[center]WELCOME TO GROUP D OF THE GABON-EQUATORIAL GUINEA 2012 AFCON![/center]

Group D is made up of Botswana, Ghana, Guinea and Mali


FIXTURES
Ghana Vs Botswana on 24th January 2012 @ 17:00  in Stade de Franceville

Mali Vs Guinea on 24th January 2012 @ 20:00 in Stade de Franceville

Botswana Vs Guinea on 28th January 2012 @ 17:00 in Stade de Franceville

Ghana vs Mali on 28th January 2012 @ 20:00 in Stade de Franceville

Botswana Vs Mali on 31st January 2012 @ 19:00 in Stade d'Angondje

Ghana Vs Guinea on 31st  January 2012 @ 19:00 in Stade de Franceville

Botswana
[img]http://world-cup-wallpaper.com/wp-content/themes/snapshot/thumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Botswana-Football-National-Team.jpg&w=690&h=396&zc=1&q=90[/img]


History
Previous Appearances: None
Best Performance: Qualified: 2012


How They Qualified For AFCON 2012
GROUP K WINNERS
The Zebras were the first team to secure a place at the 2012 Afcon after finishing top of Group K, which included Chad, Tunisia, Malawi and Togo. This will be their first time at the finals, and they made their intentions for the tournament clear by defeating Tunisia 1-0 home and away while also beating Togo 2-1 in Gaborone.


Coach: Stanley Tshosane - Tshosane was appointed as coach in November 2009 after serving as the Botswana caretaker-trainer since 2008. Despite leading the Zebras to the quarter-finals of the Cosafa Cup there were calls for his head after losing to the hosts Zimbabwe, but he has now won many hearts in the country after becoming the first person to qualify Botswana for the Afcon finals.


Squad
Goalkeepers: Modiri Marumo (Bay United, South Africa), Noah Maposa (Gaborone United), Kabelo Dambe (Rollers)

Defenders: Mompathi Thuma (BDF XI), Ndiyapo Letsholathebe (Police XI), Musa Ohilwe (Gaborone United), Mosimanegape Ramohibidu (BMC), Monametsi Kelebale (NICO), Tshepo Motlhabankwe (Mochudi Centre Chiefs)

Midfielders: Mogogi Gabonamong (SuperSport United, South Africa), Joel Mogorosi, Pontsho Moloi, Othusitse Pilane (all Mochudi Centre Chiefs), Boitumelo Mafoko (Cape Town Santos, South Africa) Ofentse Nato (Gaborone United), Phenyo Mongala (Bloemfontein Celtic, South Africa), Patrick Motsepe, Tshireletso (BDF XI), Mogakolodi Ngele (Rollers)

Forwards: Jerome Ramatlhakwane (Unattached), Diphetogo Selolwane (SuperSport, South Africa), Onalethata Tshekiso (Rollers), Moemedi Moatlhaping (Bay United, South Africa).


Captain: Diphetogo 'Dipsy' Selolwane - The Botswana attacking midfielder has had stints in Denmark with Vejle, the USA with Chicago Fire and Real Salt Lake, as well as in South Africa with Santos, Jomo Cosmos and Ajax Cape Town. He was honoured with a Botswana Presidential Award for leading the team to the 2012 Afcon finals. His attacking prowess and experience will be key to any success for the Zebras in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.

Young Talent: Ofentse Nato - The 22-year-old Gaborone United defensive midfielder is one of Botswana’s rare talents. He was a regular feature in the country’s Under-20 side where he amassed 15 caps. Competing with the skipper Selolwane and Boitumelo Mafoko for a starting XI spot will not be easy, but the starlet has the potential to fill their boots if called upon.


Probable Starting XI: The Zebras play an open game with a traditional 4-4-2 formation. They employ two speedy wingers, two holding midfielders and two outright strikers. Counter-attacking football is one of their strengths, often using the pacey Phenyo Mongala to cause problems and provide service to the forwards.


(4-4-2)
Marumo
Thuma, Gabonamong, Ohilwe, Ramohibidu
Mogorosi, Mongala, Mafoko, Selolwane
Moloi, Ramatlhakwane

Ghana


History
Previous Appearances:1963, 1965, 1968, 1970, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000,2002, 2006, 2008, 2010
Best Performance:  Champions: 1963, 1965, 1978, 1982 Runners-Up: 1992, 2010


How They Qualified For AFCON 2012
GROUP I WINNER
Ghana kept a clean sheet throughout their qualification campaign, drawing only with Sudan. The four-time African champions began the journey with a 3-0 win over Swaziland, drew with the Nile Crocodiles but won convincingly against Congo in their third game. They won all their return leg matches, capping off their schedule with a 2-0 victory over Sudan in Khartoum.

Coach: Goran Stevanovic - The Serbian has performed well with his tactics, with the Black Stars scoring more goals than in the era before he took over. 'Plavi', as he is affectionately called, has promised to end Ghana’s Afcon drought in 2012 and it appears his output so far lends credence to that fact.

