Monday, January 28, 2013

Barcelona vs Osasuna 5-1 GOALS Todos Goles Full Highlights LEO MESSI 27...




Nicki Minaj Performs "Va Va Voom" and "Freedom"




Maroc - Cap Vert | CAN Orange 2013 | 23/01/2013




South Africa - Cape Verde | CAN Orange 2013 | 19.01.2013




RONALDO 19TH HATTRICK

OHHH Ronaldo has  incredible 19 HAT-TRICKS for Real Madrid since 2010...

When you score hat-tricks with the frequency of Cristiano Ronaldo, it takes something truly extraordinary for the feat to be worthy of note.
What is a career-defining moment for many players is just daily business for the Portuguese superstar.
Ronaldo notched his 19th hat-trick for the Spanish side in three-and-a-half years against Getafe last night - but this one stands out.
Three and easy: Cristiano Ronaldo hit a ten minute perfect hat-trick in Real Madrid's 4-0 win over Getafe last night
Three and easy: Cristiano Ronaldo hit a ten minute perfect hat-trick in Real Madrid's 4-0 win over Getafe last night
Not only was it a perfect hat-trick - that rare football treasure - but he accomplished the treble in just ten minutes.
His first, after 62 minutes of the Bernabeu clash, was a clinical left-footed shot across goal after bursting clear through the left channel.
The second, three minutes later, was a flying header from an Angel Di Maria cross and his third was a 72nd minute penalty with his right-foot.


Number One: After 62 minutes, Ronaldo broke clear down the left and produced this clinical left-footed finish past Getafe goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya
Number One: After 62 minutes, Ronaldo broke clear down the left and produced this clinical left-footed finish past Getafe goalkeeper Miguel Angel Moya

Number Two: The second, on 65 minutes, was a flying header from an Angel Di Maria cross
Number Two: The second, on 65 minutes, was a flying header from an Angel Di Maria cross

Number Three: Ronaldo completed his hat-trick with a right-footed penalty on 72 minutes
Number Three: Ronaldo completed his hat-trick with a right-footed penalty on 72 minutes
The goals took Ronaldo past the landmark of 300 career club goals.
Speaking afterwards, Ronaldo was modest when asked about his hat-trick achievements: 'It's good to achieve this mark and I'm very pleased. My job is to carry on doing my best for this club, to beat my own records and to try to be better than last year. I will try my best every time.'
He has scored three goals in the space of ten minutes before, as part of a four-goal haul in the 6-2 win at Sevilla on May 7, 2011.
There was also a triple in 12 minutes against Levante at the end of last season and a 15-minute hat-trick at Malaga on October 22, 2011.
It's also not his first perfect hat-trick - right foot, left foot, header - as he scored one against Villarreal in January 2011.
And while it may have been pretty swift, Ronaldo's hat-trick was nowhere near the record for the fastest three goals held by Tommy Ross for Ross County against Nairn County on November 29, 1964 - three goals in 90 seconds!

Date - Opponent, competition, minutes of goals (full time score) time between first and last goal

2009-2010May 5 - Malaga (A) League 26, 56, 72 (won 4-1) 46min
2010-2011October 23 - Racing Santander (H) League 15, 27, 47, pen 55 (won 6-1) 32min (last three 28min)
November 20 - Athletic Bilbao (H) League 30, 62, pen 90 (won 5-1) 60min
December 22 - Levante (H) Copa del Rey 45, 72, 74 (won 8-0) 29min
January 9 - Villarreal (H) League 9, 45, 79 (won 4-2) 70min
March 7 - Malaga (H) League 51, pen 68, 77 (won 7-0) 26min
May 7 - Sevilla (A) League 31, 65, 70, 75 (won 6-2) 39min (last three in 10min)
May 10 - Getafe (H) League 24, 58, pen 90 (won 4-0) 66min

2011-2012
August 28 - Zaragoza (A) League 24, 71, 87 (won 6-0) 63min
September 24 - Rayo Vallecano (H) 39, pen 51, pen 84 (won 6-2) 45min
October 22 - Malaga (A) 23, 28, 38 (won 4-0) 15min
November 6 - Osasuna (H) 23, pen 54, 58 (won 7-1) 35min
December 17 - Sevilla (A) 10, 41, pen 85 (won 6-2) 75min
February 12 - Levante (H) pen 45, 50, 57 (won 4-2) 12min
April 11 - Atletico Madrid (A) 25, 68, pen 83 (won 4-1) 58min
2012-2013September 30 - Deportivo La Coruna (H) pen 23, 44, pen 84 (won 5-1) 61min
October 3 - Ajax (A) Champions League 42, 79, 81 (won 4-1) 41min
January 9 - Celta Vigo (H) Copa del Rey 3, 24, 87 (won 4-0) 84min
January 27 - Getafe (H) League 62, 65, pen 72 (won 4-0) 10min


 

MURRAY LOST AUSTRALIA OPEN

Murray's is falling again to great Djokovic

Andy Murray is the second best tennis player in the world. Bummer. Turns out second, which must have looked so appealing when he was fourth, and then third, is still a pretty frustrating place to be. 
More so, probably, because now Murray gets to stand next to more trophies but without being  permitted to touch; he gets to give speeches, as the warm-up act for the winner; and he gets to be very polite about everybody, and have everybody be polite about him. You put up a good fight, you played your part in a great match. Let’s have a big hand for Andy. At that moment, second must suck way more than, say, 14th.
Of course, being second is  nothing to be ashamed of, not when first is occupied by a champion as great as Novak Djokovic. He is the first player to win the Australian Open title three times in succession in the Open era and no player could have lived with him in the third and fourth sets of Sunday’s final. Certainly not Roger Federer, whom Murray beat in a Grand Slam for the first time on Friday.
Bridesmaid again: Andy Murray watches Novak Djokovic hold the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup 

 
Knock me down with a feather: Murray was distracted at a crucial moment in the second-set tiebreak
Well knock me down with a feather: Murray was distracted at a crucial moment in the second-set tiebreak (above) and the Scot's foot needed to be treated for a blister (below) as the grind of playing Djokovic took its toll

Murray's foot is treated for a blister
On many occasions, at his peak, there were golfers who matched Tiger Woods for the best part of three rounds, until he began to move, inch by inch, up that  leaderboard. Manchester United are rarely winning the league by 10 points at Christmas. Greatness shows, over time. 
After roughly two-and-a-half hours here, one could not put a feather between Murray and Djokovic. But what followed showed the measure of a champion, capitalising on every mistake,  each opportunity, no matter how minute.
If Murray took a 0-30 lead and failed to close it out, Djokovic made him pay; if Murray lost focus even for one shot, he pounced.
And the feather, that fateful feather, falling from the sky where a flock of seagulls screeched  and swooped and occasionally  spattered the paying customers below. At the fifth point of the  second-set tiebreak, Murray was poised to deliver his second service when he noticed a small white feather floating through the air in his line of vision. He stopped, watched it fall, tried to pick it up, failed, was assisted by a ball girl, double faulted.
Of course, Murray wasn’t truly knocked over by a feather in  Melbourne, but the momentum did undergo a subtle shift with that dropped point.
The tiebreak having gone with serve until that moment, Murray won only a single further point and lost 7-3 to wipe out his first-set  tiebreak advantage. The slow slide to the best supporting actor role had begun.
Plenty to ponder: Murray was left to reflect on how he can close the gap to the world's best player
 
