So we missed the beginning of the African Cup of Nations. But Group D commences today so were not that far behind. This is, hands down, the most exciting tournament outside of the World Cup. Who Ate All The Pies provides the gist of why it’s better than the World Cup. We’ll give you a hint: Itlay, France nor Germany can make the finals.

What’s so cool about the African Cup of Nations? For one, (though we’re enamored with Latin America’s Copa Sudamericana, but slightly bored with Euro tournaments), the African Cup of Nations is tournament riddled with rougher tackles, an assortment of amazing strikers and probably the world’s best defenders. Yeah, we’re totally going there.

Secondly, seeing Chelsea’s duo of Michael Essien (Ghana) and Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) possibly meeting up in quarterfinals action is exciting enough to make us consider waking up at the butt crack of dawn to watch. Of course, Samuel Eto’o (FC Barcelona) in Cameroon’s blazing kits is a treat as well.

Group D kicks off today with Tunisia taking on Senegal. We’re no experts on the matter of whose better, but we’re setting our money down on Bolton Wanderers striker Diouf to come through for the Senegalese. If we’re wrong, then you can yell at us via comments. If we’re right, then you can praise us via comments.

Check local listings for insane PPV rates to watch game

Senegal, Tunisia identical tales [GhanaCan2008]
Top ten reasons why the African Cup of Nations is better than the World Cup [WhoAteAllThePies]
Image [NYTimes]