Algeria are the only north African side ever to have won the tournament outside north Africa.
Algeria were by some distance the best African side at the World Cup – and with better finishing might have beaten Germany in the last 16 before going down 2-1 after extra-time – and maintained that momentum in Nations Cup qualifying, winning their first five games. That was despite a change of coach, Vahid Halilhodzic standing down to be replaced by Christian Gourcuff – father of Yoann – who has instituted a more patient, possession-based approach. That reached its peak in the 3-1 victory over Ethiopia, when they racked up 613 passes. The only doubt is the way Mali’s high pressing unsettled them in the sixth game, which they lost 2-0, although they had already secured qualification by that point.
Algeria are also in much the hardest group, with a resurgent South Africa unbeaten in 10 games under Shakes Mashaba; Senegal, who conceded only once in qualifying and have a fine array of central striking talent; and Ghana, who have been semi-finalists at the last two Cup of Nations while projecting a strange air of complacency. Asamoah Gyan remains probably the best leader of a line in African football and, even without the injured Kwadwo Asamoah, André Ayew and Christian Atsu should offer sufficient creativity for Ghana. Avram Grant, parachuted into the job last month, has switched to a back three and the early indications are positive.
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