Ivorian stricker Solomon Kalou has stated clearly that Ivory Coast remains the team to beat in Group D when the Nations Cup begins in South Africa next weekend.
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He was also quick to add that Nigeria ranks amongst the top five teams that could win this year's AFCON title in South Africa.
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The Super Eagles will kick-start their AFCON campaign on January 21 against Burkina Faso in Nespruit and the former Chelsea stricker added that the Elephants of Ivory Coast will respect every team in the competition because it has always sprung so many surprises.
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'' We saw Zambia last year but now there are favourites like Ghana, Nigeria and South Africa who will be playing at home ''.