African Cup of Nations 2008: Odds and Rankings

Amidst all the furore and excitement in the build-up to the 2008 African Cup of Nations, FIFA has this week published its latest world rankings. Below is a list detailing exactly where all sixteen teams participating in Ghana fit onto the international leaderboard. In brackets are the overall world rankings for each country, while the number on the left hand side shows their standing in Africa alone:

Rankings:
1. Nigeria (19)
2. Cameroon (25)
3. Guinea (33)
4. Egypt (35)
5. Ivory Coast (38)
6. Morocco (39)
7. Senegal (40)
8. Ghana (43)
9. Tunisia (46)
10. Mali (47)
11. Zambia (67)
13. Angola (72)
17. South Africa (78)
23. Sudan (94)
23. Benin (94)
34. Namibia (119)

Odds:
Ghana - 7/2
Cameroon - 6/1
Ivory Coast - 3/1
Nigeria – 13/2
Egypt – 9/1
Senegal – 10/1
Morocco – 12/1
SouthAfrica – 14/1
Tunisia – 16/1
Mali – 18/1
Guinea – 25/1
Angola – 33/1
Zambia – 66/1
Namibia – 100/1
Sudan – 100/1
Benin – 100/1

As you can see, Nigeria remain Africa’s number one nation according to FIFA, closely followed by Cameroon and Egypt. The hosts Ghana are only looked upon as the 8th best team in Africa, while at the lower end of the scale
the Brave Warriors of Namibia are 119^th in the world and only considered the 34th best team on the continent! Surely their position is due a rise soon given they have made the last sixteen of the African Cup of Nations.

As a comparison it is interesting to look at the odds for the tournament, taken from Bet365. Though the Super Eagles are ranked highest by FIFA this is not reflected in the odds for the competition at all, seeing them reduced to 4th favourites, while Ghana are considered the team to beat. Of course home advantage has a lot to do with that I’m sure. Meanwhile Guinea’s chances of lifting the trophy appear to have been dismissed by the bookmakers and the Syli Nationale come in at 25/1 despite their rank as Africa’s 3th best nation. Perhaps its worth a few Ghanaian cedi!

So with the previews done, the rankings established, the stadiums ready (just about), and the whole of Africa fraught with excitement – just who do you fancy to win the tournament? Will there be any shocks? Who do you predict will make a name for themselves? Get in touch and let us know. Just 2 days to go and I cannot wait!

African Cup of Nations 2008, Bets Flutters Odds