Morocco top favourites to lift Afcon title but Bafana not far off

MOROCCO are topping all the charts as firm favourites to end their 50-year Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) draught with all the stars seemingly aligned in their favour, but the likes of Senegal and Algeria hold the line as title contenders with South Africa not legging far behind from the top four finishers.

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Below are some predictions from the Independent Newspapers football journalists, ahead of the tournament kickoff tomorrow with Morocco hosting Comoros at 9pm.

Matshelane Mamabolo

Champions: Morocco

Runners-up: Senegal

Semifinalists: South Africa and Mali

Where will Bafana finish: Fourth

Surprise Package: Mali - The Eagles have flattered to deceive in many tournaments in the past, but this time around they have a squad that will shine brightly and take home a medal.

B e s t Player: Sadio Mane

Coach of the Tournament: Walid Regragui

Best Goalkeeper: Yassine Bounou (Morocco) The continent’s foremost goalkeeper is going to show just why he is with some stellar performances that will see the Atlas Lions winning only their second title.

T o p Scorer: Mohamed Salah (Egypt) -The Liverpool striker was disturbed by injury last time around and this time around - in what should be his last participation at the continental showpiece — will show his goal scoring prowess.

Flops of the Tournament: Nigeria -If you thought the Super Eagles’s failure to qualify for the FIFA World Cup was a low for Arica’s most populous country, wait for the AFCON. Nigeria are going to be a huge disappointment and will exit at the first knockout stage.

Herman Gibbs

Champions: Morocco

Runners-up: South Africa

Semifinalists: Senegal, Egypt, Morocco, South Africa

Where will Bafana finish: finals

Surprise package: Uganda