kalidou Koulibaly and Abdou Diallo.
With idfielders Cheikhou Kouyaté and Idrissa Gueye also forwards Sadio Mané and Ismaïla Sarr, who is recovering from injury but if not, they do also have the very capable Famara Diédhiou and or, Boulaye Dia.
Senegal used to play a frantic, all action, attacking type football. However, with more of a European influence, they are now a thoughtful and measured attacking team, with a nice blend of strength, technical ability and attacking flair, who will give any team a good game.
FIFA RANK: 20
PREDICTION: Winners
ZIMBABWE
Best Finish: Group Stage – 04, 06, 17, 19
Star Man: Knowledge Musona
One to Watch: Tino Kadewere
Playing in their fifth finals, Zimbabwe must be looking to get out of the group stages for the first time.
They have now qualified for their third straight finals and could be in somewhat of a golden era. They qualified runners up, six points behind defending champions Algeria and just a point ahead of Zambia.
Highlight in qualifying was a credible 2-2 home draw against Algeria, after coming back from two goals down.
However, their prospects of getting out the group has taken some severe hits with a few very notable players missing through injury.
That has put even more emphasis on the likes of captain and star striker Knowledge Musona also Tino Kadewere. Along with midfielder Kudakwashe Mahachi and defender Teenage Hadebe.
Zimbabwe like to think of themselves as a passing team, they have athletic, technical runners, who are strong and physical, but want to play football and keep the ball. However, they are known to play direct when things don’t go their way and have had success with it.
FIFA RANK: 121
PREDICTION: Group Stages
GROUP C
COMOROS
Best Finish: First appearance
Star Man: Youssouf M’Changama
One to Watch: El Fardou Ben Nabouhane
Comoros are one of two debutants in these finals and considering they’ve only been part of the African Confederation since 2003 and Fifa since 2005, it’s a monumental achievement.
They qualified as runners up, three points behind Egypt and two points ahead of Kenya. Manager Amir Abode made headlines by only picking one home born player in his 26-man squad.
Obviously, it will be a tall order for Comoros, the smallest nation in these finals to make it out the group. If they were to pull off that miracle, it will be down to such players like experienced defender Nadjim Abdou and Benjaloud Youssouf.
Midfielder and star man Youssouf M’Changama as well as Fouad Bachirou, also striker El Fardou Ben Nabouhane who will be relied upon for goals.
A lot of their success is built off a strong and disciplined defensive structure, where runners work hard to shut down players and limit shots on goal.
With the ball, they have technical abilities and try to pick passes to move thorough the pitch from back to front. They also have some good set piece takers and try to use that to their advantage.
FIFA RANK: 132
PREDICTION: Group Stages
GABON
Best Finish: QF – 96, 2021
Star Man: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang
One to Watch: Denis Bouanga
Playing in their 8th finals, Gabon are coming into this tournament having qualified runners up in one of the most closely contested groups.
They finished on the same points as surprise group winners Gambia, with the same goal difference, but scoring a goal less. Then a point ahead of DR Congo. However, they only scored one goal away from home.
However, getting out the group has to be the mission, but it will be very tough considering two of the three teams in this group. With that said, star man and captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has a point to prove after his issues in England and this could be the perfect platform.
All he needs is a bit of support from the likes of experienced defender Lloyd Palun, midfielders Mario Lamina, André Biyogo Poko, also striker Denis Bouanga who really showed his worth in qualifying.
Gabon rely upon an athletic style of football, with lots of wing play and willing runners into the channels. They like to bombard the box with plenty of crosses and balls in from deep, where their front men can attack the ball and trouble defenders.
FIFA RANK: 89
PREDICTION: LAST 16
GHANA
Best Finish: 1st – 63, 65, 78, 82
Star Man: Andrew Ayew
One to Watch: Mohammad Kudus
A former powerhouse in this tournament, Ghana are playing in their 23rd finals and ninth straight. In their quest for a fifth title, they finished runners up twice, third once and fourth three times in that nine-year period.
