African Cup hopefuls begin final buildup

JOHANNESBURG (AP) -Fourteen of the 16 teams who reached next year's African Cup of Nations will start their final preparations this week in far-flung friendly internationals across three continents, stretching from the United States to Portugal and South Africa.

Defending champion Zambia is in South Africa to play next year's tournament host at FNB Stadium, formerly Soccer City, with both hoping they will be returning to the same venue for the African Cup final next February.

Ivory Coast, the continent's top-ranked team and perennial favorite for the title, is away to Austria on Wednesday and Ghana plays first-time finalist Cape Verde in Lisbon.

Nigeria faces Venezuela in Miami without Chelsea pair Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel, but Newcastle striker Shola Ameobi is set for a long-awaited international debut.