Team Profiles
GROUP A:ANGOLA, MALI, MALAWI, ALGERIA
GROUP A:ANGOLA, MALI, MALAWI, ALGERIA
ANGOLA
The Palancas Negras have yet to win a major continental title and the hosting of the 27thedition of the biennial showpiece event is widely seen as a step towards breaking that jinx. In four previous appearances in 1996, 1998, 2006 and 2008, they have failed to reach the medal zone though the Ghana 2008 remains their improved – a quarter-final berth. With most of the members of the last tournament still around, it gives coach Jose Manuel a form of that he has a team with some rich level of experience. The hosts failed to reach the final round of the qualifying rounds for the 2010 World Cup/Orange Africa Cup of Nations, after finishing second in Group 3 on 10 points, two points adrift of leaders Benin. With that, they had to settle on friendly matches to fine-tune preparations for the tournament. Since taking over the reigns of the team in June 2009, the Palancas Negras have engaged the likes of Guinea, Togo, Cape Verde, Senegal, Malta, Cameroon, Congo and Ghana before setting up a training camp in Portugal for the tournament.The hosts are drawn in Group A with Algeria, Malawi and Mali, and their Portuguese trainer strongly believes this would bring out the best in the team. Among those who will be expected to lift high the flag of Angola during the tournament are Lama (Goalkeeper), veteran defender Yamba Asha, Jamba, Kali, António Mendonça, André Macanga, Flávio, Manucho and Mantorras.
The Palancas Negras have yet to win a major continental title and the hosting of the 27thedition of the biennial showpiece event is widely seen as a step towards breaking that jinx. In four previous appearances in 1996, 1998, 2006 and 2008, they have failed to reach the medal zone though the Ghana 2008 remains their improved – a quarter-final berth. With most of the members of the last tournament still around, it gives coach Jose Manuel a form of that he has a team with some rich level of experience. The hosts failed to reach the final round of the qualifying rounds for the 2010 World Cup/Orange Africa Cup of Nations, after finishing second in Group 3 on 10 points, two points adrift of leaders Benin. With that, they had to settle on friendly matches to fine-tune preparations for the tournament. Since taking over the reigns of the team in June 2009, the Palancas Negras have engaged the likes of Guinea, Togo, Cape Verde, Senegal, Malta, Cameroon, Congo and Ghana before setting up a training camp in Portugal for the tournament.The hosts are drawn in Group A with Algeria, Malawi and Mali, and their Portuguese trainer strongly believes this would bring out the best in the team. Among those who will be expected to lift high the flag of Angola during the tournament are Lama (Goalkeeper), veteran defender Yamba Asha, Jamba, Kali, António Mendonça, André Macanga, Flávio, Manucho and Mantorras.
Coach: Manuel José de Jesus (Portugal)
Manuel José is a Portuguese who has coaching stints with Sporting Portugal, Boavista FC, Belenenses, and SL Benfica, among other teams. He is credited for discovering Luís Figo.
Manuel José is a Portuguese who has coaching stints with Sporting Portugal, Boavista FC, Belenenses, and SL Benfica, among other teams. He is credited for discovering Luís Figo.
Born in 1946, Jose won 16 successive titles in various African football competitions as coach of Egyptian club Al-Ahly in two stints in 2001-2002 and 2003 - 2009. Since joining Al-Ahly, he helped give the team a record-breaking unbeaten run of 71 matches. He also managed to win the African Champions League with the team 4 times (2001, 2005, 2006 and 2008), making him the first coach to achieve such a feat.On May 13, 2009, Jose was officially appointed by the Angolan Football Federation (FAF) as the national team's head coach, his first national team assignment in his coaching career spanning over two decades.
ALGERIA
The country was drawn in Group C of the combined qualifiers for the 2010 African Cup of Nations and World Cup alongside Rwanda , Zambia and Egypt . Algeria went on to Zambia 2-0 in Chililabombwe and 1-0 in Blida . The country played a (0-0) game in Rwanda and defeated them (3-1) in Blida . Algeria then beat Egypt (3-1) Egypt in Blida and got beaten (0-2) in the return leg to qualify for the AFCON in January in Angola .
Coach: Rabah Saâdane
Rabah Saâdane is an icon of football in Algeria and the most titled coach in the North African country. He qualified and managed the Algerian Junior team during the 1979 World Championships in Japan . He also led Algeria to World Cup qualification in 1982 in Spain . He returned to manage the side in 1984 and guided them to the 1986 World Cup in Mexico . He has also trained several clubs in Algeria including Entente Sétif with whom he won the Arab Cup as well as USM Alger. He also has coached Yemen . He led Raja Casablanca to their first African Champions Cup title in 1989. As a player he starred for his local side Batna before moving on to MO Constantine and USM Blida. He also coached the national university team in 1974 after having played for the team. Rabah Saâdane is a living legend of the beautiful game in Algeria who has brought unrivalled success to the country. His charisma and personality has often brought him problem but he has always stood firm to his ideals. He is at the origin of the resurgent Algerian side that defied skeptics and won one of the five tickets for the 2010 World Cup overcoming continental giants like Egypt and even Senegal.
ALGERIA
The country was drawn in Group C of the combined qualifiers for the 2010 African Cup of Nations and World Cup alongside Rwanda , Zambia and Egypt . Algeria went on to Zambia 2-0 in Chililabombwe and 1-0 in Blida . The country played a (0-0) game in Rwanda and defeated them (3-1) in Blida . Algeria then beat Egypt (3-1) Egypt in Blida and got beaten (0-2) in the return leg to qualify for the AFCON in January in Angola .
Coach: Rabah Saâdane
Rabah Saâdane is an icon of football in Algeria and the most titled coach in the North African country. He qualified and managed the Algerian Junior team during the 1979 World Championships in Japan . He also led Algeria to World Cup qualification in 1982 in Spain . He returned to manage the side in 1984 and guided them to the 1986 World Cup in Mexico . He has also trained several clubs in Algeria including Entente Sétif with whom he won the Arab Cup as well as USM Alger. He also has coached Yemen . He led Raja Casablanca to their first African Champions Cup title in 1989. As a player he starred for his local side Batna before moving on to MO Constantine and USM Blida. He also coached the national university team in 1974 after having played for the team. Rabah Saâdane is a living legend of the beautiful game in Algeria who has brought unrivalled success to the country. His charisma and personality has often brought him problem but he has always stood firm to his ideals. He is at the origin of the resurgent Algerian side that defied skeptics and won one of the five tickets for the 2010 World Cup overcoming continental giants like Egypt and even Senegal.
MALI
Mali will be participating for the sixth time in the final phase of the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola, a competition which had earlier smiled at them even though the team has never won the trophy. Its first participation in 1972 took it to the final in Yaounde where it was beaten by Congo, while it was considered favourite before the match. For its comeback, twenty-eight years later, it was defeated at the semi-final by Zambia before being defeated by Ivory Coast for the third place (1994). This fourth place will be theirs in 2002 at home and in 2004 in Tunisia. During its last outing two years back, Mali, for the first time, failed to go beyond the first round.
