2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is about to get started. This tournament is sure to bring amazing football and inspiring stories! As teams get ready to battle for the most coveted title in all of motorsports, a host of interesting storylines are taking shape. Notably, Mohamed Salah of Egypt is poised to solidify his legacy as the nation’s greatest player by potentially winning the tournament. At the other end of the spectrum, reigning champions Ivory Coast will be looking to defend their title, and Algeria will hope their recent woes don’t sap their competitiveness.
The Egyptian national team, under the guidance of star player Mohamed Salah, heads into the tournament with much to prove. The forward’s performance could define his legacy, especially with the opportunity to win AFCON and quell any debate regarding his status as Egypt’s greatest player. Salah’s form in 2023 has been erratic, as apparent by recent public tension between Salah and Liverpool. Regardless, he is still likely to be the key man for Egypt as they begin their AFCON adventure.
In a significant lead-up friendly, Egypt delivered a symbolic 3-1 win against England last summer. This fixture represented the only defeat and goals England have surrendered under their new head coach, Thomas Tuchel. Egypt will enter into this tough tournament full of confidence after their monumental win as they aim to build more momentum in the tournament.
The Challenge for Algeria
Indeed, Algeria approaches the AFCON under a messy story line. Though the team won the Copa America 2019, it has floundered in finding that success consistently during other international tournaments. They easily maneuvered through their World Cup qualifying group, finishing at the top and without a loss. They have failed to progress beyond the group stage since their last AFCON victory.
Riyad Mahrez, perhaps the best-known player in African football, will have to summon all his experience to inspire Algeria to repeat their heroics. Even with such strong track records, doubts remain as to whether this group can return to winning ways against the competition at a world level. The stakes are high as Algeria looks to return to the ranks of Africa’s top teams.
Reigning Champions and Rising Stars
Ivory coast comes into the tournament as defending champions. They have a historic record in World Cup qualifications, qualifying with zero goals against them. Considering that they led AFCON in advanced defensive metrics, their stout and unyielding defending will be key as they look to repeat as AFCON champions.
DR Congo are still partying after recently winning the women’s AFCON and beating Nigeria in the final. This victory has lifted their spirits and confidence going into the World Cup! Nigeria’s tragic penalty shootout loss to DR Congo denied them a place at the World Cup. This loss certainly gives the upcoming teams’ next matchup a new emotional thrust. Furthermore, Nigeria’s preparations for AFCON have been marred by unexpected challenges, including the sudden retirement of captain William Troost-Ekong and a players’ strike that disrupted their training camps.
Morocco as Favourites
Morocco are consistently touted as one of the favourites to win this year’s AFCON, particularly given that they are hosting the tournament. The competition serves as a vital warm-up for the 2030 World Cup, where Morocco will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal. Morocco will be severely tested if captain Achraf Hakimi is unavailable. He broke his ankle while playing against Bayern Munich in the Champions League, and he might not be available for the group stage.
Senegal makes an interesting entry to the tournament on this front. Having done so without losing a match in their qualifying campaign, they’re regarded as one of the top favorites for lifting the title. The tactical awareness and depth of the team will be difficult for any team in the tournament to overcome.
Cameroon is in full-on crisis mode after their World Cup failure to qualify. Having been denied so cruelly, this disappointment hangs heavy over their AFCON ambitions as they look for redemption on the continental stage.
Leave a Reply