1. The two hosts, Equatorial Guinea and Gabon began with wins. This can only bode well for the tournament as it ensures interest of the fans, at least in the games involving the home teams. Of the two hosts, Gabon is obviously the stronger side and Morocco's opening day loss means they have one foot already in the second round.
2. But in defeating Niger 2-0, familiar weaknesses exist in defensive coverage in midfield, with runners behind the central midfielders often untracked. On the offensive, Niger's abundant generosity in the time and space it afforded Gabon could have and should have been punished more severely. But these are early days and a stiffer test will come in the next two games.
3. Unlike many, Zambia's triumph over Senegal came as no surprise. They are a more cohesive team and have played together longer. Senegal on the other hand is a young team with some very talented young players, especially in attack. But the quality of the team declines as you move backwards through midfield to the defence. However, surprising for me was evidence of continued mental weaknesses about this Zambian team, which nearly gifted Senegal a way back in the game, even with numerous opportunities that the game offered the East Africans on the counterattack.
4. In Group B, the Ivoriens towered over their nearest rivals without being convincing. With a game based on the 4-3-3 formation, and the dominant controlled possession in midfield, the decision on the use of Yaya Toure denied the team the Man City players decisive powerful surges from midfield., which in turn impacted the play in wide areas and the options off the ball that both Gervinho and Kalou had. In addition, weaknesses in the defensive organization presented opportunities for Sudan on the counter. A stronger team will be less forgiving...
As I stated earlier, the performance of Gervinho and Kalou in their roles as wide forwards, will go a long way in determining how far this team goes.
5. The most dissapointing team in this round of games has to be Morocco. They had the game, the setup and the talent to beat Tunisia. Not only did they fail to do that, but they showed familiar weaknesses in previous Nations Cup flops, at every level of the game and department of the team. If there is any positive from their performance, it has to be the fact they created chances. The draws mean they face the strongest teams in the group in their first two games, meaning they must win their remaining matches. I believe they have the game to beat Gabon, but I doubt they have the self belief...
6. The Black Stars of Ghana proved to be the outstanding performers in the opening games, with a dominant controlled possession game in midfield and an imperious John Mensah in the heart of defence. While stiffer tests will come than the defensive minded Botswana, the Ghanaians know how they want to play, how to support each other, and have the professionalism and experience to overcome adversity, as they showed following Mensah's deserved dismissal.
While the Ayew brothers were a bit quiet, you get the distinct sense they have a few gears in reserve. But Muntari continues to dissapoint in his execution of his tactical role in midfield, behind Asamoah Gyan.
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