Analysis of 2008 African Cup of Nations Draw

So the draw is complete. Now that the dust has settled, who is in prime position to do well at the tournament in Ghana and even win the prestigious cup?

Durosimi Thomas of the BBC analyzed the groups for their football website. Here's his expert opinion:

Group A

So host nation Ghana should watch out in Group A despite being drawn in a seemingly easy group alongside Guinea, Morocco and Namibia in Group A.

Namibia are seen as the weakest link on paper, but the Brave Warriors are the dark-horses with a surprise or two up their sleeves.

The Guineans are rated highly by Ghana's coach Claude Le Roy, and with good reason to considering the Guineans' flair and star-studded line-up.

Although Morocco lost 2-0 to Ghana in a recent friendly, the Atlas Lions were convincing in qualifying and could become a serious threat in three months time.

Who wins the group remains open but Guinea and Ghana are fancied to progress into the quarter-finals.


Group B

Nigeria are in much tougher company in Group B with only Benin seen as real underdogs as the Ivory Coast and Mali complete what could be called a group of death.

Here there are three potential champions: an exciting Malian side looking to reach the final for the first time since 1972; a lethal and defensively strong Ivorian squad while Nigeria's experience is unmatched.


Group C

Cameroon and defending champions Egypt are favourites in Group C, but Sudan and Zambia should not be discounted.

The Pharaohs after all left it until their final match to secure qualification.

The resurgence of Sudanese football could see an upset on the cards, while Zambia have the same potential to cause a stir with their youthful side.


Group D

The 2004 champions Tunisia are in a wide open Group D with Angola, Senegal and South Africa.

Looking at recent records, Senegal and Tunisia would seem favourites to progress here.

But 2006 World Cup finalists Angola will be motivated to advance from the group stages for the first time as they prepare to host the tournament in 2010.

South Africa have possibly an even bigger motivation as they will want to do well in order to gauge their chances of being competitive 2010 World Cup hosts.

Whatever the permutations there are football fans have some really good games to look forward to in the competition.