By Kathryn Shainyisa Musonye,

 The commencement of the group phase of the 2015 AFCON qualifiers has been one of the most mouth watering events in Africa since the world cup came to an end in July. While some of the heavy weights were stunned, for others it was a scene of pride and bliss.

 All is not rosy to the football power houses such as the reigning champions Nigeria who were thrashed by the red devils of Congo who were only playing after Rwanda were banned from the tournament. A draw against Bafana Bafana saw them finish with a point from two matches.

 Having lost their first match in 33 years in Calabar, the super Eagles have to prove their worth in the qualifiers. The Pharaohs from Egypt currently exhibiting a dwindlinging form in the continent’s football are already in danger of missing a third consecutive AFCON with defeats to Senegal and Tunisia.

 Burkinabe’s are back on track after a 3-0 win over Angola that saw the stallions inflict a first home defeat on tbe Palancas Negras since 1999.

 The Teranga Lions are also back after a ban and they showed their thirst for glory with vital victories.

 The four times cup holders Ghana started off with a draw against Uganda and even though they managed a last gasp win over Togo, coach Kwesi Appiah was sacked and the onus will be on Milovan Rajevac to guide them through to Morocco 2015.

 Released from Eto’os shackles and the retainment of Volker despite the unceremonious exit of the indomitable lions from the world cup, Cameroon top group D after their impressive 4-1 win over Ivory coast.Could this be the rise of Cameroon?

 For Herve Renard, the defeat highlited the task at hand.

 Espite the dismal performance of the Walia Ibex of Ethiopia, all is not lost for the CECAFA region as the Uganda cranes picked four points from two games and are genuine contenders and hopeful of ending a 36 years hiatus from Afcon.