AFCON 2015: Who wins Africa’s most prestigious diadem?

The 20^th edition of the African Cup of Nations is well underway in faraway Equatorial Guinea and it’s living up to billing with the soccer artistry displayed so far by the participating teams.

Just like many football fans, having followed with keen interest some of the first round matches, I have not been disappointed so far.

Though it is quite unfortunate that Nigeria who won the last edition hosted by South Africa did not qualify to defend their title, but it makes it more interesting that this edition will produce a different winner.

Pre-tournament favorite, Ivory Coast has been tipped by book makers to clinch the title for the second time in their history and put an end to their perennial underachiever’s title. However, the display in their first match which ended one goal apiece against Guinea leaves a lot to be desired and clearly shows that they have a lot of work to do if they are to walk away with the title.

Google: Algeria national team

The Desert Foxes Algeria have made a strong start to the tournament with an emphatic 3-1 win over South Africa making a strong statement that they are not just in the tournament for a jamboree but to consolidate on their World cup performance by becoming the next African champion.

Four time winner, Ghana may have lost their opening match to Senegal but they remain a force to be reckoned with. With proper coordination and discipline, they stand a chance of clinching their 5^th title.

Many may not consider Senegal and Cameroon as favorite for the title because of the shake ups that have pervaded their football in recent times but both teams, if history is anything to go by, have what it takes to conquer Africa once again. They have showed a lot of promises in their first match despite the fact that it ended in stalemate.

Host Equatorial Guinea is buoyed by massive home support and will definitely fancy their chances of winning the trophy for the first time on home soil. Zambia and South Africa who won the title when the ‘Super eagles’ failed to attend for one reason or the other are parading a youthful side and will love to win the trophy once again.

One thing is certain, come 8^th of February, another champion will be crowned. Though it seems all the teams are evenly matched considering the number of draws recorded so far in the tournament but when the boys are separated from men in the latter stage of the competition, who will be the last team standing?