Amunike: It’s difficult to predict would be Champ in Cameroon
Former international and Nations cup 1994 winner Emmanuel Amunike says it will be difficult to predict who will emerge champion of the 33rd nations cup in Cameroon. The former Tanzania coach said he expects current edition to be a marked improvement from the previous one adding that every edition should always be an improvement of the previous ones.
Amunike who is a member of the Technical Study Group (TSG) of the Africa Cup of Nations bare his mind in a chat with Cafonline.
” I expect it to be better than the previous edition. The 2019 edition in Egypt was the first Africa Cup of Nations with 24 teams, and this will be the second time. We have newcomers like Gambia and Comoros, this shows that African football is progressing. AFCON is a tournament watched and followed around the world.
Therefore, despite the difficulties posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this tournament must rise to international standards. Africa must show that its flagship competition is making giant strides. We are going to discover new stars. I am very positive,” he enthused
The former Nigeria U17 coach however stopped short of naming who will emerge champion in Cameroon but admitted that defending champions Algeria are hot favorites even as they attempt to defend the title the won in Egypt after beating Senegal in the final in Cairo.
READ ALSO AFCON 2021: Okocha hands Super Eagles tips to stop Salah
“Algeria are the reigning champions, and they are the favorites. Senegal is a very strong team, so are the hosts Cameroon, Egypt, Nigeria, Morocco and Tunisia.
It will be very difficult to predict who will win the title because we have so many great teams here. There are big changes in African football, players with a global dimension, it is promising.
In Europe today, African footballers play the leading roles in their clubs and evolve in the top clubs in the world. That must be reflected in this competition,” he submitted.
Global attention will shift to Africa from Sunday when the continental fiesta is expected to kick off with 52 matches lined up.