AFCON 2023: A Deep Dive into Contenders and Dark Horses

The 2024 African Cup of Nations tournament kicks off in Côte D’ivoire in just eight days. Twenty four nations will be vying for the most prestigious trophy in African football. Who are the contenders though, and who exactly are the dark horses?

Morocco emerge as a strong contenders, fuelled by their impressive FIFA ranking of 13th and a solid defensive record from their recent World Cup semi-final run.

Led by goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and key defensive midfield enforcer Sofyan Amrabat, if their defense maintains its current form, Morocco could clinch their first AFCON title in nearly 50 years!

Hosts Cote d’Ivoire, despite winning in 2015, face a challenging group with Nigeria, unbeaten in seven matches. Star striker Victor Osimhen, fresh from Napoli’s Serie A triumph, aims to lead Nigeria to their first AFCON title since 2013.

He will be ably supported by rising talents like Victor Boniface from Bayer Leverkusen and Ademola Lookman of Italian side Atalanta. The Super Eagles boast the most fearsome attack on the continent.

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon cannot be discounted either. Led by legendary former defender Rigobert Song, the West Africans will be hoping to lift the trophy again after their last triumph in 2017 over Egypt. Vincent Aboubakar, topscorer at the last tournament remains with the squad.

Egypt are also contenders. Led by Mohamed Salah, the Pharaohs hope to end their fourteen year wait and secure victory. However, they face tough competition in Group B, despite Ghana missing key players in Thomas Partey and Tariq Lamptey.

North African teams dominate FIFA’s rankings, yet none have won the AFCON tournament south of the Sahara since 2010. Tunisia, facing a formidable group with Mali, South Africa, and Namibia, seek to improve on their recent tournament performances.

Algeria are perhaps the dark horses. The 2019 champions enter the competition unbeaten in 2023. Strengthened by Roma’s Houssem Aouar, they aim for success in a relatively weaker Group D alongside Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Angola.

Senegal, the reigning champions from 2021 are of course up there with the favourites. They boast a strong squad with additions like Pape Sarr and Nicolas Jackson. Despite challenges in the group stage against Cameroon and in-form Guinea, they’re eyeing back-to-back AFCON titles.

Reflecting on Zambia’s underdog triumph in 2012, the tournament’s format allows surprises. With the best third-place teams advancing, any team can create a memorable run with a series of unexpected results. This edition promises excitement and potential surprises on the road to the knockout stages.

It will certainly be fascinating to watch.

Written by Fritz Addison

I'm filled with passion for the beautiful game and the gift of writing about it. Join me on my journey as I share my perspective on everything football and beyond.

Published on January 5, 2024