Squad
Goalkeepers: Adam Kwarasey (Stromsgodset, Norway), Daniel Adjei (Liberty Professionals, Ghana), Ernest Sowah (Berekum Chelsea, Ghana)

Defenders: Samuel Inkoom (Dnipro, Ukraine), John Paintsil (Leicester City, England), Daniel Opare (Standard Liege, Belgium), Masawudu Alhassan (Genoa, Italy), Lee Addy (Dalian Aerbim, China), John Boye (Rennes, France), John Mensah (Lyon, France), Jonathan Mensah (Evian, France), Isaac Vorsah (Hoffenheim, Germany)

Midfielders: Charles Takyi (St Pauli, Germany), Emmanuel Agyemang Badu (Udinese ,Italy), Derek Boateng (Dnipro, Ukraine), Anthony Annan (Vitesse Arnhem, Netherlands), Mohammed Abu (Stromsgodset, Norway), Kwadwo Asamoah (Udinese, Italy), Sulley Muntari (Inter Milan, Italy), Andre Ayew (Marseille, France)

Strikers: Prince Tagoe (Bursaspor, Turkey), Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain, UAE), Jordan Ayew (Marseille, France)


Captain: John Mensah - The Olympique Lyon defender has been rock solid in Ghana’s backline. Mensah took over from inspirational captain Stephen Appiah and although injuries have blighted his career to a certain extent, the 28-year-old has always availed himself to country whenever he is in good shape. Afcon 2012 could be his major test with the armband.

Star Player: Asamoah Gyan - 'The Baby Jet' has been Ghana’s goal-scoring hope for some time now. He rose to stardom during the 2010 edition and increased his value at the last World Cup in South Africa. The Al Ain striker is undoubtedly the Black Stars’ target-man upfront and a repeat of the Angola feat could revive the confidence fans had in him prior to his move to Asia.

Young Talent: Andre Ayew - He is touted as the midfield playmaker of the Ghana team. The Olympique Marseille player peaked early in his career, and after the 2009 Under-20 World Cup accomplishment, the 21-year-old has been phenomenal with the national team. He certainly has the potential to be a future captain of the Black Stars.

Probable Starting XI: Serbian coach Goran Stevanovic alternates between the traditional 4-4-2 formation, the attack-minded 4-3-3 and sometimes even the more conservative 4-5-1 depending on the opposition he encounters, and he will almost certainly use a selection of set-ups during the Afcon finals.
Ghana

                                                                       (4-4-2)
                                                                     Kwarasey
                                                     Paintsil, Vorsah, Mensah, Opare
                                                     Annan, Boateng, Badu, A. Ayew
                                                                    Tagoe, Gyan

Guinea
[img]http://world-cup-wallpaper.com/wp-content/themes/snapshot/thumb.php?src=wp-content/uploads/2011/07/Guinea-Football-National-Team.jpg&w=690&h=396&zc=1&q=90[/img]


History
Previous Appearances: 1970, 1974, 1976, 1980, 1994, 1998, 2004, 2006, 2008
Best Performance: Quarter-finals: 2004, 2006, 2008


How They Qualified For AFCON 2012
GROUP B WINNER
Guinea finished top of Group B during the qualifying campaign, edging out giants Nigeria as well as Ethiopia and Madagascar. The Guineans went unbeaten in the process, winning four and drawing two matches. The Syli Nationale defeated Nigeria in Conakry and drew the all-important return clash in Abuja to ensure that the Super Eagles failed to qualify for the finals.


Coach: Michel Dudduyer - Perhaps Dussuyer’s biggest feat to date is the elimination of Nigeria from the tournament in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. The 52-year-old former goalkeeper is relishing his second attempt at the job and will hope that his team takes the confidence gained from qualifying into the main tournament to ensure they get past the quarter-finals for the first time in their history.

Squad
Goalkeepers: Aboubacar Camara (Alcoyano, Spain), Abdoul Aziz Keita (AS Kaloum), Naby Yattara (Arles-Avignon, France)

Defenders: Thierno Bah (Lausanne, Switzerland), Dianbodo 'Bobo' Balde (Arles-Avignon, France), Ibrahima Sory Bangoura (Djoliba, Mali), Lanfia Camara (WS Woluwe, Belgium), Morlaye Cisse (EGS Gafsa, Tunisia), Ibrahima Diallo (Waasland Beveren, Belgium), Kamil Zayatte (Buyuksehir, Turkey), Oumar Kalabane (Al Dhafra, United Arab Emirates)

Midfielders: Mamadou Dioulde Bah (VfB Stuttgart, Germany), Habib Jean Balde (Universitatea Cluj, Romania), Sadio Diallo (Bastia, France), Pascal Feindouno (Sion, Switzerland), Naby Soumah (CS Sfaxien, Tunisia)

Forwards: Alhassane Bangoura (Rayo Vallecano, Spain), Ismael Bangoura (Al Nasr, United Arab Emirates), Ousmane Barry (Etoile du Sahel, Tunisia), Abdoul Razzagui Camara (Sochaux, France), Ibrahima Conte (Ghent, Belgium), Ibrahim Traore (VfB Stuttgart, Germany), Ibrahima Yattara (Al Shabab, Saudi Arabia).


