Timothy Dehinbo
As the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations, AFCON 2023 kicks off tonight, all eyes turn to Ivory Coast, the gracious host of this year’s tournament. Against the backdrop of its vibrant culture and welcoming landscapes, the competition promises exciting football moments and an engaging blend of sportsmanship and the warm hospitality that Ivory Coast extends to the world. For followers across Africa and beyond, get ready to witness the beauty of the game and the charm of the host nation in this unforgettable football event.
On July 7, 2023, in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, the official mascot of AFCON 2023 was introduced. Named AKWABA, taken from a local Ivorian language, it represents the essential values of the competition: hospitality, friendship, generosity, and team spirit. AKWABA aims to offer a genuine experience of Ivorian hospitality, connecting with fans, players, and nations, while celebrating the spirit of teamwork through cooperation, mutual respect, and fair play.
The countdown is over, preparations are in place, fans are eagerly anticipating – it’s showtime. Greetings, Côte d’Ivoire, AFCON 2023 is here!
At Yaoundé’s Olembe Stadium on February 6, 2022, Senegal won AFCON 2021, beating Egypt 4-2 on penalties after a goalless 120-minute match. It was Senegal’s first-ever triumph in the tournament.
Will Aliou Cisse’s team, with leaders like Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly, be able to repeat their success? Morocco, having reached the World Cup semi-finals, hopes to lift the trophy. Victor Osimhen, who won the CAF Men’s Footballer of the Year award in December, aspires to guide Nigeria to glory with their talented squad. Another Chance for Mo Salah to lay his hands on the trophy?
Stadia to host games
Games will be played at six stadiums in five cities: Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Bouake, San Pedro, and Korhogo. Ivory Coast hosted AFCON in 1984 at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, which has been renovated for this event.
The opening match and final will be at the Olympique Alassane Ouattara Stadium, named after the country’s president. Built for the tournament, it was completed in October 2020, with an athletics track and a seating capacity of up to 60,000.
The other four grounds – Stade de la Paix, Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium, Charles Konan Banny Stadium, and Laurent Pokou Stadium – are also new constructions for this tournament.
How the groups Look Like
Twenty-four teams are divided into six groups. The top two teams from each group will advance to the next stage, along with the four best third-placed teams.
What about the Official Matchball?
The official matchball was named after Ivorian Legend LAURENT POKOU & features the colors of the Cote d’Ivoire flag and incorporates advanced technology, celebrates Pokou’s legacy, including his record-breaking performance in the Sudan 1970 Africa Cup of Nations where he finished as best player and top scorer with 8 goals.
He was also top scorer in Ethiopia 1968 with 6 goals. Pokou scored five in one match against Ethiopia, which Ivory Coast won 6–1. This performance gave him his nickname L’homme d’Asmara (the man of Asmara).
With 14 total goals, he is also the tournament’s second highest overall goalscorer, behind Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o, who eclipsed Pokou’s record in the 2008 AFCON tournament in Ghana. Pokou passed on in 2016.
Players To Watch
Keep an eye out for familiar names like Victor Osimhen, Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane, Hachraf Hakimi, Andre Onana, and the rising star from Ghana, Mohammed Kudus.
Algeria relies on the former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez. Serhou Guirassy, who’s been making waves in the Bundesliga with 17 goals in 14 appearances for Stuttgart this season, aims to inspire Guinea.
There’s also the likes of Yoane Wissa, Yves Bissouma, Patson Daka, Percy Tau and a few others.
Touching on some few Names;
Victor Osimhen
After a strong 2023, the Nigerian striker was named African Player of the Year on December 11. Scoring 10 goals in the qualifiers, he topped the charts, with Sadio at 5. Missing the 2021 edition due to injury, Victor aims to guide his team to victory.
With 20 goals in 27 caps, Victor’s impact is clear; when he hits the ball, it stays hit. His mix of ferocity and audacity makes him formidable. Osimhen excels in combining skills for goal-scoring opportunities that challenge defenses.
A force in the air, Osimhen’s shooting turns speculative efforts into goals. His aerial prowess have deterred some center-backs.
Osimhen’s hold-up play will challenge defenders at AFCON, and defenders need not be told to be wary of the ‘Ijaya Olusosun’
Mohammed Salah
Vincent Aboubakar’s 88th-minute winner against Egypt in the AFCON 2017 final at Stade de l’Amitié, Libreville, stung, but Sadio Mane’s penalty shootout victory at Olembe Stadium, Yaoundé, on February 6, 2022, for the AFCON 2021 final was truly painful.
Mo Salah, visibly distressed, shed tears as he experienced another final defeat. Reflecting on Egypt’s illustrious players, many have celebrated Africa Cup of Nations victories. Names like Rifaat El Fanagily, Mahmoud El Khatib, Taher Abouzeid, Hossam Hassan, and Mohamed Aboutrika resonate with success.
Despite being a contender for Egypt’s greatest player, Salah hasn’t secured an AFCON title, finishing as a runner-up in both 2017 and 2021. The upcoming opportunity is another shot, and if there’s anyone poised to give their all for the nation, it’s Mohammed Salah.
Given Egypt’s team dynamics, Salah’s knack for creating goal-scoring opportunities for his compatriots will play a crucial role in this year’s tournament.
Sadio Mane
Taking a decisive penalty to secure your country’s victory demands courage and confidence. It requires even more resilience when that penalty comes after having one saved in regular time, a situation Sadio Mane faced in Senegal’s AFCON 2021 triumph.
Facing Egypt’s standout goalkeeper, Mohammed Abou Gabal, Mane saw his penalty saved in the 7th minute. With the score at 3–2 to Senegal in the shootout, Édouard Mendy’s crucial save from Mohanad Lasheen kept the lead.
In a nerve-wracking moment, Mane, undeterred, stepped up again and delivered. It was redemption for him, having lost the 2019 final to Algeria. Leading his nation to their first-ever AFCON title, Mane became a symbol of pride for Bambali and Senegal.
Even at 31, Mane remains the main goal-scorer for the national team, with an impressive 40 goals. As AFCON approaches this month, Mane is eager to contribute to Senegal’s success and reach a third consecutive final.
The time is here, it’s AFCON 2023 o’clock. AKWABA!!!
The opening ceremony is later tonight, with Côte d’Ivoire the host facing off against Guinea Bissau 8 pm GMT.
Here’s the full Round 1 Fixtures