Mali will be participating for the sixth time in the final phase of the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola, a competition which had earlier smiled at them even though the team has never won the trophy. Its first participation in 1972 took it to the final in Yaounde where it was beaten by Congo, while it was considered favourite before the match. For its comeback, twenty-eight years later, it was defeated at the semi-final by Zambia before being defeated by Ivory Coast for the third place (1994). This fourth place will be theirs in 2002 at home and in 2004 in Tunisia. During its last outing two years back, Mali, for the first time, failed to go beyond the first round.
Coach: Stephen Keshi (Nigeria)
Former emblematic figure of Nigeria with which he played the 1994 World Cup, Keshi started his career as player in Lagos before signing in Ivorian clubs, Stade then Africa Sport of Abidjan. He later on came to Belgium to Lokeren and to Anderlecht where he wore the jersey fro four seasons, before moving to Strasbourg, in France. After a brief return to Belgium, he found his way to the United States before ending his professional career in Malaysia. As Assistant coach, he accompanied the Nigerian Olympic squad to the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004, and then he became coach of Togo, which he qualified for the 2006 World Cup. But he will not be part of the team to Germany since Togo preferred the German coach, Otto Pfister. In April 2008, he bounced back this time at the helm of the Malian team which he currently leads, in spite of criticism, to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Former emblematic figure of Nigeria with which he played the 1994 World Cup, Keshi started his career as player in Lagos before signing in Ivorian clubs, Stade then Africa Sport of Abidjan. He later on came to Belgium to Lokeren and to Anderlecht where he wore the jersey fro four seasons, before moving to Strasbourg, in France. After a brief return to Belgium, he found his way to the United States before ending his professional career in Malaysia. As Assistant coach, he accompanied the Nigerian Olympic squad to the Olympic Games in Athens in 2004, and then he became coach of Togo, which he qualified for the 2006 World Cup. But he will not be part of the team to Germany since Togo preferred the German coach, Otto Pfister. In April 2008, he bounced back this time at the helm of the Malian team which he currently leads, in spite of criticism, to the Africa Cup of Nations.
MALAWI
After futile try and error with questionable foreign coaches, the Football Association of Malawi’s (FAM) decision to summon from South Africa legendary Kinnah Phiri to replace Englishman Stephen Constantine before the start of the 2010 qualifiers in May 2008 proved a masterstroke.
Kinnah, who had apparently fallen out with Constantine before he picked a job at South Africa’s Free State Stars, took over the Flames when they were at their lowest ebb having suffered six back to back losses in all competitions under Constantine. Being thrown in Group 12 comprising Egypt, DRC and Djibouti seemed a scary challenge for the Flames. But a newly found confidence saw the Flames starting the 2010 joint qualifiers with a flying 8-1 bashing of Djibouti followed by remarkable 1-0 and 2-1 home wins over Egypt and DRC that ensured Malawi’s surprise progression to the final qualifying round. Tougher challenges stood in the Flames way again in the final qualifiers as they were drawn in Group E alongside seasoned campaigners Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Guinea. Not only was the 2010 World Cup final prospect a fantasy, but even a trip to Angola Nations Cup finals looked a mountain to climb. True to the fears, Flames had the worst of starts, suffering 5-0 humiliation at the hands of Cote d’Ivoire Elephants in a match that was in every sense disastrous as the game was overshadowed by a crowd stampede that left scores dead on March 29, 2009 in Abidjan. Burkina Faso rubbed salt of Malawi’s festering wounds, ending a six-game unbeaten run in all competitions with a 1-0 win mid 2009. A trip to Guinea added more pain as the Flames lost 2-1 the only hope being that saviour Chiukepo Msowoya had finally rediscovered his scoring touch in netting the consolation. Msowoya put back on track the Flames derailed campaign, his brace earning the Flames a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Guinea in September followed by a brave 1-1 draw that ensured Malawi’s passage to Angola with four points, one point ahead at the expense of Guinea.
After futile try and error with questionable foreign coaches, the Football Association of Malawi’s (FAM) decision to summon from South Africa legendary Kinnah Phiri to replace Englishman Stephen Constantine before the start of the 2010 qualifiers in May 2008 proved a masterstroke.
Kinnah, who had apparently fallen out with Constantine before he picked a job at South Africa’s Free State Stars, took over the Flames when they were at their lowest ebb having suffered six back to back losses in all competitions under Constantine. Being thrown in Group 12 comprising Egypt, DRC and Djibouti seemed a scary challenge for the Flames. But a newly found confidence saw the Flames starting the 2010 joint qualifiers with a flying 8-1 bashing of Djibouti followed by remarkable 1-0 and 2-1 home wins over Egypt and DRC that ensured Malawi’s surprise progression to the final qualifying round. Tougher challenges stood in the Flames way again in the final qualifiers as they were drawn in Group E alongside seasoned campaigners Cote d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso and Guinea. Not only was the 2010 World Cup final prospect a fantasy, but even a trip to Angola Nations Cup finals looked a mountain to climb. True to the fears, Flames had the worst of starts, suffering 5-0 humiliation at the hands of Cote d’Ivoire Elephants in a match that was in every sense disastrous as the game was overshadowed by a crowd stampede that left scores dead on March 29, 2009 in Abidjan. Burkina Faso rubbed salt of Malawi’s festering wounds, ending a six-game unbeaten run in all competitions with a 1-0 win mid 2009. A trip to Guinea added more pain as the Flames lost 2-1 the only hope being that saviour Chiukepo Msowoya had finally rediscovered his scoring touch in netting the consolation. Msowoya put back on track the Flames derailed campaign, his brace earning the Flames a morale-boosting 2-1 win over Guinea in September followed by a brave 1-1 draw that ensured Malawi’s passage to Angola with four points, one point ahead at the expense of Guinea.
Coach: Kinnah Phiri
Date of birth: October 30, 1954
Place of birth: Karonga District
Date of birth: October 30, 1954
Place of birth: Karonga District
For long regarded as Malawi’s greatest player ever, Kinnah has managed to transfer his reputation into coaching, establishing himself as now among the best Malawi coaches. He returned to Malawi in 2004 after many years of self imposed exile in Swaziland where he went in 1985 in frustration after a top politician in the former one party regime blocked his potential contract with a top United Arab Emirates side. Forced to leave Bullets as a player in 1985, Kinnah went to Swaziland where he played and eventually coached to several cup glories Manzini Wanderers before being drafted as Swaziland national team assistant coach in 2002. In 2004, he returned home to coach his childhood club, Bata Bullets (later renamed Total Bullets, Bakili Bullets and now Bullets), guiding them to record breaking 2004 CAF Champions League group stages, the best record for any Malawian club on the international level.
His Bullets success was to act as a springboard for his contract offer at South Africa Premier League’s Free State Stars first in 2005 then in 2007 until he was recalled to Malawi to guide the Flames in the 2010 World Cup and Orange Africa Cup of Nations.
GROUP B: COTE D'IVOIRE, BURKINA FASO, GHANA, TOGO
BURKINA FASO
Burkina Faso has participated in six final phases of the Africa Cup of Nations, five times consecutively from 1996-2004. Usually eliminated at the first round, the team reached the semi-final of the competition at home in 1998 where it was eliminated by Egypt, future winners (0-2). In the classification match for the third place, the team was beaten in penalty shoot out by DR Congo. The Stallions have known an almost perfect journey in the first round by obtaining sixteen points on the possible eighteen, with five victories for a draw, which permitted the team to end on top of its group with three points ahead of Tunisia. The two other teams of the group were Burundi and Seychelles. Burkina Faso maintained the same rhythm during the first two playing days of the second round before being defeated twice by Ivory Coast; the first at home (2-3), the second in Abidjan (0-5). These were its only defeats in twelve matches. It ended second of its group, four points behind the Ivorian team.
