Former Eagles goalkeeper, Idah Peterside has called on soccer lovers not to expect any surprise at the tournament from any newcomer, as the big teams are still favourites for the trophy.
It is the biggest Africa Cup of Nations finals in the history of the competition, due to feature 24 teams, as against three teams that took part in the first edition of the competition in Sudan 62 years ago.
Speaking with www.brila.net, Idah Peterside also added that the big teams will cancel themselves out while calling four candidates for the trophy, as the new countries like Tanzania will just be there to gain experience.
“There won’t be any surprise, he began.
Nigeria, Egypt, Ivory coast and Cameroun are the teams that I believe can go all the way to winning the title.
“It will always be this way, the new countries will bring enthusiasm especially Tanzania coached by Emmanuel Amuneke, especially qualifying for the first time but they will just come to gain experience as the big boys will still win the tournament”
“Why I said big boys is that Ghana, Algeria, Senegal, and South Africa, these are big teams so you expect them to get to at least the quarterfinals or the semi-finals”.
“In all honesty, we know that countries like Tanzania will get massive support because of coach Amuneke, but I still maintain that the big boys will cancel themselves out”
Hosts Egypt (who have also won the competition the highest number of times – seven), Cameroon (five-time winners and Cup holders), Nigeria (three-time winners), 2004 champions Tunisia, Senegal and 1976 champions Morocco are the seeded countries in the draw.
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