The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off tomorrow, Saturday, in Ivory Coast, hosting the tournament from January 13 to February 11, 2024.
The opening match takes place between the Ivorian national team (hosting the championship) and Guinea-Bissau at 10:00 PM Cairo time.
Twenty-four teams are vying for the coveted Africa Cup of Nations title, including the Egyptian national team seeking its eighth title after an absence of over 13 years.
Other strong contenders include Morocco, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Cameroon, Algeria, Senegal, and Ghana.
These teams boast stars dreaming of their first championship title, carrying the hopes of their nations in the African spectacle.
Leading the pack is Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, who plays professionally for Liverpool in the English Premier League.
Let’s shine a spotlight on the top stars of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Mohamed Salah: A Quest for African Glory
This tournament holds immense significance for the captain of the national team, Mohamed Salah, with a market value of 65 million euros, according to the global site “Transfermarkt”.
After the achievement of qualifying for the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Salah sets his sights on the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations to clinch the title with the Pharaohs.
Despite falling short in the previous two editions in 2017 and 2021 against Cameroon and Senegal, Salah aspires to lead Egypt to victory.
Success in the current season with Liverpool could further enhance his chances of competing for the Ballon d’Or in 2024.
Victor Osimhen: Nigerian Sensation
Challenging Mohamed Salah is Victor Osimhen, the striker for the Nigerian national team and Napoli in Serie A.
Osimhen outshone everyone by winning the Best African Player award in 2023, competing with Salah and Morocco’s Achraf Hakimi.
With a current market value of 110 million euros, Osimhen becomes a sought-after player by top European clubs, despite extending his contract until 2026.
His eighth-place finish in the “Ballon d’Or” list from “France Football” magazine further attracts clubs like Chelsea and Manchester United.
Mohamed Qudus: Ghana’s Rising Star
Playing in Group 2 of the Africa Cup of Nations alongside Mozambique, Cape Verde, and Ghana, Mohamed Qudus represents the latter.
The 23-year-old midfielder for West Ham United in the English Premier League holds a market value of 45 million euros.
Qudus carries the hopes of the Ghanaian team after showcasing his talents in the English Premier League and the Europa League.
Achraf Hakimi: Moroccan Maestro
Achraf Hakimi remains a star for the Moroccan national team after leading the Atlas Lions to a historic achievement in the 2022 World Cup, reaching the semi-finals.
Hakimi continues to be a key player for Morocco in the continental championship, following his nomination for the Best African Player by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) in the past year.
Ismail Bennacer: Algeria’s Midfield Dynamo
All eyes turn to AC Milan’s midfielder, Ismail Bennacer, as he represents Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations.
Bennacer recently returned to the field after a long absence due to a serious knee injury.
Following a successful rehabilitation, Bennacer carries the hopes of the Algerian team in the tournament, aiming to elevate his market value, currently at 35 million euros.