Burkina Faso has participated in six final phases of the Africa Cup of Nations, five times consecutively from 1996-2004. Usually eliminated at the first round, the team reached the semi-final of the competition at home in 1998 where it was eliminated by Egypt, future winners (0-2). In the classification match for the third place, the team was beaten in penalty shoot out by DR Congo. The Stallions have known an almost perfect journey in the first round by obtaining sixteen points on the possible eighteen, with five victories for a draw, which permitted the team to end on top of its group with three points ahead of Tunisia. The two other teams of the group were Burundi and Seychelles. Burkina Faso maintained the same rhythm during the first two playing days of the second round before being defeated twice by Ivory Coast; the first at home (2-3), the second in Abidjan (0-5). These were its only defeats in twelve matches. It ended second of its group, four points behind the Ivorian team.
Coach: Paulo Jorge Rebelo Duarte (Portugal)
Former midfielder, he pursued his entired career in Portugal in Boavista, Uniao Leiria, Salgueiros and Maritimo of Funchal. He ended his career as player under the supervision of his compatriot Jose Mourinho. He started his coaching career in Leiria in Portugal. Having occupied this post since March 2008, he accumulated his function as coach with that of coach of the French League I side, Man.
COTE D’IVOIRE
In Angola, the senior national team named the Elephants from the emblem of Ivory Coast, will participate in its 18th Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). With just a trophy won in 1992 in Senegal, the Ivorian eleven is led by the Franco-bosniac Vahid Halihodzic. Its reputation as the best African team at the moment is based on the performance of its professional players which include Didier Drogba (Chelsea), Touré Kolo Habib (Manchester City) and Yaya Touré (FC Barcelona). For the third consecutive CAN qualification of this generation the captain, Didier Drogba and his teammates will have the heavy responsibility of trying to win the prestigious continental trophy, eighteen years after their last consecration in Senegal (1992)
Record: 1992 (winner of the CAN), 1994 (3), 1996 (eliminated in the first round), 1998 (1/4 finalists), 2000 and 2002 (1st round), 2004 (preliminary round), 2006 (2nd), 2008 (4th). 2006 (1stround of the World in Germany)
Coach: Vahid Halilhodzic (Bosnia)
Vahid Halilhodzic is a Frenchman of Bosnian origin, who has occupied the position of Elephants trainer since May 2008. As a player Player, he was capped 15 times by the former Yugoslavia scoring eight goals 1976 and 1985. After retiring, he coached a number of teams, including French clubs Lille, Rennes and Paris Saint-Germain. He was the head coach of Trabzonspor in the 2005–06 season and Al-Ittihad in 2006. Halilhodzic also guided Moroccan club, Raja Casablanca to the defunct African Clubs Championship Cup in 1997 as well as Morocco leaugue titles in 1997 and 1998.
TOGO
The Hawks will be making their seventh appearance at the biennial championship at Angola 2010 and will be hoping to break the myth surrounding their previous participations. Togo hase never advanced past the group stage on their previous attempts, and the 27th edition presents them a golden opportunity to break that jinx. Always not among the favourites, they boast of a modest squad capable of causing a turnaround on any day. The Hawk’s qualification to the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, Angola 2010 was not smooth, managing just two victories against Cameroon and Gabon at home and two draws to finish third in Group A, incidentally behind Cameroon and Gabon. Perhaps, it the changes in their technical set up that drew the headlines with Frenchman Hubert Velud replacing Belgian Jean Thissen in the middle of the campaign. In Emmanuel Adebayor, reigning CAF Footballer of Year, they possess one of the deadliest attackers on the continent and much will be expected of the Manchester City forward to guide the Hawks at least beyond the group stage for the first time. Togo are drawn in the all-West African Group B, which include Burkina Faso, Cote d’Ivoire and Ghana.
Coach: Hubert Velud (France)
Hubert Velud is a French football manager and former player, who played for Reims, Châlons-sur-Marne during his playing days. He coached Châlons-sur-Marne, Gap, Paris FC, Gazélec Ajaccio, Clermont, Cherbourg, Créteil, Toulon, Beauvais. He has been the head coach of Togo since October 2009.
GHANA
Ghana’s Black Stars will be aiming for a fifth triumph at the biggest football stage on the continent. After failing to follow in the shadows of Tunisia and Egypt, ultimate winners as hosts in 2004 and 2006 respectively, the four-time winners have been offered a yet golden opportunity to up their successes. After a disappointing third place finish as host of the last edition in 2008, the Black Stars will be expected to combine effectively in search of the Golden Fleece in Angola.Serbian trainer Milovan Rajevac has brought a new lease of life into the team since taking over in August 2008, catapulting in dazzling performances during the qualifiers. With two matches to go, the Stars had already sealed places at both Orange Africa Cup of Nations, Angola 2010 and the South Africa 2010 World Cup, making them the talk of all. The strength of the team is the midfield which revolves around Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien, Anthony Annan of Norwegian side and new kid on the bloc, Kwadwo Asamoah. The trio have formed been impregnable with their ability to link up with the attack as well as join the defence making them extraordinary. In attack, the likes of Matthew Amoah of NAC Breda (Holland) and Asamoah Gyan of French side Stade Rennais will be expected to bang in the goals whist veteran goalkeeper Richard Kingston has proven to be the safest for the role between the sticks. With the chore of team having at least an Africa Cup of Nations feeling under their belt, experience will be key to their ambitions to go farthest.
Ghana’s Black Stars will be aiming for a fifth triumph at the biggest football stage on the continent. After failing to follow in the shadows of Tunisia and Egypt, ultimate winners as hosts in 2004 and 2006 respectively, the four-time winners have been offered a yet golden opportunity to up their successes. After a disappointing third place finish as host of the last edition in 2008, the Black Stars will be expected to combine effectively in search of the Golden Fleece in Angola.Serbian trainer Milovan Rajevac has brought a new lease of life into the team since taking over in August 2008, catapulting in dazzling performances during the qualifiers. With two matches to go, the Stars had already sealed places at both Orange Africa Cup of Nations, Angola 2010 and the South Africa 2010 World Cup, making them the talk of all. The strength of the team is the midfield which revolves around Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien, Anthony Annan of Norwegian side and new kid on the bloc, Kwadwo Asamoah. The trio have formed been impregnable with their ability to link up with the attack as well as join the defence making them extraordinary. In attack, the likes of Matthew Amoah of NAC Breda (Holland) and Asamoah Gyan of French side Stade Rennais will be expected to bang in the goals whist veteran goalkeeper Richard Kingston has proven to be the safest for the role between the sticks. With the chore of team having at least an Africa Cup of Nations feeling under their belt, experience will be key to their ambitions to go farthest.
Coach: Milovan Rajevac
Born on January 2, 1954, Milovan Rajevac was appointed coach of the Black Stars in August 2008. With no previous experience at national team level, he masterminded the qualification of the Ghana’s Black Stars to the Orange Africa Cup of Nation and the South Africa 2010 World. Having previously managed Red Star Belgrade, FK Vojvodina and FK Borac Čačak all in Serbia, he thus becomes the Serbian after Ratomir Dujkovic to guide the Black Stars to the two competitions in a year. “Milo” as he is affectionately will be hoping to become the first non-Ghanaian to guide the Black Stars to the ultimate at the continental showpiece event. A defender during his playing days, he featured for Borac Čačak, Red Star Belgrade, FK Vojvodina and Sloboda Tuzla during a career that spanned 1975 – 1986.
