Servus Syndicate Members,
Another tournament, Vicey? Fraid so, brothers. Your friendly bookie can’t let you miss out on his beloved Africa. Not permitted. It’s the best continental championship outside of Europe; an indispensable special attraction for fans of the beautiful game.
You can't miss out. Not allowed.
A great deal to report upon as we enter the 32nd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, set to kick off on Friday in Cairo. At long last it appears CAF has pushed through the right reforms to make this competition both fairer for the players and more accessible to fans. To begin with, the tourney has undergone a seasonal shift many of us African footballing enthusiasts have perpetually advocated. It shall be played in the Summer for the first time. In keeping with the trend of growing tournaments, the field has also been expanded to 24 teams.
The timing of the grand African affair never made sense. Up until 2013, this biennial competition was held in even-numbered years. This meant that, in World Cup years, countries often declined to call up their best players, sending prospect sides instead. This also exacerbated the already unfortunate problem of African players declining call-ups in the first place.
Diehard football fans would, of course, never think about skipping AFCON, but many of us noted how an early January kickoff left many of the better players prone to mental and physical fatigue. As if the bodily demands of tournament football weren’t taxing enough, a majority of the elite African players starred professionally in the English Premiership. The tournament began immediately after the brutal blitz of Premiership holiday fixtures, leaving many of Africa’s finest observably depleted.
To illustrate this effect using a recent example, one needn’t look further than the case of Tottenham’s Heung-Min Son in this January’s Asian Continental Championship. Son even went so far as to skip the Group phase of the tournament, joining the South Korean national team only in the knockout phase. While he initially performed rather well, by the Quarterfinals it was apparent that he had completely ran out of fuel, not to mention ideas. Son admitted as much in taking responsibility for the team’s surprise defeat.
Football fanatics are naturally ecstatic about what we finally feel shall be an AFCON that showcases the best that Africa has to offer. It’s also a splendid opportunity for the more casual fans of the beautiful game. For those who only follow football during the major international tournaments, allow me to assure you that AFCON exhibits all of the power and passion that makes both the men’s and women’s World Cups and the European Championships so irresistible.
One of the real joys of African football has to be the “fan game”. The supporters bring it like no one else. 100 percent. If you love flags, chants, dances, and drums this is your tournament. In anything, the African completion is even more colorful and vibrant than any other international competition. To actually experience a match in the stands with African fans is to live on an entirely different plane of existence. Sadly, the fact that CAF often has trouble finding a reliable host country for the event adversely affects the attainment of such a wonderful experience.
One must make a candid point concerning the big problem with being a hopeless Afro-football-phile. Namely, this competition has some ways to go both administratively and professionally. To unabashedly love African Football necessitates accepting that sports do not fully provide an escape from the harsh realities of the world. In the most infamous case, three Togolese football players were killed when a Canndian rebels attacked their bus during the 2010 tournament in Angola. When the shellshocked Togo team, captained at that time by Emmanuel Adebayor, understandably sought to withdraw from the competition, CAF fined the team heavily and banned them from participating for four years.
Other examples abound. Attacks and deaths have occurred in pockets of Africa where Islamic Rebel organizations such as Boko Haram, Ansar Dine, and Al-Shabab consider it a crime for citizens to even watch football. For the FOURTH consecutive cycle, the tournament has been moved from its originally planned host country because of political unrest or racist propaganda. The Libyan Civil War forced a move in 2013 and 2017. The Moroccans forfeited their hosting rights in 2015 for fear that sub-Saharan Africans would bring the Ebola Virus with them. Cameroon was scheduled to host this year’s tournament, but the Ambazonia war forced a move to Egypt.
Life has never been and never shall be a fairy tale. Living in Africa, where basic amenities such as electricity and running water are a 50-50 proposition on any given day, assures that one remains forever cognizant of this fact. Lovers of sport appreciate its ability to help one escape cruel reality and lose oneself for a while. In Africa, even this isn’t always possible. When sports do work, however, they can be the most uplifting tool in the world.
It’s always a pleasure to check in with these teams. I’ll tip the Senegalese Lions of Terranga to capture their first continental championship. Great team they have this year. Hopefully we’ll be in for a Summer of more Aliou Cisse’s “Victory Fists”. All of the projected group favorites—Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco, Tunisia, and Cameroon—should also be considered contenders. Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Mali, and Congo DR make up the second tier of outside favorites. South Africa, Algeria, and Guinea are your Dark Horses.
As a testament to how much Africa fans rock, teaming up with your friendly bookie to present the onset betting odds and Round One Lines, we have this dude.
I’ll never be as cool as this dude. I won’t even try.
Group A (Egypt, Congo DR, Zimbabwe, Uganda)
A fairly straightforward group that one can almost see shaking out just as expected. One should consider the hosts favorites even if the Congolese Leopards have a slightly better team. In addition to having the advantage of home turf, the schedule falls favorably for the pharaohs. An injury to Congo’s Dieumerci Mbokani also affects the projection.
This may finally be the year in which the Egyptians reclaim their prestige and once again rise to the status of one of Africa’s most eminent teams. A now fully fit Mohamed Salah surely chomps at the bit.
Egypt (Winning Odds—Straight Up) 
The formula for success begins with a more competent coach. Gone is Hector Cuper and his ultra-protective 4-5-1. The much less risk averse Javier Aguirre takes the reins. Some may recall his stints Mexico, Japan, and Athletico in Spain.
The Mexican coach, who has also done extensive consulting work in Gulf countries, carried a transitional Japanese side to the quarterfinals of the 2015 continental championship.
Aguirre demonstrated a no-nonsense approach, jettisoning players more concerned with their nickname than their training. Mamoud Abdel-Moneim (a.k.a “Karaba” or “electricity”) and Mahmoud Abdel Razek Hassan (a.k.a “Shikabala”) have not been called up in the last six months. Mohamed Abdel Shafy and Ahmed Fathy have also been pushed into retirement.
