All 3 will be fighting to get their hands on the prestigious African trophy, and indubitably, each and every one among them will want to finish well above disregarded side Burkina Faso.
Group B – The favorites at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations
Côte d’Ivoire:
The 2008 Africa Cup of Nations fourth place team Côte d’Ivoire will be setting their eyes on further achievements on this occasion, as they have surprisingly failed to really excel in recent years.
The Ivorians will be going into battle with the leadership of great African star players including Didier Drogba, Salamon Kalou, Colo Toure, Yaya Toure, Bakari Koné and Eboue – who all have great experience coming from highly-respected European football clubs such as Chelsea, Arsenal, or even FC Barcelona.
From a logical point of view, the Elephants of La Côte d’Ivoire will see no reason why they should be overpowered by another African side during the competition, being currently regarded as the continent’s deadliest forces.
Ghana:
The former Africa Cup of Nations hosts finished in third place, while the tournament was held in their own country. This is normally an acceptable fact; but however, the Black Stars were unsatisfied, as they were seeking a place in the final which would have been theirs, eventually.
That didn’t happen though, but their participation in this 27th edition of the competition could show Africa something different. Michael Essien, Steven Appiah, Sulley Muntari, John Mensah, as well as Agogo are all key players who could power the Ghana national football team to glory in Angola.
In effect, their insertion in the team could have a special impact for all the Black Stars, should they play with unity and discipline.
Group B – The outsiders at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations
Togo:
The Togolese national football team might have renowned players including reigning African Footballer of the Year Emmanuel Adebayor, but their chances of progressing to the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations’ quarterfinals are quite narrow.
Togo last played in this tournament back in 2006; they were then unable to get their name registered in the 2008 edition of the tournament, thus, their come back in 2010 could lack of expertise. Togo will meet two African giants in their group matches, and unfortunately, such a destiny overshadows their opportunities of making it through the competition’s next round.
Burkina Faso:
The Stallions of Burkina Faso are clearly the underdogs of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nation’s Group B. Finding themselves squashed by other big names in their table, Burkina Faso can only hope to have luck on their side, if ever they are to produce the unexpected.
Burkina Faso have no star to rely on, miserably; each and every single member in their national team will therefore have to bear his responsibilities similarly to his country mates.
Group B – The Players to watch at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations
Didier Drogba (CIV), Salomon Kalou (CIV), Colo Toure (CIV), Yaya Toure (CIV), Michael Essien (GHA), Steven Appiah (GHA), Sulley Muntari (GHA), Richard Kingston (GHA), Emmanuel Adebayor (TOG).
Group B - The crunch match at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations
Côte d’Ivoire vs Ghana:
This fixture will be the most sizzling among all the other matches in Group B, as both teams will play for a place in the table’s top spot. A draw might give Togo or Burkina Faso the chance to lead the group – which will then complicate things for the two giants afterward – but a win for a particular side might jeopardize one’s chances of keeping his hopes alive in the competition. In the end, the looser of this game (if there is any), could give away his place in the Africa Cup of Nations’ quarterfinals to either Togo, or Burkina Faso.
Group B - A look back
Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana met each other in the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations’ third place semifinal match. The Ivorians had taken a nice lead with 2 goals, but lack of determination saw them go behind the Black Stars who had then score 4 goals to end the game 4-2 in their favor.
Group B – Previous revealing statistics
Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana are both marked as the favorites in Group B, but between Togo and Burkina Faso, someone will have to go home earlier, if ever they do not manage to produce a shock to finish above their table’s top sides.
Previous statistics show that both sides have met twice in the last 4 years, but never were Burkina Faso able to defeat Togo’s national team. They drew 1-1 back in February 10 2009, having lost 1-0 away to Togo earlier on in May 2005.
Group B – The big questions
Is the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations’ Group B the toughest group ever in the tournament’s history? Who will manage to progress into the competition’s next round? Ivory Coast and Ghana, or a shock will turn things over?
