JOHANNESBURG: Africa’s showpiece Cup of Nations kicks off in Cameroon on Sunday (today) against a backdrop of controversy over player call-ups, the tournament’s timing, the host nation’s readiness and the possibility of widespread COVID-19 infections. Egypt, Morocco and Tunisia are the other North African countries who are perennial contenders but have disappointed in recent editions. Nigeria fired their coach Gernot Rohr last month, unhappy with their form despite the fact they won their World Cup qualifying group. Liverpool’s Sadio Mane could play a key role in helping the country to their first Cup of Nations triumph. The tardy preparations prompted an emergency meeting last month of the Confederation of African Football’s executive committee, which considered cancelling the tournament.

Source: The Nation January 09, 2022 09:13 UTC