In my opinion, Ivory Coast is likely to take this tournament in spite of the fact that they are in the toughest group. The rest of the tournament will be full of surprises. The dream final four is Nigeria versus Ghana and South Africa versus Ivory Coast. That would be great for the tournament. Ghana versus Ivory Coast would make for great TV ratings as a final.

When you take a look carefully, you realize that the grouping is balanced.In group A (South Africa and Morocco will go through), group B (Ghana and Congo DR will go through), group C (Nigeria and Burkina Faso will go through), group D (Tunisia and Cote d'Ivoire will go through).

Zambia may not go through to the quarterfinal, because pressure to succeed will be too much for the players to handle.

Should South Africa will go through to the quarterfinal, if for no other reason than that they are the host nation, and have home support on their side. I do not imagine them they will not win the cup, though. The winner of the cup could be between Nigeria, Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire.

Others say it is going to be a straight fight between Nigeria, Cote d'Ivoire and South Africa. Ghana is overhyped, and their recent friendly match against Liberia in which they lost by two (2) goals is an indication that they are not as solid as they are being touted.

Zambia was good last time around, but good fortunes and luck played a vital part in their emerging champions. Lightening, it is said, does not strike the same place twice. They might emerge from the Group, but cannot go beyond Cote d'Ivoire, Tunisia or Algeria - their likely opponents in the quarter finals.

Egypt is a no-show for ACN 2013. After winning the African Cup of Nations three consecutive times in a row, Egypt seemed exhausted and could not produce great results to qualify for next year's tournament.

The Ivorians will have to finish above Tunisia, Algeria and Togo to win their group. It is undeniably the most difficult group. But my confidence remains firm. Though the team has only taken home the title once before, in 1992, I would nominate Ivory Coast as the favorites.

Defending champions Zambia, who lifted the trophy against all odds this year, would have to prove their mettle once again.

Let's wait and see.