DR Congo<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAppearance: 20th<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best Finish: Champions (1968, 1974)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
After losing their first two games in qualifying, DR Congo won four consecutive games to help them top their Group. However, they have only managed one win in seven since qualifying – across friendlies and World Cup qualifiers. Still, they are second favourites to progress from this bunch, with a 15% chance of reaching the semis as they did in 2015. They did not qualify in 2021 but progressed on each of the previous three occasions when they did, famously reaching 3rd place in 2015. But the pain from 2019 probably still lingers, when they lost to debutants Madagascar on penalties in the Last 16.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Player(s): Chancel Mbemba, Arthur Masuaku, Simon Banza<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Morocco<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAppearance: 19th<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best Finish: Champions (1976)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Favourites to win the tournament in many circles, Morocco comes into this tournament with the weight of expectations firmly on their backs. The Atlas Lions became the first-ever African team to reach the World Cup semi-finals just over a year ago, and the bulk of that team is still intact. A continental crown will seal their status as a legendary team. Even if they are heavily expected to progress from the group (89%), they will still need to navigate four knockout games vs teams that know how dangerous they are. Nothing less than the semi-final will appease, especially when you consider it\u2019s been 20 years since they reached the Last 4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Player(s): Hakim Ziyech, Sofyane Amrabat, Azzedine Ounahi, Achraf Hakimi<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tanzania<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAppearance: 3rd<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best Finish: Group stage (1980, 2019)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ranked 121 in the world (and 32nd in Africa), Tanzania are the 2nd lowest-ranked team in the entire tournament (only Gambia are below). This is only their 3rd appearance at the finals (after 1980 and 2019), but they are still in search of their first win. Opening their campaign against Morocco will be a baptism of fire, but a positive performance there (regardless of the result) could instill some confidence in the Taifa Stars camp. There will likely be more opportunities against Zambia and DR Congo, and a first Last 16 qualification is still possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Player(s): Mbwana Samatta, Novatus Miroshi, Simom Msuva<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zambia<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nAppearance: 18th<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Best Finish: Champions (2012)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Zambia remains one of Southern Africa\u2019s most respected names on this stage, with a 2012 title in the cabinet to show anyone who doubts their pedigree. But the other truth is that they have been absent since 2015, and they will be hoping to remind the world of the talent they possess. Former Chelsea manager Avram Grant will lead them from the dugout, and he has recent experience of staying long in the competition, particularly with Ghana. They are third behind Morocco island DRC in percentages to progress, but a positive result in the opening game v DRC may make things interesting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Key Player(s): Patson Daka, Changa Chaiwa, Lameck Banda<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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