1. THERE ARE STILL MINNOWS IN AFRICAN FOOTBALL

But none of them is in Equatorial Guinea. Game after cagey game the hitherto labeled underdogs have surprised. Five draws in eight games and just one clean sheet shows how close the battles have been.

2. PIERRE-EMERICK AUBAMEYANG IS READY TO WIN AFRICA OVER

Gabon skipper Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (pictured) has said he wants to emulate the successes of continental legends Didier Drogba and Samuel Eto'o. On the balance of his swashbuckling display against Burkina Faso, the Borussia Dortmund star seems well on course. He never seemed to leave second gear as he tormented the Stallions, scoring one goal and creating another in a 2:0 over Burkina Faso.

3. GABON MAY SURPRISE

The Panthers faced the formidable strike force of Burkina Faso and came out with the only clean sheet of the round. Not only did they pose a serious threat going forward, they were mean at the back. A very balanced team, they boast the key ingredients of the modern African game - power, pace and skill. The young 2012 team is maturing.

4. GHANA HUMAN

It is almost unthinkable for Ghana to go home after the first round of the AFCON, but the competition in Equatorial Guinea is tough. The Black Stars played some delightful football and had Senegal in a daze before fizzling out and being overrun by the Teranga Lions. They were however unlucky to concede a last-minute winner and must now get the points they need to survive from Africa's top side Algeria and a desperate South Africa. Not an enviable task.

5. YAYA NEEDS MORE

Four-time African player of the year Yaya Toure usually bulldozes his way past opponents outside Africa with speed, power and skill, qualities that are neutralised in the African game. So the Manchester City giant would need to rethink his game if he wants to lead the Elephants to glory in Equatorial Guinea.

6. GROUP D TOUGHEST

Prior to the tournament many thought Group C to be the Group of Death and Group D essentially a two-team group, with Cote d'Ivoire and Cameroon the favourites. In reality the underdogs Guinea and Mali were arguably the better sides and pretty unlucky not to win their opening games against the big two.

7. WELL DONE EQUATORIAL GUINEA

Given the short notice the hosts had to prepare for the tournament, they have done an outstanding job. Senegal coach Alain Giresse deserves credit for openly praising the facilities at a time when the grumbling of Congo coach Claude Le Roy was beginning to pull dark clouds over the fiesta.

8. SPECTATORS

Again the Equatoguineans deserve credit for filling up the stands in virtually every game. The packed stadiums have immensely helped the atmosphere during games.

9. NO EBOLA NEWS IS GOOD NEWS

Equatorial Guinea where only given the rights to host the tournament two months ago when originally designated hosts Morocco wanted the tournament postponed for fear of the spread of the Ebola virus. So far the Equatoguineans have taken stringent steps to ensure the deadly virus is not brought in, or identified quickly. So far there is no news of the disease, which is good news for everyone.

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Source: Africaplays.com