Group D: African Cup of Nations 2010 Preview (Cameroon, Gabon, Tunisia, Zambia)

The Cup of Nations all-time top scorer - but can Eto'o add more silverware to the collection in Angola?

With the African Cup of Nations 2010 now but a few days away we turn our attentions to the final group preview, Group D:

Group D

Cameroon - Gabon - Tunisia - Zambia

Cameroon

Alongside Cote d'Ivoire Cameroon probably have the most talented squad in Africa, yet until Paul Le Guen took over as coach in July 2009 the Indomitable Lions were in real jeopardy of missing out on World Cup 2010 altogether. The French coach soon managed to instil some much needed belief into the team however, as well as discipline, and qualification for both South Africa and Angola was assured.

Cameroon are four time winners of the African Cup of Nations, and bookmakers have it correct when installing them as one of the hot favourites. Class oozes throughout the squad, from world class keeper Carlos Kameni (Espanyol) to Alex Song (Arsenal), Achille Emana (Real Betis) and Stephane Mbia (Olympique Marseille) in midfield and the irrepressible Samuel Eto'o upfront (Inter Milan). Joel Matip (Schalke 04) is also a good young player to keep an eye on, if he can force his way into Le Guen's already high calibre midfield.

The Indomitable Lions made it all the way to the final in Ghana 2008 before an absolute howler from captain Rigobert Song cost them a goal and Egypt won 1-0 to lift the trophy. With Eto'o in tow, the African Cup of Nations all-time top scorer and two time tournament winner, I expect them to cruise through Group D. And if a defence that conceded just 4 goals in 12 qualifying matches can remain strong in the absence of Sebastien Bassong and Benoit Assou-Ekotto, Cameroon have the ability to go all the way.

Gabon

With a population of just 1.5 million, when it comes to competing at international level Gabon are at a disadvantage before a ball has even been kicked. The other 3 teams in their group have between 10 and 20 times more people to choose from and when you consider that there are provinces in Cameroon more populous than the entire Gabonese nation, you quickly realise how impressive an achievement it was that the Black Panthers were able to push Samuel Eto'o and co all the way in World Cup 2010 qualifying.

As it is, Gabon narrowly missed out on South Africa 2010, but coach Alain Giresse's men can take heart from a series of sterling performances in that campaign, as well as the fact they finished above more highly-rated nations like Morocco and Togo. The Panthers head to Angola with heads held high.

In terms of individual ability Gabon are not blessed with world beaters. Hull City's Daniel Cousin is one of their best players, and he has hardly set the Premier League alight. Legendary former Gabon international Pierre-Francois Aubameyang, now retired, is a scout at AC Milan and has clearly put his contacts to good use. Two of his sons, Willy and Pierre-Emerick, had spells at the Italian giants and Pierre-Emerick is still registered with the San Siro outfit, though currently on at Lille. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a pacy forward who represented France at U-21 level and one to look out for.

Gabon start their African Cup of Nations against a familiar foe - Cameroon. Eto'o has already warned his teammates against complacency. "Gabon have always been a tough team to beat and the fact we are meeting them in our first match in Angola makes it very tricky." Gabon are usually compact, organised and hard to beat. They must continue to be so in Angola if the Panthers are to emerge from a challenging group.

Tunisia

Truth be told, I am not generally Tunisia's biggest fan. Their blueprint is usually the same: squeeze out results in Africa through an efficient, functional, basically drab style of play, qualify for the World Cup and then bore their way through the competition offering very little before getting eliminated at the group stage without anyone really ever knowing they were there. Just one win in their 4 World Cup finals kind of backs up my point (as does Tunisia World Cup Blog's recent historical assessment - a "boring and unimaginative brand of football"). It would be fair to say I wasn't too disappointed therefore to see Nigeria pip them to the post in making it to South Africa 2010.

But though they may not be to my particular taste doesn't mean we should overlook or write them off completely. The Carthage Eagles make it to World Cups on a quite regular basis because they are a good, solid side, and many would prefer to see their chosen style as a virtue. It often gets results.

Since missing out on World Cup 2010 changes have been made. Faouzi Benzarti has replaced Humberto Coelho as national coach, new players have been drafted in and old heads have fallen by the wayside. Benzarti is one of the finest Tunisian coaches of the modern era, winning 6 Tunisian national titles and the African Champions League amongst other honours. A strict and disciplined coach, Benzarti will look to rejig the Carthage Eagles into a team capable of winning only their second ever African Cup of Nations after victory on their own soil in 2004.

I certainly think Tunisia have enough to qualify from Group D. Compact in defence (they didn't concede a single goal away from home in qualifying round 1 nor at home in the second round of qualifiers) and with enough skilful, pacy players in midfield and attack to cause opposing teams problems - Chaouki Ben Saada (Nice), Issam Jemaa (Lens) and Youssef Msakni (Esperance) are three in particular to keep an eye on - Tunisia shouldn't be ignored. They might well grow in stature as the tournament progresses.

Zambia

Zambia were one of the teams I most enjoyed watching at the African Cup of Nations in 2008. Despite their obvious deficiencies, the Chipolopolo (I'll say it again, best nickname ever) never strayed from a joyous all-out attacking philosophy in Ghana and were brilliant to watch no matter how badly they fared. Seeing them 5-0 down to Cameroon yet still tearing forward in numbers as if their lives depended on it was particularly heartening, and a personal memory of the tournament for me.

This year the Copper Bullets are back for their 14th Cup of Nations appearance and while the current squad may not match up to vintage teams of past eras, coach Herve Renard has several valuable players to choose from. The Katongo brothers Felix and Christopher (Mamelodi Sundowns and Arminia Bielefeld respectively) are both present and Jacob Mulenga (FC Utrecht), Isaac Chansa (Helsingborgs) and Collins Mbesuma (of Portsmouth fame/infamy, now at Moroka Swallows) are all distinguished Zambian internationals plying their trade in Europe. Germany-based midfielder Andrew Sinkala does not make the squad however, after allegedly complaining about poor remuneration for players.

Zambia are a team with real power and muscle in their ranks. Many of their players are bison-like in terms of strength, and collectively the squad rates as one of the best for sheer athleticism and agility. That alone does not win football matches of course, but if it comes to a scrap Zambia will be up for the fight. Zambia's first game in Angola is against Tunisia - a real clash of styles. If they can get something from that then confidence will be high heading into a daunting match against Cameroon. The final group game with Gabon will likely hold the key to their progress though. It will be difficult but do not write off the Chipolopolo in what is an open group.

Prediction: Experience may well be the key in this group, therefore Tunisia and Cameroon's know-how to see them through.

This way for our Group D roundup.

Who are you backing? Which teams do you think will do well and which will disappoint? Comments welcome. And in case you missed them, follow the links for the rest of the group previews:

African Cup of Nations 2010 - Group A
African Cup of Nations 2010 - Group B
African Cup of Nations 2010 - Group C

African Cup of Nations 2010 Tournament Preview, Fixture Schedule & Results