The 2013 Africa Cup of Nations - Preview

The 2013 African Nations Cup will be the 29th Africa Cup of Nations (ACON), the football championship of Africa, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

It takes place in South Africa in nine days time. South Africa and Zambia both qualify automatically as hosts and holders respectively. The opening match will be played in Johannesburg on the 19th January between South Africa and Cape Verde, with the Islanders making their finals debut. The winner of the ACON tournament will automatically qualify for the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup in Brazil as the representative from CAF and will line up in group B alongside Spain, Uruguay and Tahiti.

On 29 January 2011, Libya won the right to host the 2013 tournament and Morocco won the bid to host the 2015 edition. However due to the 2011 Libyan civil war, Libya and South Africa traded years with South Africa hosting in 2013 and Libya hosting in 2017.

The Africa Cup of Nations, also referred to as the African Cup of Nations or African Nations Cup, officially CAN (French for Coupe d'Afrique des Nations), is the main international association football competition in Africa. It is sanctioned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and was first held in 1957. Since 1968, it has been held every two years.

In 1957 there were only three participating nations: Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia. South Africa were originally scheduled to compete, but were disqualified due to the apartheid policies of the government then in power. Since then, the tournament has grown greatly, making it necessary to hold a qualifying tournament.

Egypt is the most successful nation in the cup's history, winning the tournament a record seven times (including when Egypt was known as the United Arab Republic between 1958 and 1971). Ghana and Cameroon have won four titles each.

In May 2010, it was announced that the tournament would be moved to odd-numbered years from 2013. This will mean the tournament will now not take place in the same year as the FIFA World Cup. The 2010 tournament was unfortunately shrouded in controversy after the Togo team bus was set upon by gunfire leading to the tragic death of three officials. Togo left the competition as a result. Egypt eventually won the tournament, defeating Ghana in the final.

In 2012 the tournament was co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The 2012 surprise winners were Zambia who defeated Ivory Coast in a penalty shoot-out in the final held in the Stade d'Angondjé, Libreville.

Zambia's players celebrate their ACON success after defeating Ivory Coast in the 2012 Final

The win was dedicated to the 18 players who perished in April 1993, after a plane carrying the Zambia squad crashed just miles from the site of the 2012 final in Gabon. Malia beat Ghana in the 3rd place match. Christopher Katongo of Zambia, who plays professionally for Chinese Super League club Henan Construction F.C. as a striker was voted most valuable player. Frenchman Hervé Renard was the Zambian coach.

All-time ACON top scorers:

Samuel Eto'o - Cameroon 18 goals
Laurent Pokou - Ivory Coast - 14
Rashidi Yekini - Nigeria - 13
Hassan El-Shazly - Egypt - 12
Patrick Mboma - Cameroon and Hossam Hassan - Egypt - both 11.

23 English-based players have been named in provisional squads ahead of the tournament, and they are as follows:

South Africa: Kagisho Dikgacoi (Crystal Palace, right), Dean Furman (Oldham).

Morocco: Oussama Assaidi (Liverpool).

Ghana: Albert Adomah (Bristol City).

Mali: Samba Diakite (QPR), Mahamadou Diarra (Fulham), Tongo Doumbia (Wolves), Modibo Maiga (West Ham).

Congo DR: Gabriel Zakuani (Peterborough), Youssouf Mulumbu (West Bromwich Albion).

Zambia: Emmanuel Mayuka (Southampton).

Nigeria: John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses (both Chelsea), Shola Ameobi (Newcastle), Danny Shittu (Millwall).

Ivory Coast: Kolo Toure, Yaya Toure, Abdul Razak (all Manchester City), Cheick Tiote (Newcastle), Arouna Kone (Wigan, front right), Gervinho (Arsenal) .

Algeria: Adlene Guedioura (Nottingham Forest).

Togo: Emmanuel Adebayor (Tottenham).

Stadium Venues:
The venues were announced on 4 May 2012. The National Stadium (Johannesburg) will host the opening match and the final. Other the venues selected for matches are Mbombela Stadium (Nelspruit), Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium (port Elizabeth), Royal Bafokeng Stadium (Rustenburg) and Moses Mabhida Stadium(Durban)

Teams:

Group A: South Africa, Angola, Morocco, Cape Verde

Group B: Ghana, Mali, Niger, Congo DR

Group C: Zambia, Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia

Group D: Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Algeria, Togo

The top two teams from each group qualify for the the knockout stages beginning on the 2nd February.
The semi-finals take place on the 6th February and the final is on the 10th February.

