AFCON 2023: Senegal, the reigning champions, paired with Cameroon as Nigeria faces hosts Ivory Coast
Holders Senegal Face Tough Group in 2023 Africa Cup of Nations Draw
The draw for the highly anticipated 2023 Africa Cup of Nations took place in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, revealing some exciting matchups that are sure to captivate football fans across the continent. Defending champions Senegal were drawn into Group C alongside Cameroon, The Gambia, and Guinea.
Senegal’s star forward and former Liverpool player Sadio Mane expressed his thoughts on their challenging group:
“It’s a really difficult group,” Mane acknowledged. “Cameroon is going to be tough but we will give our best to advance from the first round.”
Morocco, currently ranked highest by FIFA at 13th position and hosting the World Cup in 2025, find themselves placed with DR Congo, Zambia, and Tanzania in Group D. Moroccan player Achraf Hakimi shared his optimism for their team’s performance:
“We will strive to achieve our best during this tournament just as we did during the World Cup,” stated Hakimi confidently. “With a strong team and cohesive group dynamics, we aim to emerge victorious.”
The draw also saw two-time African Footballer of the Year Didier Drogba representing Ivory Coast drawing Nigeria alongside Mikel Obi who had previously won Afcon with his national team in 2013.
Hosts Ivory Coast – winners in both 1992 and 2015 – will commence the tournament on January 13th against Guinea-Bissau. Equatorial Guinea completes their group lineup.
In what appears to be the most competitive group of the draw, neighbors South Africa and Namibia find themselves in Group E alongside Tunisia and Mali.
Mozambique, making a return after an absence from the finals since 2010, faces a challenging journey in Group B against Egypt led by Mohamed Salah. Also joining this group are Ghana and Cape Verde.
The tournament had originally been scheduled for June-July 2023 but was rescheduled due to concerns about playing during the rainy season. The matches will now take place from January 13th to February 11th, 2024.
24 teams will compete for victory in six groups. The winners and runners-up from each group, along with the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout phase where excitement is guaranteed.
Anticipation Builds as Alassane Ouattara Stadium Prepares for Thrilling Final
The climax of this exciting tournament will unfold at Abidjan’s prestigious Alassane Ouattara Stadium on February 11th. Football enthusiasts worldwide eagerly await witnessing which team will triumph as champions of Africa.