African Cup Special

 
GHANA (BLACK STARS)
 
Without a doubt, the team with the most appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations in Equatorial Guinea/Gabon 2012 having participated in previous editions held in 1963, 1965, 1968, 1970, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2008 and 2010. This edition will make it Ghana's 18 th appearance. Ghana's best performances were in 1963, 9165, 1978 and 1982 when they won the trophy on all occasions, twice on home soil. In both 1992 and 2010, they emerged runners-up.

 
 
GROUP I WINNER
 
Ghana kept a clean sheet throughout their qualification campaign in Group I, drawing only with Sudan at home. The four-time African champions began the journey with a 3-0 win over Swaziland, drew with the Nile Crocodiles, but won convincingly (3-0) against Congo in their third game. They won all their return leg matches, capping off their schedule with a 2-0 victory over Sudan in Khartoum.

 
Goran Stevanovic, the team's Serbian coach has performed well with his tactics, as the Black Stars are scoring more goals than in the era before he took over.

 
'Plavi', as he is affectionately called, has promised to end Ghana's 30-year AFCON trophy drought and it appears his output so far lends credence to that fact.

 
Captain John Mensah, who plays for Olympique Lyon has been rock solid in Ghana's backline. Mensah took over from inspirational captain, Stephen Appiah and although injuries have blighted his career to a certain extent, the 28-year-old has always availed himself to country whenever he is in good shape. AFCON 2012 could be his major test with the armband.

 
Asamoah Gyan is arguably the star player of the side as he has been Ghana's goal-scoring hope for some time now. He rose to stardom during the 2010 edition and increased his value at the last World Cup in South Africa. The Al Ain striker is undoubtedly the Black Stars' target-man upfront and a repeat of the Angola feat could revive the confidence fans had in him prior to his move to Asia.

 
The young talent in the team is Ghana football legend, Abedi Pele's son, Andre Dede Ayew, who is gradually assuming the role of playmaker of the team.

 
The Olympique Marseille player peaked early in his career, and after the 2009 Under-20 World Cup accomplishment, the 21-year-old has been phenomenal with the national team. He certainly has the potential to be a future captain of the Black Stars.

 
Coach Goran Stevanovic alternates between the traditional 4-4-2 formation, the attack-minded 4-3-3 and sometimes even the more conservative 4-5-1, depending on the opposition he encounters, and he will almost certainly use a selection of set-ups during the AFCON finals.

 
 
 
GUINEA-SYLI NATIONALE
 
Three times quarterfinalists consecutively in 2004, 2006 and 2008-their best performance in the competition so far. They would be making their 10 th appearance at the tournament, having taken part in 1970, 1974, 1976, 1980, 1994, 1998, 2004, 2006 and 2008 editions.

 
The Syli Nationale were Group B winners during the qualifying campaign, edging out giants Nigeria as well as Ethiopia and Madagascar. The Guineans went unbeaten in the process, winning four and drawing two matches. The Syli Nationale defeated Nigeria in Conakry and drew the all-important return clash in Abuja to ensure that the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the finals.

 
Coach Michel Dussuyer's biggest feat to date is the elimination of Nigeria from the tournament in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The 52-year-old former goalkeeper is relishing his second attempt at the job and will hope that his team takes the confidence gained from qualifying into the main tournament to ensure they get past the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

 
Captain, Kamil Zayatte, the Istanbul BB defender has been a consistent performer for his country. After leaving Hull City a season ago to be with his family in France, Zayatte has become an important player for his club in Turkey. His team-mates have great respect for him, and he is a born-leader.

 
The team's star player is Ismael Bangoura who has scored 12 goals in 42 appearances for the Syli Nationale, and will be making his second appearance in the AFCON. The Al-Nasr striker has a great deal of experience, having played in the UEFA Champions League for Dynamo Kiev while closing in on 50 caps for his country.

 
Twenty-year-old Sadio Diallo, the team's young talent has a bright future ahead of him with this Guinean side. He scored on his debut against Madagascar in 2010 and looks set to bring youthful flair to his team when they challenge for honours during the tournament. Diallo plays his club football at Bastia in France.

 
Michel Dussuyer favours the traditional 4-4-2 formation, but alternates between the attack-minded 4-3-3 or the more conservative 4-5-1 depending on the opposition he encounters.

 
His probable line-up could be Yattar, Zayatte, Diallo, Kalabane, Camara, Mansare, Constant, Sakho, Yattara, Bangoura and Cisse, who could pose problems to any side on any good day.

 
 
 
MALI (THE EAGLES)
 
The Eagles of Mali, who took second position, their best so far in their first participation at the AFCON in 1972 would be making their 7 th appearance at the tournament.

 
Composed essentially of young and unknown players, Mali were able to scramble a ticket for the 2012 AFCON after gathering three wins, two losses and a draw in Group A against obstinate challenges from Cape Verde, Zimbabwe and Liberia. A slim three-goal difference handed the Eagles top spot in the group.

 
Coach Alain Giresse, the Frenchman, who was hired after Mali's disappointing run at Angola 2010, has brought solutions to the numerous administrative problems that plagued the team. While he is yet to lure back all the professionals who had left, the presence of Barcelona's Seydou Keita has injected strength and inspiration into the fledgling outfit.

 
Mahamadou Diarra, the 30-year old captain has maintained cohesion and discipline within the group since he was named captain in 2003. The former Real Madrid midfielder's composure and motivational instincts have always kept the Eagles' spirit positive no matter the situation. He has, however, been criticised for not talking enough during games.

 
Star player of the team, Seydou Keita of Barcelona has been deemed by the Mali FA as an indispensable member of the squad. His return after quitting the set-up following the 2010 washout in Angola has transformed the struggling team. His defensive input and ball distribution will be invaluable to Mali.

 
Sidy Kone, the young talent in the team is widely seen as a future Mahamadou Diarra, thanks to good aerial ability, tackling, concentration and work-rate as a defensive midfielder. He was a member of the Mali Under-20 squad who finished fourth at the 2011 African Youth Championship.

 
Mali have always maintained their traditional 4-4-2 formation, with a roving midfield marshalled by Traore, Diabate, Keita and Mahamane. Coulibaly and Diarra mostly cover the flanks while retreating to bulwark their backline.

 
They have a probable line-up of Diakite, Kante, Coulibaly, Fofana, Tamboura, Traore, Diarra, Keita, Mahamane, Maiga and Diabate.