Africa Cup Of Nations: The betting and the players to watch out for!
Ivory Coast at 7/4 are favourites to win the 2013 tournament, followed by Ghana 7/1, hosts South Africa 9/1 then Nigeria 10/1 and holders Zambia at shades of 12/1. Togo and Ethopia are the rank outsiders. However I believe there are better value betting options to consider than the Ivory Coast.

Ivory Coast, last years beaten finalists are on paper at least the stand-out side. They boast a wealth of internationally recognised talent in the form of Yaya Toure, Kolo Toure, Didier Drogba, Arouna Kone, Salomon Kalou and a host of other familiar faces are all there, and having come so close last time they and their fans will be in expectant mood.However not only have they been put in Group D with former champions Algeria and Tunisia and a Togo team with all to gain and nothing to lose, but tradition suggests potential trouble for the title favourites, and at 7/4 they look far too short a price.
Ghana will be missing their best player, Andre Ayew, who has a hamstring injury. One of Africa's finest players, Ayew the Marseille winger/striker will be sorely missed. His absence deals a potentially fatal blow to the Black Stars' hopes of becoming champions.

I like the look of Morocco at 18/1 - France-based players Zakaria Bergdich (Lens), Abdelhamid El Kaoutari (Montpellier), Younes Belhanda (Montpellier) and Chahir Belghazouani (AC Ajaccio) arrive in fine form, and they have a good striker in Youssef El Arabi of La Liga side Granada CF.

Mali's squad is packed with power and talent - Samba Sow (Lens), Cheick Fantamady Diarra (Rennes) and Sambou Yatabare (Lens) are names to look out for. Mali and Algeria are both 16/1 outsiders to win the tournament but both look capable of causing an upset in this years competition. Mali came third at the 2012 finals and are the obvious choice to progress from Group B along with Ghana, but DR Congo pose a threat if only because they are coached by wily Frenchman Claude le Roy. A small wager on either Mali and Algeria making the final could be a shrewd bet.

Algeria have in Ryad Boudebouz (FC Sochaux) and Foued Kadir (Marseille) two of the most technically gifted players in the tournament. Boudebouz and Kadir are both attacking midfielder players and are sure to excel in South Africa.

Other players to look out for in the tournament. I can see debutant's Cape Verde causing an upset or two, because they have one of the tournament's finest young footballers in Lille's Ryan Mendes, an explosive attacker with flair and good finishing ability. Also look out for flying winger Odair Fortes (Stade Reims) and striker Julio Tavares (Dijon).

Burkino Faso have two outstanding attacking players in Lorient's Alain Traore and Rennes' Jonathan Pitroipa. Burkin Faso have been drawn in one of the two more winnable groups, alongside Zambia, Nigeria and Ethiopia and their odds of 6/1 to win their group, look overpriced!

My Best Bet:
Morocco to Win the Tournament at 14/1
Outside Bets:
One of Mali or Algeria to Reach The Final both at 5/2
Longshot:
Burkina Faso to Win Group C at 6/1

# Odds courtesy of Betfair and correct at time of writing.

Go to oddschecker for all your ACON betting.

Live coverage of the 2013 African Cup of Nations on TV will be shown on ITV4 and British Eurosport in the UK. ITV4 will broadcast 20 live African Cup of Nations games including 12 group matches, 4 Quarter Finals, both Semi Finals, the third-place play off and the African Cup of Nations Final.

British Eurosport will broadcast all 32 games live from the tournament including the African Cup of Nations Final On TV. See here for the full TV schedule of matches and kick-off times.

Two Classic World Cup Underachievers in Final Clash - Betting News with Betfred

After all the hype about the South American teams impressing at the World Cup, it comes down to two European sides to battle it out in the 2010 World Cup Final.

The Netherlands looked impressive in beating a lacklustre Uruguay in their semi-final, the 3-2 scoreline making the game seem a lot tighter than it actually was.

