Excitement and anticipation are running high following the official draw for the group stage of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, set to take place in Cote d’Ivoire in 2023.
The draw, which took place in Abidjan, has set the stage for some tantalizing matches that promise to captivate football fans across the continent and beyond.
Hosts Cote d’Ivoire have been drawn into Group A, where they will face off against regional rivals Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. The prospect of an Ivory Coast-Nigeria showdown is already generating buzz among fans.
Group B promises a clash of giants as defending champions Senegal are pitted against Cameroon, Ghana, and the determined Cape Verde and Mozambique.
This group is filled with rich history and fierce competition, especially with the repeat of the 2010 final between Egypt and Ghana, making Group B a must-watch.
Group C is seen as the most challenging, with the reigning African champions, Senegal, set to face Cameroon, Guinea, and Gambia. The memory of their dramatic exit in the 2017 edition still lingers, adding an extra layer of intrigue to Senegal’s matches.
Group D features Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Angola, ensuring a high level of competition among these nations.
The group stage promises football enthusiasts thrilling encounters and intense rivalries, with no clear favorites emerging.
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The tournament, hosted by Cote d’Ivoire, will take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024, at six venues across the country. The excitement is building, and Africanews correspondent Wahany Sambo believes Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Algeria are the teams to watch closely, with Morocco being the top pick.
As the draw sets the stage for the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in 2023, fans can look forward to a month of thrilling football action, with each group promising nail-biting matches and unforgettable moments on the road to African football glory.