Assessing Chances

Well, after a few weeks of fury, the CAN is over, and probably unsurprisingly, the hosts have left holding the trophy for the second consecutive Cup.

Kudos to the Egyptians for playing with pluck when needed and proving true champions. And kudos to much of African football, which showed surprising depth top to bottom, perhaps showing why the first time qualifications of Ghana, Togo, Angola and Cote D’Ivoire should be no surprise.

How to rate the Qualifiers chances in Germany based on their performance at the CAN? See below-

Angola- Minnows were not expected to make big waves and certainly did not. The bright side for them was, disappointing as it may have seemed, there performance was about average. They are a mid-tier African footballer and performed to that level. They are prohibitive underdogs in Germany, but their group is not so strong as to eliminate doubt, especially should Portugal falter. The most interesting group in the Cup, actually.

Togo- The most shameful performers of CAN, having to sneak back home under cover of darkness. Of course, they are the least fancied team in the World Cup, so expectations are low. My odds on favorite for worst performer, a weaker squad in an evenly talented group.

Tunisia- Perhaps a surprise to have fallen in the quarterfinals to Nigeria. A strong squad that could make a few people think differently about African football. Another interesting group, but one that the Carthage Eagles should expect to reach the knockouts from. A first ever trip out of group play will be sufficient.

Cote D’Ivoire- Truly the class of Egypt throughout CAN, Cote D’Ivoire are proving to be formidable challlengers for Germany. But the group? Murder. Oh Charlie, will those matches be interesting to watch. Advancement is not impossible out of the group. Advancing from such a group would be a testament to the solidity of West African football.

And Ghana, a team in a muddle. The boys are a bit conflicted of late, with talent more on the lines of a Tunisia or Cote D’Ivoire, but the consistency of a Togo. Their uneven performance and ignominous departure could either drive them into complete turmoil, wrecking what slim odds of advancement they may have, or solidify the group again.

Given the amount of internal politicking and interference the Stars are continually forced to confront, I will not be surprised to find them come to Germany with their pants down. And their group, while not the group of Death, is no great help either.

Better start making nice to Tony Baffoe, Stars. The highlight of your time in Germany could be all the Czech entertainment.