The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off On Sunday, January 9, with the group stage set to dominate headlines for another couple of weeks as teams seek to advance to the knockout rounds.
The group stage has some blockbuster matches that are a must-watch for the fans. TeamKenya gives you a preview of the top five group stage games to watch at the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.
Cameroon vs Burkina Faso
Cameroon who are the hosts of Afcon have had to wait long for the opportunity to stage the continent’s showpiece and will be hoping to start the tournament on a high note.
The Indomitable Lions are not the powerhouse they used to be, but can count on the talents of Andre Onana, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa, Karl Toko-Ekambi and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting who are desperate to impress in front of their home crowd.
Cameroon who are four-time champions would want to have a win in their opening match with hopes of sending beliefs across the country.
The host however, must be wary of Burkina Faso who have called upon Aston Villa striker Bertrand Traore to boost their attacking.
The game between Cameroon and Burkina Faso which will be the opening match for the tournament at the Stade Olembe stadium is seen as a clash between the top contenders in Group A.
Morocco vs Ghana
This Group C opener is expected to be the first true standout game of the tournament and glances will surely be cast towards the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium on January 10.
Morocco are on a good run as they are unbeaten in 90 minutes since 2019 as they hope to end their 46-year wait for a second continental crown.
Morocco is full of talented players with the likes of Achraf Hakimi, Romain Saiss and Sofiane Boufal who are seen as a boost to the team.
However, the Atlas Lions will be without Chelsea star Hakim Ziyech who was excluded from the squad due to disciplinary reasons.
Ghana on the other hand seeks for the continental title in 40 years with hopes to change the shaky period in their continental quest.
The Black Stars are a good side and will be keen to make their point against Morocco and bounce back from their pre-tournament hammering by Algeria.
Nigeria vs Egypt
The opening match in Group D between two of the most successful nations in Afcon history will take place on January 11.
Nigeria and Egypt will be meeting for their 11th time with 10 African titles between them, with both sides desperate to leave an early marker.
Egypt are in search of a record-extending eighth Afcon title which will depend a lot on Mohamed Salah, the two-time African Player of the Year.
Nigeria, have had many changes from managerial change to major withdrawals from the squad with Victor Osimhen, Emmanuel Dennis, Leon Balogun and Shehu Abdullahi who pulled out with a week left to the tournament.
This is a match with a lot at stake for either side with Egypt winning their last Afcon in 2010, three years before Nigeria were last champions of Africa.
Senegal vs Guinea
Senegal who are among the tournament favourites will be facing Guinea in the match day two fixture, with them having finished as runners-up in 2019.
The Lions of Teranga qualified for Afcon with an unbeaten record, as the side is filled with world-class performers like Sadio Mane, Idrissa Gueye, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy.
Guinea who are hoping to change their unstable state having not won a competitive game since March, hope skipper Naby Keita will inspire his side to match their Round of 16 finish in 2019.
The fixture is expected to be a blockbuster as both teams are expected to occupy the top two spots in Group B.
Ivory Coast vs Algeria
Algeria who are the defending champions are currently enjoying a long run without a loss, and are the team to beat in this year’s competition.
After winning the Arab Cup in December, Algeria are on an incredible 40-match unbeaten run and head to Cameroon seeking a worthy challenger.
Algeria hope to continue their form with the help of their stars likes Riyad Mahrez, record goalscorer Islam Slimani, Ismael Bennacer, Said Benrahma and Sofiane Feghouli.
The match day three fixture between Algeria and Ivory Coastwill be a Group E showdown for the top spot.
Ivory Coast is also hopeful that the likes of Franck Kessie, Eric Bailly, Maxwel Cornet, Wilfried Zaha, Nicolas Pepe and current UEFA Champions League top scorer, Sebastien Haller will help them be dominant in the competition.
Ivory Coast have endured a slight drop off since their Golden Generation and 2015 winners but still hope to defeat the current champions which will see them send a message to other teams.