Captain: Kamil Zayatte - The Istanbul BB defender has been a consistent performer for his country. After leaving Hull City a season ago to be with his family in France, Zayatte has become an important player for his club in Turkey. His team-mates have great respect for him, and he is a born-leader.


Star Player: Ismael Bangoura - Bangoura has scored 12 goals in 42 appearances for the Syli Nationale, and will be making his second appearance in the Afcon. The Al-Nasr striker has a great deal of experience, having played in the Uefa Champions League for Dynamo Kiev while closing in on 50 caps for his country.

Young Talent: S[b]adio Diallo[/b] - Twenty-year-old Diallo has a bright future ahead of him with this Guinean side. He scored on his debut against Madagascar in 2010 and looks set to bring youthful flair to his team when they challenge for honours during the tournament. Diallo plays his club football at Bastia in France.

Probable Starting XI: - Michel Dussuyer favours the traditional 4-4-2 formation, but alternates between the attack-minded 4-3-3 or the more conservative 4-5-1 depending on the opposition he encounters.
Guinea

(4-4-2)
Yattara
Zayatte, Diallo, Kalabane, Camara
Mansare, Constant, Sakho, Yattara
Bangoura, Cisse

Mali


History
Previous Appearances: 1972, 1994, 2002, 2004, 2008, 2010
Best Performance:         Runners-Up: 1972

How They Qualified For AFCON 2012
GROUP A WINNER
Composed essentially of young and unknown players, Mali were able to scramble a ticket for the 2012 Afcon after gathering three wins, two losses and a draw in Group A against obstinate challenges from Cape Verde, Zimbabwe and Liberia. A slim three-goal difference handed the Eagles top spot in the group.

Coach: Alain Giresse - The Frenchman, who was hired after Mali’s disappointing run at Angola 2010, has brought solutions to the numerous administrative problems that plagued the team. While he is yet to lure back all the professionals who had left, the presence of Barcelona’s Seydou Keita has injected strength and inspiration into the fledgling outfit.

Squad
Goalkeepers: Oumar Sissoko (Metz, France), Soumbeyla Diakite (Stade Malien), Alimamy Sogoba (As Réal)

Defenders: Ousmane Coulibaly (Brest, France), Idrissa Coulibaly (Esperance Tunis, Tunisia), Drissa Diakite (Nice, France), Cedric Kante (Panathinaikos, Greece), Mohamed Fofana (Toulouse, France), Adama Tamboura (Metz, France ), Mouhamadou N'Diaye (Vitoria Guimarães, Portugal), Abdoulaye Maiga (USM Alger, Algeria)

Midfielders: Seydou Keita (Barcelona, Spain), Kalilou Traoré (OB Odense, Denmark), Bakay Traore (Nancy, France), Abdou Traore (Bordeaux, France), Samba Diakite (Nancy, France), Mahamane Traore (Metz , France), Sidi Koné (Lyon, France), Samba Sow (Lens, France)

Forwards: Modibo Maiga (Sochaux, France), Garra Dembele (Freiburg, Germany), Cheick Tidiane Diabate (Bordeaux, France), Mustapha Yatabare (Guingamp, France).

Captain: Mahamadou Diarra - The 30-year-old has maintained cohesion and discipline within the group since he was named captain in 2003. The former Real Madrid midfielder’s composure and motivational instincts have always kept the Eagles’ spirit positive no matter the situation. He has, however, been criticised for not talking enough during games.

Star Player: Seydou Keita - The Barca man has been deemed by the Mali FA as an indispensable member of the squad. His return after quitting the set-up following the 2010 washout in Angola has transformed the struggling team. His defensive input and ball distribution will be invaluable to Mali.

Young Talent: Sidy Kone - The teenager is widely seen as a future Mahamadou Diarra, thanks to good aerial ability, tackling, concentration and work-rate as a defensive midfielder. He was a member of the Mali Under-20 squad who finished fourth at the 2011 African Youth Championship.

Probable Starting XI: Mali have always maintained their traditional 4-4-2 formation, with a roving midfield marshalled by Traore, Diabate, Keita and Mahamane. Coulibaly and Diarra mostly cover the flanks while retreating to bulwark their backline.
Zambia

                                                                                  (4-4-2)
                                                                                  Diakite
                                                            Kante, Coulibaly, Fofana, Tamboura
                                                              Traore, Diarra, Keita, Mahamane
                                                                            Maiga, Diabate

Ghana and Guinea

Mali and Guinea.

MY GHANA ALL THE WAY

Ghana,i tip to win the group

Ghana and Guinea from this group.Then Ghana to win the tournament.

!!!!!!

I'm amazed at how Ghana easily defeated Mali 2-0. I think Ghana will get into the last four but they will find it tough when they meet any of the co-hosts.

I believe that Guinea might get a draw against Ghana in their last game but it may not be enough to go through as Mali would defeat Botswana to earn a QF ticket

!!!!!!

kingpin17:

I'm amazed at how Ghana easily defeated Mali 2-0. I think Ghana will get into the last four but they will find it tough when they meet any of the co-hosts.

I believe that Guinea might get a draw against Ghana in their last game but it may not be enough to go through as Mali would defeat Botswana to earn a QF ticket

U r very clever dude