As for Spain, despite all their intricate play and crisp passing, it took a bullet header from a set-piece by 'the perm haired old rocker' Carlos Puyol to book their place in Sunday's final.

It was a narrow win over a well-drilled German side, and perhaps the most surprising statistic was that Spain striker David Villa did not get on the score sheet.

Now, the Dutch are 11/4 outsiders in the World Cup Final betting with Betfred, while their Iberian opponents are favourites at 11/10.

In the final it will be a battle for the Golden Boot as Villa and Wesley Sneijder are both level on five goals apiece - with Villa priced at 4/5 to finish the tournament as top goal scorer compared to 9/4 for Sneijder.

While Holland look reliant on Sneijder and Arjen Robben to provide the pace, skill and the goals, it is clear the likes of Mark van Bommel, John Heitinga and Dirk Kuyt are the Dutch work horses and ball winners.

Spain showed against Germany how effective their midfield is. Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets and Alonso all look comfortable knocking the ball around, and the entire side seem able to play a sharp and direct passing game. With Villa up front they also look to have the best striker in the entire competition, and the betting odds suggest he is likely to find the net again.

Last night, Pedro impressed when coming off the bench, and he can offer a lot to the side if he is called upon in the final. However, despite a relatively poor tournament thus far it would be foolish for any football fan to write off the dangers of Fernando Torres, who is 6/1 to score first in the final.

Whatever happens, a new name will be on the trophy after the two great underachievers of world football collide in what should be an open game between two teams who both play attractive, free-flowing and attacking football.

My Tip Of The Weekend:

Both sides look impressive going forward, so 6/4 for there to be more than 2.5 goals in the final looks like good value.

World Cup Final 2010: The Netherlands v Spain - Sunday 11th July, kick-off 7.30pm GMT

By Drew Swainston
(Guest writer from Betfred on behalf of Beer Footy and Birds!)

Missing! - Has Anyone Seen Zakumi, the Official World Cup Mascot?

For the last four decades the FIFA World Cups have had unique mascots for the different tournaments and the tradition continues this year with Zakumi.

Zakumi is the official mascot for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

The green-haired leopard symbolizes the hopes and dreams of South Africa and the African continent through his self-confidence, pride, hospitality, social skills and warm-heartedness. He is lively, fervent, jovial, and a go-getter. He also loves football.

According to the official International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) website - "one thing is for sure, Zakumi will be first on the dancefloor and last off it at the biggest party in the world - the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa."

How Zakumi Got His Name:
Zakumi’s name comes from ZA, which is the international code for South Africa, and ‘kumi’ which means ‘ten’ in various African languages, making him a truly African mascot who will be the best host to all the fans visiting South Africa for the exciting football event.

The Importance of Zakumi’s Birth Date:
Although Zakumi was presented to the world on 22 September 2008, his birthdate is 16 June 1994, causing him to turn 16 in June 2010. This is an important day for South Africa, now celebrated annually as Youth Day, because it saw the beginning of the Soweto youth uprising as they protested against apartheid. The year 1994 is also an important year as it marks the first democratic vote for all people in the nation. Zakumi, therefore represents South Africa’s hopes and dreams.

However with the tournament into its third week I have yet to speak to anybody who has actually seen this character out and about performing his hosting duties - whether it be in person at a game, on or around the streets of any stadium, on billboards, through the media, or simply on our television screens!

Have YOU seen Zakumi?
Does Zakumi really exist?
Perhaps Zakumi has been abducted or kidnapped, and is being held to ransom!

If you have spotted Zakumi let me know when and where?

Sony Ericsson launches once in a lifetime 2010 FIFA World Cup Flag Bearer competition

Christmas will come early for two incredibly lucky young people from the United Kingdom as Sony Ericsson, Official Mobile Handset of the 2010 FIFA World Cup is, today, launching a competition to enable them to become the 2010 FIFA World Cup Flag Bearers.

Live the dream together – Football enthusiast families across the UK will be able to enter their child into the free draw by logging onto www.sonyericsson.com/extraman and completing a very simple task.

If you and your child love football then this is the competition for you!

This incredible opportunity for 10-16 year old girls and boys will see them, and a parent, travel to the home of the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa.
Each child and parent will receive free flights, stunning hotel accommodation plus a ticket for the parent to watch their child take to the field alongside some of the world’s greatest football stars.

