Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has expressed his ambition, stating, ”It was a fantastic experience winning (AFCON) six years ago. And if you ask me, do I want to do it again, sure I want to do it again.” Broos said.
The 73-year-old Belgian mentor, who triumphed in the 2017 African Cup of Nations with Cameroon, is determined to replicate that success, guiding Bafana to qualify for the upcoming Afcon after missing out in 2021.
Regarding their group stage opponents, Mali, Namibia, and Tunisia, Broos remains cautious, stating, “Maybe it’s too soon, but I have a feeling that the players want to start training and prepare for Afcon, and I have a good feeling about that.”
Despite acknowledging the challenge, Broos believes in his team’s potential, saying, “I think that the four days that the players have been off have been very good. A lot of players were exhausted after the last game and they needed time off with family, not thinking about football.”
As they gear up for the Afcon challenge, Broos emphasises the importance of focused preparation and remains optimistic about causing upsets if his players perform at their best.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah played a pivotal role in Egypt’s 2-0 victory against Tanzania in a friendly match ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The forward’s well-timed through ball led to Trezeguet’s opening goal in the first half. In the second half, Salah’s 73rd-minute penalty hit the crossbar and deflected in off Tanzania’s goalkeeper Aishi Manula, securing Egypt’s win.
The team now gears up for their AFCON group stage debut against Mozambique on January 14. Salah’s stellar performance in the friendly showcased his crucial contributions to Egypt’s offensive prowess.
The Liverpool forward demonstrated not only his goal-scoring capabilities but also his playmaking skills, setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting AFCON campaign for the Pharaohs.
As Egypt prepares for the upcoming tournament, the nation anticipates Salah’s leadership on the pitch. The seasoned player’s experience in top-level competitions like the Premier League adds a dynamic edge to the team, instilling confidence in fans and teammates alike.
With the AFCON group stage just around the corner, all eyes will be on Salah as he looks to carry his stellar form into the tournament and propel Egypt towards success on the continental stage.
In an impressive display at the Laurent Pokou Stadium, Jean-Louis Gasset’s Ivory Coast squad secured a dominant 5-1 victory over Sierra Leone on Saturday during their preparations for the upcoming 2023 Cup of Nations.
Diomand Othman set the tone for the Elephants by opening the host’s account in the 18th minute with a powerful header from Jeremie Boga’s precise cross. Franck Kessie extended the lead just after the half-hour mark, putting Ivory Coast firmly in control.
The first half onslaught continued with goals from Jonathan Bamba, Jeremie Boga, and Amani Lazare in the 38th, 48th, and 84th minutes, respectively. These goals proved to be more than enough for the home team.
Sierra Leone managed a consolation goal in the 86th minute when Rodney Michael skillfully finished a move assisted by Abu Komeh. This fixture served as a crucial part of Ivory Coast’s preparations for the 34th edition of the continent’s premier football event.
The tournament, scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024, will be played across Abidjan, Yamoussoukro, Bouake, San Pedro, and Korhogo.
Looking ahead, Sierra Leone is set to face Morocco in their next friendly at the same venue next Thursday.
The Confederation of African Football has unveiled the squad numbers for players participating in the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
With each country allowed a final squad of 27 players, only 23 will be eligible for selection in each match during the tournament, commencing in Ivory Coast on Saturday, January 13.
Southampton’s Joe Aribo is set to don Nigeria’s iconic number 10 jersey, previously worn by AFCON legends Austin Jay-Jay Okocha and John Obi Mikel.
Meanwhile, familiar faces such as Ola Aina, William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi, Ahmed Musa, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Chidozie Awaziem, and Kenneth Omeruo retain their numbers from the last Africa Cup of Nations.
Aina will sport number 2, Troost-Ekong 5, Ajayi 6, Iheanacho 14, Simon 15, and Awaziem and Omeruo have been allocated numbers 20 and 22, respectively.
Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman will wear number 18, with Alex Iwobi making a switch to number 17, reminiscent of his time at Arsenal and Everton.
The vacant number 4 kit, following Wilfred Ndidi’s withdrawal, finds a new owner in Alhassan Yusuf, while Victor Osimhen retains his number 9 shirt. Omonia Nicosia’s Francis Uzoho switches from 23 to 1.
Here’s the complete list of confirmed squad numbers:
1. Francis Uzoho 2. Ola Aina 3. Zaidu Sanusi 4. Alhassan Yusuf 5. William Troost-Ekong 6. Semi Ajayi 7. Ahmed Musa 8. Frank Onyeka 9. Victor Osimhen 10. Joe Aribo 11. Samuel Chukwueze 12. Bright Osayi-Samuel 13. Bruno Onyemaechi 14. Kelechi Iheanacho 15. Moses Simon 16. Olorunleke Ojo 17. Alex Iwobi 18. Ademola Lookman 19. Umar Sadiq 20. Chidozie Awaziem 21. Calvin Bassey 22. Kenneth Omeruo 23. Stanley Nwabili 24. Victor Boniface 25. Raphael Onyedika
Stay tuned for the thrilling action set to unfold in the AFCON 2023!
Ghanaian veteran forward Andre Ayew, aiming to set records at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast, expressed his ambition, saying, “My priority is to either start or come off the bench in the Ivory Coast.”
Eyeing the distinction of becoming the first player to score in seven editions of the tournament, Ayew, who recently joined Le Havre, also hopes to equal Rigobert Song and Ahmed Hassan’s feat of participating in eight editions.
Highlighting the importance of team success, Ayew emphasised, “After that, let us see what happens. What is most important is that Ghana do well in this competition as we had a bad 2022 Cup of Nations, going out after the first round.”
Acknowledging the challenges and criticisms he faced, Ayew’s contribution to the team was emphasised by coach Chris Hughton, who remarked, “Andre contributes a lot to the Black Stars, both on and off the field.”
Despite calls for his removal, Ayew’s consistent presence has been maintained by successive coaches, including the current incumbent. Born in France to Ghanaian legend Abedi ‘Pele’ Ayew, Andre’s football journey spans Marseille, the Premier League, Turkey, Qatar, and his recent move to Le Havre in 2023.
Reflecting on Ghana’s recent struggles, Ayew’s younger brother Jordan Ayew also contributes to the squad, which, despite setbacks, remains a contender based on its football legacy.
In their last competitive match before the Cup of Nations, Ghana faced a 1-0 defeat against the Comoros in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, adding to the team’s determination to make amends for a disappointing 2022 campaign.