By then, Djokovic was sending him chasing all over court, left to right and back again and while Murray’s capacity to return against the odds barely faltered, it was increasingly obvious that his resistance was waning. That’s how it is for the second best. In the first set, Murray won 21 points to Djokovic’s 18, in the second Djokovic led  Murray by two, but in the third — the set Murray lost 6-3 — there were 10 points between them.
Wizard of Oz: Djokovic claimed his third-consecutive triumph in Melbourne with his four-set victory
Wizard of Oz: Djokovic claimed his third-consecutive triumph in Melbourne with his four-set victory

Wizard of Oz: Djokovic claimed his third-consecutive triumph in Melbourne with his four-set victory
Djokovic was kicking for home, and Murray merely hobbled in his wake. Quite

‘I had two black toenails after the US Open,’ said Murray. ‘Blisters are sore, but you play through them. I’d say 90 per cent of the players here got through at least one match with the type of blisters I’m dealing with now.’
Consolation prize: The British No 1 looks set to fight it out with Djokovic in many more major finals
Consolation prize: The British No 1 looks set to fight it out with Djokovic in many more major finals

 

Monday, January 21, 2013

Ghana vs DR Congo (2-2) All Goals and Full Match Highlights 20/1/2013 Vi...



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KIM kardashian visits abidja night club

! Kim Kardashian sings karaoke at abidjan 


She's dabbled in music before, even releasing a single Jam (Turn It Up) last year.
And Kim Kardashian once again flexed her singing chops as she enjoyed a night of karaoke whilst attending a private party at Life Star Nightclub, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on Saturday night.
The 32-year-old reality star was seen belting out the tunes in a special VIP area of the club. 
SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO...
Busting out a tune! Pregnant Kim Kardashian sang karaoke whilst attending a private party at Life Star Nightclub, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on Saturday night
Busting out a tune! Pregnant Kim Kardashian sang karaoke whilst attending a private party at Life Star Nightclub, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast on Saturday night
But all eyes were hardly on the pregnant star's performance.
The attention was rather diverted to Kim's fashion choice on the night.
The Keeping Up The Kardashians star, who is over three months pregnant, displayed her famous curves in a black peplum dress. 
Curvy: The Keeping Up The Kardashians star, who is over three months pregnant, displayed her famous curves in a black peplum dress
Curvy: The Keeping Up The Kardashians star, who is over three months pregnant, displayed her famous curves in a black peplum dress
The attire barely contained Kim's cleavage with it's low-cut and sheer neckline. 
Kim teamed the ensemble with a pair of matching black stilettos and wore her glossy brown locks in a straight style.
She had her usual staple of make-up applied, consisting of smoky eyeshadow and a nude lip, and had her nails painted with a racy red polish.
Sing star: Kim really seemed to be getting into her performance
Sing star: Kim really seemed to be getting into her performance 
Round of applause: Kim was encourage by the rest of the group as they gave her a rousing round of applause
Round of applause: Kim was encourage by the rest of the group as they gave her a rousing round of applause
Kim was having a ball as she mingled with friends and fans, but the pregnant star soon became tired.
The raven-haired socialite was seen letting out a little yawn as she sat on one of the cosy cream leather lounges.
Kim arrived on the Ivory Coast on Friday, looking the picture of happiness as she was mobbed by fans when she touched down in Abidjan.
Time for bed? The raven-haired socialite was seen letting out a little yawn as she sat on one of the cosy cream leather lounges
Time for bed? The raven-haired socialite was seen letting out a little yawn as she sat on one of the cosy cream leather lounges



Valencia 0-5 REAL MADRID Todos GOLES GOALS Highlights 20/1/2013 LIGA BBVA



AS Roma - Inter 1-1 All Highlights & Goals



Valencia 0 Real Madrid 5: Ronaldo and Ozil come back

Valencia 0 Real Madrid 5: Ronaldo and Ozil 


Imperious Real Madrid put Valencia to the sword on Sunday evening, their 5-0 win at Mestalla making a small indent on Barcelona's commanding La Liga lead.
Inspired by Cristiano Ronaldo, the defending champions led by five at the break, with the Portuguese star scoring twice.
Further strikes from Gonzalo Higuain and Angel Di Maria (two) had the shell-shocked home support heading for the exits or waving white handkerchiefs in the traditional Spanish show of displeasure.
Easy street: Real Madrid blitzed Valencia with five first-half goals at Mestalla to reduce Barcelona's La Liga lead to 15 points
Easy street: Real Madrid blitzed Valencia with five first-half goals at Mestalla to reduce Barcelona's La Liga lead to 15 points
On our way: Gonzalo Higuain opened the scoring for Real after nine minutes
On our way: Gonzalo Higuain opened the scoring for Real after nine minutes
Outstanding: Cristiano Ronaldo was to the fore, scoring twice and having a hand in the other goals
First, Mesut Ozil released Ronaldo down the left flank and he turned compatriot Ricardo Costa before finding Di Maria, who had ghosted in at the back post, to double the lead.
Partners in crime: Angel Di Maria (left) and Ronaldo celebrate one of Real's goals
Partners in crime: Angel Di Maria (left) and Ronaldo celebrate one of Real's goals
Scrap: Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves and defender Adil Rami try and prevent Sami Khedira reaching the ball
Scrap: Valencia goalkeeper Diego Alves and defender Adil Rami try and prevent Sami Khedira reaching the ball
Moments later, Ronaldo burst onto Fabio Coentrao's through-pass and finished with his customary style at the near post.
On 41 minutes, Di Maria's cross was touched on by Ozil and there was Ronaldo again to finish across goal.
And four became five in first-half stoppage time when the brilliant Ozil picked out Di Maria, leaving the Argentine with an easy finish past bewildered goalkeeper Alves.
Midfield general: Michael Essien shields the ball from a Valencia marker during the 5-0 rout
Midfield general: Michael Essien shields the ball from a Valencia marker during the 5-0 rout


Sunday, January 20, 2013

Chris Brown Talks Beef With Drake, Jay-Z, His Extreme Fans and Gets Put ...



arrivée kim kardashian abidjan



South Africa 0 - 0 Cape Verde Highlights 19.01.2013 CAF Africa Cup 2013



Zenit vs El Zamalek 0 - 1 Samir Goal 19.01.2013



Alex Del Piero 4 Goals Sydney FC VS Wellington Phoenix 7 - 1 19.01.2013 HD



REAL SOCE 3-2 BARCELONA



Pogba Goal - Juventus vs Udinese - 19/01/2013 - HD



Liverpool Vs Norwich 5-0 All Goals & Highlights HD 19/01/2013



Pogba Goal - Juventus vs Udinese - 19/01/2013 - HD



Liverpool Vs Norwich 5-0 All Goals & Highlights HD 19/01/2013



Pogba Goal - Juventus vs Udinese - 19/01/2013 - HD



AFCON 2013 SQUADS

Africa Cup of Nations 2013: TEAMS PROFILE


Out of Africa: Zambia caused an upset by beating Ivory Coast in last year's tournament
Out of Africa: Zambia caused an upset by beating Ivory Coast in last year's tournament
GROUP A