Born on January 2, 1954, Milovan Rajevac was appointed coach of the Black Stars in August 2008. With no previous experience at national team level, he masterminded the qualification of the Ghana’s Black Stars to the Orange Africa Cup of Nation and the South Africa 2010 World. Having previously managed Red Star Belgrade, FK Vojvodina and FK Borac Čačak all in Serbia, he thus becomes the Serbian after Ratomir Dujkovic to guide the Black Stars to the two competitions in a year. “Milo” as he is affectionately will be hoping to become the first non-Ghanaian to guide the Black Stars to the ultimate at the continental showpiece event. A defender during his playing days, he featured for Borac Čačak, Red Star Belgrade, FK Vojvodina and Sloboda Tuzla during a career that spanned 1975 – 1986.
GROUP C: EGYPT, NIGERIA, MOZAMBIQUE, BENIN
EGYPT
The Pharaohs have not missed out of the biennial continental fiesta since 1984 and will be making a record 22nd appearance in Angola. Having emerged winners a record ix times in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006 and 2008, they are considered the most successful team in the history of the tournament. With a seventh title in mind, the Pharaohs are also seeking to improve upon their quarter-final berth at South Africa in 1996, the last the tournament was hosted in the COSAFA region by retaining the ultimate, which make them the first to have to have annexed the title three times on the trot. After a nervy start to the campaign (final round of qualifiers), winless after two games; the reigning African championship bounced back in style and sealed a CAN spot before the ultimate round of matches. The Pharaohs finished on 13 points, same as rivals Algeria with same number of goals but the latter won 1-0 in the play-off that handed them Group C’s ticket for the first ever Mundial to be staged on African soil in South Africa. For their failure to land the Mundial ticket, the Egyptians are bent on appeasing their fans with the ultimate at the first CAN to be staged in Angola. Coach Hassan Shehata has been the architect of the Pharaoh’s successes in 2006 and 2008, and expectations are high on the Zamalek legend to deliver the title. The experience of veterans, goalkeeper Essam Al-Hadary, captain Ahmed Hassan, Mohamed Aboutrika will be crucial and so will exuberance of middle-class Hosny Abd-Rabou, Mohamed Zidan and Emad Moteab.
The Pharaohs have not missed out of the biennial continental fiesta since 1984 and will be making a record 22nd appearance in Angola. Having emerged winners a record ix times in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006 and 2008, they are considered the most successful team in the history of the tournament. With a seventh title in mind, the Pharaohs are also seeking to improve upon their quarter-final berth at South Africa in 1996, the last the tournament was hosted in the COSAFA region by retaining the ultimate, which make them the first to have to have annexed the title three times on the trot. After a nervy start to the campaign (final round of qualifiers), winless after two games; the reigning African championship bounced back in style and sealed a CAN spot before the ultimate round of matches. The Pharaohs finished on 13 points, same as rivals Algeria with same number of goals but the latter won 1-0 in the play-off that handed them Group C’s ticket for the first ever Mundial to be staged on African soil in South Africa. For their failure to land the Mundial ticket, the Egyptians are bent on appeasing their fans with the ultimate at the first CAN to be staged in Angola. Coach Hassan Shehata has been the architect of the Pharaoh’s successes in 2006 and 2008, and expectations are high on the Zamalek legend to deliver the title. The experience of veterans, goalkeeper Essam Al-Hadary, captain Ahmed Hassan, Mohamed Aboutrika will be crucial and so will exuberance of middle-class Hosny Abd-Rabou, Mohamed Zidan and Emad Moteab.
Coach: Hassan Shehata
Nicknamed “El Me'alem” meaning ‘The Master’, he has carved a niche for himself as among the elite technical brains on the continent. Born on June 19, 1949, Hassan Shehata is ranked among the most successful coaches in Egyptian football history. A potent striker during his playing days with Zamalek, he was twice top scorer in the Egyptian League and the highlight of his career was his coronation as African footballer of the Year in 1974. His coaching career has taken him to Oman, United Arab Emirates and Sudan, aside stints series of Egyptian clubs. In 2004, Shehata became Egyptian National Team coach replacing Italian Marco Tardelli and two years later, he guided the Pharaohs to the ultimate during Africa Cup of Nations on home soil and defended the title two years later in Ghana defeating Cameroon 1-0 in the final.
Nicknamed “El Me'alem” meaning ‘The Master’, he has carved a niche for himself as among the elite technical brains on the continent. Born on June 19, 1949, Hassan Shehata is ranked among the most successful coaches in Egyptian football history. A potent striker during his playing days with Zamalek, he was twice top scorer in the Egyptian League and the highlight of his career was his coronation as African footballer of the Year in 1974. His coaching career has taken him to Oman, United Arab Emirates and Sudan, aside stints series of Egyptian clubs. In 2004, Shehata became Egyptian National Team coach replacing Italian Marco Tardelli and two years later, he guided the Pharaohs to the ultimate during Africa Cup of Nations on home soil and defended the title two years later in Ghana defeating Cameroon 1-0 in the final.
BENIN
The Squirrels of Benin will be at their third participation at the final phase of the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola in 2010. Stéphane Sessegnon and his teammates will have the quality to participate a consecutive second time after that of Ghana in 2008. The beautiful adventure started with the Frenchman Michel Dussuyer, who took over the team after the resignation of the German, Fabisch Reinhard, who later on died (may his soul rest in peace). “The white wizard” (nickname) led the Squirrels against Niger, that was beaten at the away match as in the return match by the same score: 2-0. But before that, it the Beninese, Wabi Gomez would succeed Fabisch Reinhard. Against Angola, the Beninese team lost in Luanda (3-0) and took revenge on Uganda which it whitewashed by 4-1. Wabi, it would be recalled, qualified Benin for the CAN in Ghana. Dussuyer will continue by giving hope to the Beninese sporting public by inculcating in the Squirrels, the necessary ingredients to triumph (3-2) over Angola, the host country of the next Africa Cup of Nations. It was on September 7, 2008, in Cotonou. Benin, before the last match against Uganda in Kampala, obtained its passport for the second round qualifications for the CAN and World Cup 2010. The Palancas Negras came on the Squirrels in the return match (2-1). It was a match without stakes. The entire country started dreaming of a qualification for the World Cup and CAN 2010. The Squirrels travelled to Kumasi on March 29, 2009 for their first match of the second round and were defeated by the Black Stars of Ghana (1-0). They made up for the defeat at home by beating the Crocodiles of the Nile (1-0) before proceeding to Bamako to be defeated by the Eagles (3-1) with whom the team pulled a 1-1 draw in the return match in Cotonou. The Squirrels will have the chance of beating the Black Stars in the return match in Cotonou (1-0). This victory offered them the precious key that opened them the doors to the 2010 CAN, even before their last encounter against the Sudanese. According to the players, supporters and officials, the objective in « Angola 2010 » is to, in the first place, cross the first round. The Squirrels, vintage CAN Angola 2010, have necessary arguments to make in front of team. The technical staff of the team, Stephane SESSEGNON, Razack OMOTOYOSSI, Mouritala OGOUMBIYI and others including Michaël POTE, have just one refrain: condition the Angolan public and find a good rhythm to lead the Squirrels as far as possible in this prestigious continental competition, the 2010 version, which is the CAN.
