Overall, this group appears to be an easy ride for Senegal, the best team in Africa according to the latest FIFA ranking.
Guinea has been far from their best. Zimbabwe is on the verge of being banned from football. And Malawi is just picking up after the appointment of a new coach. The Teranga Lions are consistent, experienced, and determined. They have the likes of Mane, Mendy, and Gueye that can produce a moment of magic. They shouldn’t find it difficult to qualify for the next round.
Group B Fixtures
Monday, 10 January; Senegal v Zimbabwe- 17.00, Guinea v Malawi- 20.00
Friday, 14 January: Senegal v Guinea- 17.00, Malawi v Zimbabwe- 20.00
Tuesday, 18 January: Malawi v Senegal- 17.00, Zimbabwe v Guinea- 20.00
Senegal
Senegal is not just the favorite to qualify to the next round, they are among the favorites to win this competition. They boast of young and experienced footballers who play in big clubs, the likes of Liverpool’s Sadio Mane, Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly, Chelsea’s, Edouard Mendy. They play good football too.
All eyes will be on the Liverpool forward, to provide the assist and score goals. Koulibaly will be in charge of the defense while Idris Gueye will control the center of the field. Chelsea’s Mendy will be between the sticks.
The news of Watford’s release of the Senegalese winger, Ismail Sarr will boost the team morale.
The Teranga Lions coach, Alou Cisse, was part of the Afcon team that lost Afcon 2002 final to Cameroon. So, he knows what is at stake in this edition and he would be aiming to win the competition finally since their debut in 1965.
According to Diouf, their generation has the talents and the determination, but lacks the experience to win the title, but this generation has the talent, determination, and experience to bring the title to Dakar finally.
Best Performance- Runners-up (2002 and 2019)
First Appearance-1965
Last Appearance- 2019
Appearances- 16
Guinea
For Guinea, All eyes will be on Naby Keita to help the team go far in the tournament. But, the Liverpool midfielder can do it all alone. He will get support from Roma’s Amadou Diawara, and Mady Camara, Olympiakos. However, the midfielder trio is yet to form a bond.
Kaba Diawara, Guinea Coach might want to work on that ahead of the competition. Generally, the Syli Nationale is not in good form. Their performance in the preparatory matches does not look like a team that wants to achieve something at the tournament.
They were humiliated by a non-Afcon bound team, Rwanda, 3 goals to nothing. If they are going to qualify for the next round, the coach will need to turn things around fast.
Best Performance- Runners-up (1976)
First Appearance- 1970
Last Appearance-2015
Appearances- 13
Zimbabwe
In a developing story, Zambia could replace Zimbabwe at the 2021 Africa Nations cup due to government interference in the operation of football affairs in the country.
Even their Afcon success has been dealt a big blow after key players like Munetsi (Reims), Brendan Galloway (Plymouth), Marvelous Nakamba (Aston Villa) were reportedly injured.
Moreover, during the pre-Afcon game against Sudan, two players got injured, Kudakwashe Mahachi and Onismor Bhasera, but the coach, Mapeza said there is no cause for alarm. The players would be fit to play for Zimbabwe in the tournament. However, Khama Billiat’s absence is due to retirement and not injury.
The players to watch out for in Zimbabwe are Lyon’s Tino Kadewere and the Suadi Arabia-based Knowledge Musona.
The Warriors have not been in good form, they narrowly qualify for the tournament with two losses, two wins, and two draws. Their performance in the Afcon preparatory matches too is not encouraging. Mapeza needs to make vital changes for the Warriors to cause an upset in this tournament.
Best finish: Group stage (2004, 2006, 2017, 2019)
First Appearance-2004
Last Appearance-2019
Appearances- 5
Malawi
Malawi is making their third appearance in the continental championship after twelve years, finishing ahead of Uganda in the qualifying stages with 10 points. Their first appearance was in 1984 and second 2010.
The flames have the talents to finish above Zimbabwe and Guinea in the tournament. There was an improvement in the team after the Football Association of Malawi demote the former head coach, Mwase to an assistant coach, and appoint a new coach, Mario Marinica as the head coach.
Best Performance- Group stage (1984, 2010)
First Appearance- 1984
Last Appearance- 2010
Appearances- 3
