Masry
17-01-2008, 06:54 PM
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ANGOLA | SENEGAL | SOUTH AFRICA | TUNISIA
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FIFA code: ANG
Country: República de Angola
Capital: Luanda
Currency: Kwanza (AOA)
Official languages: Portuguese, (Regional) Kongo, Chokwe, South Mbundu, Mbundu
Motto: "Virtus Unita Fortior" (Unity Provides Strength)
Population (in millions): 15,94 (2005 estimate)
GDP per inhabitant: $2,813
Density: 13/km²
Internet code: .aoThe Angola national football team, nicknamed Palancas Negras, ("The Black Antelopes") is the national team of Angola and is controlled by the Federação Angolana de Futebol. On October 8, 2005, Angola qualified for the World Cup for the first time ever.
Luís Oliveira Gonçalves took over as coach of the Angola national football team in 2003, after successful appearances with the Angola Under-20 national football team. The coach is the most successful in Angolan history and the team managed to finish in first place of Group 42006 (qualification)]], ahead of traditional African football powers Nigeria. Group 4 was considered one of the toughest during the qualifiers.
Angola came to international prominence in the 1990s with appearances in two African Nations Cup tournaments.
They finished runners-up behind Cameroon in the 1998 and 2002 World Cup qualifying series, losing only one game in the process. They finally qualified for their first World Cup in 2006, and performed credibly to finish third in their group behind Portugal and Mexico.
In 2010 the African Nations Cup will be held in Angola.
African Nations Cup record
1957 to 1980 - Did not enter
1982 - Did not qualify
1984 - Did not qualify
1986 - Did not enter
1988 to 1992 - Did not qualify
1994 - Did not enter
1996 - Round 1
1998 - Round 1
2000 to 2004 - Did not qualify
2006 - Round 1
2008 - Qualified
Squad
Goalkeepers
Lama
Mário
NunoDfenders
Locó
Jamba
Yamba Asha
Luis Delgado
Kali
Machado
Marco Airosa
Rui MarquesMidfielders
Mabina
Nelo
Gilberto
André Macanga
Maurito
Figueiredo (C)
Mendonça
Dedé
Édson
Zé KalangaStrikers
Mateus
Flávio
Diangi Matusiwa
Love
Manucho Goncalves
Santana
Pedro Henriques
MinguitoCoach
Luís Oliveira Gonçalves
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The Palancas Negras have never progressed past the Nations Cup group stages.
Until Egypt 2006, they had never won a game at the finals so reaching the knock-outs must now be their aim - especially since they are hosting the 2010 tournament.
This is one remaining challenge for long-serving coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves, who has ushered in Angola's most successful era.
He not only led the Under-20 side to African youth glory in 2001, but then steered the Palancas Negras to a surprise 2006 World Cup appearance.
With age having overtaken forward Akwa, midfielder Paulo Figueiredo has assumed the captaincy but these finals are likely to be the 35-year-old's last.
Goncalves has also introduced youngsters as he prepares for 2010, making his squad a good blend of youth and experience.
Angola's creditable World Cup performance, where the unfancied side lost just one of three group games, has given greater belief and targets to those who travelled there.
That said, three players who missed Germany are making important returns at a major finals.
Defender Yamba Asha comes back after serving a nine-month ban for doping offences, while Maurito and Gilberto are now back from injury.
The trio assisted in Angola's coast through qualifying, where they racked up 16 goals in their six matches.
Angola were admittedly humbled when losing their final qualifier in Kenya, but their place in Ghana had already been booked.
The team has since struggled for consistency - defeating Ivory Coast 2-1 but then losing 3-0 to Guinea and 2-0 to the Canary Islands.
Key players: Striker Manucho Goncalves signed for Manchester United in December after impressing Sir Alex Ferguson with his speed, agility and height during a trial.
The 24-year-old, top scorer in the Angolan league for the last two seasons, has netted twice in 10 internationals.
Alongside Manucho, Al Ahly star Flavio will hope to continue where he left off from Egypt 2006.
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Flavio scored Angola's only goal in
the 2006 World Cup in Germany
The 28-year-old netted three times in three games, before then going on to score Angola's only goal in that year's World Cup.
Verdict: Like South Africa, Angola are also staging an important competition in 2010 - namely, the Africa Cup of Nations.
But the Palancas Negras seems better balanced en-route to hosting Africa's finest.
At their fourth finals, and having laid to rest the burden of winning a match in Egypt, the time is right to reach the knock-out phase for the first time.
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http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/g/GodfatherIII/96956/jkllffwlqk.jpgSENEGALhttp://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/g/GodfatherIII/96956/jkllffwlqk.jpg
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FIFA code: SEN
Country: République du Sénégal
Capital: Dakar
Major cities: Dakar, Touba, Thiès, Rufisque, Saint-Louis, Kaolack, M'Bour, Ziguinchor.