The Squirrels of Benin will be at their third participation at the final phase of the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola in 2010. Stéphane Sessegnon and his teammates will have the quality to participate a consecutive second time after that of Ghana in 2008. The beautiful adventure started with the Frenchman Michel Dussuyer, who took over the team after the resignation of the German, Fabisch Reinhard, who later on died (may his soul rest in peace). “The white wizard” (nickname) led the Squirrels against Niger, that was beaten at the away match as in the return match by the same score: 2-0. But before that, it the Beninese, Wabi Gomez would succeed Fabisch Reinhard. Against Angola, the Beninese team lost in Luanda (3-0) and took revenge on Uganda which it whitewashed by 4-1. Wabi, it would be recalled, qualified Benin for the CAN in Ghana. Dussuyer will continue by giving hope to the Beninese sporting public by inculcating in the Squirrels, the necessary ingredients to triumph (3-2) over Angola, the host country of the next Africa Cup of Nations. It was on September 7, 2008, in Cotonou. Benin, before the last match against Uganda in Kampala, obtained its passport for the second round qualifications for the CAN and World Cup 2010. The Palancas Negras came on the Squirrels in the return match (2-1). It was a match without stakes. The entire country started dreaming of a qualification for the World Cup and CAN 2010. The Squirrels travelled to Kumasi on March 29, 2009 for their first match of the second round and were defeated by the Black Stars of Ghana (1-0). They made up for the defeat at home by beating the Crocodiles of the Nile (1-0) before proceeding to Bamako to be defeated by the Eagles (3-1) with whom the team pulled a 1-1 draw in the return match in Cotonou. The Squirrels will have the chance of beating the Black Stars in the return match in Cotonou (1-0). This victory offered them the precious key that opened them the doors to the 2010 CAN, even before their last encounter against the Sudanese. According to the players, supporters and officials, the objective in « Angola 2010 » is to, in the first place, cross the first round. The Squirrels, vintage CAN Angola 2010, have necessary arguments to make in front of team. The technical staff of the team, Stephane SESSEGNON, Razack OMOTOYOSSI, Mouritala OGOUMBIYI and others including Michaël POTE, have just one refrain: condition the Angolan public and find a good rhythm to lead the Squirrels as far as possible in this prestigious continental competition, the 2010 version, which is the CAN.
Coach: Michel Dussuyer (France)
Former keeper of Cannes, Nice, Ales and Cannes, Michel Dussuyer, now aged 60 years, started his career as coach in 1996 in Cannes with the jersey with which he played for about 15 years. In 2002, he became the coach of Guinea, where he managed the Syli National for two years. In 2006, he emerged among the Assistants of Henri Michel at the helm of Ivory Coast with which he participated at the Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, and later at the World Cup in Germany. The following season, he regained his position in Cannes and took charge of the Squirrels of Benin in June 2008.
NIGERIA
Coach: Shuaibu Amodu
Shuaibu Amodu is the most successful Nigerian coach of all time, having qualified his country for the FIFA World Cup on two occasions (2002 and 2010). He also qualified Nigeria for her first stint at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in 2006. Highly successful on the local scene, with good records at BCC Lions, El Kanemi Warriors, Shooting Stars and Sharks FC. His first tenure at the top was in 1994, when at 36, he was thrown into the senior team’s Manager’s seat after Dutchman Clemens Westerhorf refused to return to Nigeria with the Super Eagles following Round of 16 exit at their World Cup debut in USA. His first tenure proved uneven with Intercontinental Cup for the King Fahd Cup in January 1995 and US Gold Cup in the summer reaping mixed results. At different times, he was given a boss, but he is remembered for taking over from Dutchman Johannes Bonfrere in April 2001, in the middle of a floundering World Cup campaign, and steered the team to the World Cup by winning the last three matches. However, he did not take the team to Korea/Japan, following a bust-up with authorities at the 2002 African Cup of Nations in Mali. When he led the Beach Soccer team to qualify for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in 2006, he again had disagreements with the authorities and left the squad on the eve of their departure to Brazil. Amodu returned to the senior team in April 2008, at the age of 50, and then led the Eagles to qualify for 2010 FIFA World Cup finals with an impressive record of nine wins and three draws in 12 matches. In fact, in his 15 years in and out of the senior team, Amodu has lost only one competitive match.
Shuaibu Amodu is the most successful Nigerian coach of all time, having qualified his country for the FIFA World Cup on two occasions (2002 and 2010). He also qualified Nigeria for her first stint at the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in 2006. Highly successful on the local scene, with good records at BCC Lions, El Kanemi Warriors, Shooting Stars and Sharks FC. His first tenure at the top was in 1994, when at 36, he was thrown into the senior team’s Manager’s seat after Dutchman Clemens Westerhorf refused to return to Nigeria with the Super Eagles following Round of 16 exit at their World Cup debut in USA. His first tenure proved uneven with Intercontinental Cup for the King Fahd Cup in January 1995 and US Gold Cup in the summer reaping mixed results. At different times, he was given a boss, but he is remembered for taking over from Dutchman Johannes Bonfrere in April 2001, in the middle of a floundering World Cup campaign, and steered the team to the World Cup by winning the last three matches. However, he did not take the team to Korea/Japan, following a bust-up with authorities at the 2002 African Cup of Nations in Mali. When he led the Beach Soccer team to qualify for the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup in 2006, he again had disagreements with the authorities and left the squad on the eve of their departure to Brazil. Amodu returned to the senior team in April 2008, at the age of 50, and then led the Eagles to qualify for 2010 FIFA World Cup finals with an impressive record of nine wins and three draws in 12 matches. In fact, in his 15 years in and out of the senior team, Amodu has lost only one competitive match.
MOZAMBIQUE
After 12 years absence, Mozambique is going to Angola, for a kind of renaissance. Can you remember the 50´s and 60´s, when Mozambique exported big players to Portugal some of them eventually becoming world stars like Eusébio and Mario Coluna(European club champions for Benfica in 61 and 62, FIFA world cup bronze medallists in 1966). Counting on a country wide engagement and vast logistical support, the Mambas fears no one and goes to Angola with eyes on the knock out stages despite the likes of Nigeria and Egypt on the group.
Since arrival of Mart Nooij, the dutch coach in 2007, Mozambique climbed more than 50 places on the FIFA word ranking (72nd now) as result of a good team management. Anyway, the team is still struggling to see the ball back of opponent´s nets because of a genuine lack of strikers (they didn´t score more than one goal in a match on the last six qualifiers). The typical formation presents four players from South Africa, three from Egypt, and three from European leagues(Switzerland, Greece and Cyprus)
After 12 years absence, Mozambique is going to Angola, for a kind of renaissance. Can you remember the 50´s and 60´s, when Mozambique exported big players to Portugal some of them eventually becoming world stars like Eusébio and Mario Coluna(European club champions for Benfica in 61 and 62, FIFA world cup bronze medallists in 1966). Counting on a country wide engagement and vast logistical support, the Mambas fears no one and goes to Angola with eyes on the knock out stages despite the likes of Nigeria and Egypt on the group.