South Africa

Nickname: Bafana Bafana 
FIFA Ranking: 87 
Colours: Green and gold
Best Cup of Nations: Winners, 1996
Manager: Gordon Igesund – A man well versed in South African football, having managed nine club teams in the country, 56-year-old Igesund, who had an unremarkable playing career in Austria, was appointed national team manager in June 2012. Known as a ‘fixer’, he has an established record of turning teams around and has led four different teams to the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title. 
Captain: Bongani Khumalo – Was handed the captain’s armband following the retirement of Everton’s Steven Pienaar and was Igesund’s first choice. Fans of Tottenham may recall that Khumalo joined the club from feeder club Supersport United in January 2011 and the 26-year-old centre-back remains on their books, despite his only appearances in English football coming during loan spells at Preston North End and then Reading. He is currently out in Greece on loan at PAOK. 
British based players: Kagisho Dikgacoi (Crystal Palace, midfielder, 48 caps and two goals); Dean Furman (Oldham Athletic, midfielder, five caps)
Star Player: Katlego Mphela – A player who has impressed ever since joining the Bafana Bafana fold in 2005 and who boasts an impressive scoring record of 23 goals in 47 appearances. Many of these have been eye-catching or crucial in the context of the game – strikes of note include a last minute 30-yard free-kick to take the 2009 Confederations Cup third-place play-off with Spain into extra time. 
Squad: Goalkeepers: Itumeleng Khune (Kaizer Chiefs), Senzo Meyiwa (Orlando Pirates), Wayne Sandilands (Mamelodi Sundowns)
Defenders: Siboniso Gaxa and Tshepo Masilela (Chiefs), Thabo Matlaba and Siyabonga Sangweni (Pirates), Bongani Khumalo (PAOK), Anele Ngcongca (Genk), Thabo Nthethe (Bloemfontein Celtic)
Midfielders: Reneilwe Letsholonyane and Siphiwe Tshabalala (Chiefs), Lerato Chabangu (Moroka Swallows), Kagiso Dikgacoi (Crystal Palace), Dean Furman (Oldham), Max Mahlangu (Helsingborg), Oupa Manyisa (Pirates), Thuso Phala (Platinum Stars), Thulani Serero (Ajax)
Strikers: Lehlohonolo Majoro and Bernard Parker (Chiefs), Katlego Mphela (Sundowns), Tokelo Rantie (Malmo) 

Morocco

Nickname: Lions of the Atlas 
FIFA Ranking: 74 
Colours: Red
Best Cup of Nations: Winners, 1976
Manager: Rachid Taoussi – A relatively recent appointment, having replaced Eric Gerets when Morocco embarrassingly lost to Mozambique in the first leg of their Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in September last year. His first successful task was to overcome that 2-0 deficit with a 4-0 home win to seal their place in the competition. Taoussi, 56, earned his appointment by taking Moroccan side Maghreb Fez to a historic triple of African Federation Cup, African Super Cup and the Throne Cup.
Captain: Nadir Lamyaghri – A new appointment following an unedifying war of words between Taoussi and regular captain Houssine Kharja in the build-up to the tournament. Kharja hit out at his manager, whom he believed was ignoring him because he had moved from Fiorentina to Qatari side Al-Arabi last June. ‘I think Taoussi lacked courage – during the past few months he has been very evasive with me, using excuses not to choose me such as the distance I must travel for matches,’ he has said. Lamyaghri is a long-serving goalkeeper, with 37 caps to his credit.   
British based players: Karim El Ahmadi (Aston Villa, midfielder, 19 caps and one goal); Oussama Assaidi (Liverpool, striker, 11 caps and one goal)
Star Player: Abdelaziz Barrada – Morocco’s up-and-coming hope, who has played for Getafe in La Liga since August 2011. The 23-year-old central midfielder possesses a good first touch, intelligent passing range and can also take a mean free-kick.
Squad: Goalkeepers: Khalid Askiri (Raja Casablanca), Nadir Lamyaghri (Wydad Casablanca), Anas Zniti (Moghreb Fes)
Defenders: Abderahim Chakir (FAR Rabat), Abdelatif Nousseir (Moghreb Fes), Issam El Adoua (Guimaraes), Mehdi Benatia (Udinese), Zakarya Bergdich (Lens), Ahmed Kantari (Brest), Abdelhamid El Kaoutari (Montpellier)
Midfielders: Karim El Ahmadi (Aston Villa), Abdelaziz Barrada (Getafe), Chahir Belghazouani (Ajaccio), Younes Belhanda (Montpellier), Adil Hermach (Al Hilal), Kamal Chafni (Brest), Mehdi Namli (Moghreb Tetouan)
Strikers: Nordin Amrabat (Galatasaray), Youssef El Arabi (Granada), Oussama Assaidi (Liverpool), Abderrazak Hamdallah (Olympique Safi), Mounir El Hamdaoui (Fiorentina), Youssef Kadioui (FAR) 
Home rule: Spurs' Khumalo will be hoping to lead his nation to glory
Home rule: Spurs' Khumalo will be hoping to lead his nation to glory

Angola

Nickname: The Sable Antelopes 
FIFA Ranking: 84 
Colours: Red and black
Best Cup of Nations: Quarter-finals, 2008 and 2010
Manager: Gustavo Ferrin – Ferrin, who hails from Uruguay, replaced Lito Vidigal after Angola failed to get beyond the group stages of the Africa Cup of Nations last year. His challenge is to guide Angola to a second World Cup finals, following their appearance at the Germany tournament in 2006, and so this tournament should serve as a good yardstick. 
Captain: Manucho – remember him? The great hope of Angolan football, talent spotted and given his dream move to Manchester United back in 2008. He played just 10 minutes of league football at Old Trafford before loan spells at Panathinaikos and Hull City. He’s now in Spain at Real Valladolid and has a decent scoring record. 
Star Player: Djalma Campos – he versatile frontman is on the books of FC Porto, though he is spending the season on loan with Kasimpasa in Turkey, the side Roy Keane was linked to late last year. He has three goals in 29 appearances for Angola. 
Squad: Goalkeepers: Lama (Petro Atletico), Landu (Recreativo Libolo), Neblu (Primeiro Agosto)
Defenders: Amaro, Bastos and Dani Massunguna (Primeiro), Fabricio, Mingo Bille and Pirolito (InterClube), Marco Airosa (AEL Limassol), Lunguinha (Kabuscorp), Zuela (Apoel Nicosia)
Midfielders: Dede and Gilberto (AEL Limassol), Manucho Dinis (Primeiro), Manuel (Aviacao), Miguel (Petro)
Strikers: Djalma (Kasimpasa), Geraldo (Parana), Guilherme Afonso (Vaduz), Manucho Goncalves (Real Valladolid), Mateus (Nacional), Yano (Progresso) 