Currency: CFA Franc (XOF)
Official languages: French (Regional) Wolof.
Motto: "Un Peuple, Un But, Une Foi" (One People, One Goal, One Faith)
Population (in millions): 11,66
GDP per inhabitant: $1,759
Density: 59/km²
Internet code: .snThe Senegal national football team, nicknamed the Lions of Teranga, is the national team of Senegal and is controlled by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football. It made its first World Cup in 2002 and made quite a splash, pulling a huge upset by defeating world and European champions France 1-0 in the tournament's opening game.
Senegal's first appearance in the African Nations Cup was in 1965, when Senegal, after finishing second in their group, lost 1-0 to the Ivory Coast to finish in 4th place. in the 1990 African Nations Cup, Senegal once again finished 4th. Senegal hosted the African Nations Cup in 1992, in which, after qualifying for the quarter finals by finishing second in their group, Senegal lost 1-0 to Nigeria in the quarter finals. Senegal's best finish in the African Nations Cup came in 2002, when they lost the final on penalties after drawing 0-0 with Cameroon .
African Nations Cup record
1957 to 1963 - Did not enter
1965 - Fourth place
1968 - Round 1
1970 to 1978 - Did not qualify
1980 - Did not enter
1982 - Did not qualify
1984 - Did not qualify
1986 - Round 1
1988 - Did not qualify
1990 - Fourth place
1992 - Quarterfinals
1994 - Quarterfinals
1996 - Did not qualify
1998 - Did not qualify
2000 - Quarterfinals
2002 - Second place
2004 - Quarterfinals
2006 - Fourth place
2008 - Qualified
Squad
Goalkeepers
Bouna Coundoul
Cheick N'Diaye
Tony SylvaDfenders
Habib Beye
Lamine Diatta
Souleymane Diawara
Abdoulaye Diagne Faye
Ibrahima Faye
Guirane N'Daw
Mohamed Adama Sarr
Ibrahima SonkoMidfielders
Papa Malick Ba
Diomansy Kamara
Papa Bouba Diop
Frédéric Mendy
Pape Waïgo Ndiaye
Ousmane Ndoye
Moustapha Bayal SallStrikers
Henri Camara
El Hadji Diouf (C)
Babacar Gueye
Mamadou Niang
Modou SougouCoach
Henryk Kasperczak
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Senegal have never won the Nations Cup but as a generation of players nears the end of its cycle, the Senegalese public believes it is now or never for the Teranga Lions - especially since this year's tournament is based in West Africa.
Senegal's recent Nations Cup form has been impressive - semi-finalists in Egypt 2006, quarter-finalists in 2004 and finalists in 2002.
So while there may be no doubting the players' experience or abilities, all that remains is to land the big one.
With an abundance of riches in attack, the Lions are entertaining to watch.
Captain El Hadji Diouf leads the way, supported by in-form Marseille striker Mamadou Niang and Senegal's record scorer Henri Camara.
Backing them up is the country's new wave of talent, with a third of the squad making their Nations Cup bow in Ghana.
Coach Henri Kasperczak's main problems are a lack of creativity in midfield and a defence that has looked increasingly brittle.
If new recruit Ibrahima Sonko and recent absentee Abdoulaye Faye can shore up the gaps, Senegal could go far for their record under 'Kaspi' is promising - winning six and losing just one of nine matches in 2007.
After repeatedly going close to winning the trophy, most notably when leading Group D opponents Tunisia to the 1996 final, Kasperczak is desperate to win his first Nations Cup.
One factor in his favour is that Group D's sole West Africans should handle the hot conditions in Tamale better than their rivals.
The 2002 World Cup quarter-finalists also have vengeance on their minds - particularly against Tunisia whose match-winning goal four years ago, which was clouded in controversy, has not been forgotten.
Key players: El Hadji Diouf
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Diouf will be a talisman for Senegal
once again at the Nations Cup
El Hadji Diouf has long been Senegal's talisman and the captain led by example when sorting out unpaid bonuses and salaries in October.
The skilful Bolton star threatened to quit the Teranga Lions unless such issues were addressed but his unconventional methods worked - so earning him respect from the less privileged players in the squad.
While all Senegal is hoping Mamadou Niang can replicate his blistering club form at Marseille, fans will also be looking to midfielder Bayal Sall to hold the Senegalese midfield together.
The 22-year-old has been earning rave reviews for another French side, St Etienne, this season.
Verdict: Senegal are strong enough to emerge from their group, so the quarter-finals will decide their fate.