We’ll project a 4-4-2 with the ever-reliable Marwan Mohsen joining Liverpool’s talisman in attack. Salah likes to get out wide often, meaning Mahmaoud Ahmed Ibrahim Hassan (a.k.a. “Trezeguet”) is expected to pour forward much more than he did last summer. The same applies to current Olympiacos forward Ahmed Hassan (or “Kouka”). Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny completes a fine attack.
Former Hull City right back Ahmed Elmohamady takes the captain’s armband from the legendary Essam El Hadary, who finally retired this year at the age of 45. Ayman Ashraf Elsembeskany counts as an upgrade at left fullback. Omar Gaber and Ahmed Hegazy round out the solid defensive corps
Piece it all together and the Pharaohs stand a realistic chance at a return to the glory days before the failed political revolution and the Port Said stadium disaster. One musn’t forget that Egypt are eight-time continental champions and pulled off that incredible 2006, 2008, and 2010 three-peat.
Projecting the Egyptian Lineup (4-4-2)
Marwan Mohsen Mohamed Salah
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Mahmoud Hassan Ahmed Hassan
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Mohamed Elneny Abdallah El Said
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Ayman Ashraf A. E. Mohamady
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Ahmed Hegazy Omar Gaber
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Ahmed El Shenawy
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Congo DR (Winning Odds—3 to 1)
The two-time continental champions also enter the tournament with an outstanding squad. Historically they’ve often done well when the competition is held in Egypt, capturing their last continental crown in 1974, and reaching the quarterfinals in 2006. The Leopards remain under the aegis of domestic coach Florent Ibenge, who has managed the team since their 2015 run to the semi-finals. They ultimately ended up finishing third in that tournament.
While 2017’s quarterfinal attainment wasn’t quite as impressive, the Leopards turned in some memorable performances. They were definitely one of the tournament’s hardest working and scrappiest teams. One can still build a decent attack without the injured Dieumerci Mbokani. Belgium-league veterans Yannick Bolasie and Jonathan Bolingi serve as an adequate support tandem for former Villareal striker Cedric Bakumbu.
Virtually all of the major players return in fine form. Issama Mpeko, Marcel Tisserand, Tresor Mputu, Chancel Mbemba, and Youssouf Mulumbu are all projected to start in a staggered shape that makes the most of their athleticism.
Ibenge has many options off the bench as well. Bookie forecasts another deep run.
Projecting the Congolese (DR) Lineup (5-2-3)
Cedric Bakambu
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Yannick Bolassie Jonathan Bolingi
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Youssouf Mulumbu Chancel Mbemba
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Fabrice N’Sakala Merville Bokadi
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Marcel Tisserand Botuli Bompunga Issama Mpeko
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Ley Matampi
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Zimbabwe (Winning Odds—10 to 1)
In this independent oddsmaker’s estimation the southeast Africans are very underrated. They return with a significantly stronger side than the one that finished third from bottom a little over two years ago. Anderlecht forward Knowledge Musona and South African professional Khama Billiat combined to score some spectacular goals in qualifying round upsets over BOTH Congos (Congo DR, for those prone to confusion, is the former Zaire).
Though I had some difficulty building an especially strong midfield, players like Marvelous Nakamba, Marsdhall Muntsi, and Nyasha Mushekwi may be able to carry this team to a semifinal run. Intriguing new faces include Le Havre’s Tino Kadewere, and Orlando Pirates defender Nyasha Munetsi.
2017’s Cinderella status lasted all of one round. We might behold something more sustained here.
Projecting the Zimbabwean Lineup (4-4-2)
Nyasha Mushekwi Knowledge Musona
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Danny Phiri Evans Ruskie
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Marvelous Nakamba Marshall Munetsi
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Divine Lunga Alec Mudimu
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Teenage Hadebe Tendayi Darikawa
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George Chigova
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Uganda (Winning Odds—18 to 1)
By far the worst team in the 2017 tournament gets even worse. At least that incarnation had scoring threats in Yunus Sentamu and Goeffrey Sserunkuma. Seeking to disprove this dour projection are strikers Emmanuel Okwi and the 21-year-old prospect Farouk Miya. The latter scored the team’s only goal in the previous tournament.
Relatively young head coach Sebastien Desabre and his selection did top one of the weakest qualifying groups, but will likely face too many insurmountable opponents too early.
Vicey’s Fearless Group Projection (2 to 1 Odds for Bookie)
1) Egypt 2) Congo DR 3) Zimbabwe 4) Uganda
Round of 16 Odds
Egypt (NO BETS) Congo DR (NO BETS) Zimbabwe (Straight Up) Uganda (3 to 1)
Quarterfinal Odds
Egypt (NO BETS) Congo DR (Straight Up) Zimbabwe (4 to 1) Uganda (9 to 1)
Semifinals Odds
Egypt (Straight Up) Congo DR (2 to 1) Zimbabwe (8 to 1) Uganda (15 to 1)
Group A—Round One Fixtures
Friday, June 21st
Egypt vs. Zimbabwe
vs.
The primary reason why the Warriors can’t be considered sleepers out of this group. Bookie prognosticates a fairly disastrous debut against the high-flying hosts. Salah will come on like a man on fire. Everyone settle in for a jolting start.
THE LINE: Egypt +3 Goals
Saturday, June 22nd
Congo DR vs. Uganda
vs.
This one should be pretty good too. Meet the Leopards, those of you who haven’t followed our three AFCON Chapters. You guys have really missed out. Ibenge and the boys are well-poised to come burst out of the gate.
THE LINE: Congo DR +2 Goals
Group B (Nigeria, Guinea, Madagascar, Burundi)
It seems like only yesterday when Emmanuel Emenike, Sunday Mba, Victor Moses, Joseph Yobo, Elderson Echiejile, and Vincent Enyeama led the Super Eagles of Nigeria made the memorable run to their third continental championship in 2013. Perhaps it seems that way because they’ve not been since in this tournament since, failing to qualify in both 2015 and 2017.
An auspicious group draw here furnishes them with quite the opportunity to top this, the weakest of all the groups, and pave a reasonably easy path for themselves to the semi-finals. The notoriously whimsical Nigerian FA surprisingly stuck with head coach Gernot Rohr even after last Summer’s disappointing group stage exit and a disastrous start to this tournament’s qualifying campaign.
