CAN Knockout Predictions

Enough on the Stars for a day, let them hide their heads and sulk. Today we handicap the remaining squads’ chances in the CAN, starting with the matches today-

Guinea v Senegal- No contest. Upstart Guinea have been playing remarkable football over the past week and have that kind of team-first attitude that, until recently, was the characteristic of the Stars. Senegal remind me of an aging Billy Idol: the arrogance remains, but the ambition and whatever talent may have been have gone, leading to a stagger rather than a swagger.
Guinea 2-1

Egypt v Congo DR- Another easy choice. The hosts haven’t looked so hot in the Group rounds, but are at home and should have the advantage. The Simba have shown cohesiveness and pluck, but will not win out.
Egypt 1-0

Nigeria v Tunisia- Nigeria have many compelling reasons to make a case, but having seen both versus the Stars in the past two weeks, there is no question which squad is stronger. Tunisia may be Africa’s hope in Germany (unless we see something soon from Ghana)
Tunisia 3-1

Cameroon v Ivory Coast- The story line that won’t seem to tire; former international scene darling versus World Cup qualifying upstart. Can the once great reclaim a bit of lost luster in the CAN? In this case, I think not.
Ivory Coast 2-0