2012 Africa Cup of Nations: Focus on Group C

January 21, 2012 By Isaac Asante

The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations’ Group C is formed by Gabon, Niger, Morocco and Tunisia.

Key match-ups

Niger vs Tunisia

Niger are not a country to overlook. They went from underdogs to surprise package in the qualifiers, stunning South Africa and Egypt along the way. At the same time, Tunisia are expected to gather their forces and impose themselves in Group C. It will be a matter of confidence for one side, and experience for the other.

Gabon vs Tunisia

As hosts, Gabon will have no right to allow themselves to lose any point. But Tunisia are not an easy side, and memories of the two teams’ meeting in the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations could make this very game somehow more exciting. Having gone through a goalless draw two years ago, both the Panthers and the Eagles of Carthage will want to achieve something more concrete this time around.

Favourites to qualify

It is true that hosts don’t always manage to get out of group stages in competitions; but Gabon cannot even think of being shocked by an early exit. They are hence expected to profit from all the hosting advantages and go through the following stage along with Tunisia; while Niger and Morocco might only have to hope for better luck in the next AFCON edition.