By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
West African powerhouses Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana and Cote D’ Ivoire look good to lift the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) diadem when the completion hits up in Cameroon early next year.
The quartet are amongst top contenders to lift the trophy in the Africa’s version of the FIFA World Cup final, no disrespect to teams from other African Sub-regions.
Prompt News can confirm that of the 52 countries that took part in the qualifiers for the AFCON 2021 in Cameroon which was moved to 2022 because of Covid-19 pandemic, West African countries made most impressive showing than any other region.
A close look at the 24 qualified countries for the continental showpiece billed for Cameroon from January 9 to February 6, 2022, showed that West Africa supplied no fewer than 11 teams.
Leading the West African strong contingent to Cameroon in 2022 are AFCON Four- time winner, Ghana; Three-time Champions, Nigeria and Two-time winner, Cote D’Ivoire.
Other qualified teams from West Africa are Senegal, Mali, Guinea, Burkina Faso, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Gambia and Sierra Leone
Following the draw for the final tournament held in Yaoundé on Tuesday, August 17, the 24 qualified teams were divided into six groups of four teams each.
Unfortunately, some of the West African nations will be playing against their regional neighbours in the group stage.
See AFCON 2021 Groups :
Group A : Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Ethiopie, Cape Verde
Group B : Senegal, Zimbabwe, Guinee, Malawi
Group C : Morocco, Ghana, Comoros, Gabon
Group D : Nigeria, Egypt, Sudan, Guinea-Bissau
Group E : Algeria, Sierra-Leone, Equatorial Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire
Group F : Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania, Gambia
However, keen followers of African football, believe that one or two West African nations will reach the AFCON 2021 final in Cameroon on February 6, 2022.
Meanwhile, five main cities in Cameroon were selected as hosts of the tournament, namely Douala and its Japoma Stadium; Yaoundé and its Ahmadou Ahidjo and Olembé Stadiums; Bafoussam and its Kouekong Stadium; Garoua and its Roumdé-Adjia Stadium and finally the Limbe-Buea venue which houses the Limbe Omnisport Stadium.
The opening match will see tournament host and five-time Africa Cup of Nations winners Cameroon against West African opponent, Burkina Faso, the runners-up of 2013 AFCON won by Late Coach Stephen Keshi-led Super Eagles of Nigeria in South Africa.
Road to Final:
*Group stage:
January 9 to 20, 2022
*Round of 16: January 23-26, 2022
*Quarter-finals:
January 29 and 30, 2022
*Semi-finals: February 2 and 3, 2022
*Third Place Match and Final: February 6, 2022.