Cape Verde Islands

Nickname: Blue Sharks 
FIFA Ranking: 69 
Colours: Blue, white and red
Best Cup of Nations: First tournament
Manager: Lucio Antunes – The island nation are led into their first major tournament by Antunes who, in his three years in the post, has successfully scouted a group of players from the country’s small population and got them to the finals. 
Captain: Nando Maria Neves – 34-year-old centre-back, nicknamed Nando, who plies his trade with French second division side Chateauroux and has 28 caps for Cape Verde. 
A bit of a journeyman player, he has played for teams in Portugal, Switzerland, Tunisia, Qatar and the Czech Republic. 
Star Player: Ryan Mendes – If Cape Verde are to achieve anything in this tournament, much will depend on the attacking play of Mendes, who plays for French club Lille. 
The 23-year-old scored three important goals in the AFCON 2013 qualification tournament, having worked his way through the national team’s youth ranks.
Squad: Goalkeepers: Fock (Petro Atletico), Rilly (Mindelense), Vozinha (Progresso Sambizanga)
Defenders: Carlitos (AEL Limassol), Fernando Varela (Vaslui), Gege (Maritimo), Guy Ramos (Waalwijk), Josimar (Dordrecht), Nando (Chateauroux), Nivaldo (Academica Coimbra), Pecks (Gil Vicente)
Midfielders: Babanco and David Silva (Olhanense), Platini (Santa Clara), Roni (Fola Esch), Marco Soares (Omonia Nicosia), Stenio (Feirense), Toni Varela (Sparta Rotterdam)
Strikers: Djaniny (Olhanense), Heldon (Maritimo), Julio Tavares (Dijon), Ryan Mendes (Lille), Rambe (Belenenses)

GROUP A FIXTURES

Saturday January 19 - Johannesburg
South Africa v Cape Verde Islands (4pm) – ITV4 and British Eurosport
Angola v Morocco (7pm) – British Eurosport
Wednesday January 23 – Johannesburg
South Africa v Angola (3pm) – British Eurosport
Morocco v Cape Verde Islands (6pm) – ITV4 and British Eurosport
Sunday January 27 – Durban
Morocco v South Africa (5pm) – ITV4 (tbc) and British Eurosport
Sunday January 27 – Port Elizabeth
Cape Verde Islands v Angola (5pm) – British Eurosport 2 

Danny Mills' verdict

As with the World Cup in 2010, this will be a showcase of both South Africa as a team and nation. 
The support of the home crowd will give them a lift by another ten per cent in each game. But they bring a young, inexperienced team to the tournament and probably won’t have enough to go all the way. 
I'm not sure how it’s going to go for Morocco and the other North African nations. 
Morocco have Karim El Ahmadi, whom Aston Villa could do without losing given they are struggling at the moment.  
Mills will be commentating for British Eurosport throughout the tournament
First-timers: Cape Verde are making their debut at the finals
First-timers: Cape Verde are making their debut at the finals
GROUP B

Ghana

Nickname: Black Stars 
FIFA Ranking: 30 
Colours: All-white
Best Cup of Nations: Winners 1963, 1965, 1978, 1982
Manager: James Kwesi Appiah – After a run of two successive Serbian managers, the Black Stars appointed almost from within when selecting Appiah, given that he had served as interim boss previously. A former left-back and captain for the national side between 1987 and 1992, he was given the top job in April last year.
Captain: Asamoah Gyan – It's been quite a rollercoaster for Gyan since he shot to prominence at the 2010 World Cup. There, he scored three important goals, including the extra time winner against the United States in the second round. 
He famously missed a last minute penalty in the quarter-final with Uruguay, following Luis Suarez’s deliberate handball on the line. 
His performances earned a move to Sunderland, where an encouraging and fairly prolific first season was followed by niggling injuries in his second. Gyan now plays for Al Ain in the United Arab Emirates, where he is on a five-year contract worth £6.4m.
British based player: Albert Adomah (Bristol City, Midfielder, four caps)
Squad: Goalkeepers: Daniel Adjei (Liberty Professionals), Fatau Dauda (Ashanti Gold), Adam Kwarasey (Stromsgodset)
Defenders: Harrison Afful (Esperance), Jerry Akaminko (Eskisehirspor), Mohammed Awal (Maritzburg Utd), John Boye (Rennes), Kissi Boateng (Berekum Chelsea), Jonathan Mensah (Evian), John Paintsil (Hapoel Tel Aviv), Isaac Vorsah (Red Bull Salzburg)
Midfielders: Albert Adomah (Bristol City), Anthony Annan (Osasuna), Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus), Solomon Asante (Berekum), Christian Atsu (Porto), Emmanuel Agyemang Badu (Udinese), Derek Boateng (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk), Mohammed Rabiu (Evian), Mubarak Wakaso (Espanyol)
Strikers: Emmanuel Clottey (Esperance), Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain), Richmond Boakye Yiadom (Sassuolo)
Star Player: Kwadwo Asamoah – despite being only 24, Asamoah is an accomplished player for both Ghana, for whom he has 41 caps, and his club Juventus, where his dynamic midfield performances have been of a maturing player reaching his full potential.  

Congo DR

Nickname: The Leopards 
FIFA Ranking: 99 
Colours: Blue and red
Best Cup of Nations: Winners, 1968 and 1974
Manager: Claude Le Roy – The blonde haired Frenchman has had an extraordinary career, having managed across Africa and the Middle East. He was briefly at Cambridge United in 2004, though he was essentially volunteering to assist coach Herve Renard, who will feature in this tournament as manager of Zambia. Le Roy previously managed DR Congo between 2004 and 2006 and returned in 2011. 
Captain: Tresor Mputu – 27-year-old striker once described by Le Roy as the next Samuel Eto’o, Mputu has an excellent scoring record for the Leopards, with 13 in 22 starts. Currently leading the line for TP Mazembe in his native country, he has been linked with a possible move to Celtic during one of the transfer windows this year.  
British based players: Youssouf Mulumbu (West Bromwich Albion, Midfielder, 12 caps); Gabriel Zakuani (Peterborough United, defender, one cap) 
Games Mulumbu will miss: January 19 - Aston Villa (H); January 30 - Everton (A); February 3 - Tottenham Hotspur (H); February 11 - Liverpool (A)
Squad: Goalkeepers: Robert Kidiaba (TP Mazembe), Bakala Landu (MK Etancheite), Parfait Mandanda (Charleroi)
Defenders: Jean Kasusula (Mazembe), Larrys Mabiala (Karabukspor), Chancel Mbemba (Anderlecht), Cedric Mongongu (Evian), Issama Mpeko (Vita Club), Landry Mulemo (Kortrijk), Gabriel Zakuani (Peterborough)
Midfielders: Dioko Kaluyituka (Al-Kharitiyath), Deo Kanda (Mazembe), Cedric Makiadi (Freiburg), Zola Matumona (Mons-Bergen), Tresor Mputu (Mazembe), Youssouf Mulumbu (West Bromwich Albion)
Strikers: Patou Kabangu (Mazembe), Yves Diba (Al-Raed), Domi Kumbela (Eintracht Brunswick), Tresor LuaLua Lomana (Karabukspor), Manzia Budje (Shark), Dieumerci Mbokani (Anderlecht), Luvumbu Nzinga (Rojolu)

Star Player: Dieumerci Mbokani – The pressure to deliver goals will fall largely on Anderlecht striker Mbokani, who is adept at playing the orthodox striking role or cutting in from the flanks. He has an impressive record in the Belgium, with 28 goals in 40 league games. 
Best foot forward: Gyan (right) will lead the Black Stars in South Africa
Best foot forward: Gyan (right) will lead the Black Stars in South Africa

