Group B favourites Ghana are poised to cruise into the Last 8 of the 2013 AFCON but CAN 2012 bronze medallists Mali, two-time champions Congo DR and underdogs Niger are eager to succeed as well.

Ghana and Mali are the two big guns in Group B - 2013 AFCONGhana

It is believed that the Ghanaian national team has suffered from clashes of egos for too long and bad results always cause divisions within the FA, the squad, the media and the fans. 

This time, suspense surrounds the camp of the Black Stars ahead of the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations Cup. This is because of the composition of Kwesi Appiah’s squad. The coach made a very bold move by choosing to leave out the influential Ayew brothers – Andre and Jordan. 

 

Ghana, captained by Asamoah Gyan, are still searching for their first major trophy since 1982. The closest they came to achieving this was in 2010 when they finished second behind eventual champions Egypt. Almost three years after being one penalty kick away from being the first ever African World Cup semi-finalists, Ghana will return to South Africa to try their luck at a major tournament one more time.

Mali

Mali brushed aside Botswana 7-1 on aggregate in the 2013 AFCON play-offs. They exhibited their authority on home soil with a 3-0 victory in September last year. The return leg produced a similar story as four different players – namely Diabate, Maiga, Samassa and M. K. Traore – grabbed a goal each to rocket the Eagles in South Africa. 

Mali might feel they have the upper hand over the Ghanaians. Both sides’ last meeting was in the 2012 AFCON Third-place Final; the Malians triumphed as a sorry Black Stars team had to settle for the fourth place with no medal to boast about.

Niger2013 Africa Cup of Nations on Live Soccer TV.

Niger made their debut on the Nations Cup scene in 2012 as the tournament got hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Lack of experience saw them exit the competition without a single point. They conceded five goals but William N’Gounou’s strike against Tunisia offered at least one moment of celebration for Niger supporters.

Motivated by last term’s historic qualification, Niger secured a narrow victory over Guinea to reach the Africa Cup of Nations for the second consecutive time. Their chances of qualifying from Group B are very slim considering the potential of giants Ghana and Mali. 

DR Congo

Like reigning African champions Zambia, DR Congo will be making their 16th appearance in the tournament. The 29th edition of the continent’s biggest football show also marks the Congolese’s first participation since 2006. 

The Congolese could create a twist in the tail of Group B’s favourites – Ghana and Mali. 

Group B matches

January 20, 2013: Ghana vs Congo DR

January 20, 2013: Mali v Niger

January 24, 2013: Ghana vs Mali

January 24, 2013: Niger vs Congo DR

January 28, 2013: Niger vs Ghana

January 28, 2013: Congo DR vs Mali