The manager who led Gabon to a surprise victory in the 2012 edition of this tournament staged an amazing comeback in qualifying and has built an extremely strong side. The Guineans shouldn't trouble them much here and the rest of the group consists of the tiniest of minnow-nations.
Nigeria (Winning Odds—Straight Up) 
It very nearly happened again. Hopes for qualification appeared in serious jeopardy after an early defeat to South Africa. The Nigerians rallied behind a burst of power from former Watford striker Odion Ighalo, who cemented his position at the top axis during the latter stages of the 2018 World Cup Group Stage.
His seven goals in qualifying went unequaled by any other player. He’s been so effective at the position that Leicester City’s Kelechi Ihenacho hasn’t been selected since November.
Ighalo now spearheads a 4-5-1 starkly different than the 3-5-2 we witnessed last Summer. Ahmed Musa drops back a bit and moves over to the right wing, taking over for the now retired Victor Moses. Moses Simon returns to replace Brian Idowu on the left flank.
Some creative liberties must be taken in order to build a complete lineup. I personally have John Obi Mikel pushing up a bit to pair with Oghenekaro Peter Etebo. It’s not ideal, but it seems a waste to move Obi Mikel back to centerback. Wilfired N’Didi can make that shift. He posseses the build and the skills. For now, I’ll select Leon Balogun and Sehu Abdullahi as the centerbacks, but either Jamilu Collins or Ola Aina might make a push.
Experimentation might be in play as I reiterate this is the weakest of all the groups.
Projecting the Nigerian Lineup (4-5-1)
Odion Ighalo
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Moses Simon Alex Iwobi Ahmed Musa
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John Obi Mikel Oghenekaro Etebo
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Leon Balogun Sehu Abdullahi
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William Troost-Ekong Kenneth Omerou
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Ikechukwu Ezenwa
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Guinea (Winning Odds—6 to 1)
The former African powerhouse brought its best teams between 2004 and 2008. They did attain make it to the 2015 Quarterfinals in historic fashion few will forget. The drawing of lots! Following three 1-1 draws against Mali, Cote d’Ivoire and Cameroon in the group phase, all the tiebreaker criteria had been exhausted. It came down to a random selection.
Since there were at the time no fair play rules in AFCON, we all tuned in to “lot draw” at the team hotel”. It truly was something else…your friendly bookie won’t soon forget. Though they got crushed by Ghana in the semi-finals, the 2015 tournament constituted something of a coming out party for then 26-year-old Borussia Mönchengladbach striker Ibrahima Traore. He showed a great appetite from distance early on, eventually tomahawking home a real screamer in the second group stage match against Cameroon.
Ah memories…your friendly bookie can get lost for hours when it comes to this tournament.
Snapping back to the present, Traore still stars and scores in Nordrhine Westphalia. He also starts for this squad, though a bit further back then he used to. A very intriguing group of new breakout players helped the National Elephants beat up on their qualifying group heavyweights. Francois Kamano is a 23-year-old speedster who racks up goals for Bordeaux in the French Ligue 1.
Liverpool fans will recognize their new signing Naby Keita, who has already tallied five times in 23 caps for the national side. Mandy Camara is a 22-year-old year old Olympicacos midfielder who has been playing very well as of late. Another great prospect is Amadou Diawara, a 21-year-old Napoli midfielder.
Veterans Boubocar Fofana and Mohamed Yattara serve under the auspices of the regrettably-named Belgian manager whose name has some unfortunate arbitrary dictatorial connotations. Paul Put, who some may recall formerly coached Gambia, Burkina Faso, and Kenya has the reins. A great attack. Should be an entertaining bunch. A little thin in the defensive corps. Otherwise they would be projected to compete for the group.
Projecting the Guinean Lineup (4-4-2)
Mohammed Yattara Idrissa Sylla
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Francois Kamano Ibrahima Cisse
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Ibrahima Traore Naby Keita
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Issiaga Sylla Baissama Sankoh
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Fode Camara Ernest Seka
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Naby Yattara
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Madagascar (Winning Odds—15 to 1)
Plenty of arguments for expanding the tournament field to 24 teams over the course of this post. Here’s one against. As cartoonishly bad as…well….the cheaply made cartoon movie series named after their isle. Somehow they’re not even the worst team in this group. Their striking corps is adequate enough to leave them mildly competitive in their sub confederation. There’s also an un-official Indian Ocean association of sorts that gifts them easy competition.
Qualified out of a weak group that featured one of the worst Equatorial Guinean sides in years. Mostly French second leaguers on this squad. The strikers have been in the game a while, surely too long to look anything other than exhausted at this level. It was hardly worth looking up these players.
Projecting the Malagasy Lineup (4-3-3)
Lalaina Carlos Andria Paulin Voavy
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Njiva Martin Ibrahim Amada
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Anicet Abel
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R. Metanire T. Rambel
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Thomas Fontaine Jerome Mombris
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Ibrahima Dabo
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Burundi (Winning Odds—18 to 1)
A touch worse than their fellow debutantes by virtue of the fact that their best player is England bad boy Saido Barahino. The former West Brom and Stoke City striker can be trusted neither on or off the pitch. Barahino’s goal to draw Gabon early in qualifying helped lift the team to unexpected results against Mali and Gabon once more on the return leg. Not happy about them being here, seeing as how they deprived us of Pierre Emerik Aubameyang.
Vicey’s Fearless Group Projection (Straight Up Odds for Bookie)
1) Nigeria 2) Guinea 3) Madagascar 4) Burundi
Round of 16 Odds
Nigeria (NO BETS) Guinea (NO BETS) Madagascar (3 to 1) Burundi (5 to 1)
Quarterfinal Odds
Nigeria (NO BETS) Guinea (Straight Up) Madagascar (9 to 1) Burundi (12 to 1)
Semifinals Odds
Nigeria (Straight Up) Guinea (3 to 1) Madagascar (12 to 1) Burundi (15 to 1)
Group B—Round One Fixtures
Saturday, June 22nd
Nigeria vs. Burundi
vs.