Should they face either Egypt or Cameroon, revenge will be uppermost in their minds - having been beaten in the 2002 final by the Indomitable Lions while the Pharaohs knocked them out in the 2006 semi-finals, thanks to a dubious penalty.
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FIFA code: RSA
Country: Republic of South Africa
Capital: Cape Town
Major Cities: Bhisho, Bloemfontein, Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg, Polokwane, Nelspruit, Kimberley, Mafikeng, Cape Town.
Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
Official languages: 11 languages including English
Motto: !ke e: ǀxarra ǁke ("Unity In Diversity"(literally "Diverse People Unite")
Population (in millions): 47,9
GDP per inhabitant: $13,300
Density: 39/km²
Internet code: .zaThe South Africa national football team, or Bafana Bafana (The Boys), is the national team of South Africa and is controlled by the South African Football Association. It returned to the world stage in 1992, after years of being banned from FIFA.
They hosted (and won) the 1996 African Nations Cup and will host the 2010 World Cup, the first African nation to do so.
African Nations Cup record
1957 - Disqualified because of apartheid
1959 to 1992 - Banned from CAF
1994 - Did not qualify
1996 - Champions
1998 - Second place
2000 - Third place
2002 - Quarterfinals
2004 - Round 1
2006 - Round 1
2008 - Qualified
Squad
Goalkeepers
Rowen Fernandez
Moeneeb Josephs
Itumeleng KhuneDfenders
Vuyo Mere
Bryce Moon
Benson Mhlongo
Bevan Fransman
Tsepo Masilela
Brett Evans
Nasief Morris
Aaron Mokoena (C)Midfielders
Kagiso Dikgacoi
Elrio van Heerden
Lance Davids
Surprise Moriri
Siphiwe Tshabalala
Steven Pienaar
Teko ModiseStrikers
Excellent Walaza
Thembinkosi Fanteni
Lerato Chabangu
Katlego Mphela
Sibusiso ZumaCoach
Carlos Alberto Parreira
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A team that has gone backwards in the Nations Cup since winning in 1996 is now under the canny tutelage of Brazilian Carlos Alberto Parreira.
Yet the man who led his home nation to 1994 World Cup success has his work cut out as he looks to build a respectable team ahead of South Africa's staging of the 2010 World Cup.
Bafana Bafana's limitations are there for all to see, especially since they only qualified for Ghana as one of the best runners-up - finishing behind Zambia, who won 3-1 in Cape Town on the last day of qualifying.
Despite the team's tally of one goal in five matches late last year, Parreira surprisingly omitted Benni McCarthy from his squad.
The Brazilian lured the 30-year-old out of retirement but then overlooked a striker who became South Africa's joint-highest scorer on his return.
The coach has refused to reveal the reasons for his bizarre decision - and other prominent players, such as midfielder Delron Buckley and Macbeth Sibya, may also be wondering why they did not make a squad captained by the evergreen Aaron Mokoena.
Parreira will be looking forward to returning to Ghana, where he coached in the late 1960s, as will those South Africans who remember the 2000 Nations Cup - when Bafana Bafana topped their group in style before knocking out their Ghanaian hosts in the quarter-finals.
They finished third that year, but then suffered first-round failures in both 2004 and 2006 - the latter particularly lamentable as the team failed to score a goal or a point.
Will fans tolerate a repeat display as long as youngsters gain invaluable experience ahead of 2010?
Key players: Steven Pienaar
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Steven Pienaar is in the form of his
life ahead of Ghana-based event
Steven Pienaar has been the subject of a tug-of-war between South Africa and English club Everton, which revealed his worth to both teams.
The creative midfielder, 25, is playing his best football since his early European years with Dutch side Ajax.
While Mokoena will shoulder defensives responsibilities, Sibusiso Zuma must improve on previous Nations Cups showings in McCarthy's absence.
The striker has netted just once in three finals, so fans will be hoping fellow forward Excellent Walaza lives up to his name.
Verdict: The West African air has previously suited Bafana Bafana, who have always reached the knock-out stages at Nations Cups in the region - but that quirk may end this time.
Once feared in Africa following their return to international football in the 1990s, South Africa are now continental lightweights.
Following their group exit ignominy, prepare for 'building for 2010' to become Parreira's favourite quote.
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FIFA code: TUN
Country: الجمهورية التونسية (Tunisian Republic)
Capital: Tunis
Currency: Tunisian Dinar (TND)
Official languages: Arabic
Population (in millions): 10,10 (2005 estimate)
GDP per inhabitant: $9,630
Density: 62/km²
Internet code: .tnThe Tunisia national football team, nicknamed Les Aigles de Carthage (The Eagles of Carthage), is the national team of Tunisia and is controlled by the Fédération Tunisienne de Football.