Mali

Nickname: The Eagles 
FIFA Ranking: 25 
Colours: Yellow, red and green
Best Cup of Nations: Runners-up 1972
Manager: Patrice Carteron – Sunderland fans will remember Carteron as the loanee who scored in the Tyne Wear derby of April 2001.  
Captain: Seydou Keita – The most experienced head in the Mali dressing room. He was, of course, at Barcelona for four years up to last summer, winning three La Liga titles and two European Cups. 
British based players: Samba Diakite (Queen Park Rangers, midfielder, five caps); Modibo Maiga (West Ham United, striker, 36 caps and seven goals) 
Games Diakite will miss: January 19 - West Ham (A); January 26 - Milton Keynes Dons (H, FA Cup fourth round); January 29 - Manchester City (H); February 2 - Norwich City (H); February 9 - Swansea City (A)
Games Maiga will miss: January 16 - Manchester United (A, FA Cup third round replay); January 19 - Queens Park Rangers (H); January 23 - Arsenal (A); January 26 - Possible Fulham (H, FA Cup fourth round); February 2 - Swansea City (H); February 10 - Aston Villa (A)
Squad: Goalkeepers: Soumbeyla Diakite (Stade Malien), Mamadou Samassa (Guingamp), Aly Yirango (Djoliba)
Defenders: Adama Coulibaly (Auxerre), Idrissa Coulibaly (Lekihwiya), Ousmane Coulibaly (Brest), Salif Coulibaly (Djoliba), Fousseyni Diawara (Ajaccio), Mahamadou Ndiaye (Vitoria Guimaraes), Adama Tamboura (Randers), Molla Wague (Caen)
Midfielders: Samba Diakite (QPR), Cheick Fantamady Diarra (Rennes), Sigamary Diarra (Ajaccio), Seydou Keita (Aerbin Dalian), Mohamed Lamine Sissoko (Paris Saint Germain), Samba Sow (Lens), Kalilou Traore (Sochaux), Mahamane Traore (Nice), Sambou Yatabare (Bastia)
Strikers: Cheick Tidiane Diabate (Bordeaux), Modibo Maiga (West Ham), Mamadou Samassa (Chievo)
Star Player: Modibo Maiga – Maiga can be a bit hit and miss, as Hammers fans have found at times and he has five goals for his country. 

Niger

Nickname: Gazelles 
FIFA Ranking: 105 
Colours: White
Best Cup of Nations: Round one, 2012
Manager: Gernot Rohr – Rohr created the vacancy for himself when, managing Gabon at last year’s Africa Cup of Nations, they beat Niger 2-0 in the group stages and signalled the beginning of the end for Niger’s French boss Rolland Courbis. 
So, the 59-year-old German was brought in and he successfully booked his place in another AFCON with a win over Guinea.
Captain: Moussa Maazou – National captain at just 24, striker Maazou has seven goals for his country so far and will be expected to increase that at the Cup of Nations. 
He was tipped for a career in Europe when he arrived at Lokeren in 2008 and then CSKA Moscow the following year. 
However, he failed to settle and, following a succession of loan spells, decided to return to Africa with Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel last year.   
Squad: Goalkeepers: Moussa Alzouma (Garde Nationale), Daouda Kassaly (Chippa Utd), Saminou Rabo (Sahel)
Defenders: Ismael Alassane, Kader Amadou and Mohamed Soumaila (Olympic), Mohamed Bachar and Luky James (AS Douane), Mohammed Chikoto (Marsa), Koffi Dankowa (Zarzis), Kourouma Fatogoma (Chabab)
Midfielders: Issoufou Boubacar (clubless), Karim Konate (clubless), Issiakou Koudize (Garde Nationale), Idrissa Laouali (Mangasport), Amadou Mountari (Le Mans), Williams N’Gonou (LB 07), Souleymane Sakou (Olympic), Babacar Talatou (AmaZulu)
Strikers: Kamilou Daouda (Saoura), Issoufou Dante (Wydad Fes), Moussa Maazou (Etoile Sahel), Modibo Sidibé (clubless)
Star Player: Daouda Kamilou - Algerian-based striker likely to carry Niger’s strongest attacking threat. 
The 25-year-old has three goals for his country and currently plays for Algerian top division side JS Saoura.  

GROUP B FIXTURES

Sunday January 20 – Port Elizabeth
Ghana v DR Congo (3pm) – British Eurosport
Mali v Niger (6pm) – ITV4 and British Eurosport
Thursday January 24 – Port Elizabeth
Ghana v Mali (3pm) – British Eurosport
Niger v DR Congo (6pm) – ITV4 and British Eurosport
Monday January 28 – Port Elizabeth
Ghana v Niger (5pm) – ITV4 (tbc) and British Eurosport
Monday January 28 – Durban
DR Congo v Mali (5pm) – British Eurosport 2 

Danny Mills' verdict

It’s hard to look beyond Ghana for this group. 
They performed brilliantly in the 2010 World Cup but like some of the other teams in the tournament with just star man, they will be looking to Asamoah Gyan to deliver. 
If he does, then it is possible they could challenge for the trophy. 
He didn’t have the best of times in the Premier League, but seems to be getting some form back now.  
Play it Coul: The Auxerre defedner (right) will eb in action for Mali
Play it Coul: The Auxerre defedner (right) will eb in action for Mali
GROUP C

Nigeria

Nickname: Super Eagles 
FIFA Ranking: 52 
Colours: All-Green
Best Cup of Nations: Winners, 1980 and 1994
Manager: Stephen Keshi - A Nigerian veteran of 64 caps, former defender Keshi picked up the Super Eagles at their lowest ebb - when they failed to qualify for the Cup of Nations a year ago, for the first time in 26 years. There were no such problems this time, with Nigeria easily beating Liberia 8-3 on aggregate. Keshi has previously managed two other teams in this tournament - Mali and Togo.
Captain: Joseph Yobo - The centre back, formerly of Everton, has seen it all during an international career spanning 12 years and 89 caps. He assumed the captaincy before the 2010 World Cup finals, which were his second tournament following the 2002 finals in Japan and South Korea. Now 32, Yobo plays for Fenerbahce in Turkey.
British based players: Mikel John Obi (Chelsea, midfielder, 38 caps and three goals); Victor Moses (Chelsea, striker, six caps and two goals)
Games Moses and Mikel will miss: January 16 - Southampton (H); January 20 - Arsenal (H); January 23 - Swansea City (A, League Cup semi-final, second leg); January 27 - Brentford (A, FA Cup fourth round); January 30 - Reading (A); February 2 - Newcastle United (A); February 9 - Wigan Athletic (H)
Squad: Goalkeepers: Chigozie Agbim (Enugu Rangers), Austin Ejide (Hapoel Be’er Sheba), Vincent Enyeama (Maccabi Tel Aviv)
Defenders: Efe Ambrose (Celtic), Elderson Echiejile (Braga), Azubuike Egwuekwe (Warri Wolves), Kenneth Omeruo (ADO Den Haag), Godfrey Oboabona (Sunshine Stars), Juwon Oshaniwa (Ashdod), Joseph Yobo (Fenerbahce)
Midfielders: Reuben Gabriel (Kano Pillars), Nosa Igiebor (Real Betis), John Obi Mikel (Chelsea), Obiora Nwankwo (Calcio Padova), Fegor Ogude (Valerenga), Ogenyi Onazi (Lazio)
Strikers: Sunday Mba and Ejike Uzoenyi (Enugu), Emmanuel Emenike (Spartak Moscow), Brown Ideye (Dynamo Kyiv), Victor Moses (Chelsea), Ahmed Musa (CSKA Moscow), Ikechukwu Uche (Villarreal)
Star Player: John Obi Mikel - The 25-year-old has achieved pretty much everything in the club game and now is his opportunity to add international honours too. 
Has three goals in his 38 appearances - one more than he has in 263 games for Chelsea!  

