January 17, Group F takes center stage with two compelling matchups. The formidable Moroccan side kicks off its campaign against Tanzania, while DR Congo faces Zambia in an evening clash.
Group F: Morocco vs. Tanzania (5 p.m. GMT)
Morocco, fresh from their impressive semi-final run in the 2022 World Cup, lands on Ivorian soil with aspirations of clinching the 34th AFCON edition.
After witnessing early exits from football powerhouses like Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Nigeria, and Ghana, the Atlas Lions approach their opening fixture with caution against Tanzania.
Despite a 0-2 victory last November in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Coach Walid Regragui emphasizes the need to maintain focus.
He states, “We must forget the World Cup. There is no status here. Everything can change. We must be humble. If we come in with a bad state of mind, the match will prove more complicated. I have confidence in my players.”
On the other side, Tanzania finds itself in an underdog position, seeking to surprise the favorites with performances akin to Mozambique, Equatorial Guinea, and Namibia in the tournament so far.
DR Congo vs. Zambia (8 p.m. GMT)
In the evening fixture at the Laurent Poko stadium in San Pedro, DR Congo takes on Zambia in its debut match of AFCON 2023.
Riding high on the momentum under Coach Sébastien Desabre, featuring stars like Cédric Bakambu, Chancel Mbemba, and Yoan Wissa, the Leopards aim to continue their stellar form.
Desabre comments, “The players are focused on the objectives. The first match of a tournament is important but not decisive.
We are going there with the ambition to continue what we have been doing for a year and a half.”
Zambia, crowned African champions in 2012, marks its return after a nine-year hiatus, led by Coach Avram Grant. Grant acknowledges the challenge but asserts, “We have a good team, and the opponent is also good. Everyone wants to win the AFCON, but only one country will win. We just want to play our football, give our best on the pitch.”
As the AFCON drama unfolds, these clashes promise to set the tone for the journey ahead, where every match holds the potential for surprise and triumph.
