AFCON 2019

With the Copa America, CONCACAF Gold Cup, Euro Under 21s and the womens world cup all in full swing, the summer is full of football. But there is always room for one more, and tomorrow is Africas turn
With the competition moving to the summer, and extending to 24 teams, we have a few lesser known teams joining those who have been at the top table for decades.

Egypt are tournament hosts, and also favourites for the title held by Cameroon (who were originally going to be hosts until something about a 60s pop group called Procol Harum or something). Mo Salah is the obvious stand out player for them. Elneny will be less recognisable after shaving his hair off, while the likes of Trazeguet and El Mohamady will have to step up in support of Salah.
They are in Group A alongside DR Congo whose hopes will be on the goals of Cedric Bakambu, with Yannick Bolasie and Arthur Masuaku supplying him.
Uganda and Zimbabwe are the outsiders of the group.

Group B includes another favourite, Nigeria. Their squad is full of well known players to fans of English football; Iwobi, Ighalo, Musa, Balogun, Ndidi, Aina and Mikel. However, it may be Villarreal youngster Samuel Chukweze who is the standout in this squad.
Naby Keita is the Guinea star man, but fitness worries over the Liverpool man will dampen spirits.
Madagascar will be in their first ever major tournament, and have a lot of players with very long names. Rakotoharimalala, Andriamatsinoro, Andrianantenaina and Razakanantenaina may be players to watch out for.
Burundi are the lowest ranked team here.

Senegal are my bet for this title, and Sadio Mane is the star man. Koulibaly, Gueye, Salif Sane, Kouyate, Niang, Balde and Sarr are among the other top players Senegal have.
Algeria weren't able to build on the very good 2014 World Cup performance, but the North African location may benefit them. Mahrez, Brahimi, Feghouli, Halliche and Slimani are among that 2014 team still very important, while younger players like Bennacer and Ounas have stepped up.
Victor Wanyama is Kenyas main man, while Tanzania have a squad made up largely of home based players.

Hakim Ziyech should be one of the stars of the tournament, and key to the hopes of Group D favourites Morocco. Belhanda and Benatia add a lot of experience.
Cote d'Ivoire are far from their recent peak, and missed out on the 2018 World Cup. While Wilfried Bony still spearheads the attack, they are looking towards youngsters like Franck Kessie, Maxwel Cornet and Nicolas Pepe to take them back to the top. Zaha, Seri and Aurier are all in the squad.
South Africa and Namibia will likely to fighting for a best 3rd place slot.

Group E top seeds are Tunisia, who gave England a tough game a year ago in the World Cup. It is largely the same squad as then, with Wahbi Khazri the standout name.
Mali will be expected to progress, with Adama Traore and Amadou Haidara among their best players.
Mauritania are another team making their major tournament debut, while Angola are one of the big outsiders.

Holders Cameroon, who are in Group F, are not expected to successfully defend their title, although they have the very recognizable names of Yaya Banana and Gaetan Bong in their ranks. Ajax 'keeper Onana impressed in the CL, while Choupo-Moting hit the headlines for miss of the century at PSG.
Ghana, like the Ivorians, surprisingly missed out on Russia 18, but have stuck with the likes of the Ayew brothers, Gyan, Mensah, Acquah, John Boye, Partey and Atsu.
Steve Mounie brings PL experience to Benin, while Guinea-Bissau have Pele (although Forest fans will attest to the fact he isn't as good as the Portuguese version let alone the Brazilian).

Much like the Euros, the AFCON has been extended to 24 teams, so top 2 and 4 best third place all go through to the next round.

Action kicks off tomorrow night with Egypt versus Zimbabwe, with all action LIVE!!!! on Eurosport.