Should be a blowout. Rohr shouldn’t necessarily take his opponent too seriously, but it would be a crime not to test out his best eleven here. Hoping to see the Eagles get off to a soaring start here. Put the prime players on the pitch, yanking them early if necessary.
THE LINE: Nigeria +3 Goals
Guinea vs. Madagascar
vs.
Another big fish needs to show no hesitation in devouring a minnow. Would it be too much to ask for two blowouts in one day? Probably. A lower line is in order.
THE LINE: Guinea +2 Goals
Group C (Senegal, Algeria, Tanzania, Kenya)
Not forecasting any major surprises with respect to the top two teams in this group, but we’ll come down firmly on one side of the East African rivalry. Kenya vs. Tanzania in a continental championship? Bookie is beside himself with unbridled joy. The two closely linked Bantu African States offer the deepest political, historic, and sporting derby on the whole continent. The Kenyans unquestionably have the more talented team, but the Taifa Stars of Tanzania are on a hot streak. It’s such we’ll make an unconventional pick here, noting the writer’s inherent bias.
The Desert Foxes have fallen into decline. Aliou Cisse’s boys shouldn’t have any problems roaring through here and contesting for the title.
Senegal (Winning Odds—Straight Up) 
Your friendly bookie’s favorites to go all the way. Can’t wait to see some more Aliou Cisse “victory” fists. The strength of this squad means we can expect quite a few. The squad that just barely missed out on the World Cup knockouts and the 2017 tournament’s semi-finals streaks in after an undefeated qualifying campaign.
Cisse has brought fewer natural strikers with him this time. I still think we’re looking at a 4-3-3, though I won’t rule out a 4-4-2. Ismaila Sarr, Keita Balde, and M’Baye Niang have all improved to the point that they can share space with Sadio Mane on the first attacking axis. Niang in particular has really come alive, scoring three goals in the second leg of the qualifying group.
Piecing all of this together we can build a very intimidating attack. All three strikers play deep in the attacking third. The attack packs quite the punch. These chompers can, on paper at least, quickly masticate all the opposing defenses in this competition. Surely no one in this group can hope to stop them. A stacked midfield as well. I can’t even find space for Moussa Konate or Henri Saviet.
The back four remains a slightly more difficult to sort out in that Youssef Sabaly can start on either flank or even play inverted higher up. Luxury problems. I’ll place Sabaly on the right even if it isn’t his strongest side. This opens up a starting slot for Moussa Wague as the left fullback. The 20-year-old shows signs of realizing his amazing potential, waking up to score a real stunner in the qualifying phase and finally beginning to break into the FC Barcelona first team. Watch him and indeed that entire left-hand side. It’s a beast.
Schalke’s Salif Sane and Napoli’s Kalidou Koulibaly close ranks in front of the keeper. They’re about as strong a centerback pairing as one will ever see. We’ve now built a complete team, all set to make a mad charge for the title. That’s why the Terrangans are the bookie’s pick. Fuck yes.
Projecting the Senegalese Lineup (4-3-3)
Sadio Mane M’Baye Niang Keita Balde
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Idrissa Gueye Cheikhou Kouyate
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Alfred N’Diaye
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Moussa Wague Youssouf Sabaly
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Salif Sane Kalidou Koulibaly
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Abdoulaye Diallo
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Algeria (Winning Odds—5 to 1)
Life has not been easy for fans of the Desert Foxes after they came agonizingly close to ousting their historic rival Germany in the 2014 World Cup Round of 16. Bosnian manager Vahid Halidhozic left to coach the Japanese side after that tournament. The eras of his successors, Christian Gourcuff and George Leekens, has been marred by disappointment after disappointment.
The early exits from the 2015 and 2017 AFCONs were simply scandalous. Teams featuring Islam Slimani, Riyad Mahrez, Nabil Bentaleb, El Arabi Hillel Soudani, Sofiane Feghouli, and Yacine Barhimi should have performed better.
Their 2017 tournament wasn’t totally abhorent, but stood as a huge letdown. While the midfield initially demonstrated some signs of promise, Mahrez and Slimani couldn’t figure out how to work together. Loads of immature whining from the latter in particular. Poor sportsmanship and dirty fouls came to define the group as they fell to the Senegalese reserves in the Third Group stage match, exiting the tournament in an embarrassing fashion.
A federation in full meltdown couldn’t right the ship in time to qualify for the 2018 WM. Two coaches and a new federation president ultimately failed to get the team to coalesce The Algerians now seek to reorganize again under former national team and Southampton midfielder Djamel Belmadi, appointed a little less than a year ago.
Friendly results have been improved somewhat after a woeful five game losing streak in 2018. Once again, the talent level remains very high. Great potential is on display in the lineup below. They just can’t seem to get organized. The Fennecs have too many experts to discount, yet likely far too little expertise to presage a run past the Quarterfinals.
Problems in the midfield and with the fullbacks as well. Bookie just doesn’t see it coming together.
Projecting the Algerian Lineup (4-5-1)
Islam Slimani
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Riyad Mahrez Sofiane Feghouli Yacine Brahimi
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Adlene Guedioura Youcef Belaili
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Youcef Atal Mehdi Zeffane
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Aissa Mandi Ramy Bensebaini
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Rais M’Bohli
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Tanzania (Winning Odds—12 to 1)
I think they can overachieve here, though you all know how biased I am. The Taifas Stars return to the continental championship for the first time in nearly forty years thanks to a very competent coach, a red hot striking corps, and a well-organized defensive unit.
Former Nigerian legend Emmanuel Amuneke has done an excellent job building a squad comprised mostly of players from the three big Dar-es-Salaam clubs: Young Africans, F.C. Azam, and Simba F.C. Lead striker Simon Msuva, who plays professionally in Morroco, scores early an often to lift this team up. His partner up top, Belgian professional Mbwana Samatta, lights it up for KRC Genk. He’s coming off a 32-goal-campaign. Looking forward to seeing him in the Champions League next Autumn.
