Africa Top Sports brings to you a review of Group C for the Africa Cup of Nations.
GROUP C
Nigeria
Zambia
Ethiopia
Burkina Faso
Nigeria dominates Group C on paper but this is a very open group actual fact. They are Six-Time Afcon finalists but have only won it twice. They have Chelsea team mates John Obi Mikel and Victor Moses in their 23 man squad as well as former Everton defender Joseph Yobo. Coach Stephen Keshi took over the ‘Super Eagles’ in 2011 after failing to qualify for the 2012 tournament. Keshi has implemented a mixture of young local talent to older experienced players to create the perfect mix which are hopeful to be crowned champions yet again.
Zambia is the current holder of the Afcon trophy after beating Ivory Coast in a thrilling 8-7 penalty shoot-out win. They only squeezed into the finals this year with yet another penalty shoot-out victory, this time being run to the wire by Uganda. Emmanuel Mayuka, 21, currently plays for Premier League outfit Southampton where he has made eight appearances, since coming off the bench. If they are to win title continuously, he will have to shine.
Ethiopia and Burkina Faso make up Group C, hoping to make a name for them at the tournament. Neither side has any real Afcon pedigree of late, although Ethopia did win the title in 1962. Adane Girma of Ethiopia was the man who held his nerve in the last minute of a qualifier against Benin, with a penalty which bought their ticket to South Africa. Burkina’s best result in this competition is fourth place back in 1998; they have a team of young talent that will be on show at the championships.
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http://en.africatopsports.com/2013/01/16/afcon-2013-opener-sold-out/