The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has disclosed crucial details regarding the composition of team lists for the tournament. According to an official press release issued on Friday, all 24 participating teams had diligently submitted their provisional lists, each consisting of 55 players, by the stipulated deadline of Thursday, December 14.
The most noteworthy revelation from CAF involves the expansion of the final lists to 27 players, a departure from the previous limit of 23 players in past editions.
CAF clarified that while teams have the option to call up a larger squad, only 23 players will be eligible for selection in each match throughout the tournament.
“The coaches will be able to call 27 players (instead of 23 players during previous editions),” stated CAF on its official site. The decision to choose between a standard 23-player squad or the extended 27-player roster rests with the individual selectors.
CAF emphasized that the inclusion of the additional four players is an option, not a mandatory requirement.
Furthermore, CAF reaffirmed the deadline for the submission of final lists, stating, “The final lists must be submitted no later than late on January 3, i.e., 10 days before the kickoff of the competition.”
This information aligns with previous announcements made at the end of September.
In an effort to accommodate unforeseen circumstances, CAF introduced the concept of a “medical joker,” allowing teams to digitally replace a player in the event of an injury-related withdrawal.
To execute this, teams must present a valid medical certificate and secure approval from the CAF Medical Commission at least 24 hours before the commencement of the first competitive match.
As teams gear up for the much-anticipated CAN 2023, this latest information from CAF adds a layer of strategic flexibility for coaches and teams, ensuring that the tournament proceeds with the highest standards of preparation and adaptability.
