Africa Cup of Nations 2013: Dates, Live Stream Info, Teams, Predictions and More

Zambia embarked on a shocking championship run in the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Ghana and the Ivory Coast in the final two rounds to win their first title. While they hope to replicate that success in 2013, 15 other countries are also in pursuit.

Along with Zambia, Ghana and the Ivory Coast, Nigeria and host South Africa are also among the top contenders to take home the coveted trophy. The often unpredictable tournament should provide fans with a month of exciting action.

Here's a glance at all the important information for the event, which will be available via live stream, followed by a list of every team, the tournament schedule and some predictions.

Host: South Africa

Dates: Saturday, Jan. 19 – Sunday, Feb. 10

Live Stream: ESPN3.com

Teams

Group A

Angola

Cape Verde Islands

Morocco

South Africa

Group B

Congo DR

Ghana

Mali

Niger

Group C

Burkina Faso

Ethiopia

Nigeria

Zambia

Group D

Algeria

Ivory Coast

Togo

Tunisia

Schedule

Date	Time (ET)	Team	Team	Round
Jan. 19	11 a.m.	South Africa	Cape Verde Islands	Group A
Jan. 19	2 p.m.	Angola	Morocco	Group A
Jan. 20	10 a.m.	Ghana	Congo DR	Group B
Jan. 20	1 p.m.	Mali	Niger	Group B
Jan. 21	10 a.m.	Zambia	Ethiopia	Group C
Jan. 21	1 p.m.	Nigeria	Burkina Faso	Group C
Jan. 22	10 a.m.	Ivory Coast	Togo	Group D
Jan. 22	1 p.m.	Tunisia	Algeria	Group D
Jan. 23	10 a.m.	South Africa	Angola	Group A
Jan. 23	1 p.m.	Morocco	Cape Verde Islands	Group A
Jan. 24	10 a.m.	Ghana	Mali	Group B
Jan. 24	1 p.m.	Niger	Congo DR	Group B
Jan. 25	10 a.m.	Zambia	Nigeria	Group C
Jan. 25	1 p.m.	Burkina Faso	Ethiopia	Group C
Jan. 26	10 a.m.	Ivory Coast	Tunisia	Group D
Jan. 26	1 p.m.	Algeria	Togo	Group D
Jan. 27	12 p.m.	Cape Verde Islands	Angola	Group A
Jan. 27	12 p.m.	Morocco	South Africa	Group A
Jan. 28	12 p.m.	Congo DR	Mali	Group B
Jan. 28	12 p.m.	Niger	Ghana	Group B
Jan. 29	12 p.m.	Burkina Faso	Zambia	Group C
Jan. 29	12 p.m.	Ethiopia	Nigeria	Group C
Jan. 30	12 p.m.	Algeria	Ivory Coast	Group D
Jan. 30	12 p.m.	Togo	Tunisia	Group D
Feb. 2	10 a.m.	Group B Winner	Group A Runner-up	Quarterfinals
Feb. 2	1:30 p.m.	Group A Winner	Group B Runner-up	Quarterfinals
Feb. 3	10 a.m.	Group D Winner	Group C Runner-up	Quarterfinals
Feb. 3	1:30 p.m.	Group C Winner	Group D Runner-up	Quarterfinals
Feb. 6	10 a.m.	QF No. 2 Winner	QF No. 3 Winner	Semifinals
Feb. 6	1:30 p.m.	QF No. 1 Winner	QF No. 4 Winner	Semifinals
Feb. 9	1 p.m.	Semifinal Loser	Semifinal Loser	Third Place
Feb. 10	1 p.m.	Semifinal Winner	Semifinal Winner	Final

Predictions

Group A: South Africa and Morocco

South Africa will benefit from getting to host the tournament and getting to play in front of favorable crowds, but Bafana Bafana also have a strong squad. The attack will likely be led by Katlego Mphela and Bernard Parker, who have a combined 35 international goals.

Veteran goalkeeper Nadir Lamyaghri will serve as the foundation for Morocco, which doesn't have a non-keeper above 30 years old. While the lack of experience could play a role, they have enough talent to advance.

Group B: Ghana and Mali

Asamoah Gyan, who's found the net 30 times in 64 appearances for Ghana, will pace the Black Stars offense. He'll be joined by a couple other well-known players, including Kwadwo Asamoah and Anthony Annan, as they attempt to make another deep run.

Unlike many countries, which decided to go with youthful squads, Mali is banking on experience. The Eagles feature 16 players with double-digit international appearances. That includes former Barcelona midfielder Seydou Keita, who leads the team with 74.

Group C: Nigeria and Zambia

Although all eyes will be on Zambia as it attempts to defend its title, don't be surprised if Nigeria ends up winning the group. The Super Eagles have a balanced roster with players from across Europe, which makes them a solid sleeper choice.

Zambia should still manage to reach the knockout rounds, though. The reason its so dangerous is a deep attack headlined by captain Christopher Katongo. Also keep an eye on Emmanuel Mayuka, who scored a key goal in last year's semifinal triumph over Ghana.

Group D: Ivory Coast and Tunisia

The Ivory Coast enters the tournament as the favorite. The Elephants are the top-ranked team in CAF at No. 14 and certainly possess the most star power. From Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou to Yaya Toure and Siaka Tiene, the Elephants will be tough to stop.

Tunisia hasn't advanced beyond the quarterfinals since winning the title in 2004. This year's squad features a good mix of reliable veterans like Issam Jemaa and talented youngsters such as Aymen Abdennour, giving them a good chance to end that skid.

Champion: Ivory Coast

A high-profile final between Ivory Coast and Ghana is the most likely scenario. The Elephants and Black Stars are the two most talented teams in the tournament by a solid margin, but must be wary of an upstart squad like Zambia last year.

Ultimately, look for the Ivory Coast to come out on top.