Between Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, who is the favorite, the outsider, the itchy hair and the little Tom Thumb of Group A? Elements of response and analysis with Eric Mamruth. “CAN 2024 under the microscope” is a video series from the RFI sports department: the 24 participating nations presented group by group.
4 mins
Ivory Coast
Forty years already since Côte d’Ivoire last hosted a African Cup of Nations. Suffice to say that in Abidjan, Bouaké, Korogho, via San Pedro and Yamoussoukro, the host cities of this 34th edition, and throughout the country, Elephants supporters will be overexcited. Passionate and eager to see the “Selefanto” offer them, on February 11, the 3rd coronation in its history after those of 1992 and 2015.
She has the makings of it given her squad studded with stars managed with determination, but also tenderness, by her new coach Jean-Louis Gasset.
Since his arrival in May 2022, the French technician, new to Africa, has taken his time to choose his players, create an amalgam and give a soul to his Elephants.
And it works ! Because the Ivory Coast has just completed five matches without defeat, including a draw (1-1) against Morocco, on October 14 in Abidjan, and a festival against the Seychelles, defeated 9 goals to 0, on November 17 in the Ivorian economic capital.
With Seko Fofana at the helm, now back in action, the Ivorian selection seems balanced on all fronts and ready to take up the challenge. She is logically the favorite of this group A.
Nigeria
Will the Super Eagles take flight again during this CAN? Two years ago, in Cameroon, the Nigerians hardly had any plans, crashing against Tunisia in the round of 16, on January 23, 2022 in Garoua, in the north of the country.
Since then, they have remained stuck at ground level, barred by Ghana for the qualification for the 2022 World Cup and, most recently, unable to beat Lesotho, at home, on November 16, and Zimbabwe, three days later.
The Super Eagles seem disoriented, without any funds to play. With a squad cut in two. Lots of spectacular attackers, like Victor Osimhen, but too many deficiencies on the other lines, like the weak goalkeeper Francis Uzoho.
In short, Nigeria arrives in Ivory Coast, without certainty despite its status as triple African champion. This is why he is a fragile outsider in this Group A
Equatorial Guinea
The Nzalang National loves the CAN! Since his very first participation in 2012, he has always performed well, reaching at least the quarter-finals and even the last four, at home in 2015.
During the last Cameroonian edition, he had struck down Algeriaon January 16, 2022, before eliminating Mali in the round of 16, ten days later.
Always tough and united, the Equatorial Guineans of the indestructible Emilio Nsué, 34, have not lost any of their last nine matches, pinning Tunisia in the qualifiers.
Taking one of the two direct accesses to the 8th finals is therefore entirely within the reach of Equatorial Guinea, which also inherits the label of outsider.
Guinea-Bissau
Since 2017, the other Guinea has been a resident of the CAN. Certainly without much success, since the Bissau-Guineans are still chasing a first victory in the final phase. Their record so far: three draws and six defeats.
But guided by the irremovable Baciro Candé, the Djurtus, essentially “European” like the Lyon striker Mama Baldé, are growing little by little. To the point of beating Nigeria on March 24, 2023, and beating Burkina Faso very recently, on November 17.
Enough to give Guinea-Bissau, not the status of Tom Thumb, but that of the itchy hair of Group A.
The Chili
What could be more spicy and explosive than a duel between Ivory Coast and Nigeria. The one on January 18, as part of the 2nd day, will be worth the detour with, on the pitch at Stade Ebimpé, two of the most offensive teams on the continent. Their last clash at the CAN in 2013 saw the Super Eagles win in the quarter-final (2-1) before heading towards the coronation.