They qualified top of their group, just a point ahead of Sudan and two ahead of South Africa.
Newly re-appointed manager Milovan Rejavac, who managed the team from 2008-10 and oversaw their historic time when they narrowly lost in the 2010 World Cup QF’s. However, he does not have quite the same calibre of players and his emphasis more now on youth.
But will still look to the experience of the Ayew brothers, also midfielders Thomas Partey and Mubarak Wakaso along with Mohammad Kudus, who looks a real talent. They will also have defenders Daniel Amartey and Jonathan Mensah at the back.
The Ghanaians have a unique blend of African and European influenced style football. They maintain their flair and love to play attacking football, but do it under a structured system where they move the ball from defence, through midfield and to the forwards. They are also very athletic and physical and can mix it when necessary.
FIFA RANK: 52
PREDICTION: Quarter Final
MOROCCO
Best Finish: 1st – 1976
Star Man: Achraf Hakimi
One to Watch: Youssef En-Nesyri
A team largely to be respected but not feared, Morocco are playing in their 18th finals. After their sole success in 1976, the closest they have been to emulating that was a runner up in 2004, they also finished third in 1980.
They qualified very comfortably, top of their group, five points ahead of Mauritania and only conceded one goal, the least in the group stages.
With the type of system they play, and players they have at their disposal, Morocco could be a real dark horse in this tournament, even with the surprise omission of Chelsea player Ziyach.
However, they do still have the likes of goalkeeper Yassine Bounou, defender Romain Saiss, midfielders Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat and Faycal Fajr, also strikers Youssef En-Nesyri and Munir El Haddadi.
Much of Morocco’s success is built off a strong and stern defensive structure, where the emphasis is on hard work to get plenty of players behind the ball to limit shots. They then like to keep the ball and use fit, athletic runners to produce some magic in the final third.
FIFA RANK: 28
PREDICTION: Fourth
GROUP D
EGYPT
Best Finish: 1st – 57, 59, 86, 98, 06, 08, 10
Star Man: Mohamed Salah
One to Watch: Trezeguet
The most successful African nation are playing in their 25th finals. Regardless of past successes, it wont stop the current crop, as none of them played a part in the previous seven wins and they will surely want to make their own bit of history.
They qualified top of their group, three points ahead of surprise team Comoros, winning three and drawing three.
Egypt will be desperate to erase the disappointment of 2019, when they were knocked out as the host nation by South Africa in the last 16.
To do this, they will no doubt need adequate support for their main man Mo Salah, so the likes of defenders Ahmed Hegazy and Ayman Ashraf, midfielders Mohamed Elneny and Trezeguet, who seems to work well with Salah, also forward Mohamed Sherif, will really need to step up to the plate.
With Portuguese manager Carlos Queiroz, Egypt have a very unique blend of different styles in their play.
Its a European structure mixed with a bit of Latin flair and African skill. They are usually very measured and direct in the build up from back to front, then try to utilise pacy wingers to commit defenders and create opportunities on goal.
FIFA RANK: 45
PREDICTION: Quarter Final
GUINEA-BISSAU
Best Finish: Group stage – 2017, 2019
Star Man: Jonas Mendes
One to Watch: Piqueti
Playing in just their third finals, having qualified for three finals in a row now, this current era in Guinea-Bissau’s history is easily the best ever. Their next step is trying to get out of the group for the first time.
They qualified as runners up, five points behind Senegal and a point ahead of Congo.
With not a favourable draw, I feel they will find it hard to even get points in this group and will desperately need good performances from goalkeeper and captain Jonas Mendes, defenders Nanu and Rudinilson Silva, midfielders, the interestingly named Pele, also Alfa Semedo and Moreto Cassamá as well as, strikers Piqueti and Jorginho.
Although they have a strong Portuguese influence over the years, despite overseeing the most successful time in their history, coach Bacilli Cande has been criticised for their defensive football and lack of goals against the better sides.
