The countdown has commenced for the kick-off of the 2023 African Cup of Nations, hosted by Côte d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11, featuring the participation of 24 national teams.
Group F, comprising Tunisia, Mali, South Africa, and Namibia, promises intense competition with three strong contenders for advancement to the tournament’s later stages.
The matches will unfold at the Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo, northern Côte d’Ivoire, accommodating 20,000 spectators.
Tunisia’s Quest:
Tunisia’s national team, known as the “Carthage Eagles,” aims to reclaim the African Cup of Nations title, absent for two decades.
Participating for the 21st time, Tunisia boasts two silver medals and one bronze.
The Eagles face formidable challenges against South Africa and Mali, crucial hurdles to clear for a chance to pursue their second championship.
Guiding Tunisia in the finals for the first time is coach Jalal Al-Qadri. Eager to capitalize on the team’s morale boost from recent victories in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Malawi and Sao Tome, Al-Qadri has summoned 19 international players, including Ali Maaloul from Al Ahly and Saif El-Din El-Jaziri from Zamalek.
Ranked 28th globally and third in Africa by FIFA, Tunisia stands at the ninth spot in terms of marketing value, reaching €65.25 million.
Mali’s Aspirations:
Mali enters the African Cup of Nations for the 13th time, seeking its first-ever continental title.
With a silver medal in 1972 and six semi-final appearances resulting in two bronze medals, Mali aims to make history under coach Eric Chelle’s leadership.
Chelle, overseeing Mali in the finals for the first time, assembles a squad featuring Aliou Dieng from Al Ahly and Vissi Besuma from Tottenham Hotspur.
Mali stands at the 51st position globally and ninth in Africa according to the latest FIFA rankings, with a market value of €150 million, securing the seventh spot in the Africa Cup of Nations.
South Africa’s Return:
Returning to the African Cup of Nations after missing the previous edition, South Africa, or “Bafana Bafana,” competes for the 12th time.
With a historic win in 1996 and a silver medal in 1998, coach Hugo Bruce leads the team for the first time in the finals.
Bruce, previously victorious with Cameroon in 2017, announced a squad that includes Percy Tau from Al Ahly and Themba Zwane from Mamelodi Sundowns.
South Africa sits at the 66th global and 12th African ranks in the FIFA standings, with a market value of €21.75 million, claiming the 18th spot in Africa.
Namibia’s Challenge:
Participating in its fourth African Cup of Nations, Namibia seeks its first victory in the tournament after previous appearances in 1998, 2008, and 2019.
Coach Colin Benjamin, leading Namibia for the first time, relies on Peter Shalulile from Sundowns to guide the team into the knockout stage.
Currently ranked 115th globally and 27th in Africa by FIFA, Namibia holds the 22nd position in the Africa Cup of Nations market value, amounting to €5.80 million.
As the stage is set for the thrilling battles to unfold, football enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the unfolding drama and dazzling performances in this prestigious continental competition.
