2013 Africa Cup of Nations Finals – Saturday 19 January 2013

The 2013 Orange Africa Cup of Nations starts later today with a double-header in Group A at the National Stadium in Johannesburg. In the first game, South Africa will be under tremendous pressure as the host nation in the opening fixture against Cape Verde. The Bafana Bafana (Boys, Boys) come into the game having lost to Norway (1-0) and drawn 0-0 against Algeria in friendlies during January. Coach Gordon Igesund landed the role in June 2012 after South Africa started poorly in their World Cup 2014 Qualification campaign. This opening game with Cape Verde will be a difficult one. The Tubarões Azuis (Blue Sharks) clinched qualification for their first Finals with a shock defeat of Cameroon coming through 3-2 on aggregate. Their last game prior to South Africa was a 0-0 draw with Nigeria. The expectations of the South African fans will be immense and Cape Verde could cause an upset if the hosts don’t grab an early goal.

In the second game in Group A, Angola (The Palancas Negras – The Sable Antelopes) are up against Morocco (Lions of the Atlas). Angola won both friendlies in January prior to this tournament, beating Zambia and Botswana and will be difficult opponents in a Group that is not easy  to call. Morocco played two friendlies in January beating Namibia 2-1 and drawing with current ACN Champions Zambia 0-0. Two pretty evenly matched and organised teams, so am going for a draw in this one.

Prediction: (1) Morocco, (2) Angola, (3) Cape Verde, (4) South Africa.