AFCON 2015 kicks off with two considerably unpredictable Group A ties. The first game, understandably, involves the hosts, who take on Congo. The second pits Gabon against Burkina Faso.
Equatorial Guinea vs Congo
It does not matter the unorthodox circumstances under which Equatorial Guinea secured their AFCON 2015 ticket, the hosts will put on a strong show in front of their home fans.
The Congolese, on the other hand, enter the tournament on the back of an impressive qualification round showing that includes a 3-2 win over defending champions Nigeria. They will be eager to start on a bright note against Nzalang Nacional before they have to take on any of their other Group A opponents.
Ladislas Douniama (Congo, EA Guingamp)
Players to watch out for in the Congolese squad include forwards Ladislas Douniama and Thievy Bifouma. 28-year-old Douniama , who plays his club football for EA Guingamp, is an experienced forward who already has 26 apps and four international goals under his name. His counterpart is a young, hotshot, 22-year old striker with three goals from just eight appearances for the Red Devils.
Teamsheets:
Equatorial Guinea 1st 11: Ovono, Rui, Sipo, Diosdado Mbele, Iván Zarandona, Pablo Ganet, Javier Balboa, Iván Bolado, Nsue, Kike Seno, Ibán Salvador
Congo 1st 11: C. Mafoumbi, F. N'Ganga, A. Bouka Moutou, M. Baudry, B. Moubhio, D. Ndinga, P. Oniangué, C. Gandzé, S. Babélé, F. Doré, T. Bifouma
Gabon vs Burkina Faso
The second tie of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations pits two determined teams against each other. Both have never laid their hands on the coveted trophy, with Burkina Faso coming closest when they were defeated by a solitary goal in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations final against Nigeria.
The Stallions are out to make amends this year. Their squad is a perfect blend of youth and experience, and will look to make an impression against Gabon on January 17th. Experienced forwards Alain Traoré and Jonathan Pitroipa, who have 96 caps between them, look certain to start.
16th-ranked Gabon also have an impressive squad of their own, especially considering the blistering form of Borussia Dortmund forward Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon and Borussia Dortmund)
Teamsheets:
Burkina Faso: G. Sanou, B. Koné, S. Yago, N. Bambara, M. Koffi, Alain Traoré, C. Kaboré, D. Koné, B. Traoré, J. Pitroipa, J. Zongo
Gabon: D. Ovono, B. Écuélé Manga, Y. Musavu-King, F. Bulot, L. Palun, L. Madinda, A. Biyogho Poko, J. Obiang, D. Ndong, P. Aubameyang, M. Evouna
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