Algeria
They are one of 6 African teams that participated in World Cup 2010, although they finished bottom of a group with Slovenia, England, and the USA. The highlight of their tournament was holding England to a 0-0 draw in South Africa, where – coincidentally- the African Cup of Nations 2013 will be held.
Group
A tough group for Algeria with Ivory Coast, who have the likes of Yaya Toure, Didier Drogba and more. Tunisia have been one of Africa’s better nations, though that reputation has been tarnished by their recent African Cup of Nations performances.
Togo are one of the nations with more unknown players, but do a pose a threat with country legend, Emmanuel Adebayor.
Star Player: Sofiane Feghouli
One of the jewels ready to take centre stage in South Africa. At 22 years old, the young Valencia star will want to make people leaving this tournament remembering this fantastic player.
Earning respect from Emery and Pellegrino, and interest from European giants PSG. He said in an interview with Le Buteur, “Personally, I dream of reaching the final. I set objectives for myself, I am an ambitions person. People tell me: ‘On the pitch, you don’t leave any stone unturned and we like that! Keep up the good work!’ I have the sense of being appreciated.”
The PSG link is strong, with Nene on the wrong side of 30, and it would be of no surprise to see if this tournament acts as basis for a move in the summer. Though already at one of Spain’s top sides, the mouthwatering prospect of moving to PSG will be too much for a young Sofiane Feghouli.
Whether or not Feghouli does live up to high expectations he has been given remains to be seen, but it’s certainly worth keeping a look out.
