African Cup of Nations Qualifiers Announced

Egypt have been handed a rather easy group containing South Africa, Niger (and not Nigeria) and Sierra Leone.

South Africa is biggest threat to 1st spot.
Obviously the biggest threat to top spot will be South Africa. The former African Champions have been trying to re-build a good squad since 2006 after failing to reach the World Cup in Germany. Until last summer, they were failing miserably in that task, but in the Confederations cup they played some exciting football and achieved excellent results after narrowly losing to Brazil in the 88th minute courtesy of a sublime Dani Alves freekick, and forcing European Champions Spain in extra time. Undermining the Bafana Bafana like we did with Algeria when the draw was made can have a similar outcome to the WCQ, so hopefully the national team learned their lesson. They are currently ranked 81st in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Ranking.

The unknown Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone nicknamed the Leone Stars, the only thing that crosses my mind when I hear this country’s name is Mohamed Kallon. The former Inter Milan, Monaco and Ittihad Jeddah man is currently 30 years old and playing for FC Kallon. He is still playing for the national team but has quit the captaincy after Sierra Leone failed to qualify to both The World Cup and African Cup of Nations 2010. They are currently ranked 132nd in the FIFA/Coca-Cole Ranking.

Niger should post no threat
Last but not least, Niger nicknamed the Mena, are currenlty ranked 162nd in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Ranking. Have never played in the African Cup of Nations or (obviously) the World Cup. That’s it!
So what do YOU think about the group? Easy? Mediocre? Hard?
It is worth noting that the top spot qualifies, as well as the best 6 seconds in the 11 groups that have been drafted