Tunisia won the African Nations Cup in 2004, when they hosted the tournament.
African Nations Cup record
1957 - Did not enter
1959 - Did not enter
1962 - Third place
1963 - Round 1
1965 - Second place
1968 - Did not qualify
1970 to 1974 - Did not enter
1976 - Did not qualify
1978 - Fourth place
1980 - Withdrew
1982 - Round 1
1984 to 1992 - Did not qualify
1994 - Round 1
1996 - Second place
1998 - Quarterfinals
2000 - Fourth place
2002 - Round 1
2004 - Champions
2006 - Quarterfinals
2008 - Qualified
Squad
Goalkeepers
Hamdi Kasraoui
Aymen Mathlouthi
Adel NefziDfenders
Wisam El-Abdi
Saber Ben Frej
Wissem El Bekri
Radhouane Falhi
Saïf Ghezal
Karim Haggui
Radhi Jaidi (C)
Mehdi Meriah
Yassin MikariMidfielders
Chaouki Ben Saada
Jaouhar Mnari
Mehdi Nafti
Mejdi Traoui
Kamel Zaiem
Chaker ZouaghiStrikers
Mohamed Amine Chermiti
Mehdi Ben Dhifallah
Yassine Chikhaoui
Issam Jomaa
Francileudo Dos SantosCoach
Roger Lemerre
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Tunisia have had a fine Nations Cup record since the mid-1990s.
In the last six tournaments, the North Africans have reached two finals - winning the 2004 edition at home - as well as a semi-final and two quarters.
Yet the Carthage Eagles' last appearance in West Africa was a disaster as they flew home from Mali 2002 after the group stages, without scoring a single goal as they failed to adapt to the conditions.
There are those in Tunisia who fear a repeat performance.
Despite using home advantage to win the country's first Nations Cup title in 2004, coach Roger Lemerre is deeply unpopular amongst many Tunisians now - often whistled while attending local matches and mistrusted by the press following his constant squad changes.
The 2-1 home defeat by Zambia on 6 January typified the Frenchman's relationship with the fans, who booed him throughout.
Having led his homeland to European glory in 2000, Lemerre's France were awful at the 2002 World Cup - and history could easily repeat itself for a coach whose five-and-half-year reign looks set to end.
Public optimism is not high as a new generation begins to replace stars such as Hatem Trabelsi and former captain Riadh Bouazizi.
Hamed Namouchi and Ali Zitouni also miss out through injury, but defender Radhi Jaidi is back following a U-turn on his decision to quit the Eagles after the 2006 World Cup.
While the national team may be underperforming, only reaching Ghana as a best runner-up, Tunisia's clubs are flying.
Eight players from African champions Etoile du Sahel will be in Tamale but there is no representative from Confederation Cup winners CS Sfaxien.
Key players: Jawhar Mnari
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Amine Chermiti could be
Tunisia's striker-to-watch in Ghana
Jawhar Mnari, the Germany-based midfielder who scored against Spain at the 2006 World Cup, has assumed increasing importance in recent years.
Lemerre will rely upon his tactical intelligence to keep things tight in midfield and dictate the tempo of the game.
Francileudo Dos Santos, scorer of four goals during the 2004 triumph, has not been the same since a shin injury in 2006, so Tunisia will look to the lively Amine Chermiti for goals.
The 20-year-old striker netted eight times during Etoile's Champions League success.
Verdict: Tunisia's recent Nations Cup history makes them likely qualifiers but they might just find their Group D opponents too hot to handle.
A competition too far for coach Roger Lemerre - and Ghana 2008 could mark the beginning of serious change for the Carthage Eagles.
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Fixtures
- January 23, 2008, 17 GMT (Tamale)
Tunisia v Senegal
....- January 23, 2008, 19.30 GMT (Tamale)
South Africa v Angola
- January 27, 2008, 17 GMT (Tamale)
Senegal v Angola
....- January 27, 2008, 19.30 GMT (Tamale)
Tunisia v South Africa
- January 31, 2008, 17 GMT (Tamale)
Tunisia v Angola
.- January 31, 2008, 17 GMT (Kumasi).
Senegal v South Africa
Tamale Stadium (http://www.ghanaweb.biz/GHP/img/pics/61275370.jpg)
Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi (http://www.fussballtempel.net/caf/GHA/Kumasi.html)
ANGOLA | SENEGAL | SOUTH AFRICA | TUNISIA
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http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/g/GodfatherIII/96956/jkllffwlqk.jpgANGOLAhttp://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/g/GodfatherIII/96956/jkllffwlqk.jpg
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FIFA code: ANG
Country: República de Angola
Capital: Luanda
Currency: Kwanza (AOA)
Official languages: Portuguese, (Regional) Kongo, Chokwe, South Mbundu, Mbundu
Motto: "Virtus Unita Fortior" (Unity Provides Strength)
Population (in millions): 15,94 (2005 estimate)
GDP per inhabitant: $2,813
Density: 13/km²
Internet code: .aoThe Angola national football team, nicknamed Palancas Negras, ("The Black Antelopes") is the national team of Angola and is controlled by the Federação Angolana de Futebol. On October 8, 2005, Angola qualified for the World Cup for the first time ever.
