The African continent eagerly awaits the grand spectacle of the Africa Cup of Nations “AFCON 2023,” set to kick off next Saturday in Ivory Coast and extend until February 11.
With 24 teams competing for the prestigious African title, the tournament promises intense competition among the giants of the continent and previous champions, along with some dark horses threatening the established order.
Gambia’s Scorpions Eyeing a Historic Run
Gambia’s national team aims for a historic performance after being one of the surprises in the last edition, reaching the quarterfinals in their debut and earning the moniker “Black Stallion” in AFCON 2021.
Led by Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet, the “Scorpions” find themselves in Group 3 alongside Senegal, the defending champions, Cameroon, and Guinea.
The team boasts stars like Omar Colley from Besiktas, Yankuba Djimitre Mendy from Feyenoord, Moussa Barrow from Al Taawoun, and Assan Ceesay from Dhamk.
Cape Verde’s Sharks in the Midst of Pharaohs and Black Stars
Cape Verde, known as the “Blue Shark,” stands out as one of Africa’s evolving teams and is a contender for the dark horse in Group 2, alongside Egypt, Ghana, and Mozambique.
The Cape Verdean national team, guided by their national coach Bubista, has exhibited remarkable performances in the past four editions.
Notably, in 2013, they secured a spot in the quarterfinals by defeating Morocco in the group stage.
The team boasts players like Ryan Mendes, the all-time top scorer with 15 goals in 69 appearances for the Blue Sharks.
Mali’s Eagles Prepare to Soar
Mali enters the AFCON 2023 seeking a significant achievement compared to previous participations.
Placed in Group 5 with Tunisia, South Africa, and Namibia, the “Yellow Eagles” are led by national coach Eric Sikousho and field stars like Aliou Diang from Al Ahly, Hamari Traore from Real Sociedad, Ivi Bissouma from Tottenham, and Siko Kita from Salzburg.
Equatorial Guinea Challenges the Hosts
Equatorial Guinea participates in the Africa Cup of Nations for the fourth time, having achieved a notable fourth-place finish in 2015.
Nicknamed the “National Thunder,” the team competes in Group 1 against Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Guinea-Bissau.
Equatorial Guinea’s squad includes standout players like Pedro Obiang from Sassuolo, Sool Coko from Las Palmas, Federico Bikoro from Africain Tunisia, and Emilio Nsue from Inter Escaldes, who holds the record for being the country’s top scorer with 14 goals.
The national team is guided by coach Juan Mika.
As Africa braces for the AFCON 2023, the clash between these emerging forces and established giants promises to deliver a tournament of excitement, unpredictability, and potential surprises.