Since arrival of Mart Nooij, the dutch coach in 2007, Mozambique climbed more than 50 places on the FIFA word ranking (72nd now) as result of a good team management. Anyway, the team is still struggling to see the ball back of opponent´s nets because of a genuine lack of strikers (they didn´t score more than one goal in a match on the last six qualifiers). The typical formation presents four players from South Africa, three from Egypt, and three from European leagues(Switzerland, Greece and Cyprus)
Coach: Mart Nooij (Netherlands)
Dutchman Mart Nooij was named as head coach of the Mambas in February 2007, replacing has been named as the new coach of the national team of Mozambique. He took over from indigene Artur Semedo, after the latter’s contract was not renewed after expiration. Nooij previously worked with the Dutch FA as a training instructor. He was also coach of Burkina Faso's under-20 team, which took part in the 2003 World Youth Championship in the United Arab Emirates. His first match in charge of Mozambique was incidentally against Burkina Faso in March 2007.
GROUP D: CAMEROON, GABON, ZAMBIA, TUNISIA
CAMEROON
It seemed a complete digression when, in 1994, Cameroon missed out in the CAN organised that year in Tunisia. It is the only edition of the Africa Cup of Nations that the Indomitable Lions missed since “Libya 1982”. Before the rendezvous in Tripoli and Benghazi, the Cameroonian team had taken part in only two editions of the CAN, in 1970 in Sudan and in 1972 at home, with a huge disappointment at the end of the latter edition; their elimination by Congo at the semi-final. In January 2010 in Angola, the Indomitable Lions will thus be at their 16th participation at the supreme continental tournament. The team had participated in 1970, 1972, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008. Clearly, since their qualification for « Libya 1982 », coming after ten years of silence, they have never again missed any CAN, with the exception of “Tunisia 94”, where they were held back by the Azingo National (the former appellation of the Panthers) of Gabon. For the supporters of the Indomitable Lions, participating at the final phase of the Africa Cup of Nations is no longer an event, and the expectation for the players has thus become the winning of the continental trophy. The glory and quality of the squad, in fact, speaks for this Cameroonian team which is already winner of four Africa Cup of Nations (1984, 1988, 2000 and 2002), and which will be at its sixth final phase of the World Cup next June, without forgetting the Olympic Gold Medal it won in 2000 in Sydney. An unfortunate finalist at the last edition of the CAN in January-February 2008 in Ghana, against its eternal nightmare, Egypt, Cameroon naturally goes to Angola being one of the favourites. The country is rich in football talents. That which the team possesses more than others is the fury to win. Thus, it is often instability on the reserve bench and a seeming chronic disorganisation which has often frustrated the ambitions of this giant of the continent, regularly classified first African country in the monthly classification by the International Football Federation (FIFA). This page of rampant amateurism seems henceforth turned since the recruitment of the French technician, Paul Le Guen, last July. In fact, we no longer notice the least hitch in the organisation of trips, preparatory session and match for the national team. And the results are there: four victories in a row in official matches since the coming of the technician, who renewed his contract after the team’s qualification for the next World Cup obtained on November 14, 2009 in Morocco. The former Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain coach admits that there are still things to improve on in the team, but he affirms that the team wants to achieve a great thing at the CAN before moving head on in June at the World Cup. It will be more than a compensation for the generation of Rigobert Song and Geremi Njitap, who will most probably leave the squad after the big businesses of 2010.
CAMEROON
It seemed a complete digression when, in 1994, Cameroon missed out in the CAN organised that year in Tunisia. It is the only edition of the Africa Cup of Nations that the Indomitable Lions missed since “Libya 1982”. Before the rendezvous in Tripoli and Benghazi, the Cameroonian team had taken part in only two editions of the CAN, in 1970 in Sudan and in 1972 at home, with a huge disappointment at the end of the latter edition; their elimination by Congo at the semi-final. In January 2010 in Angola, the Indomitable Lions will thus be at their 16th participation at the supreme continental tournament. The team had participated in 1970, 1972, 1982, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008. Clearly, since their qualification for « Libya 1982 », coming after ten years of silence, they have never again missed any CAN, with the exception of “Tunisia 94”, where they were held back by the Azingo National (the former appellation of the Panthers) of Gabon. For the supporters of the Indomitable Lions, participating at the final phase of the Africa Cup of Nations is no longer an event, and the expectation for the players has thus become the winning of the continental trophy. The glory and quality of the squad, in fact, speaks for this Cameroonian team which is already winner of four Africa Cup of Nations (1984, 1988, 2000 and 2002), and which will be at its sixth final phase of the World Cup next June, without forgetting the Olympic Gold Medal it won in 2000 in Sydney. An unfortunate finalist at the last edition of the CAN in January-February 2008 in Ghana, against its eternal nightmare, Egypt, Cameroon naturally goes to Angola being one of the favourites. The country is rich in football talents. That which the team possesses more than others is the fury to win. Thus, it is often instability on the reserve bench and a seeming chronic disorganisation which has often frustrated the ambitions of this giant of the continent, regularly classified first African country in the monthly classification by the International Football Federation (FIFA). This page of rampant amateurism seems henceforth turned since the recruitment of the French technician, Paul Le Guen, last July. In fact, we no longer notice the least hitch in the organisation of trips, preparatory session and match for the national team. And the results are there: four victories in a row in official matches since the coming of the technician, who renewed his contract after the team’s qualification for the next World Cup obtained on November 14, 2009 in Morocco. The former Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain coach admits that there are still things to improve on in the team, but he affirms that the team wants to achieve a great thing at the CAN before moving head on in June at the World Cup. It will be more than a compensation for the generation of Rigobert Song and Geremi Njitap, who will most probably leave the squad after the big businesses of 2010.
Coach: Paul Le Guen (France)
The 45-year-old Breton technician had already been to Cameroon in 1983. He was then a young player of Brest, his formative club, who was participating in a friendly Christmas tournament in Yaounde. Unexpected circumstances have necessitated him to come back to the country of the Indomitable Lions last July 30 to sign the contract of a coach. The former coach of Rennes, Lyon, Glasgow Rangers and Paris Saint-Germain (he was also captain of the last club) was on the verge of signing for the French division 1 side, Lille, when he was contacted in Paris by the President of the Cameroon Football Federation. “The challenge he offered me seemed interesting and I accepted it,” he disclosed. In rediscovering Africa in 2009, the Frenchman, Paul Le Guen also discovered the job of a national team coach, which he was performing for the very first time. And his beginnings were rather spectacular: in six matches (four official and two friendlies) at the helm of the Indomitable Lions, he registered five victories and a draw game. As a consequence, his contract that ended at the end of the eliminatories was extended to the end of the next World Cup. “We will recover a bit after this qualification gotten thanks to the talents of the players. I have the World Cup in my mind, an exceptional event that is being hosted for the first on the African soil. But before that, we are ambitious about the Africa Cup of Nations that is already near. We will re-enforce the team with four or five new players in order to compete well,” promised the Indomitable Lions coach, who rejoiced that his players heeded his advice which permitted them to obtain in so short a time the good results that they got. Le Guen hopes to continue benefitting from the concentration of his boys and the means offered by the State and the federation for the preparation of the team to be able to perform well in Angola and later on in South Africa...