Luís Oliveira Gonçalves took over as coach of the Angola national football team in 2003, after successful appearances with the Angola Under-20 national football team. The coach is the most successful in Angolan history and the team managed to finish in first place of Group 42006 (qualification)]], ahead of traditional African football powers Nigeria. Group 4 was considered one of the toughest during the qualifiers.
Angola came to international prominence in the 1990s with appearances in two African Nations Cup tournaments.
They finished runners-up behind Cameroon in the 1998 and 2002 World Cup qualifying series, losing only one game in the process. They finally qualified for their first World Cup in 2006, and performed credibly to finish third in their group behind Portugal and Mexico.
In 2010 the African Nations Cup will be held in Angola.
African Nations Cup record
1957 to 1980 - Did not enter
1982 - Did not qualify
1984 - Did not qualify
1986 - Did not enter
1988 to 1992 - Did not qualify
1994 - Did not enter
1996 - Round 1
1998 - Round 1
2000 to 2004 - Did not qualify
2006 - Round 1
2008 - Qualified
Squad
Goalkeepers
Lama
Mário
NunoDfenders
Locó
Jamba
Yamba Asha
Luis Delgado
Kali
Machado
Marco Airosa
Rui MarquesMidfielders
Mabina
Nelo
Gilberto
André Macanga
Maurito
Figueiredo (C)
Mendonça
Dedé
Édson
Zé KalangaStrikers
Mateus
Flávio
Diangi Matusiwa
Love
Manucho Goncalves
Santana
Pedro Henriques
MinguitoCoach
Luís Oliveira Gonçalves
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The Palancas Negras have never progressed past the Nations Cup group stages.
Until Egypt 2006, they had never won a game at the finals so reaching the knock-outs must now be their aim - especially since they are hosting the 2010 tournament.
This is one remaining challenge for long-serving coach Luis Oliveira Goncalves, who has ushered in Angola's most successful era.
He not only led the Under-20 side to African youth glory in 2001, but then steered the Palancas Negras to a surprise 2006 World Cup appearance.
With age having overtaken forward Akwa, midfielder Paulo Figueiredo has assumed the captaincy but these finals are likely to be the 35-year-old's last.
Goncalves has also introduced youngsters as he prepares for 2010, making his squad a good blend of youth and experience.
Angola's creditable World Cup performance, where the unfancied side lost just one of three group games, has given greater belief and targets to those who travelled there.
That said, three players who missed Germany are making important returns at a major finals.
Defender Yamba Asha comes back after serving a nine-month ban for doping offences, while Maurito and Gilberto are now back from injury.
The trio assisted in Angola's coast through qualifying, where they racked up 16 goals in their six matches.
Angola were admittedly humbled when losing their final qualifier in Kenya, but their place in Ghana had already been booked.
The team has since struggled for consistency - defeating Ivory Coast 2-1 but then losing 3-0 to Guinea and 2-0 to the Canary Islands.
Key players: Striker Manucho Goncalves signed for Manchester United in December after impressing Sir Alex Ferguson with his speed, agility and height during a trial.
The 24-year-old, top scorer in the Angolan league for the last two seasons, has netted twice in 10 internationals.
Alongside Manucho, Al Ahly star Flavio will hope to continue where he left off from Egypt 2006.
http://newsimg.bbc.co.uk/media/images/44358000/jpg/_44358272_flavio_270_jan08.jpg
Flavio scored Angola's only goal in
the 2006 World Cup in Germany
The 28-year-old netted three times in three games, before then going on to score Angola's only goal in that year's World Cup.
Verdict: Like South Africa, Angola are also staging an important competition in 2010 - namely, the Africa Cup of Nations.
But the Palancas Negras seems better balanced en-route to hosting Africa's finest.
At their fourth finals, and having laid to rest the burden of winning a match in Egypt, the time is right to reach the knock-out phase for the first time.
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http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/g/GodfatherIII/96956/jkllffwlqk.jpgSENEGALhttp://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/g/GodfatherIII/96956/jkllffwlqk.jpg
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FIFA code: SEN
Country: République du Sénégal
Capital: Dakar
Major cities: Dakar, Touba, Thiès, Rufisque, Saint-Louis, Kaolack, M'Bour, Ziguinchor.