However, that solidity has helped them get where they are today, they just need to add a bit more attacking flair.
FIFA RANK: 106
PREDICTION: Group Stage
NIGERIA
Best Finish: 1st – 80, 93, 2013
Star Man: Ahmed Musa
One to Watch: Joe Aribo
Three-time champions Nigeria are the wildcard in this tournament, mainly because you never know exactly what you’ll get. Playing in their 19th finals, they are always one of the favourites.
In their previous 18 tournaments, they have only failed to reach the SF’s on three occasions.
However, after their last win in 2013, they failed to qualify for the next two finals, before finishing third in 2019. They qualified as group winners, a massive seven points ahead of Sierra Leone.
Although they haven’t quite got the same star-studded squad they usually have, they are still expected to make a deep run in the tournament. However, after some big named omissions from the squad, including the top scorer in the qualifiers Victor Osimhen.
The responsibility is left to the likes of defenders Ola Aina and Leon Balogun. Midfielders Joe Aribo, Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka also forward’s, main man Ahmed Musa, Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho.
In keeping with Nigeria’s unpredictable nature. Interim manager Augustine Eguavoen will take charge of the team while the future manager Jose Pesiro has travelled, but allegedly just as an observer.
Regardless, Nigeria are again full of attacking flair, they have athletic, strong runners, who like to commit defenders to create openings. A very physically strong outfit, they can switch from neat and tidy football to a direct style play in an instant.
FIFA RANK: 36
PREDICTION: Quarter Final
SUDAN
Best Finish: 1st – 1970
Star Man: Salah Nemer
One to Watch: Mohamed Abdul Rahman
A founding member of the African Confederation, Sudan are making their 9th finals appearance, but their first since 2012, where they reached the quarter finals.
They qualified for this tournament in a tight group as runners up, a point behind Ghana, but more importantly, two points ahead of South Africa and did not concede a home goal.
As much as it was an achievement to get here, getting out the group will be difficult and their game against Guinea-Bissau will be an interesting one as they were defeated by them recently in a World Cup qualifier.
This should motivate the likes of captain and defender Salah Nemer, midfielders Mohamed Al Rashed, Walieldin Khedr and Dhiya Mahjoub, also forwards Mohamed Abdul Rahman and Seif Teiri.
Sudan’s not had the best preparation after French manager Hubert Velud was sacked after their poor showing in the Arab Cup, losing all three group games.
So, in stepped new manager Burhan Tia as of December 2021. Sudan will probably continue with their defensively strong structure, trying to stay compact and solid, but the manager will try to implement more attacking football within that defensive style.
FIFA RANK: 125
PREDICTION: Group Stage
GROUP E
ALGERIA
Best Finish: 1st – 1990, 2019
Star Man: Riyad Mahrez
One to Watch: Said Benrahma
The defending champions look good and have a real chance at winning back to back titles. Playing in their 19th finals, in their last four tournaments, they had gone out in the group stages twice, so this is a pivotal era for the Algerians.
They qualified top of their group, six points ahead of Zimbabwe and scored the most goals in qualifying.
Algeria are the current form team, not just in Africa, but in world football. They are on a 33-game unbeaten run, which included their recent extra time Arab Cup win, and are closing in on Italy’s 37-game unbeaten record, which they could surpass in this tournament.
To do this, they will continue to look to their main man Riyad Mahrez, along with forwards Baghdad Bounedjah who was joint second top scorer in the qualifiers and Said Benrahma. Midfielders Sofiane Feghouli and Ismael Bennacer, also defenders Aissa Mandi and Ramy Bensebaini, with goalkeeper Rais M’Bolhi.
Part of Algeria success is down to the fact that they are a smooth and fluid attacking team, who can switch from a solid 442 to an ultra-attacking 433 with ease, and both to good effect. They are a fairly direct outfit, who like to get the ball forward as quickly as possible to the danger men in the final third to cause trouble.