Zambia

Nickname: The Copper Bullets 
FIFA Ranking: 34 
Colours: Orange and green
Best Cup of Nations: Winners, 2012
Manager: Herve Renard - A national hero after leading the team to Africa Cup of Nations victory last time out, beating fancied Senegal, Ghana and the ivory Coast along the way. He worked with the DR Congo coach Claude Le Roy - his mentor in the game - to save Cambridge United from the drop in a short spell back in 2004. 
Frenchman Renard also managed the Zambian team between 2008 and 2010. 
Captain: Christopher Katongo - An inspiration in the playmaker role during their triumph last year, Katongo is regarded as a powerful workhorse of a player. He was voted BBC African Footballer of the Year in 2012 in appreciation of his role in Zambia’s historic win. 
He plays out in China for Henan Construction and has 68 caps to his credit.
British based players: Emmanuel Mayuka (Southampton, striker, 40 caps and ten goals)
Games Mayuka will miss: January 16 - Chelsea (A); January 21 - Everton (H); January 30 - Manchester United (H); February 2 - Wigan Athletic (A); February 9 - Manchester City (H)
Squad: Goalkeepers: Daniel Munyau (Red Arrows), Kennedy Mweene (Free State Stars), Joshua Titima (Power Dynamos)
Defenders: Hichani Himoonde, Francis Kasonde and Stoppila Sunzu (TP Mazembe), Emmanuel Mbola (Porto), Joseph Musonda (Golden Arrows), Davies Nkausu (SuperSport Utd)
Midfielders: Isaac Chansa and Christopher Katongo (Henan Jianje), Rainford Kalaba and Nathan Sinkala (Mazembe), Noah Chivuta (Free State Stars), Felix Katongo (Petro Atletico), Chisamba Lungu (Ural Oblast), Mukuka Mulenga (Power Dynamos), William Njobvu (Hapoel Beer Sheba)
Strikers: James Chamanga (Liaojing Whowin), Emmanuel Mayuka (Southampton), Collins Mbesuma (Orlando Pirates), Jacob Mulenga (Utrecht), Jonas Sakuwaha (Al Merreikh)
Star Player: Emmanuel Mayuka - The winner of the Cup of Nations Golden Boot last year after scoring three goals, including the winner against Ghana in the semi-finals. 
These performances were part of Southampton’s thinking when they acquired him from Young Boys in August, but he has only started one game for the Saints so far. Despite being only 22, he has accumulated 38 caps for Zambia, scoring ten goals.   
Out of Africa: Moses is swapping duties at Stamford Bridge potentially for three weeks
Out of Africa: Moses is swapping duties at Stamford Bridge potentially for three weeks

Ethiopia

Nickname: Walya Antelopes or Black Lions 
FIFA Ranking: 110 
Colours: Yellow and green stripes 
Best Cup of Nations: Winners, 1962
Manager: Sewnet Bishaw - In charge of the national team for a second spell, Bishaw has already exceeded expectations by qualifying for the finals for the first time since they won the competition in 1962. 
They beat Sudan on away goals following a 5-5 aggregate scoreline. 
Captain: Degu Debebe - The majority of the Ethiopian players play in their own domestic league and 28-year-old centre-back Debebe is one, representing Saint-George. 
He is believed to have in the region of 40 international caps, putting him well on course to be the country’s most capped player. 
Squad: Goalkeepers: Sisay Bancha (Dedebit), Zerihun Tadele (St George), Jemal Tassew (Coffee)
Defenders: Abebaw Butako, Degu Debebe, Biadgelegn Elias and Alula Girma (St George), Berhanu Bogale, Aynalem Hailu and Seyoum Tesfaye (Dedebit)
Midfielders: Behailu Assefa, Addis Hintsa and Minyahil Teshome (Dedebit), Shimeles Bekele and Yared Zinabu (St George), Dawit Estifanos (Coffee), Asrat Megersa (EEPCO), Yusuf Saleh (Syrianska)
Strikers: Adane Girma and Oumed Ukuri (St George), Fuad Ibrahim (Minnesota Stars), Getaneh Kebede (Dedebit), Saladin Said (Wadi Degla)
Star Player: Adana Girma - A teammate of Debebe at Saint-George, forward Girma will have to bring his scoring boots to guide Ethiopia out of the group. 
He scored in both legs of the qualification play-off with Sudan and has seven for his country overall. 

Burkina Faso

Nickname: The Stallions 
FIFA Ranking: 89 
Colours: All-green
Best Cup of Nations: Fourth place, 1998
Manager: Paul Put - The Belgian replaced Paulo Duarte in March last year after a grim performance at the last Cup of Nations which saw Burkina Faso lose all three of their group games. Put was in charge of Gambia at the time and made the switch to guide Burkina Faso narrowly past the Central African Republic in the qualifiers.
Captain: Moumouni Dagano - Leading from the front is Dagano, who scored 12 goals in the World CUp 2010 qualifiers, making him the joint-highest worldwide scorer. He recently signed for Qatari club Al-Sailiya. 
Squad: Goalkeepers: Daouda Diakite (Lierse), Germain Sanou (St Etienne), Abdoulaye Soulama (Asante Kotoko)
Defenders: Mohamed Koffi (Petrojet), Bakary Kone (Lyon), Paul Koulibaly (Dynamo Bucharest), Mady Panandetiguiri (Antwerp), Henri Traore (Ashanti Gold)
Midfielders: Charles Kabore (Marseille), Djakaridja Kone (Evian), Prejuce Nacoulma (Gornik Zabrze), Issouf Ouattara (Chernomorets Burgas), Jonathan Pitroipa (Rennes), Aly Rabo (Al Shorta), Florent Rouamba (Sheriff Tiraspol), Wilfried Sanou (Kyoto Sanga), Abdou Razack Traore (Lechia Gdansk), Alain Traore (Lorient)
Strikers: Wilfried Dah and Pierre Koulibaly (Al Dhaid Sharjah), Wilfried Balima (Sheriff Tiraspol), Aristide Bance (Augsburg), Moumouni Dagano (Al Siliya)
Star Player: Alain Traore - The older brother of Chelsea academy product Bertrand, the Lorient striker will be trying to trouble a few defenders in the tournament. He is based in France and was previously with Auxerre before switching to his current club when they were relegated in 2012. 

