Sadio Mane’s Senegal aims to defend their title, while Mohamed Salah eyes his first trophy with Egypt in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, commencing in Ivory Coast on January 13.
This edition boasts a strong field, including 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco and a Nigeria team led by African footballer of the year Victor Osimhen. Ivory Coast, hosting the AFCON for the first time since 1984, anticipates a focus solely on football amidst heightened security concerns.
Originally scheduled for June and July last year, the tournament’s relocation to January and February aims to avoid clashes with Europe’s top leagues. Security remains a top priority, given the tragic incident at Olembe Stadium in Yaounde during the last AFCON.
Organizers expect 1.5 million fans from outside the country, with matches taking place in six stadiums across five cities, including the newly constructed 60,000-capacity Ebimpe Olympic Stadium.
Morocco, the top-ranked African nation, is favored to perform well, featuring players from leading European clubs. Despite their strength, they haven’t won the AFCON since 1976.
Senegal, in Group C with Gambia, Guinea, and Cameroon, seeks to become the first nation to retain the title since Egypt’s 2006-2010 run. Algeria aims to redeem themselves after a disappointing 2022 exit, while Egypt, led by Rui Vitoria, eyes an eighth AFCON title with star player Salah.
Host nation Ivory Coast, although not as formidable as in 2015, aims to capitalize on home advantage. Nigeria, with depth in attack featuring Victor Boniface and Osimhen, and South Africa, returning after a missed edition, add further excitement to the competition.
The winners will receive a record $7 million in prize money, 40 percent more than Senegal pocketed in 2022. As anticipation builds, the continent eagerly awaits the kickoff of the AFCON in Ivory Coast.
Source: AFP
