Qatar is set to host the Asian Cup from January 12 to February 10, with the participation of 24 national teams.
Simultaneously, the African Cup of Nations will take place in the hospitality of Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, also featuring 24 national teams.
Circumstances dictated that both tournaments take place almost simultaneously after the rescheduling of the African Cup of Nations from summer to winter due to weather conditions in Ivory Coast.
The African Cup of Nations remains a looming threat to the Asian Cup concerning viewership and following the Yellow Continent’s championship, which is held every four years.
The current edition’s kick-off has been delayed until early 2024.
The African Cup of Nations stands out among major continental tournaments, attracting high viewership, especially with the presence of numerous top-tier professionals from African nations playing in European leagues.
The tournament is expected to include outstanding players from major European leagues, such as Mohamed Salah, the captain of the Egyptian national team and star of Liverpool, Cameroonian André Onana, goalkeeper for Manchester United, Ghanaian Mohammed Kudus, star of West Ham, Serge Aurier, the Ivorian star from Nottingham, and Nigerian Alex Iwobi, Fulham’s playmaker, among others.
The same holds true for the French league, which boasts several stars, including Achraf Hakimi, the Moroccan wing-back from Paris Saint-Germain, and Mustafa Mohamed, the Egyptian striker from Nantes.
Victor Osimhen, the Nigerian striker who was the top scorer in the Italian league last season and a star at Napoli, shines alongside stars from the German league, such as Guinean Serra Gerassi, the striker for Stuttgart, and Egyptian Omar Marmoush, the striker for Eintracht Frankfurt.
The Saudi league also features many top players with a significant history in the African championship, including Sadio Mané, Riyad Mahrez, and goalkeeper Yassine Bounou.
With all these prominent names, it is expected that the African Cup of Nations will attract more public attention compared to the Asian Cup.
Ninety-five television channels have secured broadcasting rights for the upcoming African Cup of Nations, according to a reliable source in the African Union for football.
The source also indicated an anticipated surge in viewership for the upcoming African championship in Ivory Coast, reaching record-breaking figures.