23-year-old Spanish league prospect Faridi Moussa looks to be responsible for much of the action on both flanks while Mao Mkami and Mudathir Yahya appear to be the midfield anchors Hard to figure out the placement of veteran Erasto Nyoni, but I have him out on the defensive flank axis opposite Simba F.C. Colleague Mohammed Husseini. The two veteran centerbacks, both in their mid-thirties, don’t move much, but they don’t have to. They keep it tight at the back in a somberly professional fashion.
Satisfied with the team I built, even if it some of it stems from wishful thinking. Fully prepared for this rosy prognostication to backfire. Bring on the eggs, boys.
Projecting the Tanzanian Lineup (4-4-2)
Simon Msuva Mbwana Samatta
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Frank Domayo Faridi Mussa
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Mao Mkami Mudathir Yahya
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Erasto Nyoni M. Husseini
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Kevin Yondani Aggrey Morris
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Aishi Manuela
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Kenya (Winning Odds—12 to 1)
How can a team featuring Victor Wanyama be projected to finish at the bottom of the group? Bookie has admitted his own bias, but there’s some legitimate reasons as well. First, there’s the matter of a soft qualifying group in which CAF’s ejection of Sierra Leone left them with fewer matches. The Harambee stars actually dropped their initial match against the Leones and would have been in much worse shape had the result not been annulled.
They also looked pretty fairly haphazard in two matches against Ghana, capturing three points in one encounter onoy through the auspices of an own-goal. Hard to make heads-or-tails out of their system. Wanyama is the only true high profile player on the squad head coach Sebastien Migne still hasn’t made his final cuts. He did a fairly poor job with the Congolese Republic (the other Congo, NOT Congo DR) in their failed qualification bid for CAN 2017.
All this may constitute some poor lawyerly logic. We’ll have to wait and see.
Vicey’s Fearless Group Projection (3 to 1 Odds for Bookie)
1) Senegal 2) Algeria 3) Tanzania 4) Kenya
Round of 16 Odds
Senegal (NO BETS) Algeria (NO BETS) Tanzania (Straight Up) Kenya (Straight Up)
Quarterfinal Odds
Senegal (NO BETS) Algeria (2 to 1) Tanzania (4 to 1) Kenya (4 to 1)
Semifinals Odds
Senegal (NO BETS) Algeria (3 to 1) Tanzania (8 to 1) Kenya (8 to 1)
Group C—Round One Fixtures
Sunday, June 23rd
Senegal vs. Tanzania
vs.
One doesn’t have to wait long to see if the bookie’s inflated assessment of Taifa Stars will hold. Can they turn in a strong performance against the tournament favorites? Probably not ; (
THE LINE: Senegal +2 Goals
Kenya vs. Algeria
vs.
Belmadi better damn well have some sort of system in place if he hopes to reverse the trends. Bookie doesn’t think he will. El Khadra prevail, but only thanks to a late goal or penalty
THE LINE: Algeria +1 Goal
Group D (Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa, Namibia)
The most competitive collection of countries earns the “Group of Death” moniker. Herve Renard’s Atlas Lions have cracked the top 50 of some global ranking indices like the ELO. They must fend off an Ivorian team at long last ready to debut a new generation of stars. Recent results show that the South African program may find itself on the cusp of a rising cycle.
Casual fans taking their time to warm up to this tournament may wish to catching matches here as the top three aren’t separated by much.
Morocco (Winning Odds—Straight Up) 
Herve Renard’s well-built squad suffered an early set back against Cameroon in the qualifying phase. Since then they’ve been undefeated thanks in large part to high-caliber performances from Ajax attacker Hakim Ziyech. The 26-year-old former Dutch international who opted to play for the country of his parents has woken up in a big way for both club and country. He tallied 21 times for the Amsterdam club in their run for the title and netted a brace as the Atlas Lions eventually bashed Cameroon on the return leg.
Premiership fans were stunned last Summer when Southampton attacker Sofiane Boufal, scorer of the 2017-2018 campaign’s most memorable goal, barely missed out on Renard’s final roster. He got pushed off the team by the remarkable rise of a complete unknown. Then 24-year-old striker Ayoub El Kaabi literally came out of nowhere to score nine goals in the Junior-level African Nations Championship despite entering the tournament uncapped. He continued scoring in friendlies to push his stats to an unreal eleven goals in only ten caps. It was some story. One rarely sees unknowns flourish like that in football.
Bookie has been following Renard’s final roster cuts for this tournament closely. On the final day, Boufal retained his place and El Kaabi just missed out. This likely means either a 4-5-1 or 4-2-3-1 formation led by former Strasbourg striker Khaled Boutaib. Boufal slides in on the right, moving Nodrin Amrabat back to partner with Mbark Boussoufa. Other than that, a very talented group of players that still includes Younes Belhanda, Achraf Hakimi, Roman Saiss, Manuel da Costa, Karim El Ahmadi, and Mehdi Benatia stay at the positions we observed last Summer.
While such an arrangement may not produce the most exciting football, it counts as a tactic-lovers wet dream. Next to Carlos Queiroz, Herve Renard is probably the most fascinating manager for tactic-heads. Few enjoyed the bland 1-0 Iran-Morocco encounter in which those two squared off against one another in the opening round of the World Cup Group stage last Summer. Your friendly bookie found himself in heaven.
One expects this team to go deep here, possibly reaching their first final since 2004. Renard can make it happen with this crew.
Projecting the Moroccan Lineup (4-5-1)
Khalid Boutaib
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Hakim Ziyech Younes Belhanda Sofiane Boufal
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Mbark Boussofa Nodrin Amrabat
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Achraf Hakimi Nabil Dirar
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Mehdi Benatia Manuel da Costa
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Munir Mohammed
|
Cote d’Ivoire (Winning Odds—3 to 1)
The 2015 continental champions finally emerge from the awkward transition phase that ensued after the retirement of their Golden Generation. With stars like Didier Drogba, Gervinho, Didier Zokora, Emmanuel Eboue, Arouna Kona, Didier Ya Konan, Saloman Kalou, and the Touré brothers now officially out of the way, a new generation gets its chance to shine. Veterans Wilfried Bony, Serey Die, and Max Gradel return to lend a hand to this very exciting group.
