The thirty fourth version of the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Côte d’Ivoire from January 13 to February 11.
Arguably probably the most prestigious nations soccer match in Africa, AFCON has, since its inception in 1957, been writing its personal historical past version after version. Information are damaged, new information are set and, above all, gamers and coaches carve a distinct segment for themselves.
Occasions Sport suggests 10 info must know in regards to the upcoming month lengthy competitors:
African document beckons Ghana skipper Andre Ayew
Black Stars captain Andre Ayew might set two information within the 2023 AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire.
Ayew, 34, has made 34 appearances within the AFCON since making his match debut in opposition to Guinea within the 2008 AFCON in Ghana. With three extra appearances on the 2023 version, he’s prone to surpass Cameroon legend Rigobert Track’s 36 appearances to turn into the primary participant with most appearances within the historical past of the competitors.
Additionally, presently, Ayew, Samuel Eto’o and fellow Ghana legend Asamoah Gyan have scored at the very least a purpose within the final six AFCON tournaments. The Ghana captain can set a brand new document with a purpose in Côte d’Ivoire by turning into the primary participant in competitors’s historical past to attain in seven totally different editions.
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No new faces on the 2023 version
Since AFCON inception in 1957, 44 international locations have participated however unusually sufficient, no new staff will likely be making its maiden look on the 2023 version.
The latest version of the competitors, held in Cameroon in 2021, noticed Gambia and Comoros making their debut within the match. They reached the spherical of 16 and the quarter finals respectively.
French Ligue 1 information highest illustration
The “French” taste can by no means be taken out of AFCON. French soccer has been a by-product of the AFCON from day one.
Within the 2023 version, the French Ligue 1 is contributing as many as 61 gamers to the competitors, the best in Europe’s high 5 leagues. The English Premier League ranks second with 30 gamers, Spanish La Liga has 19 whereas the German Bundesliga and Italian Serie A boast 16 gamers every.
Might a neighborhood coach win the AFCON once more?
The earlier two editions of the African Cup of Nations have been gained by homegrown coacheswith Djamel Belmadi of Algeria successful it in Egypt in 2019 whereas Aliou Cisse lifted the title with Senegal in 2021 in Cameroon.
Senegal and Morocco are amongst sizzling favorites to win AFCON 2023 and that places Cisse on the suitable path to retain the title whereas Walid Regragui additionally seems destined to overcome Africa similar to he virtually dominated the world throughout the Qatar 2022 World Cup.
Oldest and youngest gamers, squads
Mozambique’s Domingues also referred to as Elias Gaspar Pelembe heads to the AFCON 2023 because the oldest participant within the match.
By the point Mozambique play their first sport in opposition to Egypt on the Stade Felix Houphouet-Boigny on Sunday, January 14, Domingues will likely be 40 years, 2 months and 1 day outdated.
In the meantime, Cameroon’s Wilfred Nathan is AFCON 2023’s youngest participant as he seems ahead to creating his debut look on the competitors at simply 17 years.
In all, Egypt has the oldest squad with a mean age of 28.85 years whereas Taifa Stars of Tanzania takes the youngest squad to Côte d’Ivoire with a mean age of 24.64 years.
Solely three coaches have beforehand gained AFCON
Out of the 24 coaches going to the 2023 AFCON, solely three have attained AFCON glory earlier than. Hugo Broos gained it with Cameroon in 2017 , Djamel Belmadi with Algeria in 2019 and Aliou Cissé with Senegal in 2021.
DR Congo chasing their second trophy in 55 years
Among the many 24 international locations taking part within the 2023 AFCON, solely Egypt, Ghana, host nation Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon, Algeria, South Africa, Tunisia, Morocco, Zambia and DR Congo have beforehand gained the competitors.
Going by means of the final time every of those international locations gained the match, the Leopards of DR Congo document the longest run of title drought. It has been over 5 stable many years since they final gained the AFCON which was in Ethiopia in 1968 after they beat Ghana 1-0 within the remaining on January 21 courtesy of a 66th minute purpose from Pierre Kalala Mukendi.
Koffi Tia scored the opening purpose the final time Côte d’Ivoire hosted AFCON
Midfielder Koffi Tia scored the primary purpose of the 1984 AFCON which was hosted by Côte d’Ivoire.
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The previous enterprising midfielder opened the scoring within the twenty eighth minute on March 4, 1984 on the then bought out 50,000 capability Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan because the Elephants thrashed Togo 3-0.
Egypt information highest AFCON participation
Seven-time African champions Egypt additionally maintain the document for the best variety of participations within the historical past of the AFCON competitors.
That is going to be the Pharaohs twenty sixth look in 34 AFCON editions.
They’re intently adopted by Côte d’Ivoire (25), Ghana (24), Cameroon and Tunisia (each 21).
AFCON Prize cash will increase
In an try to lift the picture of competitors, the Confederation of African Soccer (CAF) elevated the prize cash of the competitors by 40 p.c.
The earlier version held in Cameroon in 2021, noticed champions Senegal obtain $5 million whereas runners-up Egypt secured $2.5 million.
For the thirty fourth version in Cote d’Ivoire, the winner will now be awarded $7 million with the runners-up set to take residence $4 million. Shedding semi-finalists will every obtain $2.5 million. The 4 groups that may get eradicated on the quarterfinalists will obtain $1.3 million every.
