Gone are the days of powerhouses in African football. The Super Eagles, Indomitable Lions, Pharaohs...
As we prepare for the next exciting edition of the Nations Cup, I cannot name you one team that are favorites, or who people will be looking to beat. Hence why it's up for grabs for any team hungry and focused enough throughout the tournament.
That's what will make this one of the most open editions for some time...
There has definitely been a decline in African football and that is proven by how few players from the continent are considered world class. Apart from Aubameyang and Salah...I can't name any other who is considered one of the best in the world for their position.
And Salah is pushing it...
If you go back a few decades with the likes of Kanu, Mboma, Yeboah, Okocha, Weah; these were titans who were very much considered excellent for their position, and thus the countries they played for were heavy favorites entering the tournament.
Those big names don't roll off the tongue as easily anymore, whereas you have to look at which is the best team rather than the one with the biggest stars. And sorry, some will say that Ivory Coast should have that title as being the team to beat, but I see their "stars" as overhyped.
As for Ghana, I have a major problem with them picking Gyan and having lead the line yet again. There is talent there and I am a big fan of Atsu's football, but they lack that extra bit of magic to really go all the way and win the competition.
The teams I look at are the ones who work best together which is why Egypt as well as underdogs like Uganda and Guinea-Bissau could potentially lift the trophy. So whereas others will assume they can roll over these teams, they'd probably get beat by better tactics and organisation.
Shame really, that Nigeria are not in it but they only have themselves to blame for that. The show must go on, and I am hoping that we have another colourful and entertaining tournament. Gabon have been having issues, but doesn't every host?
This is a great opportunity for the country who currently house Africa's best player. I am hoping that everything runs smoothly and there are no incidents that take place. The key of course is that this builds a foundation for there to be further football development for the youth in the country.
And as for Aubameyang, if he can lead Gabon and make them victorious on home soil, then his stock will only rise.
Can't wait!
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HH