To ensure your entry is counted for this once in a lifetime prize, we must receive your details via www.sonyericsson.com/extraman by the 19th December 2009 (by 23.59 hours GMT).

The Physio Room - Injury Update

With the Word Cup draw from Cape Town, South Africa only about six hours away (5.30pm GMT), there will be plenty of nervous, anxious faces looking on to see who England are drawn against in the opening phase of the competition.

Obviously the fans' will be keen to see that England get a favourable draw in the group stages, perhaps joined by the likes of Slovenia and New Zealand, rather than the Ivory Coast or France - but what about the players?

The likes of Wayne Rooney, Frank Lampard, Steven Gerrard, John Terry and Ashley Cole will without doubt be watching with great interest.

However those players on the fringes will probably be more concerned not who we draw but whether they themselves will be on the plane to South Africa next summer.
Obviously England boss Fabio Capello will want to take his strongest possible squad to the biggest tournament in world football. Capello is unlikely to name a squad that contains out of form players, or anybody struggling with a slight injury.

Therefore the fringe players if they are to force their way into the squad will only be able to do so if they are being picked on a regular basis by their respective club managers, show good form and stay injury free.

Players such as: David James, Ben Foster, Joe Cole, Peter Crouch, Ashley Young, Darren Bent, Phil Jagielka, Ledley King, Gabriel Agbonlahor, Carlton Cole, Mathhew Upson, Wayne Bridge and Stewart Downing to name but a few, will probably all be sweating on their places in the England squad when it is narrowed down to the final 22.

Meanwhile there is a full programme of English Premier League fixtures this weekend, so here is your chance to catch up on which players are out injured and who will be fit to play for their clubs.

Click on the 'link' to find out the latest on your Club's injury worries, and how soon it will be before some of your teams players will be back in action.

David Moyses' Everton are injury ravaged at the moment, and have eleven players on the treatment table as we speak. A couple may in contention for at least a place on the bench for Sunday's visit of Tottenham.
Arsenal and West Ham are also struggling with injuries, while Wigan have no injury worries going into their game with Birmingham at the DW stadium tomorrow.

‘Best Bet Summer Special’ - English & Irish Lions Betting Tips with Betfair

Hello and welcome to my latest guest betting blog with Betfair. With the football all done and dusted for another season we now have to get our sports betting fix from somewhere else, and where better than South Africa for the British and Irish Lions tour.

Ahead of the main event there were six warm up games to get themselves primed for the World Champions. But Ian McGeekan’s men found it tough going at times. Here is a quick review of the action so far:


Royal XV 25-37 Lions

Royal XV (18) 25
Tries: Koch, Barnes, Roux Cons: Olivier, Viljoen Pens: Olivier 2

Lions (10) 37
Tries: Bowe, Byrne, Wyn Jones, O'Gara Cons: O'Gara 4 Pens: O'Gara 3

A slow start from the Lions saw them slip to an 18-10 half-time deficit, but a battling second half performance saw Tommy Bowe go over and Ronan O'Gara convert to reduce the Royal XV's lead. Late tries from Lee Byrne, Alun Wyn Jones and O'Gara saw a relieved Lions home to record an opening tour victory, against the stubborn Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace team in Rustenburg.


Golden Lions 10-74 Lions

Golden Lions (10) 10
Try: Frolick Con: Pretorius Pen: Pretorius

British and Irish Lions (39) 74
Tries: Roberts 2, O'Driscoll, Monye 2, Croft, Bowe 2, Hook, Ferris
Cons: Jones 6, Hook 3 Pens: Jones 2

As sluggish as they were in the tour’s opener the Lions were as slick, energetic and powerful in their second game as they finally put a marker down with an impressive and convincing win over the Golden Lions.
Tries from Brian O'Driscoll, Ugo Monye, Tom Croft and two from Jamie Roberts helped them into a 39-10 half-time lead at Johannesburg's Ellis Park. A brace from Tommy Bowe and further scores from Monye, James Hook and Stephen Ferris will have made South Africa sit up and take notice.


