The 26th African Cup of Nations kicks off in Ghana today. Football is one of the few unifying factors in the continent of Africa and the cup of nations is the time when Africans forget their worries, come to watch the matches in a colorful atmosphere and focus on the beautiful game. The atmosphere at these games is usually brilliant with the sounds of drums filling the air.  And, as always, EPL managers are moaning about losing their African players.

It is amazing to how football creates tremendous impact on the lives of the people. It was football players who helped bring a truce between warring factions in the Ivory Coast. These people consider their players as ‘God’ because they have given them hope and motivation to succeed in life and it gives a clear sense of perspective at a time when the word ‘God’ is used to deify undeserving people indiscriminately.

It is good to see that football is being used to reach out to people with regard to their education and health. Also, an increasing number of talented players who are beginning to perform well and earn enough money in top European clubs return to their home nations to help their people in terms of creating awareness about numerous issues.

This year’s championship takes place in Ghana, a team that performed admirably during the last World Cup in Germany. They are one of the favorites since it has stars such as Michael Essien and Sulley Muntari, and has the home advantage. And more often than not the hosts end up winning the tournament. (like Egypt last time around). Ivory Coast will be expected to provide stiff competition since they have the likes of Didier Drogba, the Toure brothers, Emmanuel Eboue, Arouna Kone, among others.

Angola would be a dark horse and its striker Manucho, who recently signed for ManUtd, will be watched closely. Cameroon looks to be on the wane but one can never rule out a team that has a player like Samuel Eto’o in its ranks. South Africa, which hosts the next World Cup in 2010, will hope to perform well and use this tournament as a platform to improve its football.

The excitement and the atmosphere are certain to be electric and I am hopeful that some great football, plenty of goals, and incredible passion among the nations will lead to a successful African Nations Cup. But, how soon do you reckon an African nation will win a World Cup?

Group A
Ghana, Namibia, Guinea, Morocco

Group B
Nigeria, Benin, Mali, Ivory Coast

Group C
Egypt, Sudan, Zambia, Cameroon

Group D
Tunisia, Angola, South Africa, Senegal