GROUP C FIXTURES

Monday January 21 – Nelspruit
Zambia v Ethiopia (3pm) – British Eurosport
Nigeria v Burkina Faso (6pm) – ITV4 and British Eurosport
Friday January 25 – Nelspruit
Zambia v Nigeria (3pm) – British Eurosport
Burkina Faso v Ethiopia (6pm) – ITV4 and British Eurosport
Tuesday January 29 – Nelspruit
Zambia v Burkina Faso (5pm) – ITV4 (tbc) and British Eurosport
Tuesday January 29 – Rustenburg
Ethiopia v Nigeria (5pm) – British Eurosport 2 

Danny Mills' verdict

Given the weight of fixtures at the moment, Rafa Benitez at Chelsea would not have been too happy to see Mikel and Moses go off to the competition. 
Nigeria will be very strong in this group. 
Though the two Chelsea players will be missed, their desire to play in the Cup of Nations and try to reward the home fans who practically hero worship them is a distinct contrast to some of the attitudes of international players in England and Europe. 
Attention to detail: Workers at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg make the final checks
Attention to detail: Workers at Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg make the final checks
GROUP D

Ivory Coast

Nickname: The Elephants 
FIFA Ranking: 14 Colours: All-orange
Best Cup of Nations: Winners, 1992
Manager: Sabri Lamouchi - A young manager at 41, Lamouchi was a surprise appointment given he only retired from playing three years earlier. His career took his to Auxerre, Monaco, Parma, Inter Milan and Marseille among more exotic destinations. He also represented the French national team on 12 occasions. The decision to appoint him was controversial, with many fans wanting a more experienced replacement for Francois Zahoui. But he is starting to win them over by guiding the Ivory Coast through a volatile play-off with Senegal, which descended into a riot. 
Captain: Didier Drogba - Arguably the most recognisable player in the entire tournament, Drogba has achieved pretty much everything in the domestic game but this may be his last chance to win the Cup of Nations. Having quit Chelsea on a high after winning the Champions League, Drogba joined Shanghai Shenhua in China, but will be grateful for some action since their league ended a few months ago. His scoring record for Ivory Coast excellent - 59 in 90.
British based players: Arouna Kone (Wigan Athletic, striker, 37 caps and nine goals); Kolo Toure (Manchester City, defender, 102 caps and six goals); Chieck Tiote (Newcastle United, midfielder, 33 caps); Gervinho (Arsenal, striker, 42 caps and nine goals); Abdul Razak (Manchester City, midfielder, two caps); Yaya Toure (Manchester City, midfielder, 71 caps and ten goals) 
Star attraction: Former Chelsea striker Didier is heading to South Africa

Games Kone will miss: January 19 - Sunderland (H); January 26 - Macclesfield Town (A, FA Cup fourth round); January 29 - Stoke City (A); February 2 - Southampton (H); February 9 - Chelsea (A)
Games the Toure brothers and Razak will miss: January 19 - Fulham (H); January 26 - Stoke City (A, FA Cup fourth round); January 29 - Queens Park Rangers (A); February 3 - Liverpool (H); February 9 - Southampton (A)
Games Tiote will miss: January 19 - Reading (H); January 29 - Aston Villa (A); February 2 - Chelsea (H); February 9 - Tottenham Hotspur (A)
Games Gervinho will miss: January 16 - Swansea City (H, FA Cup third round replay); January 20 - Chelsea (A); January 23 - West Ham United (H); January 30 - Liverpool (H); February 2 - Stoke City (H); February 9 - Sunderland (A)
Squad: Goalkeepers: Boubacar Barry (Lokeren), Daniel Yeboah (Dijon), Ali Badra Sangare (Ivoire Academie)
Defenders: Souleymane Bamba (Trazbonspor), Arthur Boka (Stuttgart), Emmanuel Eboue (Galatasaray), Igor Lolo (Kuban Krasnodar), Siaka Tiene (PSG), Kolo Toure (Manchester City), Ismael Traore (Brest/FRA)
Midfielders: Max Gradel (Saint-Etienne), Didier Ya Konan (Hanover), Abdul Razak (Manchester City), Romaric Ndri Koffi (Real Zaragoza), Cheick Tiote (Newcastle), Yaya Toure (Manchester City), Didier Zokora (Trazbonspor)
Strikers: Wilfried Bony (Vitesse Arnhem), Didier Drogba (Shanghai Shenhua), Gervinho (Arsenal), Salomon Kalou (Lille), Arouna Kone (Wigan), Lacina Traore (Anzhi Makhachkala)
Star Player: Yaya Toure - In a squad full of household names, Yaya Toure stands out as the bedrock of a very talented  and well-fancied side. Strong, bustling and tireless, Yaya - a veteran of 72 caps - will have an instrumental role to play if the country’s 'Golden Generation' are to fulfill their potential. 

Warm welcome: The Ivory Coast stars were mobbed when they touched down
Warm welcome: The Ivory Coast stars were mobbed when they touched down

Tunisia

Nickname: The Eagles of Carthage 
FIFA Ranking: 45 
Colours: All-white
Best Cup of Nations: Winners, 2004
Manager: Sami Trabelsi - Another young boss at 44, but one who has vast experience of the Tunisian set-up having won 52 caps for them between 1994 and 2001. This is a country that gets through managers like loose change, so Trabelsi, at the helm for a whole two years, probably needs to deliver a respectable run in this tournament to keep his employment. 
Captain: Aymen Mathlouthi - 28-year-old goalkeeper for Tunisian side Etoile du Sahel who is regarded as one of the best on the continent. Has 38 caps for his country.
Squad: Goalkeepers: Moez Ben Cherifia (Esperance), Aymen Mathlouthi (Etoile Sahel), Farouk Ben Mustapha (CA Bizertin)
Defenders: Khalil Chammam and Walid Hichri (Esperance), Aymen Abdennour (Toulouse), Anis Boussaidi (Tavria Simferopol), Chamseddine Dhaouadi (Etoile), Fateh Gharbi (CS Sfaxien), Bilel Ifa (Club Africain)
Midfielders: Youssef Msakni, Khaled Mouelhi and Mejdi Traoui (Esperance), Haten Baratli (Club Africain), Oussama Darragi (Sion), Chadi Hammami (Kuwait SC), Wissem Yahia (Mersin Idman Yurdu)
Strikers: Zouheir Dhaouadi (clubless), Hamdi Harbaoui (Lokeren), Issam Jomaa (Kuwait SC), Wahbi Khazri (Bastia), Saber Khlifa (Evian), Fakreddine Ben Youssef (Sfaxien)
Star Player: Issam Jemaa - Striker who has been involved with the national side since 2005 and will feature in his third Africa Cup of Nations this time round. Didn’t have the best time at Auxerre towards the end of his time in French football but has rediscovered his form in Kuwait and will be hoping to add to his 34 international goals in 70 games.

Algeria

Nickname(s): Fennec Foxes, Desert Warriors 
FIFA Ranking: 19 
Colours: All-white
Best Cup of Nations: Winners, 1990
Manager: Vahid Halilhodzic - Veteran Bosnian manager who has seen and done it all in his managerial career and beat off some strong contenders when appointed Algerian coach in June 2011. 
He enjoyed success previously with the Ivory Coast, taking them to the World Cup in South Africa but suffering the ignominy of the sack four months before the tournament. 
Captain: Medhi Lacen - The scourge of England during that humiliating goalless draw at the 2010 World Cup, Lacen has become a staple of the Algerian midfield. He plays in Spain for Getafe, having previously turned out for Racing Santander and Alaves.
British based players: Adlene Guedioura (Nottingham Forest, midfielder, 18 caps and one goal)
Squad: Goalkeepers: Azzeddine Doukha (Harrach), Rais Mbolhi (Krylia Sovetov), Cedric Si Mohammed (Bejaia)
Defenders: Essaïd Belkalem and Ali Rial (JS Kabylie), Carl Medjani and Mehdi Mostefa (Ajaccio), Liassine Cadamuro (Real Sociedad), Faouzi Ghoulam (Saint-Etienne), Rafik Halliche (Academica), Djamel Mesbah (AC Milan)
Midfielders: Hameur Bouazza (Racing Santander), Ryad Boudebouz (Sochaux), Sofiane Feghouli (Valencia), Adlene Guedioura (Nottingham Forest), Foued Kadir (Marseille), Medhi Lacen (Getafe), Khaled Lemmouchia (Club Africain), Saad Tedjar (USMA)
Strikers: Mohamed Aoudia (Entente Setif), Yacine Bezzaz (CS Constantine), Islam Slimani (Belouizdad), Hilal Soudani (Guimares)

Star Player: Sofiane Feghouli - 23-year-old attacking midfielder who plays for Valencia in Spain and who will be vital in supplying ammunition to the strikers. 
Feghouli represented France at youth level but switched allegiance and has since won nine caps, scoring twice. 

