Ask Durosimi - part two

The BBC's Durosimi Thomas is based in Ghana and on-hand to answer all of your African Cup of Nations queries.

Which team are the favourites to win the tournament? Who are the star players to watch out for in Ghana? Is the country ready for the event?

Durosimi has given his thoughts on all of the above - but are there other areas you want to know more about?

If you would like to ask a question about the Nations Cup, please use the form on the right side of this page.

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How do you think The Super Eagles should best utilise Jon Mikel Obi. When he first burst through the junior ranks he was more of a box to box midfielder, and a potent attacking weapon. At Chelsea he has been groomed to take over the defensive midfield duties of Makelele, which I personally believe limits him. For the Eagles to fly do they have to free him from the shackles of this role?
Dele Rotimi, London

Durosimi: Michael Essien finds himself in a similar situation but we have seen how much he readjusts himself with the liberty he has with the Black Stars of Ghana. I expect Berti Vogts will do the same clever trick with Obi.

With the likes of Yakubu, Eto'o, Kanoute and Omotoyosi on fire right now, which of these African strikers in your opinion will rule the Nations Cup. Not forgetting Kalou and of course Drogba.
Olukuewu Mike, Lagos

Durosimi: It's much more competitive playing against fellow Africans and for some reason defenders get fired up to stop star strikers to the death. We might end up having Yobo heading home corners when things get tight upfront.

You tipped Ghana, Egypt, Ivory Coast and Cameroon to lift the 2008 Nations cup ahead of Nigeria, who Fifa have as the top ranked side in Africa and have star players all over the world. Are you are just biased or are those countries you mentioned really better than the almighty Super Eagles. Why did you say Nigeria struggled during the qualifiers when we only lost one match (away to Uganda).
Ekarika Paulinus, Lagos, Nigeria

Durosimi: As you are a Nigerian I perfectly understand your sentiments. I may not be right with my predictions at the end of the day, but that's why its fun to predict. That's my choice, if Nigeria is your top favourite, certainly, nothing is wrong with that. How can football be fun if we all support the same teams and tip the same to win? The Fifa rankings do not necessarily reflect the actual form of a team. Remember that Greece embarrassed us pundits when they won Euro 2004.

South Africa named their 2008 Nations Cup squad and left out Benni MCarthy. Was it a wise choice to leave out such a proven goal scorer like Benni?
Hussein Ahmed Marsha, Kampala, Uganda

South Africa omitted Benni McCarthy from its Nations Cup squad

Durosimi: French coach Aime Jacquet left out David Ginola and Eric Cantona but he still went on to win the 1998 World Cup. Journalists criticized him for almost 36 months but he prevailed. I am sure the main focus for South Africa coach Carlos Alberto Perreira is the 2010 World Cup.

Why do you think Somalia are so poor and never qualify for any African tournaments?
Omar, Bristol

Durosimi: I am delighted to get your question on Somalia. The country used to produce some of the best referees in the continent, it used to be common to find teachers and journalists refereeing. The war in the country makes it impossible to host matches but they are making enormous efforts to bounce back. At the moment Somalia play one-leg qualifiers or return games at the same venue of the opposing team. It's not ideal but it is a step forward despite the heavy defeats.

What are your views on the Sudanese national teams chances this year?
Ahmed Aburunnat, London

Durosimi: Sudan should not be under-estimated. I am aware that the first thing that comes to mind is Darfur, but Sudan are physically fit and have a couple of skilful players like Faisal Agab and Haitham Mostafa. Above all, they have self-belief and that is an invaluable quality.

After two great matches for Morocco, a 2-2 draw with France and a 3-0 win over Senegal, do you think that Henri Michel and his team can do well in Ghana?
Anouar Amrani, Holland

Durosimi: Those were fantastic results but I don't pay too much attention to friendlies. What I think those results have achieved is to give the Atlas Lions some confidence ahead of Ghana. It also means Ghana and Guinea will take them more seriously than they did three months ago, after the draw.

Why do Egypt perform poorly away? For teams like Uganda funding is a big factor but the Pharaohs are well funded and most of their players have African club experience.
The Ugandan, USA

Durosimi: My theory is that it means everything to Egyptians not to lose at home, it's like it is in the blood - a cultural taboo. Away from home they don't have that same pressure so their air of invincibility evaporates, hence their inconsistency when they travel. Having said that, two of their five Nations Cup trophies were won away - in 1957 and 1998. They also won the 2003 African Under-20 title in Burkina Faso and Al Ahly won the 2006 Champions League second leg in Tunisia.

Who is your favourite Angolan player and what do you think of Angolan football?
Totti, Amsterdam

Durosimi: I regularly watch the Angolan league and I love the passion of the commentators and the fans. I was impressed that during the heat of the civil war the league was never disrupted. The stars of the 1996 campaign were my favourite, that is Paulao and Quinzinho. I was in Ethiopia when they won the African Under-20 title in 2001 and Mantorras impressed. I think presently Flavio stands out.

How do you rate the stadia to be used during the tournament?
Joshua, Kent England

Durosimi: The Accra venue is the only one that I've been to since its inauguration and that is a massive improvement on the old stadium. I've also spoken to Tunisian officials and they spoke highly of the stadium in Tamale. What preoccupies the authorities now is how to maintain the facilities for future events after the Nations Cup.

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