24th African Nations Cup: Tunisia, here we come!

From 24 January to 14 February, all eyes will be on Tunisia where the 24th edition of the African Nations Cup finals take place. With no less than 7 past winners in a field of 16 finalists, the competition will be tough as newcomers Rwanda, Zimbabwe and Benin join the heavyweights like Egypt, Senegal and Nigeria in trying to prevent Cameroon from marching on to a third straight title. It promises to be a battle royale. Peter Law reports.

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A decade ago, Tunisia hosted the 1994 Nations Cup, but despite home advantage went out in the very first round. The event turned into something of a national funeral. Now with a magnificent new stadium built in the Tunis suburb of Rades, Tunisia host the Nations Cup again, for the third time.

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Roger Lemerre, Tunisia's French coach, is eager to add the Nations Cup to the European Championship he helped France win in 2000. After poor performances at both the 2002 Nations and World Cups, Tunisia have something to prove this time, especially after the recent successes of their club sides in continental competitions.

While a few familiar faces will be missing--such as Cote d'Ivoire, Ghana and Zambia--it is good to see new entrants such as Benin, Rwanda and Zimbabwe try their luck.

The fancied contenders will expect to be involved come the knockout round, but there are sure to be some high profile casualties along the way. Groups C & D both appear highly competitive, where Cameroon face Egypt, Algeria and Zimbabwe; while Nigeria lock horns with Morocco, South Africa and Benin in Group D.

Defending champions, Cameroon, will attempt to win the trophy for a third straight time, while the likes of Senegal, Nigeria and the Northern African contenders all fancy their chances of wresting away the title.

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After the general absence of goals and thrills at the last tournament in Mali two years ago, this is an edition rich in promise with some exciting strikers out to show their skills. The Kenyan teenage scoring sensation, Dennis Oliech, is joined by Moumini Dagano of Burkina Faso, Oumar Tchango of Benin, and Youla and Feinduolo, the pair from Guinea, should ensure plenty of goals.

Other stars like Peter Ndlovu (captain of Zimbabwe) and Desire Mbonabucya of Rwanda will lead their nations in search of upsets and points, and also to add to their own reputations. With strikers like these, the race to finish topscorer promises much interest.

Before the big kickoff on 24 January, the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Issa Hayatou, will stand for re-election as leader of the continental body.

But come the action proper, a big trophy fight will break out. It will be most interesting to see how everything pans out. Thrills, spills, drama and passion should all be delivered in an intriguing tournament. And when the dust settles on 14 February, who will be the winners?

There is a little clue: the previous two occasions the finals were held in Tunisia, a West African side walked off with the title--Ghana in 1965 (defeating Tunisia in extra-time); and Nigeria beating Zambia in 1994. Will it be another West African winner? Watch this space.