Yaya Toure's Form and Issues to Watch in AFCON 2015 Qualifiers
The African Cup of Nations is only three months away, but as of yet, only hosts Morocco have been confirmed as participants at the continental high table.
In a week’s time, that should all change. Qualifiers return with the continent’s sides pitted in doubleheaders in which they will play against the same team twice.
It’s a chance for major sides such as Nigeria, Egypt and the Ivory Coast—all of whom have lost a game—to pick up some momentum and push themselves towards the tournament proper.
For other sides, such as South Africa and Cameroon, it is an opportunity to build on an impressive start and seal a berth in the competition.
In this feature, we consider some of the key issues to watch out for over the Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Nigeria's Turmoil
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Things are a real mess for the Super Eagles right now.
There were certainly positives to take from the World Cup, despite a truly uninspired performance against Iran and an impotency in front of goal.
However, since returning from Brazil, things have begun to fall apart.
The political machinations of key figures at the national federation appear to have settled down following the election of Amaju Pinnick, but the same cannot be said for the managerial role.
Stephen Keshi will take charge for the pair of games against Sudan, but the future beyond that looks fairly murky, with the new president reportedly not a fan, per Saturday Vanguard Sports.
Having managed only one point from their opening two matches, it is imperative that the Super Eagles pick up two wins from Sudan, before reuniting with Congo and South Africa.
Ghana's New Man
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Despite ending his reign with victory against Togo in Lome, Kwesi Appiah was dismissed by the Ghana federation in September.
The Silent Assassin oversaw a troubled World Cup campaign, a disappointing showing at the 2013 Cup of Nations and, more recently, an underwhelming 1-1 home draw with Uganda in Kumasi.
Ghana may currently sit in the top two spots in Group E, but a power vacuum threatens to derail the Black Stars’ AFCON charge.
Max Konadu has taken the managerial role on an interim basis, but can he iron out some of the side’s concerns over a doubleheader with Guinea? They begin with a tricky trip to Casablanca, where the National Elephants beat Togo in early September.
Egypt's Last Chance
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The Pharaohs have had a disastrous start to their Cup of Nations 2015 qualifying campaign. They opened with a dismal defeat against Senegal before being beaten at home by local rivals Tunisia.
Admittedly, the team are in a transitional period, but it feels like a long time since the golden generation waltzed off into the sunset, leaving inadequate substitutes in their place.
Having missed out on the competition in 2012 and 2013, the Pharaohs will be desperate to return to the top of the table.
However, on zero points with four games to go, it’s imperative they secure the maximum points from their pair of games against Botswana. Failure to do this, and it’s curtains for Egypt—and their beleaguered manager Shawky Gharib.
Can the coach motivate a disparate collection of young players, not to mention out-of-sorts Chelsea wideman Mohamed Salah?
South Africa and Congo, an Opportunity for Authority
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Both South Africa and the Republic of Congo impressed in the opening two rounds of games and have taken control of Group A.
The latter side accrued a maximum six points, while Bafana Bafana managed a win away at Sudan and a notable home draw with Nigeria.
Even though both sides avoided defeat against the Super Eagles, each will be aware that the reigning African champions have both the experience and the quality to roar back into contention.
Thus, their doubleheader takes on immense importance.
Success at home and resiliency away would allow either side to take control of the group heading into the final furlong.
For South Africa, as I discussed in Episode 2 of the African Football Weekly podcast, it would also be an occasion to judge the progression of Ephraim "Shakes" Mashaba’s would-be revolution with Bafana Bafana.
Yaya’s Malaise
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The Ivory Coast need their star man Yaya Toure more than ever.
Having flopped in Brazil, the Elephants started their Cup of Nations qualification campaign with an unconvincing victory over Sierra Leone and a hammering against Cameroon. Few could have expected that the Indomitable Lions, also unimpressive in the World Cup, would have put four past Toure and Co. in Yaounde.
While Cameroon were impressive, new boss Herve Renard was faced with the true extent of the task facing him in his latest appointment.
The French manager could really do with Toure delivering a star performance or two in the pair of contests with Sierra Leone.
However, despite his magnificent match-winning goal against Aston Villa in the Premier League last weekend, the midfielder’s subpar outings have garnered unwanted attention from fans and media alike.
Can the former Barcelona man shake off his malaise and guide the Elephants to six points against the under-siege Leone Stars?
