The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations is fast approaching, and those taking part are keen to begin their run in the tournament, with an eye on the ultimate prize.
The 2012 Afcon takes place from 21 January to February 12, and it is to be co-hosted by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea.
Some teams will be experiencing their first participation at the competition, while others will be aiming to write their names in the record books as Africa’s best when the final takes place at the Stade d’Angondje in Libreville on February 12.
Goal.com introduces you to the 16 teams that will be taking part in this highly-anticipated competition. Here we profile co-hosts Gabon.
Previous Appearances:
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1994, 1996, 2000, 2010
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Best Performance:
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Quarter-finals: 1994 |
HOW THEY QUALIFIED FOR AFCON 2012
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| CO-HOST
Gabon enter the tournament as co-hosts alongside Equatorial Guinea. They have stayed in shape by playing friendly matches against other national teams including former world champions Brazil and African giants Cameroon.
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| The 58-year-old German tactician has coached Bordeaux, Nice and Nantes in the past. Now he has the opportunity to lead Gabon beyond their best ever quarter-final finish in the Afcon at home in January’s tournament. The former defender took over from Alain Giresse at the end of the 2010 Afcon in Angola. |
| Former Hull City and Rangers striker Cousin is the captain of the Azingo Nationale. The 34 year-old will be making his third appearance at the Afcon after his first two appearances came 10 years apart, in 2000 and 2010. He will look to inspire his side past the first round where they have ended up on both previous occasions. |
ERIC MOULOUNGUI | Star Player
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| The talented and experienced midfielder plays his club football for Nice in France, but it is often with his national team that he produces the most important performances. Originally a striker, he certainly has an eye for goal and is not afraid to hit a shot from distance. |
PIERR-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG | Young Talent
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| The 22-year-old Saint Etienne striker is expected to be one of the stars of the tournament on home soil. With five goals in 19 matches for the Azingo Nationale, Aubameyang looks set to continue in the family tradition taking after his father Pierre Aubameyang who is now a scout at AC Milan and elder brother Willy, who also plays in the national team. |
| Gernot Rohr favours the more attack-minded 4-3-3 formation but has been experimenting with the traditional 4-4-2 selection in recent friendlies. During the tournament it will be interesting to see which formation he settles on. |
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(4-4-2)
Ovono
Moundounga, Ambouret, Manga, Apanga
Moubamba, Mouloungui, W. Aubameyang, Poko
P. Aubameyang, Cousin
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