The 45-year-old Breton technician had already been to Cameroon in 1983. He was then a young player of Brest, his formative club, who was participating in a friendly Christmas tournament in Yaounde. Unexpected circumstances have necessitated him to come back to the country of the Indomitable Lions last July 30 to sign the contract of a coach. The former coach of Rennes, Lyon, Glasgow Rangers and Paris Saint-Germain (he was also captain of the last club) was on the verge of signing for the French division 1 side, Lille, when he was contacted in Paris by the President of the Cameroon Football Federation. “The challenge he offered me seemed interesting and I accepted it,” he disclosed. In rediscovering Africa in 2009, the Frenchman, Paul Le Guen also discovered the job of a national team coach, which he was performing for the very first time. And his beginnings were rather spectacular: in six matches (four official and two friendlies) at the helm of the Indomitable Lions, he registered five victories and a draw game. As a consequence, his contract that ended at the end of the eliminatories was extended to the end of the next World Cup. “We will recover a bit after this qualification gotten thanks to the talents of the players. I have the World Cup in my mind, an exceptional event that is being hosted for the first on the African soil. But before that, we are ambitious about the Africa Cup of Nations that is already near. We will re-enforce the team with four or five new players in order to compete well,” promised the Indomitable Lions coach, who rejoiced that his players heeded his advice which permitted them to obtain in so short a time the good results that they got. Le Guen hopes to continue benefitting from the concentration of his boys and the means offered by the State and the federation for the preparation of the team to be able to perform well in Angola and later on in South Africa...
TUNISIA
Tunisia emerged second of group 9 of the second round qualifiers with 13 points, three less than group winners Burkina Faso . During the first playing day the Carthage Eagles were beaten by Burkina Faso (1-2) in Rades before they went on to win the next four of five games. In the last round qualifiers, Tunisia was on the verge of qualification for the World Cup but were overtaken by Nigeria after they lost to Mozambique in the last playing day and Nigeria succeeded to beat Kenya .
Record : One African Cup of Nations title (2004 in Tunis )
Played four times at the World cup finals (1978, 1998, 2002 and 2006. Tunisia is on record for being the first African country to win in the World Cup in Argentina in 1978, a (3-1) victory over Mexico .
African Cup appearances: 13 (first being in 1962)
Final appearances at the AFCON without victory: In 1965 in Tunis , and 1996 in South Africa
Gold Medal in the Mediterranean Games (2001 in Tunis)
Participation at the Confederations Cup (2005 in Germany , eliminated in the first )
Tunisia emerged second of group 9 of the second round qualifiers with 13 points, three less than group winners Burkina Faso . During the first playing day the Carthage Eagles were beaten by Burkina Faso (1-2) in Rades before they went on to win the next four of five games. In the last round qualifiers, Tunisia was on the verge of qualification for the World Cup but were overtaken by Nigeria after they lost to Mozambique in the last playing day and Nigeria succeeded to beat Kenya .
Record : One African Cup of Nations title (2004 in Tunis )
Played four times at the World cup finals (1978, 1998, 2002 and 2006. Tunisia is on record for being the first African country to win in the World Cup in Argentina in 1978, a (3-1) victory over Mexico .
African Cup appearances: 13 (first being in 1962)
Final appearances at the AFCON without victory: In 1965 in Tunis , and 1996 in South Africa
Gold Medal in the Mediterranean Games (2001 in Tunis)
Participation at the Confederations Cup (2005 in Germany , eliminated in the first )
Coach: Faouzi Benzarti
The failure of the Carthage Eagles to qualify for the World Cup forced Tunisian Football authorities to sack Portuguese trainer Humberto Coelho and replace him with a local coach Faouzi Benzarti who has been charged with leading the team to the African Cup of Nations. He is expected to fully take over on July 1, 2010 when his current contract with Esperance finally comes to an end. Benzarti made his mark as a player foirst then as coach for US Monastir. He has also managed Etoile Sportive of Sahel, Club Africain, Club Sportif Sfaxien and Esperance of Tunis. His first assignment as coach was in 2007 when he became manager of the Libyan National team. Benzarti has over 30 years of experience in the game and declared that he was « very happy to have been choosen to coach the national team. My experience with Libya will help me a great deal in that endeavour » he added saying his objective shall be to help Tunisia qualify for the second round of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.
The failure of the Carthage Eagles to qualify for the World Cup forced Tunisian Football authorities to sack Portuguese trainer Humberto Coelho and replace him with a local coach Faouzi Benzarti who has been charged with leading the team to the African Cup of Nations. He is expected to fully take over on July 1, 2010 when his current contract with Esperance finally comes to an end. Benzarti made his mark as a player foirst then as coach for US Monastir. He has also managed Etoile Sportive of Sahel, Club Africain, Club Sportif Sfaxien and Esperance of Tunis. His first assignment as coach was in 2007 when he became manager of the Libyan National team. Benzarti has over 30 years of experience in the game and declared that he was « very happy to have been choosen to coach the national team. My experience with Libya will help me a great deal in that endeavour » he added saying his objective shall be to help Tunisia qualify for the second round of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations.
ZAMBIA
Zambia coach Herve Renard has set an audacious quarterfinal target for his side at next year’s Orange Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted in Angola. It will be 14 years in 2010 since Zambia last advanced to the last eight at an Africa Cup final tournament when they finished third at the 1996 competition held in South Africa.Zambia has failed to break that duck since then bowing out in the preliminary group stage in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2006 and 2008. The team will, at the 2010 Africa Cup, also be making their 14th Africa Cup tournament appearance since making their dramatic debut in 1974 in Egypt where they went on to reach the final but only to lose to then Zaire in a replay. Zambia later finished runner-up in the regional COSAFA Senior Challenge Cup in November after losing 3-1 to hosts Zimbabwe who rallied from 1-0 down to lift the trophy.Meanwhile, Renard has been modest about his targets with Zambia since taking charge insisting that a quarterfinal qualification will be a great leap for the team after failing to reach the last eight stage in their last five outings. Meanwhile, key to Zambia’s progress in Angola will again fall on the brothers Katongo Although the goals may have dried up for Zambia, striker Christopher and midfielder Felix who plays for Armenia Bielefeld in the 2.Budesliga in Germany and Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa respectively remain an influential force in the team.Goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene of Free State Stars in South Africa is another vital player for Renard’s side in between the sticks. Mweene and the Katongo brothers all return for their third Africa Cup tournament after debuting at the Egypt finals in 2006. The trio is part of Zambia’s core contingent of players based abroad and evenly spread between Europe and South Africa.
