The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has ignited football fever in Ivory Coast as the eagerly anticipated tournament kicked off. In the initial clashes, Ivory Coast faced Guinea Bissau, securing a 2-0 victory.
However, amidst the early action, the spotlight remains firmly on Mohamed Salah, the Egyptian maestro, as he endeavors to steer Egypt to an eighth AFCON championship title.
The Liverpool forward, having experienced runner-up finishes twice, is determined to erase the memory of the 2021 AFCON final defeat to Senegal. Despite facing stiff competition, Salah believes this tournament, with its unpredictability, will be the toughest to win.
The defending champions, Senegal, led by Sadio Mane, acknowledge the formidable challenge ahead, as the tournament features a strong field. Teams like Morocco, ranked 13th globally, carry the momentum from their historic 2022 World Cup semi-final run. Nigeria, with the striking prowess of Victor Osimhen, poses a significant threat, while hosts Ivory Coast and Algeria are eager to assert their dominance.
The tournament introduces a 24-team format, where the top two from each of the six groups and the four best third-placed teams advance to the knockout stages. The ultimate winners will claim a prize of $7 million (£5.5 million).
Amidst the excitement, a club versus country debate emerges, with Salah choosing to prioritize international duty over Liverpool’s Premier League challenge. The 31-year-old forward, undeterred by criticism, expressed his eagerness to win the tournament, conscious of representing millions of Egyptians.
Notably, Manchester United’s Andre Onana faces criticism for prioritizing club commitments over his national team, Cameroon. Former Indomitable Lions defender Sebastien Bassong deems this decision disrespectful and highlights the club versus country dilemma.
As the tournament unfolds, teams like Cameroon, Morocco, DR Congo, and Zambia are set to make their mark. Zambia, shock winners in 2012, managed by former Chelsea and Ghana coach Avram Grant, aim to bring pride to their nation after an impressive qualifying campaign.
The AFCON 2023 promises intense competition, with players and nations alike eager to etch their names in football history.
Source: BBC Sports
