As the group stage of the AFCON 2023 enters a crucial phase, several football powerhouses find themselves on the precipice of elimination, setting the stage for intense battles in the upcoming matches. With reputations at stake, key contenders face a challenging road ahead.
Ivory Coast: Hosts Treading on Thin Ice
The host country, Ivory Coast, stands on shaky ground after lackluster performances against Guinea-Bissau and Nigeria.
Despite securing three points, the Elephants’ uninspiring play has raised concerns.
With pivotal players like Jérémy Boga and Franck Kessié underperforming, Ivory Coast faces Equatorial Guinea in a must-win scenario to avoid a potential nightmare scenario of elimination.
Ghana’s Struggle for Redemption
Ghana, reeling from their early exit in the previous AFCON , faces a rocky path with a defeat against Cape Verde and a draw against Egypt.
Coach Chris Hughton admits the team’s collective struggles, emphasizing the need for redemption. With qualification within reach against Mozambique, Ghana aims to avoid a repeat of their 2021 missteps.
Egypt: Salah’s Absence Casts a Shadow
Despite being finalists in the last competition, Egypt finds themselves grappling with defensive lapses and the absence of star player Mohamed Salah due to injury.
The Pharaohs, with their defensive vulnerabilities exposed, need a convincing performance against Cape Verde to keep their hopes alive, acknowledging that a defeat could spell the end of their aspirations.
Cameroon’s Troubled Campaign
Cameroon, missing key players Vincent Aboubakar and Bryan Mbeumo, faces uncertainty after a draw against Guinea and a defeat to Senegal.
Defensive errors, controversies surrounding coach Rigobert Song, and internal disruptions add to the Indomitable Lions’ woes. Currently third in the group, Cameroon must secure victory against Gambia to salvage their campaign.
Algeria’s Struggle for Redemption
Following a disappointing AFCON 2021 and World Cup qualification woes, Algeria has yet to find its stride. A draw against Angola and a challenging match against Burkina Faso highlight the team’s inconsistencies.
While Baghdad Bounedjah’s heroics provide a silver lining, coach Djamel Belmadi faces mounting pressure. Algeria’s destiny hangs in the balance, requiring a decisive victory against Mauritania.
Tunisia’s Uphill Battle
Tunisia, after a goalless draw against Namibia and a hard-fought draw against Mali, faces a daunting task.
Placed fourth in the group, only a victory against South Africa will secure their passage. Relying on defensive solidity and the leadership of Youssef Msakni, Tunisia must elevate their performance to avoid an untimely exit.
As the tension builds, the upcoming matches promise high stakes, unpredictable outcomes, and the potential fall of football giants in the quest for AFCON 2023 glory.
