Zambia coach Kalusha Bwalya has named six teams as contenders to clinch the 2008 African Cup of Nations, not including holders and group rivals Egypt. "Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Mali, Senegal and Cameroon are the leading contenders," the Zambia legend told BBC Sport. However, Bwalya believes that the progress in football featured by the Dark Continent in recent years, means that anything could happen in Ghana. "African football is not predictable any more, African players have raised the bar wherever they play," he added. "They have made a mark at teams like Barcelona, Chelsea and Real Madrid and all the important teams in the world. "If all these players come to Ghana, I'm sure we'll be sitting on the edge of our seats." Group Ambition The 1988 African Footballer of the Year believes his team can survive a Group C including Egypt, Cameroon and Sudan if they just remained 'consistent'. "Zambia have always played well against the big teams. The problem we have is the consistency," he said. "We have to take maximum points against Sudan and a point or better from Egypt and Cameroon for us to qualify. "It's a difficult group, but most of the players Zambia are taking were at the last Nations Cup finals." The Chipolopolo will kick off their campaign by facing Arab outsiders Sudan, who make their first appearance in 34 years.
