2012 Africa Cup of Nations: Focus on Group D

January 20, 2012 By Isaac Asante

The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations’ Group D contains Ghana, Botswana, Mali and Guinea.

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.