Ask Durosimi - part three

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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What is Berti Vogts going to do about the Super Eagles lack of a holding midfielder as he invites 35 players to camp? Why won't he consider the young eaglet in Rabiu Ibrahim?
Richard, Kano

Durosimi: I know on paper the Super Eagles midfield seems less fanciful compared to the likes of Garba Lawal and Okocha, but it's still a strong midfield. Rabiu is in the provisional shortlist so let's see if Vogts will include him in the final squad.

What are the chances of Zambia advancing to the 2nd round (quarter finals)?
Bright Mwewa, Zambia

Durosimi: I remember in Mali and Egypt we saw an exciting Zambia side "building for the future", as we were told then. But I think it's time for a repeat of 1994 or '74, if you prefer. However, I can't see this team in the quarters - the opponents are too strong. If they prove me wrong then it means the Bullets can shoot their way into the semi-finals.

I wonder why Ghanaians in particular are panicking about the fact that Laryea Kingston and Stephen Appiah are not going to be fit for the Cup of Nations. They have so many quality midfielders with the likes of Essien. So I believe they will still do well in the tournament. What do you think?
Gideon Ntodi, Luton

Durosimi: When I listen to some of the ordinary football fans, they say that there are only three players who are outstanding in the Black Stars - Essien, Appiah and Muntari. Some of the fans say if you take all three out, then Ghana is vulnerable. To some extent, they are right, but it could end up having a motivating effect for the rest of the squad. With Muntari and Essien still in, nothing is lost.

Though Nigeria tops the African FIFA ranking, I personally don't think they are playing their best form. Do you think Nigeria will be able to match their previous Nations Cup form and make it to a bronze medal at the least?
Titi Tade, Lagos, Nigeria

Durosimi: You're right Nigeria were not convincing during the qualifiers and because of that I have not tipped them to win the tournament. But it's football and don't be surprised if they whip the favourites.

Is Zambia's Isaac Chansa related to Wisdom Chansa who played for Zambia a few years ago and tragically died in the Gabon air disaster? Go Go Chipolopolo!!!
Dave, Scotland

Durosimi: I don't know the answer to this one but I can find out for you. Probably a Chansa family member might even read this and send us a response.

I see that tickets are now on sale in Ghana for the tournament. It also mentions that tickets can be bought overseas via the internet. Do you have a working address for this as I have been unable to find the website address?
Ross, Nottingham

Durosimi: From what I gather from the Local Organising Committee tickets will be available at Ghanaian missions abroad. Initially, the LOC intended selling online but if you live in the UK you might need to follow this up with an email which you can find on the website http://www.ghanacan2008.com/

Do you think Egypt is in with a chance to win the Nations Cup for the 6th time?
Amir Faragalla, U.K

Durosimi: Yes, I do. They left qualification quite late but they have the quality of players to retain the trophy.

I am a huge fan of African football and I can not wait for the ACN to start. As an Arsenal fan Kolo Toure is my favourite player from Africa - could you tell me of any rising stars that are or could be of his quality?
Paul Savill, London

Durosimi: Much of Africa follow the Premiership so we tend to forget that there are defenders in other leagues doing well. Nigeria's Taye Taiwo who plays for Marseille is one. Also in France, the Ghanaian John Mensah is also capable of playing the same role as Kolo and the Egyptian Wael Gomaa is another brilliant stopper.

Durosimi, who do think will be the surprise team and striker of the Africa Cup of Nations 2008?
Harry Banda, Zingalume, Lusaka, Zambia

Durosimi: Watch out for Namibia, Benin and Sudan. Surprise striker? For that the list is endless and we have to wait and see.

What do you think it will take for Senegal to win the African Cup? Why aren't we among the favourites?
Hamet, New York

Durosimi: Senegal is not among the favourites because of the Teranga Lions' inconsistent results over the years. I expected a Senegal Nations Cup win in 1986, 1990 and 2002. My fear now is that Senegal might end up like Algeria who are no longer the same since the World Cup in Mexico 22 years ago. The great Algerian players like Rabah Madjer, Belloumi, Assad and Fergani all phased out without a strong youth base to succeed them. So Senegal must build on the youth and aim to win by 2012 if they miss out on the trophy this Nations Cup and the next.

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