Currency: CFA Franc (XOF)
Official languages: French (Regional) Wolof.
Motto: "Un Peuple, Un But, Une Foi" (One People, One Goal, One Faith)
Population (in millions): 11,66
GDP per inhabitant: $1,759
Density: 59/km²
Internet code: .snThe Senegal national football team, nicknamed the Lions of Teranga, is the national team of Senegal and is controlled by the Fédération Sénégalaise de Football. It made its first World Cup in 2002 and made quite a splash, pulling a huge upset by defeating world and European champions France 1-0 in the tournament's opening game.
Senegal's first appearance in the African Nations Cup was in 1965, when Senegal, after finishing second in their group, lost 1-0 to the Ivory Coast to finish in 4th place. in the 1990 African Nations Cup, Senegal once again finished 4th. Senegal hosted the African Nations Cup in 1992, in which, after qualifying for the quarter finals by finishing second in their group, Senegal lost 1-0 to Nigeria in the quarter finals. Senegal's best finish in the African Nations Cup came in 2002, when they lost the final on penalties after drawing 0-0 with Cameroon .
African Nations Cup record
1957 to 1963 - Did not enter
1965 - Fourth place
1968 - Round 1
1970 to 1978 - Did not qualify
1980 - Did not enter
1982 - Did not qualify
1984 - Did not qualify
1986 - Round 1
1988 - Did not qualify
1990 - Fourth place
1992 - Quarterfinals
1994 - Quarterfinals
1996 - Did not qualify
1998 - Did not qualify
2000 - Quarterfinals
2002 - Second place
2004 - Quarterfinals
2006 - Fourth place
2008 - Qualified
Squad
Goalkeepers
Bouna Coundoul
Cheick N'Diaye
Tony SylvaDfenders
Habib Beye
Lamine Diatta
Souleymane Diawara
Abdoulaye Diagne Faye
Ibrahima Faye
Guirane N'Daw
Mohamed Adama Sarr
Ibrahima SonkoMidfielders
Papa Malick Ba
Diomansy Kamara
Papa Bouba Diop
Frédéric Mendy
Pape Waïgo Ndiaye
Ousmane Ndoye
Moustapha Bayal SallStrikers
Henri Camara
El Hadji Diouf (C)
Babacar Gueye
Mamadou Niang
Modou SougouCoach
Henryk Kasperczak
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Senegal have never won the Nations Cup but as a generation of players nears the end of its cycle, the Senegalese public believes it is now or never for the Teranga Lions - especially since this year's tournament is based in West Africa.
Senegal's recent Nations Cup form has been impressive - semi-finalists in Egypt 2006, quarter-finalists in 2004 and finalists in 2002.
So while there may be no doubting the players' experience or abilities, all that remains is to land the big one.
With an abundance of riches in attack, the Lions are entertaining to watch.
Captain El Hadji Diouf leads the way, supported by in-form Marseille striker Mamadou Niang and Senegal's record scorer Henri Camara.
Backing them up is the country's new wave of talent, with a third of the squad making their Nations Cup bow in Ghana.
Coach Henri Kasperczak's main problems are a lack of creativity in midfield and a defence that has looked increasingly brittle.
If new recruit Ibrahima Sonko and recent absentee Abdoulaye Faye can shore up the gaps, Senegal could go far for their record under 'Kaspi' is promising - winning six and losing just one of nine matches in 2007.
After repeatedly going close to winning the trophy, most notably when leading Group D opponents Tunisia to the 1996 final, Kasperczak is desperate to win his first Nations Cup.
One factor in his favour is that Group D's sole West Africans should handle the hot conditions in Tamale better than their rivals.
The 2002 World Cup quarter-finalists also have vengeance on their minds - particularly against Tunisia whose match-winning goal four years ago, which was clouded in controversy, has not been forgotten.
Key players: El Hadji Diouf
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Diouf will be a talisman for Senegal
once again at the Nations Cup
El Hadji Diouf has long been Senegal's talisman and the captain led by example when sorting out unpaid bonuses and salaries in October.
The skilful Bolton star threatened to quit the Teranga Lions unless such issues were addressed but his unconventional methods worked - so earning him respect from the less privileged players in the squad.
While all Senegal is hoping Mamadou Niang can replicate his blistering club form at Marseille, fans will also be looking to midfielder Bayal Sall to hold the Senegalese midfield together.
The 22-year-old has been earning rave reviews for another French side, St Etienne, this season.
Verdict: Senegal are strong enough to emerge from their group, so the quarter-finals will decide their fate.
Should they face either Egypt or Cameroon, revenge will be uppermost in their minds - having been beaten in the 2002 final by the Indomitable Lions while the Pharaohs knocked them out in the 2006 semi-finals, thanks to a dubious penalty.
