Online Reporter
FORMER Zimbabwe international footballer Matthew Rusike has offered a measured but revealing take on AFCON Group B.
It’s pool stacked with pedigree, form and little room for error.
The group brings together Bafana Bafana, seven-time champions Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe, with history tilting heavily in favour of the North Africans and South Africa.
Angola and Zimbabwe are still chasing their first AFCON crown, but Rusike believes reputation alone will not decide who moves on.
Looking at both past success and recent performances, Egypt and Bafana appear best placed to control the group.
Yet Rusike, a well travelled retired attacker, stopped short of writing off anyone, warning that African tournaments rarely follow the script. “It’s never an easy group for any nation, it’s tight, you know African football, anything can happen during the tournament,” Rusike said, speaking exclusively to KickOff.com.
“Zimbabwe do have a good team that can challenge. Angola can also give you a tough run, so it is a group where no one should underestimate another one.
“But the reality is that Egypt and South Africa are the most favourite from the group because Egypt has many players who are playing abroad in big leagues and can pose a challenge.
“On the other side, Bafana Bafana have been doing well, they did exceptionally well in both the World Cup and the AFCON qualifiers,” explained the former Cape Town City striker.
“South Africa has good players, who are doing well in the PSL, they know how to win with local players, more especially from Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. Actually, Bafana are one of the top teams in the whole tournament.
“But, without underestimating South Africa, in Group B, Egypt appear to be the most favourite to win the group. But I will always support my country, Zimbabwe to go and show that they can do the job.”
Zimbabwe open their campaign against Egypt, while Bafana Bafana face Angola in the other Group B clash, fixtures that could shape the group from the very first kick off. − KickOff.com/Sports Reporter
