Despite numerous challenges; Ebola fears, scampering hosts etc. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has remained steadfast about their desire that this competition take place. And now in less than 24 hours the opening ceremony will take place at the Estadio da Bata.
Hosts Equatorial Guinea, who stepped after Morocco refused to host due to Ebola fears and subsequently got banned from the tournament; take on Congo in the opening game of the tournament.
The Black Stars
Ghana’s Black Stars would be hoping to annex our fifth nation’s cup crown, 32 years after winning the fourth in Libya. Recent tournaments have not been too kind to the Black Stars, finishing fourth at both South Africa 2013 and Gabon-Equatorial Guinea 2012, after winning silver at Angola 2010.
The Stars have made the semi finals for the past four consecutive AFCON tournaments, and after the disappointment of Brazil Ghanaians would certainly be expecting just a little bit more from the side this time around. It’s going to matter little, in the final reckoning, that Avram Grant is a new manager who has had barely any time to get to know his side.