FIFA RANK: 29
PREDICTION: Third
EQUATORIAL GUINEA
Best Finish: 4th – 2015
Star Man: Emilio Nsue
One to Watch: Pablo Ganet
Equatorial Guinea will be hard pressed to match their 4th placed finish from the last time they were in this tournament in 2015.
The only time they qualified before that, they got as far as the QF’s in 2012, so the pressure will be on to maintain their 100% record of getting out the group stages, especially as both of those tournaments were in their own country.
They qualified for their third finals as runners up, a massive seven points behind Tunisia, but two points ahead of Tanzania.
Their prospects are already hindered as their star man Pedro Obeying is out injured. This will heap more pressure on captain and record goal scorer Emilio Nsue, who has not played club football this season.
So, support will be needed from the likes of defenders Carlos Akapo and Basilio Ndong, midfielders Josete Miranda and Pablo Ganet, who is their main creator and forward Iban Salvador.
To their credit, Equatorial Guinea like to play progressive attacking football. They have a few quick players and try to take advantage of this by keeping the ball moving as much as possible, trying to beat opponents with pace, running in the channels or balls over the top.
FIFA RANK: 114
PREDICTION: Group Stage
IVORY COAST
Best Finish: 1st – 1992, 2015
Star Man: Wilfried Zaha
One to Watch: Maxwell Cornet
Côte d’Ivoire are another one of the big names in this tournament. Playing in their 24th finals and 8th straight, where in that period they have won it, had two runners up and a fourth place finish.
Although they are somewhat in transition, they could be a dork horse. They qualified comfortably as group winners, four points ahead of Ethiopia.
Although some may feel they are not firing on all cylinders and struggling to combine the old players with the new, they still have a squad capable of challenging. This includes defenders Serge Aurier, Eric Bailly and Willy Boly.
Midfielders Max Gradel, Franck Kessie and Jean Michael Seri also, forwards Nicolas Pepe, Sebastian Haller, Maxwell Cornet and Wilfried Zaha.
Naturally, with such names in attack, Ivory Coast play a free flowing, attacking type football, with plenty of width and runners on either flank. They are also a physical team and are quite handy on set pieces.
FIFA RANK: 56
PREDICTION: Last 16
SIERRA LEONE
Best Finish: Group Stages 1994, 1996
Star Man: Kei Kamara
One to Watch: Alhaji Kamara
After an absence of 26 years, Sierra Leone, who were the last team to qualify, are playing in just their third finals.
Naturally, they are one of the rank outsiders, They qualified as group runners up, a massive seven points behind Nigeria and finished on the same points as Benin but sneaked through via a better goal difference.
Highlight of their qualifying campaign was coming back from being four goals down to draw in Nigeria 4-4.
With no real household names, the main players of the team will have their work cut out for them, starting with captain and defender Umaru Bangura.
He will need support from the likes of midfielders Medo and Kwame Quee, as well as strikers Alhaji Kamara who has a real eye for goal, Mustafa Bandu and star man Kei Kamara.
The jury is still out on Sierra Leone’s style of play. The general consensus is they are an attacking team in a defensive team’s body. They thrive off a strong and disciplined structure, with athletic players to win the ball early and hit teams with quick attacks.
FIFA RANK: 108
PREDICTION: Group Stage
GROUP F
GAMBIA
Best Finish: First Appearance
Star Man: Assan Ceesay
One to Watch: Musa Barrow
The biggest surprise of the qualifiers saw Gambia, who started from the preliminary rounds, qualify for their first AFCON finals as group winners.
They finished the group on the same points as Gabon, but won the group by scoring just one goal more.
Gambia are the smallest mainland country in Africa, so Belgian manager Tom Saintfiet must take massive credit, as since his appointment in 2018, he has transformed their fortunes.
