JOHANNESBURG, Jan 2, 2022 (BSS/AFP) - Former Senegal star El Hadji Diouf
has told the current national squad they will win the Africa Cup of Nations
for the first time if they believe in themselves.

   "You possess talent, you are preparing impressively, now believe and you
will conquer Africa," was his message ahead of the January 9 tournament kick-
off in Cameroon.

   Two-time African Footballer of the Year Diouf missed a shootout penalty
when Senegal lost the 2002 final to Cameroon and the Teranga Lions reached
the title decider again in 2019 only to fail against Algeria.

   Here, AFP Sport puts the spotlight on the four Group B contenders with the
winners and runners-up assured of last-16 places while the best four third-
placed teams from six groups also qualify.

   Senegal

   Senegal have topped the African rankings for three years, but the star-
stacked side have no trophies or medals to show off.

   There is a belief that it is now or never for a team boasting a 'spine' of
Chelsea goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, Napoli centre-back Kalidou Koulibaly, Paris
Saint-Germain midfielder Idrissa Gueye and Liverpool forward Sadio Mane.

   Captain Koulibaly and Watford forward Ismaila Sarr were chosen by coach
and former star Aliou Cisse despite still recovering from injuries and could
miss some group matches.

   The Lions are in arguably the weakest of the six groups and with a last-16
match against a third-place finisher likely to follow, the first serious
challenge they face could be in the quarter-finals.

   Guinea

   As if rookie national coach Kaba Diawara did not have enough problems
trying to fix a dysfunctional squad, junta leader Mamady Doumbouya has thrown
a spanner in the works.

   Addressing the Syli Nationale (national elephants), he told the squad they
must repay state-funded preparation costs if they do not return to Conakry
with the Cup of Nations trophy.

   That is highly unlikely as Guinea fared dismally in recent 2022 World Cup
qualifying, failing to win in six matches against Morocco, Guinea-Bissau and
Sudan.

   Midfield has been a particular problem and Diawara, in his first head
coach role, hopes Liverpool midfielder Naby Keita can trigger the dramatic
improvement necessary to make any impact.

   Malawi

   Malawi were another team to perform woefully in the recently completed
group phase of World Cup qualifying, losing five matches and finishing last
of four nations.

   Like Guinea, they reacted by changing coaches, demoting local Meck Mwase
and hiring Mario Marinica, a 56-year-old Romanian who holds a UEFA pro
diploma, the highest coaching qualification in Europe.

   As the country prepares for a third Cup of Nations appearance, his message
to the underperforming Flames emphasised speed: "Think fast, act fast, move
fast."

   While many teams heading to Cameroon are packed with Europe-based
professionals, Malawi have only two, midfielder Charles Petro plays in
Moldova and forward Francisco Madinga in Georgia.

   Zimbabwe

   Zimbabwe could be barred on Monday from competing at the Cup of Nations
unless a state umbrella sports body reinstates the board of the national
football association.

   The Sports and Recreation Commission sacked the officials in November,
alleging mismanagement, lack of financial accountability and the sexual
harassment of female referees.

   FIFA says a ban may have to be imposed on Zimbabwe unless the board
regains control of the sport by January 3.

   Add the absence of three key players -- injured Marvelous Nakamba and
Marshall Munetsi and retired Khama Billiat -- and the outlook for the
Knowledge Musona-captained team is bleak, if they get to play.

   AFP predicts: 1. Senegal, 2. Guinea, 3. Malawi, 4. Zimbabwe