The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is set to unfold in Ivory Coast, igniting football fever across the continent. The host nation will commence the tournament facing Guinea Bissau at 11 PM EAT on Saturday in what promises to be a thrilling opener.
Group A Composition: Ivory Coast, Guinea Bissau, Nigeria, and Equatorial Guinea
Ivory Coast – The Elephants
With a rich history in the Africa Cup of Nations, Ivory Coast boasts 24 previous appearances (1965, 1968, 1970, 1974, 1980, 1984, 1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021) in the finals. Their best performances include clinching the title in 1992 and 2015.
Guided by the experienced 70-year-old French coach Jean-Louis Gasset, the team is geared up for success after finishing second in Group H qualifiers behind Zambia.
Sebastien Haller, the dynamic 29-year-old striker, adds firepower to the squad. The Elephants are currently ranked 49th in the FIFA world ranking.
They take on Guinea Bissau on Saturday 13th January 2024, 11pm EAT at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpé.
Nigeria – The Super Eagles
Nigeria, a three-time champion, eyes another triumph under the leadership of Portuguese tactician Jose Peserio.
The Super Eagles boast of 19 appearances in finals, 1963, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010, 2013, 2019, 2021. Their best performances include clinching the title in 1980, 1994, 2013.
The 2023 African Footballer of the Year, Victor Osimhen, headlines the key players for the Super Eagles.
Ranked 42nd globally, Nigeria secured their spot in Ivory Coast by winning Group A in qualifiers ahead of Guinea-Bissau, Sierra Leone, and Sao Tome and Principe.
With a rich AFCON history, Nigeria aims to add a fourth title to their accolades.
Equatorial Guinea – Nzalang Nacional
Guinea Bissau, making their fourth AFCON appearance, is under the guidance of 56-year-old coach Baciro Cande. The team has made 3 appearances in 2017, 2019 and 2021.
Despite previous group stage exits, the team, ranked 103rd, has shown resilience in qualifying.
Key striker Mama Balde, at 29, brings experience to Nzalang Nacional, aiming to make an impact in Group A after finishing second behind Nigeria in qualifiers.
Guinea Bissau – Djurtus
Coached by the former international Juan Micha, Djurtus, meaning African wild dogs, have three AFCON appearances to their name.
The team has made 3 appearances in 2012, 2015 and 2021, best performance was in 2015, semi-finalist.
Their standout performance was reaching the semi-finals in 2015. Defender Saul Coco, 24, is a crucial player for the team, showcasing his skills in the previous edition.
Ranked 88th, Guinea Bissau qualified for this edition by finishing second in Group J behind Tunisia.
As the continent awaits the thrilling matches, football enthusiasts can catch all the action live and exclusively on KBC Channel 1, Y254, and all 14 KBC affiliate radio stations.
The stage is set for football brilliance and unforgettable moments in AFCON 2023. They take on Ivory Coast on Saturday 13th January 2024, 11pm EAT at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpé.
