Key match-ups
Ghana vs Botswana
With their attainments in the last few years, Ghana’s young side have proved that they are not a side to underestimate. It will be interesting to see them battling Botswana, who are just making their first appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament. But that surely does not mean that they are simply minnows. An impressive qualification run that saw them top Group K is just enough to send the Black Stars a strong warning.
Ghana vs Guinea
The two countries met in the opening match of the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, when Ghana were then hosting the tournament. A 2-1 victory for the Black Stars threw the Guineans on the back foot after Day 1, but the story is likely to be different this time around. “Revenge” is not necessarily the keyword in this game; but in any case, the National Elephants have a realistic idea of how dangerous the Ghanaians can be. Thus, we could be in for a game of strategy and techniques.
Favourites to qualify
Assessing their physical skills, experience and mental strength, Ghana are expected to take Group D’s top position after Day 3. A fierce battle for the second place is very likely to take place, but Barcelona’s Seydou Keita could spread a winning atmosphere in the Malian national team - only to send The Eagles into the quarterfinals at the expense of Guinea and Botswana.
Players to watch
Ghana: Striker Asamoah Gyan
Botswana: Striker Jerome Ramatlhakwane
Mali: Midfielder Seydou Keita
Guinea: Striker Ismael Bangoura
Fixtures
Ghana vs Botswana
24 January at 17:00 local time / 16:00 UTC / 11:00 EST in Franceville
Mali vs Guinea
24 January at 20:00 local time / 19:00 UTC / 14:00 EST in Franceville
Botswana vs Guinea
28 January at 17:00 local time / 16:00 UTC / 11:00 EST in Franceville
Ghana vs Mali
28 January at 20:00 local time / 19:00 UTC / 14:00 EST in Franceville
Botswana vs Mali
1 February at 19:00 local time / 18:00 UTC / 13:00 EST in Libreville
Ghana vs Guinea
1 February at 19:00 local time / 18:00 UTC / 13:00 EST in Franceville