Togo

Nickname: The Sparrow Hawks 
FIFA Ranking: 71 
Colours: All-yellow
Best Cup of Nations: First round, 1972, 1984, 1998, 2000, 2002 and 2006
Manager: Didier Six - Remembered as the left-sided player from the all-conquering French side of the early eighties, Six won the European Championships in 1984 and played in the 1978 and 1982 World Cups. Has had two managerial posts - 25 years apart: Strasbourg briefly in 1986 and then Togo from 2011 to present. 
Captain: Emmanuel Adebayor - There shouldn’t be much I need to add about this man, only that, following retirement and on-off negotiations, the whole of Togo will be delighted to welcome their talisman back to an international tournament. With 26 goals in his 54 Togo appearances, much will depend on the Spurs frontman. 
British based players: Emmanuel Adebayor (Tottenham Hotspur, striker, 54 caps and 26 goals)
Games Adebayor will miss: January 20 - Manchester United (H); January 27 - Leeds United (A, FA Cup fourth round); January 30 - Norwich City (A); February 3 - West Bromwich Albion (A); February 9 - Newcastle United (H)
Squad: Goalkeepers: Mawugbe Atsou (Maranatha), Baba Tchagouni (Dijon)
Defenders: Serge Akakpo (Zilina), Sadat Ouro-Akoriko (Free State Stars), Vincent Bossou (Navibank), Djene Dakonam (Coton Sport), Donou Kokou (Maranatha), Abdoul-Gafar Mamah (Dacia), Senah Mango (Marseille), Dare Nibombe (Boussou Dur Borinage)
Midfielders: Kodjo Ametepe (Maranatha), Komlan Amewou (Nimes), Sapol Mani (Batna), Moustapha Salifou (clubless), Prince Segbefia (Auxerre), Dove Wome (Free State Stars)
Strikers: Kalen Damessi (Lille), Thomas Dossevi (Chonburi), Serge Gakpe (Nantes), Fessou Placa (Agaza), Emmanuel Adebayor (Tottenham)
Star Player: Has to be Adebayor as well...  

GROUP D FIXTURES

Tuesday January 22 – Rustenburg
Ivory Coast v Togo (3pm) – British Eurosport 
Tunisia v Algeria (6pm) – ITV4 and British Eurosport
Saturday January 26 – Rustenburg
Ivory Coast v Tunisia (3pm) – British Eurosport
Algeria v Togo (6pm) – ITV4 and British Eurosport
Wednesday January 30 – Rustenburg
Ivory Coast v Algeria (5pm) – ITV4 (tbc) and British Eurosport
Wednesday January 30 – Nelspruit
Togo v Tunisia (5pm) – British Eurosport 2  

Danny Mills' verdict 

The Ivory Coast are undoubtedly the best team in the tournament and are the obvious favourites. 
They have a squad littered with big names and talented players, while many of them, including Drogba, have phenomenal experience. 
They should play at a level above all others but they have sometimes struggled against North African teams, so they won’t like to see not one, but two in their group. 
Their main enemy, however, is their own complacency because the quality is clearly there.
Let the action begin! South Africa is ready to host the showpiece event
Let the action begin! South Africa is ready to host the showpiece event

KNOCKOUT FIXTURES

Quarter-final
1. Saturday February 2 – Port Elizabeth
Group B winners v Group A runners-up (3pm) – ITV4 and British Eurosport
2. Saturday February 2 – Durban
Group A winners v Group B runners-up (6.30pm) – ITV4 and British Eurosport
3. Sunday February 3 – Rustenburg
Group D winners v Group C runners-up (3pm) – ITV4 and British Eurosport
4. Sunday February 3 – Nelspruit
Group C winners v Group D runners-up (6.30pm) – ITV4 and British Eurosport
Semi-final
1. Wednesday February 6 – Durban
Winner QF2 v Winner QF3 (3pm) – ITV4 and British Eurosport
2. Wednesday February 6 – Nelspruit 
Winner QF4 v Winner QF1 (6.30pm) – ITV4 and British Eurosport
Third Place Play-off
Saturday February 9 – Port Elizabeth
Loser SF1 v Loser SF2 (6pm) – ITV4 and British Eurosport
Final
Sunday February 10 – Johannesburg
Winner SF1 v Winner SF2 (6pm) – ITV4 and British Eurosport 

PREVIOUS WINNERS

1957 (Sudan) Egypt 4 Ethiopia 0
1959 (Egypt) Egypt 2 Sudan 1
1962 (Ethiopia) Ethiopia 4 Egypt 2
1963 (Ghana) Ghana 3 Sudan 0
1965 (Tunisia) Ghana 3 Tunisia 2
1968 (Ethiopia) DR Congo 1 Ghana 0
1970 (Sudan) Sudan 1 Ghana 0
1972 (Cameroon) Congo 1 Mali 0
1974 (Egypt) Zaire 2 Zambia 0
1976 (Ethiopia) Morocco (Group stage format)
1978 (Ghana) Ghana 2 Uganda 0
1980 (Nigeria) Nigeria 3 Algeria 0
1982 (Libya) Ghana 1 Libya 1 (Ghana won 7-6 on penalties)
1984 (Ivory Coast) Cameroon 3 Nigeria 1
1986 (Egypt) Egypt 0 Cameroon 0 (Egypt won 5-4 on penalties)
1988 (Morocco) Cameroon 1 Nigeria 0
1990 (Algeria) Algeria 1 Nigeria 0
1992 (Senegal) Ivory Coast 0 Ghana 0 (Ivory Coast won 11-10 on penalties)
1994 (Tunisia) Nigeria 2 Zambia 1
1996 (South Africa) South Africa 2 Tunisia 0
1998 (Burkina Faso) Egypt 2 South Africa 0
2000 (Ghana and Nigeria) Cameroon 2 Nigeria 2 (Cameroon won 4-3 on penalties)
2002 (Mali) Cameroon 0 Senegal 0 (Cameroon won 3-2 on penalties)
2004 (Tunisia) Tunisia 2 Morocco 1
2006 (Egypt) Egypt 0 Ivory Coast 0 (Egypt won 3-2 on penalties)
2008 (Ghana) Egypt 1 Cameroon 0
2010 (Angola) Egypt 1 Ghana 0
2012 (Gabon and Equatorial Guinea) Zambia 0 Ivory Coast 0 (Zambia won 8-7 on penalties)  


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