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http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/g/GodfatherIII/96956/jkllffwlqk.jpgSOUTH AFRICAhttp://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/g/GodfatherIII/96956/jkllffwlqk.jpg
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FIFA code: RSA
Country: Republic of South Africa
Capital: Cape Town
Major Cities: Bhisho, Bloemfontein, Johannesburg, Pietermaritzburg, Polokwane, Nelspruit, Kimberley, Mafikeng, Cape Town.
Currency: South African Rand (ZAR)
Official languages: 11 languages including English
Motto: !ke e: ǀxarra ǁke ("Unity In Diversity"(literally "Diverse People Unite")
Population (in millions): 47,9
GDP per inhabitant: $13,300
Density: 39/km²
Internet code: .zaThe South Africa national football team, or Bafana Bafana (The Boys), is the national team of South Africa and is controlled by the South African Football Association. It returned to the world stage in 1992, after years of being banned from FIFA.
They hosted (and won) the 1996 African Nations Cup and will host the 2010 World Cup, the first African nation to do so.
African Nations Cup record
1957 - Disqualified because of apartheid
1959 to 1992 - Banned from CAF
1994 - Did not qualify
1996 - Champions
1998 - Second place
2000 - Third place
2002 - Quarterfinals
2004 - Round 1
2006 - Round 1
2008 - Qualified
Squad
Goalkeepers
Rowen Fernandez
Moeneeb Josephs
Itumeleng KhuneDfenders
Vuyo Mere
Bryce Moon
Benson Mhlongo
Bevan Fransman
Tsepo Masilela
Brett Evans
Nasief Morris
Aaron Mokoena (C)Midfielders
Kagiso Dikgacoi
Elrio van Heerden
Lance Davids
Surprise Moriri
Siphiwe Tshabalala
Steven Pienaar
Teko ModiseStrikers
Excellent Walaza
Thembinkosi Fanteni
Lerato Chabangu
Katlego Mphela
Sibusiso ZumaCoach
Carlos Alberto Parreira
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A team that has gone backwards in the Nations Cup since winning in 1996 is now under the canny tutelage of Brazilian Carlos Alberto Parreira.
Yet the man who led his home nation to 1994 World Cup success has his work cut out as he looks to build a respectable team ahead of South Africa's staging of the 2010 World Cup.
Bafana Bafana's limitations are there for all to see, especially since they only qualified for Ghana as one of the best runners-up - finishing behind Zambia, who won 3-1 in Cape Town on the last day of qualifying.
Despite the team's tally of one goal in five matches late last year, Parreira surprisingly omitted Benni McCarthy from his squad.
The Brazilian lured the 30-year-old out of retirement but then overlooked a striker who became South Africa's joint-highest scorer on his return.
The coach has refused to reveal the reasons for his bizarre decision - and other prominent players, such as midfielder Delron Buckley and Macbeth Sibya, may also be wondering why they did not make a squad captained by the evergreen Aaron Mokoena.
Parreira will be looking forward to returning to Ghana, where he coached in the late 1960s, as will those South Africans who remember the 2000 Nations Cup - when Bafana Bafana topped their group in style before knocking out their Ghanaian hosts in the quarter-finals.
They finished third that year, but then suffered first-round failures in both 2004 and 2006 - the latter particularly lamentable as the team failed to score a goal or a point.
Will fans tolerate a repeat display as long as youngsters gain invaluable experience ahead of 2010?
Key players: Steven Pienaar
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Steven Pienaar is in the form of his
life ahead of Ghana-based event
Steven Pienaar has been the subject of a tug-of-war between South Africa and English club Everton, which revealed his worth to both teams.
The creative midfielder, 25, is playing his best football since his early European years with Dutch side Ajax.
While Mokoena will shoulder defensives responsibilities, Sibusiso Zuma must improve on previous Nations Cups showings in McCarthy's absence.
The striker has netted just once in three finals, so fans will be hoping fellow forward Excellent Walaza lives up to his name.
Verdict: The West African air has previously suited Bafana Bafana, who have always reached the knock-out stages at Nations Cups in the region - but that quirk may end this time.
Once feared in Africa following their return to international football in the 1990s, South Africa are now continental lightweights.
Following their group exit ignominy, prepare for 'building for 2010' to become Parreira's favourite quote.
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http://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/g/GodfatherIII/96956/jkllffwlqk.jpgTUNISIAhttp://static3.filefront.com/images/personal/g/GodfatherIII/96956/jkllffwlqk.jpg
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FIFA code: TUN
Country: الجمهورية التونسية (Tunisian Republic)
Capital: Tunis
Currency: Tunisian Dinar (TND)
Official languages: Arabic
Population (in millions): 10,10 (2005 estimate)
GDP per inhabitant: $9,630
Density: 62/km²
Internet code: .tnThe Tunisia national football team, nicknamed Les Aigles de Carthage (The Eagles of Carthage), is the national team of Tunisia and is controlled by the Fédération Tunisienne de Football.
