With the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast fast approaching, an array of the continent’s heavyweights shape as leading candidates to claim the coveted title on February 11th.
As hosts, star-studded Ivory Coast will carry the hopes of a football-mad nation seeking a third Continental crown after years of near misses. But a Moroccan side still buzzing from their historic World Cup heroics may prove the team to beat.
The Atlas Lions boast phenomenal strength, depth and balance across all areas under mastermind Walid Regragui. Despite lacking extensive African pedigree outside their 1976 triumph, Morocco enters full of conviction after conquering Europe’s elite only recently in Qatar.
Nevertheless, four-time winners Ghana cannot be discounted despite turmoil off the pitch. Elsewhere, defending champions Senegal retains a disciplined squad culture capable of defying more glamorous opponents.
Their defeated 2021 final opponents Egypt still looms as a perennial threat, having reached three of the past four deciders under pragmatic coach Rui Vitoria. Meanwhile past kings Algeria, stunned by early elimination at the last edition, are equally determined to make amends through an imposing mixture of seasoned winners and emerging talents.
And with the tournament expanding to 24 teams for the first time, the door has cracked open for more surprise packets to emulate quarter-final debutants The Gambia by claiming some unexpected scalps.
But when the stakes rise in the knockout rounds, Ivory Coast and Morocco seemingly boast the most well-rounded rosters to survive the chaos and be left standing on February 11th hoisting aloft the glistening AFCON crown.
