This is perhaps the strongest AFCON lineup we have seen, with many sides featuring star players at the very top of the European game. This should make for a wide open competition with the top eight sides in particular capable of beating one another on their day.

Hosts Egypt boast perhaps the tournament’s best player in Mohamed Salah. There is an issue with how dependent the side can be on their talisman, however.

The Liverpool attacker has scored at an impressive rate of 0.62 goals per match for his national side, however his 39 goals almost match the totals of the rest of the squad combined (42 international goals). They will need him fit and firing to make the most of their home advantage.

Senegal possess arguably the strongest overall squad with Kalidou Koulibaly anchoring a solid backline and Champions League winner Sadio Mane headlining what is, alongside the Ivory Coast, the tournament’s most threatening attack.

The Ivory Coast are one team that potentially have a stronger side than the odds reflect. An attack featuring Nicolas Pepe, Wilfired Zaha, and Maxwel Cornet should be too much for Namibia and South Africa in the group stage.

However, the team may struggle defensively against the continent’s better sides. Eric Baily’s absence through injury leaves Serge Aurier to lead a backline inexperienced at the top level.

The Ivory Coast’s group D challengers Morocco are another side who can contest for the trophy. Youssef En-Nesyri has shown good progress this year and will have the impressive Hakim Ziyech to create for him. Coach Herve Renard has two AFCON wins already, most impressively with Zambia in 2012, so certainly has some pedigree in this competition.

Neighbouring Algeria also possess genuine quality in the form of Riyad Mahrez and a solid overall squad.

Nigeria are another strong side and are undefeated since the 2018 World Cup. They are always a threat in this competition and, with a youthful but talented squad, this year’s tournament should be no different.

Ignoring home advantage Senegal are the pick of the sides but much will depend upon how effective Salah can be for the hosts. If a team can neutralize him in the knockout stages then the favourites will be in trouble.


Who do you think will win AFCON 2019?

Egypt of course. They are the kings of African football.

Bruno3000:
Egypt of course. They are the kings of African football.

What about Nigeria?

Nigeria

Both Egypt and Senegal will not win this afcon

Anagha123:

What about Nigeria?

If we try, we go reach final. I don't trust our keeper at all.

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An African country would win this year's AFCON.

ok