As the 2024 African Games kick off in Accra, Ghana, on March 7, football enthusiasts across the continent are eagerly anticipating intense clashes between the participating nations. Running from March 8 to 24, 2024, the multi-sport event promises a captivating display of athletic prowess, with football taking center stage from the outset.
This edition of the African Games features competitions in various disciplines, including football, taekwondo, athletics, judo, karate, wrestling, swimming, beach volleyball, triathlon, table tennis, and badminton.
The vibrant and culturally rich city of Accra is the chosen venue, ready to welcome athletes from diverse African nations.
Originally scheduled for August 4-19, 2023, the Games faced challenges such as economic pressures, preparation delays, and disputes over marketing rights between African sports confederations and the African Union. Consequently, the event was rescheduled to take place from March 8 to 23, 2024, retaining the name Accra 2023.
The previous edition occurred in 2019 in Rabat, Morocco, where Burkina Faso’s men’s team and Nigeria’s women’s team secured the gold medals.
Men’s Football Event: U20 Teams Set to Impress
The men’s football event showcases the talent and competitiveness of African football, featuring under-20 teams that excelled in the 2023 Africa U20 Cup of Nations quarter-finals, along with the host country, Ghana. Matches will primarily unfold at the Accra Sports Stadium.
The participating teams in Group A are Gambia, Ghana, Benin, and Congo, while Group B comprises Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, and Uganda.
Women’s Football Event: High Stakes for 2022 U20 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers
In the women’s category, teams that reached at least the fourth qualifying round of the 2022 U20 Women’s World Cup in Costa Rica will compete.
The Cape Coast Sports Stadium will host the majority of matches. Group A includes Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia, while Group B features Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon, and Morocco.
Opening Day Schedule Highlights:
Men’s Matches on Thursday, March 7:
– 5 p.m. GMT: South Sudan vs. Senegal
– 8 p.m. GMT: Nigeria vs. Uganda
As the inaugural matches unfold, football enthusiasts are set to witness the beginning of a thrilling journey toward African Games glory for these nations.
The tournament promises to be a celebration of athleticism, camaraderie, and the rich diversity of the African continent.
📋 Liste des 20 joueurs convoqués par le coach Serigne Saliou Dia pour disputer les Jeux Africains, Accra 2023, prévus du 8 au 23 mars 2024. #TeamU20 | #MankoWutiNdamli 🇸🇳👊 pic.twitter.com/egSe66titw
— Equipe du Sénégal (@GaindeYi) March 1, 2024