Just getting to this stage is an achievement in itself. But they will not rest on their laurels and if they are to push for a last 16 spot, they will need big performances from the likes of experienced defenders Pa Modou Jagne, Omar Colley and Saidy Janko.
Also midfielders Musa Barrow, Abile Jallow and Erbium Sohna as well as, star striker Assan Ceesay.
Much of Gambia’s success is due to going from having a stern and disciplined defensive structure, to more open, attacking play, with direct, long balls and good set pieces. It’s not really been pretty or easy on the eye at times, but it’s certainly been effective.
FIFA RANK: 150
PREDICTION: Group Stage
MALI
Best Finish: 2nd – 1972
Star Man: Yves Bissouma
One to Watch: Ibrahima Koné
Mali are recent regulars in the AFCON finals having qualified for their ninth straight.
In that period, they recorded two back to back third places in 2012 and 2013. Playing in their 12th finals, they qualified top of their group, two points ahead of Guinea.
They also finished top of their World Cup qualifying group and have done well playing tournaments in Cameroon including their only win in 1972, so could be a dark horse.
Manager Mohamed Magassouba has them playing well and they have a few very capable players in the squad including Yves Bissouma who ends a three-year exile. Also, captain and defender Hamari Traoré, along with Boubakar Kouyaté and Faiyie Sacko.
In midfield Adama M. Traoré, Amadou Haidara and Moussa Djenepo, as well as, up front Khalifa Koulibaly and Ibrahima Koné who has a brilliant scoring record at this level.
Mali are an athletic, attacking team who like to use wing play with plenty of balls or crosses into the box. They are also a physically fit team and try to use that advantage to outrun opponents in a will of endurance to force mistakes.
FIFA RANK: 53
PREDICTION: Quarter Final
MAURITANIA
Best Finish: Group Stage – 2019
Star Man: Aboubakar Kamara
One to Watch: Khassa Camara
It’s fair to say Mauritania are in somewhat of a golden era, considering this is their second appearance in finals, having qualified back to back after their first appearance in 2019.
The next step now is to win a game at the finals. They qualified as runners up, five points behind Morocco but more importantly, four points ahead of Burundi.
Manager Didier Gomes da Rosa has only been in charge since November and was the third manager to take charge of Mauritania in 2021. He could still be getting to know his team but will call on performances from defenders Abdoul Ba and Aly Abeid.
Midfielders Ibrehima Coulibaly, Khassa Camara and Mohamed Dellah, also star striker Aboubakar Kamara. The manager also named the youngest player at these finals, 16-year-old midfielder Beyatt Lekweiry.
Mauritania know what their strengths are and certainly play to them. They play a deep and stifling defensive style, to limit their opponent chances, then try to catch teams on the counter-attack with pacy forwards, if that fails, they try to take advantage of set pieces.
FIFA RANK: 103
PREDICTION: Group Stage
TUNISIA
Best Finish: 1st – 2004
Star Man: Wahbi Khazri
One to Watch: Hannibal Mejbri
The 2004 winners are playing in their 20th finals and 14th in a row. In that period they have won it, finished fourth in 2019 and 2000, came runners up in 1996 with six quarter final finishes and four group stage finishes.
Although they are a regular here, you never know quite what you’ll get from them. They qualified comfortably top of their group, seven points ahead of Equatorial Guinea, winning five and drawing one game.
They will hope to bounce back from losing the Arab Cup final to Algeria, although they did impress, beating Egypt in the SF. Manager Mondher Kebaier will need goals from captain and talisman Wahbi Khazri.
He will then hope for performances from defenders Dylan Bronn, Oussama Haddadi and Montassar Talbi. Midfielders Mohammed Ali Ben Romdhane, Ellyes Skhiri also strikers Naim Sliti and 19-year-old prospect Hannibal Mejbri.
Tunisia have always been known as more of a cautious, defensive team, who don’t like to give anything away early. Although technically good, they generally play a slow measured pace, where even in attack they are thinking about defence, but have the passing ability to create goalscoring opportunities.
