Marcel Desailly has tipped Ivory Coast to win the 26th Africa Cup of Nations which starts in Ghana on Sunday.
The former Chelsea and AC Milan star will be reporting for BBC Sport at the tournament and is predicting a contest high on skill and rich in atmosphere.
Host nation Ghana play Guinea in the opening fixture, with fans and scouts expected to flock to west Africa.
"Ivory Coast are the most complete team - the way they play is the most European," said BBC Sport's Desailly.
Sixteen teams with world-class players such as Ghana midfielder Michael Essien, Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba and Cameroon forward striker Samuel Eto'o are set to illuminate the continent's football showpiece.
"The Nations Cup is special," said Ghana-born Desailly, who moved to France at an early age and won the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000 with his adopted country.
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