Côte d’Ivoire is able to host the most recent version of the Africa Cup of Nations in January, however who will win the continent’s greatest competitors?
The home membership seasons could also be in full move proper now, however a pageant of worldwide soccer will kick-start the 2024 schedule. As Qatar prepares to host the AFC Asian Cup on January twelfth, Ivory Coast is able to host the Africa Cup of Nations, beginning on January thirteenth 2024.
The West African nation was initially awarded the competitors in 2021 however has needed to wait an additional three years to host AFCON. The 2024 matches will happen in Cameroon, in six totally different stadiums, in areas akin to Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro and Yamoussukoro.
The match draw occurred in October 2023, splitting the groups into six thrilling teams. Host nation Ivory Coast is in Group A alongside Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.
Egypt, looking for redemption from their remaining defeat two years in the past, will kick off their marketing campaign in Group B towards Ghana, Cape Verde, and Mozambique. In the meantime, Senegal, the defending champions, will begin their title defence towards five-time winners Cameroon, Guinea, and Gambia in Group C.
Former Manchester Metropolis and Al-Ahli ahead Riyad Mahrez might be probably the most distinguished gamers collaborating. He’ll captain Algeria to face Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Angola in Group D.
In Group E, Tunisia drew with Mali, South Africa, and Namibia and is without doubt one of the favourites to do effectively within the match.
Morocco continues to be flying excessive on their historic World Cup success in Qatar for being the primary African facet to succeed in a semi-final. In Group F, Morocco will face the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Tanzania, striving to safe their first match victory since 1976. Regardless of that solo win, the Atlas Lions are one of many favourites to elevate the trophy this time round.
African soccer podcast host and author Maher Mahzi informed FOOTBALL NOW that they’re a quickly rising power within the soccer world.
“They there are very robust facet. However I believe what makes this workforce spectacular is the unity and cohesion they’ve inside the squad, the coach, and the supporters. All of them are pushing. And even on the federation degree, no person has a greater soccer infrastructure and rock on the continent. The coach is without doubt one of the youngest rising stars on the African continent, a pacesetter and an awesome man. After which all of them know the way they wish to play soccer.”
Many followers will watch AFCON as a result of variety of African star gamers collaborating. The expertise on the sector ensures viewers for broadcasters in Africa and throughout the globe. In line with BeIn Sport, the AFCON 2022 remaining between Senegal and Egypt reached record-breaking figures, with over 90 million folks tuning in to the Center East-based broadcaster.
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BBC soccer commentator Mark Scott commentated on three Africa Cup of Nations tournaments for the British channel and is aware of simply what it means to the international locations collaborating:
“I believe that actually, by way of the curiosity in England, it has been getting greater and greater, and that is as a result of so many Premier League stars are actually collaborating. And we have had an inflow of so many good African skills into the English prime division. Simply wanting on the scenes from the final AFCON, how a lot it simply dominated the panorama, not simply within the host international locations, but in addition in all African international locations. It is such a large deal. And I believe that you just have a look at the groups which are on present, and it is such a troublesome one to name.”
Egypt is essentially the most profitable workforce within the Africa Cup of Nations. The Pharaohs boast a exceptional seven-time championship file, securing victory in three consecutive tournaments from 2006 to 2010. As soon as once more, all eyes will probably be on their legendary ahead, Mohamed Salah. Who has had important success with Liverpool since becoming a member of in 2017. Nonetheless, Salah, referred to as ‘The Egyptian King’, has but to elevate a significant worldwide trophy with Egypt.
“I believe he carries the burden of Egypt firmly on his shoulders. With the best will on this planet, he’s a minimize above a lot of his compatriots by way of his potential. He is without doubt one of the finest gamers on this planet. And with that, going right into a match, there’s a lot focus and a focus on him.
So the stress is on for all of the 24 international locations collaborating. Will Senegal retain the title and elevate the trophy for the second time, or will we see a brand new workforce topped the African Cup of Nations champions?
