2024-01-09 12:09:34
Between Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde and Mozambique, who is the favorite, the outsider, the itchy hair and the little Tom Thumb of Group B? Elements of response and analysis with Eric Mamruth. CAN 2024 in detail”, is a video series from the RFI sports department: the 24 participating nations presented group by group.
Published on: 01/09/2024 – 1:09 p.m. Modified on: 01/09/2024 – 2:18 p.m.
4 mn
Egypt
It has been 14 years since the Pharaohs have reigned in Africa. In 2010, the Egypt of Ahmed Hassan and Mohamed Zidan won in Angola the 7th continental coronation in its history, on January 31, 2010. This is still the competition record today. Since the generation Mohamed Salah has failed in his quest for an 8th star.
Despite two finals played on February 5, 2017 against Cameroon and February 6, 2022 against Senegal, but lost in a frustrating manner. With this observation: to win again, Egypt must display a much more ambitious, less minimalist game, free its attackers, further exploit the extraordinary potential of Mo Salah, no longer content itself with being a machine to do foil.
The Portuguese Rui Vitoria wanted to impose this new vision upon his appointment as head of the Pharaons in July 2022. And the results quickly followed, with 11 victories in the last 13 matches with 31 goals scored in the process. Let it be said, Egypt is coming for CAN 2024 in Ivory Coast transformed and the bit in his teeth. She is by far the favorite of this group B.
Ghana
How pale the black stars are. Since 2015 and their narrowly lost final against Ivory Coast, the Black Stars have continued to lose their shine. Still semi-finalists the following edition, but then eliminated in the round of 16 on July 8, 2019, beaten by Tunisia, then in the 1st round, two years ago, with a humiliating last group place.
The honorable participation in the 2022 World Cup has changed nothing. The Ghanaian team no longer deserves its nickname “Brazil of Africa”. His game is dull, sluggish. Victories are becoming rare and disillusionment numerous, like this 4-0 inflicted in October by the United States, on October 18, or this recent setback against the Comoros, on November 21, in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
The talent is there however, with Partey, Kudus and other Inaki Williams. So many Stars ready to shine again if a real game project is put in place. Ghana, in full doubt, is therefore a fragile outsider in this group B.
Cape Verde
Here is the Itchy Hair of Group B. It was during CAN 2022 by hanging Cameroon at home then valiantly resisting 9 against 11 during its round of 16 against Senegal, future African champion, the January 25, 2022, in Bafoussam.
Two years later, the Blue Sharks’ teeth are still just as sharp. With the leader of the pack, the indestructible Ryan Mendes, well supported by Garry Rodrigues and Willy Semedo. On June 18, they defeated Burkina Faso in Praia (3-1), just after holding Morocco to a draw in Rabat in a friendly, by 0-0, last June. Sacred references for a still dangerous Cape Verde which reached the quarter-finals of CAN 2013 in its very first participation.
Mozambique
And here are the Mambas again. Fourteen years since they last whistled at the CAN. In Ivory Coast, Mozambique will aim for their first ever victory in the final phase. In four appearances, his record is indeed poor: 2 draws for 10 defeats with only 4 goals scored.
The objective seems achievable, because the Mozambican 2024 vintage is sparkling, with generous play, focused on the attack. Benin and Rwanda paid the price during the qualifiers. Necessarily inexperienced at this level, the band of former Bordeaux Mexer will try to compensate with their enthusiasm in order, why not, to imitate the Comorosthe little Thumb of CAN 2022, with the surprise arrival of the eighth finalists.
The pepper
The spice of the group is this 100% Portuguese-speaking duel on January 19. An unprecedented Mozambique – Cape Verde in the final phase of CAN. The Blue Sharks face the Mambas at Félicia in Abidjan. With 3 points which will be worth a lot in the race for the 8th finals.
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