As anticipation builds for the forthcoming African Cup of Nations (AFCON 2023), a specialized statistical analysis conducted by the renowned Opta company has positioned Morocco as a formidable contender for the prestigious tournament. According to the predictions unveiled on Tuesday, January 9, the Atlas Lions, led by coach Walid Regragui, emerge as the third-strongest prospect for clinching the continental title.
Harnessing the power of a sophisticated supercomputer to simulate the intricacies of the competition, Opta’s insights indicate that Morocco boasts an 11.1% likelihood of emerging victorious in the battle for African football supremacy.
While Senegal, the defending champion, claims the top spot with a 12.8% probability of retaining its title, the host nation, Côte d’Ivoire, closely follows as the second favorite with a 12.1% chance.
Morocco’s standing as the third favorite solidifies its reputation among the footballing elite, with Opta’s supercomputer assigning percentages to other contenders as well.
Algeria secures the fourth position with a 9.7% probability, closely trailed by Egypt, rounding off the top five with an 8.5% chance of claiming glory.
The African football spectacle is set to kick off on Saturday, January 13, with the host country, Côte d’Ivoire, engaging Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
Placed in Group F, Morocco embarks on its journey with an inaugural match against Tanzania on Wednesday, January 17, at 6 p.m., followed by encounters against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday, January 21, at 3 p.m., and Zambia on Wednesday, January 24, at 9 p.m., all scheduled at the Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro.
As the Atlas Lions prepare to assert their prowess on the African stage, the supercomputer’s predictions amplify the sense of anticipation, hinting at an enthralling tournament where Morocco is poised to script its own chapter in footballing history.
