The African Nations is yet to kick off but it has already been marred in controversy after the Togo team bus was attacked and the side subsequently withdrawing from the competition.
However, if we assume the tournament continues terror-free will it, so close to the World Cup give the African continent a huge advantage going into South Africa 2010.
England managers from Capello to Keegan have continually complained they do not have enough time with their players – and when they do their most important assets are withdrawn by their clubs through injury, but are remarkably fit the following weekend to play in the Premier League.
The last competitive game England will play before their first World Cup game is the 3-0 victory over Belarus on October 14.
Ivory Coast, Ghana and Cameroon though now have at least two weeks to train together, in a competitive environment, with their likely World Cup squad.
Coaches will be able to give their first 11 a good test and tweak tactics before football’s biggest challenge.
Of course the European nations have an opportunity to try out new tactics and personnel in the March friendlies – but it is at that time of the year where Manchester United, Arsenal and Chelsea stars get mysterious injuries which stops them playing at Wembley, but allows them to play in the next match of the Champions League.
There has been hushed murmurings of a physical, well organised and increasingly skilful African nation winning the World Cup in the first edition of it being hosted in that continent – and I think the tournament starting in Angola tomorrow will be a huge boost to that possibility.
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