As the anticipation builds for AFCON 2023, Group B promises thrilling clashes featuring football powerhouses Egypt, Ghana, underdogs Cape Verde, and Mozambique eager to make their mark.

EGYPT: CHASING EIGHTH GLORY

Rebuilding Phase:

Once a dominant force, Egypt’s golden era seems to be fading, but with an average squad age of 28.9 years, the Pharaohs, led by coach Rui Vitória, are determined to reclaim the glory days.

Salah’s Quest:

Mohamed Salah, Egypt’s talisman, eyes his first AFCON title after two heartbreaking final losses. With outstanding form at Liverpool where he tops the Premier League for both goals (18) and assists (8), he aims to become the first Egyptian to score in four AFCON tournaments.

Supporting Cast:

Keep an eye on rising stars like Omar Marmoush, making waves in Bundesliga with Eintracht Frankfurt, and Mostafa Mohamed, a potent force in Ligue 1 with Nantes, adding depth to Egypt’s attacking prowess.Goalkeeping Strength:
Goalkeeping duo Gabaski and El Shenawy bring reliability to Egypt’s defense, crucial for their AFCON aspirations.

Goalkeeping Strength:

One of the key components of Egypt’s ‘golden generation’ was Essam El-Hadary – one of Africa’s finest ever goalkeepers. He’s the goalkeeping coach for the Pharaohs and has gotten the best out of goalkeeping duo Gabaski and El Shenawy.

El Shenawy was widely regarded as the best goalkeeper at the last tournament before his untimely injury allowed Gabaski to capture the imagination with his penalty heroics. They will bring reliability to Egypt’s defense, crucial for their AFCON aspirations.

GHANA: NAVIGATING A DECLINE
HUGHTON’S CHALLENGE:

Ghana faces a challenging phase with coach Chris Hughton aiming to revive the team’s former glory. Struggling for goals, Ghana’s performance in recent tournaments has left fans yearning for a resurgence.

Injury Woes and Low Expectations:

Injuries to key players like Thomas Partey and Tariq Lamptey add to Ghana’s challenges. Low expectations surround the team as they seek redemption in Ivory Coast.

André Ayew’s Legacy:

Veteran André Ayew eyes AFCON immortality, aiming to set records in his eighth tournament. Only Rigobert Song (Cameroon) and Ahmed Hassan (Egypt) have previously managed to feature in eight AFCON tournaments. 

The Le Havre man is two games away from playing the most AFCON games in history. He is also Ghana’s all time topscorer at AFCON with 10 goals, meaning any he scores in Ivory Coast will extend his existing record.

The 34 year old has scored in six of his previous seven tournaments – if he finds the back of the net this time round, he’ll set a new record and overtake Samuel Eto’o, Kalusha Bwalya and Asamoah Gyan for the most tournaments scored in.

Mohammed Kudus’ time to shine:

In Qatar just over a year ago, the former Ajax standout showcased his prowess, making history as the first Ghanaian to net two goals in a World Cup match. Kudus has been a sensation for West Ham this season, securing the second-highest goal tally at 10, just trailing Jarrod Bowen (14).

Not only a goal-scorer, but Kudus has also made a creative impact, with only Lucas Paquetá (37) surpassing his 18 chances created in open play across all competitions before his departure for the tournament.

The Black Stars team is screaming out for a new star to emerge and carry the nation’s hopes on his shoulders. This tournament could see Kudus do just that, he’s certainly got the ability to do so.

Goalkeeping Dilemma:

Ghana grapples with a goalkeeping conundrum, with Hughton needing to finalise his starting keeper for the tournament. Lawrence Ati-Zigi, Joseph Wollacott and Richard Ofori battle for the number one spot.

CAPE VERDE: RISING STARS

Remarkable Journey:

Cape Verde’s football rise, fueled by expatriate talent, has been impressive. From AFCON debutants to contenders, they aim to build on their 2013 success where they reached the quarter finals of the competition in their maiden appearance.

Ryan Mendes:

Experienced winger Ryan Mendes leads Cape Verde, offering stability and goal-scoring prowess. Their clash with Ghana promises to reignite memories of their intense quarterfinal battle in 2013.

MOZAMBIQUE: CHASING FIRST VICTORY

Long Wait For Success:

Mozambique returns to AFCON after a 13-year hiatus, seeking their first tournament win. With limited expectations, the Mambas aim to create history in Ivory Coast.

Domingues’ Enduring Legacy:

Domingues, Mozambique’s seasoned player at 40, adds a vast wealth of experience to the squad. As the oldest player in the tournament, he eyes a memorable campaign with a goal-scoring revival.

Injury Concerns:

Reinildo’s injury casts uncertainty over Mozambique’s defensive stability, posing a challenge for coach Chiquinho Conde.

Group B promises a mix of experience and emerging talent, setting the stage for riveting encounters as these nations vie for supremacy in the 2023 AFCON.