A tough lineup to project as many of their high-profile players are frequently too busy with their high-profile clubs to participate in qualifying. Many different approaches were also used in the transitional 2017 tournament. I happen to like Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha slanted right in a top trident that also features Jonathan Kodjia and Max Gradel. Franck Kessie adds speed on the left while Serey Die lends experience to the right. Wilfried Bony serves as the midfield general, trading off centerback Wilfried Kanon depending on the look of the break.
Two fullbacks and one centerback complete the back line. I fully expect this team to press very high. Captain Serge Aurier didn’t feature as prominently for Spurs this year as some expected, but he should have a beast of a tournament.
Projecting the Ivorian Lineup (3-2-2-3)
Max Gradel Jonathan Kodjia Wilfred Zaha
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Franck Kessie Serey Die
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Wilfried Bony
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Wilfried Kanon
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M. Bagayoko C. Comara S. Aurier
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Sylvain Gbohouo
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South Africa (Winning Odds—8 to 1)
The hosts of the 2013 AFCON have struggled to once again attain prominence after finishing second-to-last in 2015 and failing to qualify in 2017. Few familiar faces remain. The resignation of head coach Ephraim “Shakes” Mashaba following the unsuccessful 2017 bid ushered in the era under Scottish coach Stuart Baxter.
While Baxter initially didn’t employ drastic changes, he did make some controversial selection choices in the second phase of the qualification process. Perhaps most controversially, he began omitting star striker Tokelo Rantie even though the former Bournemouth-man still played a talismanic role for the national side and even scored to open up their qualifying campaign.
Bookie remains unsure of the full story, but a Rantie-less version of Bafana looks very different than any incarnation I can recall. Evidently Brighton & Hove Albion forward Percy Tau now leads the charge. The 25-year-old hasn’t played in the Premiership yet as he’s spent all of his time out on loan, but has racked up nine goals in 18 caps for Baxter.
Using some familiar names like Dean Furman Furman and Thulani Serero I can build a team that looks strongest on the axes well behind him. What surrounds Tau is more of a mystery. The players listed have furnished serviceable stats. Handicapping this team’s prospects remains nevertheless complex. I also know next to nothing about the back four. All of them are domestic league players.
Projecting the South African Lineup (4-3-2-1)
Percy Tau
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Lebo Mothiba Lebohang Maboe
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Dean Furman Hlompho Kekana Thulani Serero
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Sifizo Hlanti Buhle Mkhwanazi
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T. Hlatshwayo R. Coetzee
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Daren Keet
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Namibia (Winning Odds—20 to 1)
Some rivalry for the young country once part of the South African Colony. Since independence in 1990 the Namibians have qualified for the continental championship twice in 1998 and 2008. The squads failed to win a fixture in either competition and appears unlikely to do so in this group.
A mixture of both colonial and indigenous players barely snuck by Zambia and Mozambique in qualifying to book passage to the tournament. The country’s FA doesn’t have much of a staff or any facilities.
Vicey’s Fearless Group Projection (Straight Up Odds for Bookie)
1) Morocco 2) Cote d’Ivoire 3) South Africa 4) Namibia
Round of 16 Odds
Morocco (NO BETS) Cote d’Ivoire (NO BETS) South Africa (Straight Up) Namibia (5 to 1)
Quarterfinal Odds
Morocco (NO BETS) Cote d’Ivoire (Straight Up) South Africa (3 to 1) Namibia (10 to 1)
Semifinals Odds
Morocco (NO BETS) Cote d’Ivoire (2 to 1) South Africa (6 to 1) Namibia (15 to 1)
Group D—Round One Fixtures
Sunday, June 23rd
Morocco vs. Namibia
vs.
Here’s one where Renard’s tactics won’t be the star of the show. I can set an even higher line and won’t hesitate to roll up.
THE LINE: Morocco +4 Goals
Monday, June 24th
Cote d’Ivoire vs. South Africa
vs.
The new-look Elephants need points and goals to remain apace the group favorites. They should be able to get them.
THE LINE: Cote d’Ivoire +2 Goals
Group E (Tunisia, Mali, Angola, Mauritania)
A somewhat difficult group to call for a variety of reasons, not the least of which is the painstaking research awaiting any poor soul attempting to scout a Mali squad. As you’ll see below, Les Aigles never field a team that doesn’t at least have two players with the exact same name. This year matters have breached the realm of “truly fucking ridiculous.” Just wait.
The Tunisians have undergone a rather hastily arranged makeover and the Angolans, as usual, feature a collection of players from one of the most obscure domestic leagues on the planet. In the final analysis, the Tunisian and Malian level of assembled talent and the schedule should leave the final standings as one might expect.
Tunisia (Winning Odds—Straight Up) 
Former Gabon, Mali, and Senegal manager Alain Giresse inherits a very strong side buoyed by the return of eclectic winger Youssef Msakni. The squad that exited in last Summer’s World Cup group stage sorely missed the forward momentum he supplied on the flanks. Despite his absence, the 2018 team did score five goals in a very tough group.
Then manager Nabil Maaloul wasn’t afraid to roll out an attack-minded 4-3-3 with players like Wahbi Khazri, Naim Sliti, and Ferjani Sassi taking their turn at the top. Even veterans like Fakhreddine Ben Youssef and Mohamed Amine Ben Amor got into the action, silencing any critics who thought they could no longer contribute.
Giresse leaves many veterans behind this Summer. Saber Khalifa joins Ben Youssef and Ben Amor in getting dropped. Interestingly enough, three veteran defenders also didn’t survive the final round of cuts. Ali Maaloul, Syam Ben Youssef, and Hamdi Nagguez trained with the provisional squad before surprisingly getting the axe.
Looking at the roster, one envisions a three-man-defensive front looks as if it could get some dangerous attacks rolling. Ellyes Joris Skhiri moves back to pair with Bedoui. Naim Sliti takes the midfield anchoring role. Msakni and Sassi on the wings. Can’t find room for Anice Badri, Taha Yassine Khenissi or Mohamed Dräger. The team is that deep. Note that I’m projecting a start for the exciting young prospect Firas Chaouat.
