Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger believes Ghana's neighbours, Ivory Coast are favourites for the African Cup irrespective of the absence of some big nations.

Algeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa would be absent when the competition starts on Saturday after they failed to qualify.

Though former Ghana captain Abedi Ayew 'Pele' is saddened by their absence, Wenger differs in opinion about the effect of the missing nations.

Wenger considers an Ivory Coast squad boasting a galaxy of stars including Manchester City midfielder and 2011 African Footballer of the Year Yaya Toure overwhelming favourites.

Wenger's pick

"Ivory Coast are hot favourites because they have an incredible line-up with English Premier League stars like Yaya, Cheik Tiote and Gervinho in the middle of the park.

"Nobody else has qualified—Algeria are not there, Cameroon are not there, Egypt are not there and Nigeria are not there," said Wenger, a keen follower of African football.