Cheetahs 24-26 Lions

Cheetahs (14) 24
Tries: Dumas, Du Preez, Uys Cons: Potgieter 2, Strydom Pen: Potgieter

British and Irish Lions (23) 26
Tries: Ferris, Earls Cons: Hook 2 Pens: Hook 4

Bloemfontein was the next venue on the list and a third Lions win out of three was secured, though they were severely tested against a determined Cheetahs side. Converted tries from Stephen Ferris and Keith Earls gave them a flying start. But when Ferris was sin-binned late on the Cheetahs took full advantage and closed the gap to just two points with eight minutes of the match still remaining. This set up a tense, nervy finish for the tourists but they stood firm and held on for a narrow victory.


Sharks 3-39 Lions

Sharks (3) 3
Pen: Kockott

British and Irish Lions (7) 39
Tries: Mears, Phillips, Fitzgerald, Byrne, Heaslip Cons: O'Gara 3, Hook
Pens: O'Gara 2

Things were much more straight forward against the Sharks in Durban. They would have been frustrated to only have a Lee Mears try to show for their first half efforts, as they dominated their Super 14 opponents. But they were more clinical in the second half with Mike Phillips, Luke Fitzgerald and Lee Byrne all going over. Jamie Heaslip completed the scoring right at the final whistle to give the scoreline a comfortable look.


Western Province 23-26 Lions

Western Province (12) 23
Try: Pietersen Pens: De Waal 4 Drops: De Waal, Pietersen

British and Irish Lions (18) 26
Tries: Bowe, Monye, M Williams Con: Jones Pens: Jones 2, Hook

As the first test gets ever closer so does the quality of the opposition and the Lions endured their toughest game yet, needing a late James Hook penalty to overcome Western Province in a soggy Newlands.
The Lions fell behind 9-6 early on but Tommy Bowes fourth try of the tour and a second from Ugo Monye gave them a 18-12 advantage at the break. Martyn Williams increased the lead but Western Province fought back and leveled the scores just after the hour. Defeat was looking a real possibility, before Hook held his nerve to calmly convert a long range penalty between the sticks with just three minutes remaining.


Southern Kings 8-20 Lions

Kings (3) 8
Tries: Mbiyozo Pens: Van der Westhuyzen

Lions (3) 20
Tries: Monye, penalty Cons: O'Gara 2Pens: O'Gara 2

The final warm-up game proved just as tough though coach Ian McGeekan will be pleased at the resilience showed after a second half onslaught by the Southern Kings. Jaco van der Westhuyzen put the Kings ahead early on before two O'Gara penalties and a Monye try put the Lions ahead. They pulled clear with a penalty try in the second half before a tight finish was ensured when Mpho Mbiyozo reduced the arrears.

The British and Irish Lions V South Africa – 20th and 27th June, 4th July.

Lets face it, these are the games everyone is waiting for. Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg play host to the three tests and The Lions will hope they can re-create the events of 1997 when they last toured South Africa.
On that occasion Jerry Guscott and Co. came away with a 2-1 series win, but the current crop of Lions will have to be at their best if they are to overcome the World Champions.

Betfair has variety of bets available if your want to bet on the Lions this summer.

Here is a selection to get you started:

Series winner:

South Africa 4/9 Lions 12/5 Draw 37/1

Series correct score:

Lions to win:
1-0 119/1 2-0 69/1 2-1 4/1 3-0 16/1

South Africa to win:
1-0 139/1 2-0 35/1 2-1 5/2 3-0 5/4

Drawn series:
0-0 999/1 1-1 69/1


Selected 1st Test Odds:

Lions 13/5 South Africa 2/5 Draw 33/1

Winning margin:

South Africa under 12.5pts 11/5 South Africa over 12.5pts 5/4
Lions under 12.5pts 7/2 Lions over 12.5pts 7/1

First team to score a try:

Lions 2/5 South Africa 6/5 No try 9/2


My 'best bet' prediciton:

The Lions victory in 1997 was based on a solid defensive unit, and I expect that to be the bedrock of any victory charge this time round. The Springboks have an imperious backline themselves and it is a tall order to expect the Lions to score a hatful of tries. Therefore I would back all the matches to be low scoring affairs. But in all honestly I can't see beyond the World Champions in this one.
I predict a 2-1 series win for the South Africans at 5/2.