Tunisia won the African Nations Cup in 2004, when they hosted the tournament.
African Nations Cup record
1957 - Did not enter
1959 - Did not enter
1962 - Third place
1963 - Round 1
1965 - Second place
1968 - Did not qualify
1970 to 1974 - Did not enter
1976 - Did not qualify
1978 - Fourth place
1980 - Withdrew
1982 - Round 1
1984 to 1992 - Did not qualify
1994 - Round 1
1996 - Second place
1998 - Quarterfinals
2000 - Fourth place
2002 - Round 1
2004 - Champions
2006 - Quarterfinals
2008 - Qualified
Squad
Goalkeepers
Hamdi Kasraoui
Aymen Mathlouthi
Adel NefziDfenders
Wisam El-Abdi
Saber Ben Frej
Wissem El Bekri
Radhouane Falhi
Saïf Ghezal
Karim Haggui
Radhi Jaidi (C)
Mehdi Meriah
Yassin MikariMidfielders
Chaouki Ben Saada
Jaouhar Mnari
Mehdi Nafti
Mejdi Traoui
Kamel Zaiem
Chaker ZouaghiStrikers
Mohamed Amine Chermiti
Mehdi Ben Dhifallah
Yassine Chikhaoui
Issam Jomaa
Francileudo Dos SantosCoach
Roger Lemerre
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Tunisia have had a fine Nations Cup record since the mid-1990s.
In the last six tournaments, the North Africans have reached two finals - winning the 2004 edition at home - as well as a semi-final and two quarters.
Yet the Carthage Eagles' last appearance in West Africa was a disaster as they flew home from Mali 2002 after the group stages, without scoring a single goal as they failed to adapt to the conditions.
There are those in Tunisia who fear a repeat performance.
Despite using home advantage to win the country's first Nations Cup title in 2004, coach Roger Lemerre is deeply unpopular amongst many Tunisians now - often whistled while attending local matches and mistrusted by the press following his constant squad changes.
The 2-1 home defeat by Zambia on 6 January typified the Frenchman's relationship with the fans, who booed him throughout.
Having led his homeland to European glory in 2000, Lemerre's France were awful at the 2002 World Cup - and history could easily repeat itself for a coach whose five-and-half-year reign looks set to end.
Public optimism is not high as a new generation begins to replace stars such as Hatem Trabelsi and former captain Riadh Bouazizi.
Hamed Namouchi and Ali Zitouni also miss out through injury, but defender Radhi Jaidi is back following a U-turn on his decision to quit the Eagles after the 2006 World Cup.
While the national team may be underperforming, only reaching Ghana as a best runner-up, Tunisia's clubs are flying.
Eight players from African champions Etoile du Sahel will be in Tamale but there is no representative from Confederation Cup winners CS Sfaxien.
Key players: Jawhar Mnari
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Amine Chermiti could be
Tunisia's striker-to-watch in Ghana
Jawhar Mnari, the Germany-based midfielder who scored against Spain at the 2006 World Cup, has assumed increasing importance in recent years.
Lemerre will rely upon his tactical intelligence to keep things tight in midfield and dictate the tempo of the game.
Francileudo Dos Santos, scorer of four goals during the 2004 triumph, has not been the same since a shin injury in 2006, so Tunisia will look to the lively Amine Chermiti for goals.
The 20-year-old striker netted eight times during Etoile's Champions League success.
Verdict: Tunisia's recent Nations Cup history makes them likely qualifiers but they might just find their Group D opponents too hot to handle.
A competition too far for coach Roger Lemerre - and Ghana 2008 could mark the beginning of serious change for the Carthage Eagles.
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Fixtures
- January 23, 2008, 17 GMT (Tamale)
Tunisia v Senegal
....- January 23, 2008, 19.30 GMT (Tamale)
South Africa v Angola
- January 27, 2008, 17 GMT (Tamale)
Senegal v Angola
....- January 27, 2008, 19.30 GMT (Tamale)
Tunisia v South Africa
- January 31, 2008, 17 GMT (Tamale)
Tunisia v Angola
.- January 31, 2008, 17 GMT (Kumasi).
Senegal v South Africa
Tamale Stadium (http://www.ghanaweb.biz/GHP/img/pics/61275370.jpg)
Baba Yara Sports Stadium, Kumasi (http://www.fussballtempel.net/caf/GHA/Kumasi.html)