Projecting the Tunisian Lineup (3-5-2)
Wahbi Khazri Firas Chaouat
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Youssef Msakni Ferjani Sassi
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Naim Sliti
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Ellyes Skhiri Rami Bedoui
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O. Haddadi Yassine Meriah Dylan Bronn
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Farouk Ben Mustapha
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Mali (Winning Odds—6 to 1)
The West African powerhouse still looks strong even after a last-minute injury to Brighton & Hove Albion’s Yves Bissouma. This may be their best incarnation since the squad that finished third in the 2012 and 2013 editions of this tournament. They cruised through qualifying undefeated As is always the case with teams from the Voltan regions, one must exercise special care when discussing the players. So many duplicate name it gets ridiculous.
Moussa Marenga appears to still be the main target man. Moussa Doumbia takes over for Bakary Sako on the left. New Southampton prospect Moussa Djenepo buttresses from the right. Now things get confusing. Your friendly bookie promised you duplicate names, just as we encountered in the 2013 and 2015 tournaments. In previous editions we’ve differentiated between the various Keitas, Diabys and Koulibalys by listing the year of their birth. Sadly, that won’t work here.
There are two Adama Traorés on this team, both projected to start in central midfield. Both players were born in June 1995 within a couple of weeks of one another. We thus can’t differentiate based on their ages either. Both are roughly the same height, play the same position, and were even born in the same city. They even both play professionally in France, one for Monaco and the other for Metz. Kit numbers haven’t been published yet ; (
To obviate confusion, we’ll henceforth refer to FC Metz midfielder Adama Traoré as “Adama Traoré-M” and AS Monaco prospect Adama Traoré “Adama Traoré-B” as he’s actually out on loan at Brugee. Phrew. Glad we got that taken care of.
Plenty of other talented players on this team. Lassana Coulibaly returns to play a stabilizing role in midfield. Abdoulay Diaby is the “joker” off the bench. Udinese centerback Molla Wagué still captains the defensive corps.
Projecting the Malian Lineup (4-1-2-3)
Moussa Marenga
|
Moussa Doumbia Moussa Djenepo
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Adama Traoré-M Adama Traoré-B
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Lassana Coulibaly
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H. Traoré M. Wague Y. Kone M. Fofana
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Djui Diarra
|
Angola (Winning Odds—9 to 1)
The Sable Antelopes return to the continental championship for the first time since 2013. Some will recall the country’s gutsy performance in the 2006 WM. Mateus Galliano da Costa (or simply “Mateus”) is the one player from the 2006 incarnation still on the team. Captain Alex Afonso Massunguna (known as “Dani Massunguna”) Hemenegildo da Costa Paulo (“Geraldo”), Barolomeu Jacinto Quissanga (“Bastos”), and Djalma Campos are the holdovers from the 23 who appeared six years ago. “Love”, “Flavio”, “Dede”, and “Gilberto” all retired.
Defender Bastos remains the team’s best player. He plays professionally for Lazio in the Serie A. Mateus scored four goals in the qualifying round. Djalma Campos chipped in one. New striker Gelson Dala, who plays for Sporting CP in Portugal, contributed a couple of his own. The offense clearly still has some pop, but inconsistent results in the qualifying round suggest they won’t contend for second in the group.
Syndicate members know of their friendly bookie’s love for this country. Looking very much forward to seeing them in action.
Projecting the Angolan Lineup (4-3-3)
Gelson Dala Mateus Djalma Campos
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Freddy Kulumbe
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Herenilson Stelvio
|
Paizo Isaac Correia
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Dani Massungna Bastos
|
Landu
|
Mauritania (Winning Odds—12 to 1)
The surprise debutantes actually upset the Black Antelopes in the second leg of qualifying. They also beat strong Botswana and Burkina Faso squads to earn an unexpected trip to their first continental championship. A prolific striking trio are responsible for most of their tallies. Adama Ba, Ismael Diakite, and Cheikh El Kalil (self-christened “Bessam”) look to make a name for themselves outside of the Turkish and Tunisian leagues.
Difficult to see them contesting for third here, though no one gave them much of a chance of qualifying out of their group in the first place.
Vicey’s Fearless Group Projection (Straight Up Odds for Bookie)
1) Tunisia 2) Mali 3) Angola 4) Mauritania
Round of 16 Odds
Tunisia (NO BETS) Mali (NO BETS) Angola (Straight Up) Mauritania (3 to 1)
Quarterfinal Odds
Tunisia (NO BETS) Mali (Straight Up) Angola (4 to 1) Mauritania (8 to 1)
Semifinals Odds
Tunisia (Straight Up) Mali (3 to 1) Angola (6 to 1) Mauritania (10 to 1)
Group E—Round One Fixtures
Monday, June 24th
Tunisia vs. Angola
vs.
Loads to learn from this one, including who in the hell will be playing in the Angolan defense. Hopefully someone as they appear to be outmatched here.
THE LINE: Tunisia +2 Goals
Mali vs. Mauritania
vs.
Please for the love of God give one of the Traorés a single-digit number and the other a double- digit one. Bookie’s job is hard enough as it is.
THE LINE: Mali +1 Goal
Group F (Cameroon, Ghana, Benin, Guinea-Bissau)
The bookie has a few novel calls to make with respect to the final group. The defending champions stand in disarray whilst the steadily successful Black Stars ordinarily have no trouble cresting early. The Indomitable Lions seem beset by problems prepared to de-rail their tournament, but I don’t necessarily see them falling apart. Their foundation remains strong enough.
Not the lightest task to separate the third and fourth place teams here, but Benin appears to have the edge.
Cameroon (Winning Odds—Straight Up) 
Can the defending champions focus in a tournament they should have been hosting? There are certainly arguments against a repeat performance. Lead striker Vincent Aboubakar has been unable to recover from injury in time, the team has been in free-fall since failing to qualify for the 2018 World Cup, and two coaching changes in the last 12 months leave the Lions in desperate need of a coherent system.