Zambia coach Herve Renard has set an audacious quarterfinal target for his side at next year’s Orange Africa Cup of Nations to be hosted in Angola. It will be 14 years in 2010 since Zambia last advanced to the last eight at an Africa Cup final tournament when they finished third at the 1996 competition held in South Africa.Zambia has failed to break that duck since then bowing out in the preliminary group stage in 1998, 2000, 2002, 2006 and 2008. The team will, at the 2010 Africa Cup, also be making their 14th Africa Cup tournament appearance since making their dramatic debut in 1974 in Egypt where they went on to reach the final but only to lose to then Zaire in a replay. Zambia later finished runner-up in the regional COSAFA Senior Challenge Cup in November after losing 3-1 to hosts Zimbabwe who rallied from 1-0 down to lift the trophy.Meanwhile, Renard has been modest about his targets with Zambia since taking charge insisting that a quarterfinal qualification will be a great leap for the team after failing to reach the last eight stage in their last five outings. Meanwhile, key to Zambia’s progress in Angola will again fall on the brothers Katongo Although the goals may have dried up for Zambia, striker Christopher and midfielder Felix who plays for Armenia Bielefeld in the 2.Budesliga in Germany and Mamelodi Sundowns of South Africa respectively remain an influential force in the team.Goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene of Free State Stars in South Africa is another vital player for Renard’s side in between the sticks. Mweene and the Katongo brothers all return for their third Africa Cup tournament after debuting at the Egypt finals in 2006. The trio is part of Zambia’s core contingent of players based abroad and evenly spread between Europe and South Africa.
Coach: Herve Renard (France)
Hervé Renard has been in charge of the Chipolopolo since May 2008.
Born on September 30, 1968 in Aix-les-Bains, Savoie, Renard played for French sides AS Cannes, Stade de Vallauris and SC Draguignan in a playing career which lasted from 1983 to 1998. He began his coaching career with SC Draguignan in 1999, leaving in 2001. He was Assistant at Chinese side Shanghai Cosco from 2002 to 2003, and managed English side Cambridge United in 2004. He became manager of AS Cherbourg in 2005, leaving them in 2007 to become Assistant to Claude Le Roy for the Ghana national side. The year 2009 has been a good year at the helm of Zambia for the Frenchman after a poor first six months in charge in 2008. The Frenchman guided Zambia to winning bronze at the inaugural Orange African Nations Championship hosted by Cote d’Ivoire in 2009.
Hervé Renard has been in charge of the Chipolopolo since May 2008.
Born on September 30, 1968 in Aix-les-Bains, Savoie, Renard played for French sides AS Cannes, Stade de Vallauris and SC Draguignan in a playing career which lasted from 1983 to 1998. He began his coaching career with SC Draguignan in 1999, leaving in 2001. He was Assistant at Chinese side Shanghai Cosco from 2002 to 2003, and managed English side Cambridge United in 2004. He became manager of AS Cherbourg in 2005, leaving them in 2007 to become Assistant to Claude Le Roy for the Ghana national side. The year 2009 has been a good year at the helm of Zambia for the Frenchman after a poor first six months in charge in 2008. The Frenchman guided Zambia to winning bronze at the inaugural Orange African Nations Championship hosted by Cote d’Ivoire in 2009.
GABON
The Panthers are making a return to the biggest stage in African football for the first time since the year 2000 edition co-hosted by Ghana and Nigeria. This will serve their fourth appearance in the biennial event. After almost a decade absence from the premier competition, the Panthers will be hoping to make an impressive return that will last in the minds of all. With their best performance at this stage being a last eight berth at South Africa, coach Alain Giresse and his charges will be hoping to surpass that record. Since Frenchman Alain Giresse took charge of the reigns of the team, the Panthers have awoken from their slumber and were one of the most talked about teams during the qualifying rounds.
Advancing from the second round group which included Ghana, Libya and Lesotho, the Gabonese were on the verge of a surprise qualification to the Mundial before Cameroon recovered in superb fashion to kill off that dream. With a hundred percent record after two games, against Morocco (away) and Togo (home), the Panthers were on course to drawing up one of the biggest surprises in African football before back-to-back losses to Cameroon quenched that ambition. They finished second in Group on nine points, four adrift of leaders Cameroon as Togo and Morocco chased their heels on eight and three points respectively. Having been drawn up against neighbours and old foes Cameroon, Zambia and Tunisia in Group D for the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, Angola 2010, much will be expected from captain Daniel Cousin of English side Hull City, the Aubameyang brothers (Catilina, Willy and Pierre-Emerick), experienced goalkeeper Didier Ovono, midfielder Roguy Meye among others to prove to all that performance in the qualifiers was no hoax. With no ‘big’ names in the squad, unity serves the standpoint of the team, which is a blend of youth and experience. As co-hosts of the next edition with Equatorial Guinea, the Panthers need to leave footprints which will serve inspirational for the 28th edition of the continent’s show piece soccer event in 2012.
The Panthers are making a return to the biggest stage in African football for the first time since the year 2000 edition co-hosted by Ghana and Nigeria. This will serve their fourth appearance in the biennial event. After almost a decade absence from the premier competition, the Panthers will be hoping to make an impressive return that will last in the minds of all. With their best performance at this stage being a last eight berth at South Africa, coach Alain Giresse and his charges will be hoping to surpass that record. Since Frenchman Alain Giresse took charge of the reigns of the team, the Panthers have awoken from their slumber and were one of the most talked about teams during the qualifying rounds.
Advancing from the second round group which included Ghana, Libya and Lesotho, the Gabonese were on the verge of a surprise qualification to the Mundial before Cameroon recovered in superb fashion to kill off that dream. With a hundred percent record after two games, against Morocco (away) and Togo (home), the Panthers were on course to drawing up one of the biggest surprises in African football before back-to-back losses to Cameroon quenched that ambition. They finished second in Group on nine points, four adrift of leaders Cameroon as Togo and Morocco chased their heels on eight and three points respectively. Having been drawn up against neighbours and old foes Cameroon, Zambia and Tunisia in Group D for the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, Angola 2010, much will be expected from captain Daniel Cousin of English side Hull City, the Aubameyang brothers (Catilina, Willy and Pierre-Emerick), experienced goalkeeper Didier Ovono, midfielder Roguy Meye among others to prove to all that performance in the qualifiers was no hoax. With no ‘big’ names in the squad, unity serves the standpoint of the team, which is a blend of youth and experience. As co-hosts of the next edition with Equatorial Guinea, the Panthers need to leave footprints which will serve inspirational for the 28th edition of the continent’s show piece soccer event in 2012.
Coach: Alain Giresse (France)
Frenchman Alain Giresse has been head coach of Panthers since 2006. Since taking over, the team has seen tremendous transformation leading to their qualification to the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, Angola 2010 after missing out on the previous four successive editions. Giresse, a former France International was born on August 2, 1952 in Langoiran, Gironde. He played for the France national football team in the 1982 FIFA World Cup and the 1986 FIFA World Cup, where Les Blues finished fourth and third respectively. Giresse was a member of the France Euro 84 winning team, and alongside Michel Platini, Luis Fernández and Jean Tigana formed the legendary "Carré Magique" (Magic Square) in midfield. As a manager he has been in charge of Paris St-Germain, Toulouse and the Georgian national team and Moroccan side FAR Rabat.
Frenchman Alain Giresse has been head coach of Panthers since 2006. Since taking over, the team has seen tremendous transformation leading to their qualification to the Orange Africa Cup of Nations, Angola 2010 after missing out on the previous four successive editions. Giresse, a former France International was born on August 2, 1952 in Langoiran, Gironde. He played for the France national football team in the 1982 FIFA World Cup and the 1986 FIFA World Cup, where Les Blues finished fourth and third respectively. Giresse was a member of the France Euro 84 winning team, and alongside Michel Platini, Luis Fernández and Jean Tigana formed the legendary "Carré Magique" (Magic Square) in midfield. As a manager he has been in charge of Paris St-Germain, Toulouse and the Georgian national team and Moroccan side FAR Rabat.
