Cote D'Ivoire were favorites coming into the Africa Cup of Nations and are still favorites to beat Zambia, but the Copper Bullets are an underdog that packs a serious punch.

Cote D'Ivoire face their biggest test thus far in the Africa Cup of Nations when they play Mali on Wednesday.

Ghana are favored to defeat Zambia in the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals, but the Black Stars have been unconvincing lately, while Zambia's strikers are in top form.

In the build-up to the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, we'll be profiling some of the best-known players in the tournament, as well as some lesser-known players looking to guide their teams to upsets and become stars.

The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on Saturday. We'll spend the week getting you caught up on all of the teams before the tournament starts.