Their West African rivals in this group will seek to exploit every weakness as they seek to avenge their defeat in the CAN 2017 Semi-finals. New head coach Clarence Seedorf, while a legendary player, barely has any managerial experience. His Lions haven’t produced reliable results since he and fellow former Netherlands international Patrick Kluivert took over the program in October
The list goes on and on…..Aboubakar’s injury may be something of a blessing in disguise. Bundesliga and Premiership veteran Eric Maxim Chuopo-Moting in fine form for PSG and has been waiting for this opportunity for quite some time. Former Angers SCO striker Karl Toko Ekambi can also step in potentially pairing with Choupo-Moting in a 4-4-2.
For now, we’ll build a handsome 4-2-3-1 using the effective short-strikers in the 4-3-3 that worked so well two years ago. Christian Bassogog slides back and center a bit, but moves up to the second axis often. With Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa in suspect form, I’ll pair Georges Mandjeck with Arnaud Djoum in defensive midfield. Either Pierre Kunde or Jacques Zoua would work as well, but it looks as if this team will have to focus on slowing down the tempo.
Would be nice to have Sebastien Siani as an option in building the back, particularly in light of Adolphe Teikeu’s absence. The return of Ambrose Oyongo to form should solve that problem. or the unfortunately named Banana Yaya can plug that space too. Collins Fai maintains the left whereas Gaetan Bong takes the right on a back line that mostly stays put.
Bookie still sees them topping the group using this system or an alternate one.
Projecting the Cameroonian Lineup (4-2-3-1)
Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting
|
Benjamin Moukandjo Clinton N’Jie
|
Christian Bassogog
|
Georges Mandjeck Arnaud Djoum
|
C. Fai M. Ngadeu-Ngadjui A. Oyongo G. Bong
|
Fabrice Ondoa
|
Ghana (Winning Odds—2 to 1)
We arrive at the team all Americans love to hate, even some years removed from the 2006 and 2010 WM eliminations. The “Gold Coast Playaz” must always be considered contenders even if their current incarnation isn’t the most intimidating version we’ve seen. James Kwesi Appiah’s boys have advanced to the semi-finals in their last six tournaments. It’s entirely possible that they’ll attain the same stage here, though declining form all around may break the streak.
Many the major players are here. Jonathan Mensah, Harrison Afful, Asamoah Gyan, Erik Agyemang-Badu and Albert Adomah presently find themselves out of the call-up pool. The Ayew brothers, Andre and Jordan, still run the attack. Kwadwo Asamoah, Christian Atsu, and Thomas Partey (who now wears the captain’s armband) are the midfielders. John Boye returns in defense, where there have been a few changes.
Coach James Kwesi Appiah (not to be confused with the British born striker on the team known simply as “Kwesi Appiah”) has built a slightly more exciting version of the Black Stars in his second stint with the team. They desperately needed it as the bookie shan’t forget how Avram Grant’s woefully narrow 4-3-3 nearly put him to sleep in 2017.
It would still be fair to describe this version as rather old and definitely declining. Only Kwadwo Asamoah and Christian Atsu still play for top tier teams. A disappointing roster means it just looks like they’re not headed very far here.
Projecting the Ghanaian Lineup (4-4-2)
Jordan Ayew Wakaso Mubarak
|
Andre Ayew Cristian Atsu
|
Kwadwo Asamoah Thomas Partey
|
L. Agbenyenu D. Opare
|
John Boye Nicolas Opoku
|
Richard Ofori
|
Benin (Winning Odds—15 to 1)
Another program fighting to recapture prominence after qualifying in 2004, 2008, and 2010. They’ve edged their way into the tournament under the leadership of 35-year-old-captain and former Sunderland striker Stephane Sessegnon. Their most prolific scorer in the qualifying round was current Huddersfield Town attacker Steve Mounie. Other players of note include former Dyanmo Dresden forward Mickael Pote and former French national team youth keeper Fabian Arnolle.
A host of French second league players round out a roster selected by former Guinea and Cote d’Ivoire manager Michel Dussuyer, who actually coached the first Benin side to reach the continental championship in 2004. A third place finish is projected in this group mostly based on Dussuyer’s pedigree, even if he failed to take Cote d’Ivoire out of their group in 2017.
Projecting the Benin Lineup (4-5-1)
Steve Mounie
|
Jodel Dossou David Djigla
|
Mama Seibou Sessi D’Almeida
|
Stephane Sessegnon
|
D. Kiki J. Saolomon K. Adenon R. Fassinou
|
Fabien Farnolle
|
Guinea-Bissau (Winning Odds—18 to 1)
Hopes were high that this country’s FA would invest more in their team after they qualified for their first tournament in 2017 and even earned two goals and a point in the group stage. It didn’t happen. While some active players like Frederic Mendy, Joseph Mendy, and captain Zezinho did use their exposure to land better club contracts, others such as Francisco Junior, Abel Camara, Mamadou Cande, and Bocundji Ca simply used their new profile to distance themselves from the national team entirely.
The roster could be considered on par with that of Benin. Given the history however, all we’ll really see is players shopping for new contracts. Unlikely to be much teamwork on display.
Vicey’s Fearless Group Projection (2 to 1 Odds for Bookie)
1) Cameroon 2) Ghana 3) Benin 4) Guinea-Bissau
Round of 16 Odds
Cameroon (NO BETS) Ghana (NO BETS) Benin (3 to 1) Guinea-Bissau (4 to 1)
Quarterfinal Odds
Cameroon (NO BETS) Ghana (NO BETS) Benin (8 to 1) Guinea-Bissau (10 to 1)
Semifinals Odds
Cameroon (Straight Up) Ghana (Straight Up) Benin (10 to 1) Guinea-Bissau (12 to 1)
Group F—Round One Fixtures
Tuesday, June 25th
Cameroon vs. Guinea-Bissau
vs.
Bookie won’t hesitate to disown his rosy prognostication of the defending champs should they stumble here. Unlikely that they will.
THE LINE: Cameroon +2 Goals
Ghana vs. Benin
vs.
The Gold Coast Playaz return. If we see a side slow out of the gate expect a downgrade.
THE LINE: Ghana +1 Goal
GENTLEMEN, ENTER YOUR WAGERS
