In what promises to be an unpredictable tournament, the upcoming edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is witnessing an unusually high number of title contenders eager to challenge the reigning champions, Sadio Mané’s Senegal. The competition is set to commence this Saturday, with football enthusiasts eagerly anticipating the unfolding drama on the field.
Morocco, fresh from its historic World Cup success as the first African team to reach the semifinals, is determined to build on its achievements. Meanwhile, seven-time champion Egypt, led by the prolific Mohammed Salah, seeks redemption after the heartbreak of losing the 2021 Africa Cup final on penalties. Nigeria, boasting African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, Ghana with leader Mohammed Kudus eyeing a fifth title, and Ivory Coast, buoyed by strong home support, are all formidable contenders in the quest for glory.
Reflecting on the competition’s strength, Senegal’s Mané remarked, “This competition will be one of the strongest since I started playing in it because all the big countries are here.” Mané, who played a crucial role in Senegal’s victory over Egypt in the previous edition, is expected to be a key player once again.
Originally scheduled for June and July last year but postponed to avoid Ivory Coast’s tropical rainy season, the 34th edition of the biennial tournament coincides with the middle of the European league season. This has compelled top clubs to cope without their star players for a substantial period, affecting team dynamics and strategies.
As the tournament unfolds, notable clubs such as Napoli, Liverpool, and Bayer Leverkusen face challenges with key players unavailable. Osimhen, Salah, and several others will be absent, potentially impacting their clubs’ performances in domestic leagues, with Bayer Leverkusen particularly affected in its pursuit of the Bundesliga title.
Safety remains a paramount concern, especially after the tragic incident at the previous edition in Cameroon where eight people lost their lives and 38 were injured in a stadium crush. Authorities are expected to implement stringent measures to ensure the well-being of spectators and participants during the tournament.
Featuring 24 teams divided into six groups, the matches will be spread across six stadiums in five cities. The tournament will culminate in the final at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Feb. 12. The top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams will advance to the knockout stage, setting the stage for an exciting and fiercely competitive culmination to the Africa Cup of Nations.
