Egypt was placed in Group C at the 2008 African Cup of Nations with Cameroon, Sudan and Zambia. Coaches and observers give their assessment of their team's chances Egypt's placement in Group C has raised questions about whether it will be able to defend its title in Ghana, especially after the modest results and lacklustre performances of the pharaohs in most of the qualification matches for the ACN and in friendly games, including a 4-1 loss to Japan last week. However, Egyptians are keeping their fingers crossed that the team will be able to pull itself together before the tournament begins. Some officials are also counting on the 1998 ACN which was held in Burkina Faso. Then, nobody expected Egypt to make it beyond the first stage. The delegation had even booked their return tickets before the end of the first round. Surprisingly, Egypt went on from stage to stage until the final until it eventually clinched the trophy. Before each game, management would wait for the result before delaying the return flight. Despite their worries, Egyptian officials are claiming that everything will be okay and that Egypt is capable of challenging seriously for the title. According to head coach Hassan Shehata, this tournament is tougher than the previous one, "not only in Egypt's groups but in all other groups. "All the qualifiers are strong enough to compete for the title and any team regardless of its history could surprise and win the title," Shehata added. The official draw successfully came off in Accra last week amidst a rich display of culture and entertainment. Delegates representing 16 African nations were brought together for the draw of the 26th edition. In the presence of Ghana President John Kufour, the delegates packed the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC) as they were treated to some rich Ghanaian culture and tradition. The main event was preceded by the announcement of the name of the official mascot of the continent's showpiece soccer event. The naming was typical of that of the people of Accra, unveiling "Agorohene" -- meaning "King of Sports". CAF President Issa Hayatou in his address lauded Ghana for her role in the development of football on the continent, which has seen them emerge as African champions four times -- 1963, 1965, 1978 and 1982. He said Ghana's contribution to African football has been phenomenal, making special references to Kwame Nkrumah, first president of Ghana, and Ohene Djan, one-time director of sports. "Ghana's prowess has not been limited to the football world alone but the economic market as well, as the latest issue of the World Bank report listed Ghana among the top ten business reformers in the world, with Kenya as the other African country in that top ranking," said Hayatou. Kufour urged the finalists to exhibit a high level of professionalism to make the event a memorable one and promote unity as well. He congratulated CAF on its 50th anniversary, just like Ghana, which marked its 50th independence anniversary in March. In his opening address, Magnus Rex Danquah, chief operating officer of the Local Organising Committee (LOC), outlined his outfit's preparation for the 20 January-10 February tournament. Kofi Amoah, chairman of the LOC board, expressed optimism regarding preparations in their quest to host the best African Cup of Nations ever, with barely three months to go before the championships. "For the first time, there will be a relay- torch across the countries in Africa to whip up interest in the event," announced Amoah who said the ceremony was another milestone towards the hosting process. Danny Jordaan, chairman of the South Africa 2010 LOC, assured the football world of the southern African country's ability to host the world's biggest football event. "The performance of the participating teams at Ghana 2008 ACN will be crucial to the chances of Africa's first triumph at the World Cup." And, for the first time in the history of the biennial, Adidas presented an official match ball to be used during the competition. Adidas Ambassador and former Liberian star George Weah presented the official ball to Hayatou, who in turn presented it to Kufuor. Three former footballers, Anthony Baffoe, Abedi Pele and 1998 World Cup winner Marcel Desailly, assisted CAF General Secretary Mustapha Fahmi in the main draw. Ghana, the hosts were pitched in Group A alongside Morocco, Namibia and Guinea with defending champions Egypt paired in Group C with Cameroon, Sudan and Zambia. Group B has Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire, Mali and Benin with Tunisia, Angola, Senegal and South Africa completing the pack in Group D. The announcement of the groupings led to diverse reaction from various team camps. CAFONLINE sampled the views of some team officials about the groups and their chances. In Group A, Kwesi Nyantakyi, president of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) said Ghana, as hosts have a bright chance in a group which has Morocco as the only former winner of the competition. "No team is weak in the group, but we have played Morocco and will play Guinea next month. "The only problem is Namibia, who we don't know anything about but we won't underrate any team," said Nyantakyi who insists the Black Stars still have a chance of lifting the ultimate. For Guinea head coach Claude Le Roy the presence of key players will be crucial to their chances at the tournament after avoiding the likes of Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire and Senegal in the group phase. "I'm hoping there will be no injuries to my key players for us to move on," said the Frenchman who will be making his sixth appearance at Africa's foremost football event after stints with Senegal and Cameroon DR Congo among others. "I can assure all that we will display the real action on the field come January. I know expectations are high but we will surely go through." John Williams, president of the Namibia Football Association (NFA), said his team would be relying on their underdog status to move higher in the group, which has the Flames as the lowest in terms of pedigree. "It is always good to be underdogs as there will be pressure on Ghana especially, Morocco and Guinea. We have already played Morocco and I think we still have a chance. "We are not here to add to the numbers but to make an impact," declared Williams whose Flames burnt out the Simbas of DR Congo in the Group 10 slot. This have been described as the 'Group of Death' but still each team fancies its chance especially the Super Eagles of Nigeria, who German coach Berti Vogts remains upbeat about. "Cote d'Ivoire and Mali are strong teams with talented players and can't be overlooked. I also have some equally good players in my squad but I need good preparation to discover the winning touch. "We are capable of upsetting any of the teams," said Vogts. Rafiu Oladipo, president general of the Supporters Club of Nigeria expressed optimism about the chances of the Super Eagles in Group B. "We know how to handle the other three teams especially Mali and Cote d'Ivoire, who are very dangerous." Despite being paired in the same group with the defending champions and five- time champions, Bissou Mahop, medical officer of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT), believes the Indomitable Lions is still the team to beat. "We were hoping for the likes of Ghana, Senegal, Nigeria or Cote d'Ivoire, but with these teams there is little cause to worry. Bissou said "we know the style of all the teams and will prepare for any consequences." Kamal Shadad, president of the Sudan Football Association (SFA), he said the Desert Hawks will impress after a 30-year absence. "We have been drawn against teams we have played against previously and we have a strong chance," said Shadad who disclosed that the current set-up of Sudanese team have played consistently for four years.
