The stage is set for the 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations (CAN 2023), scheduled to take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024. The draw for the group stage, which was held on October 12, has determined the fate of the 24 participating countries. In this article, we will analyze the composition of each group, highlighting the favorites and potential dark horses.
Group A: Elephants and Super Eagles, the Powerhouses
As the host nation, Côte d’Ivoire finds itself in a somewhat challenging Group A. The Elephants will have to fight hard to secure their place in the knockout stages of their home CAN. The first three matches will offer an initial glimpse of their capabilities. Since Egypt’s victory in 2006, no team has won the CAN in front of their home crowd. Will Jean-Louis Gasset’s Côte d’Ivoire break this trend?
One of the primary challengers for the Elephants is Nigeria. The Super Eagles, three-time winners of the tournament (2013, 1994, 1980), are the clear favorites in this group. With one of the strongest squads on the continent, Nigeria has a strong chance of progressing from this group.
Guinea-Bissau can be considered one of the underdogs in this group. Since their debut in 2017 in Gabon, the Djurtus have consistently qualified for the finals, even though they have been eliminated in the group stage each time. In a group with these two African football giants, it will be a tough task for them to advance. However, recent performances by teams like The Gambia in the recent CAN in Cameroon keep the final outcome uncertain.
Guinea Equatorial will likely rely on the potential for upsets. Nzalang Nacional secured their spot in this CAN with an impressive qualifying campaign (4 wins, 1 draw, 1 loss). Their aim will undoubtedly be to disrupt the two group favorites.
Group A Composition: Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau, Guinea-Equatorial, Nigeria
Group B: Ghana, Egypt’s Toughest Opponent
Group B sees natural favorites in Egypt and Ghana. Egypt, still in search of a new title since their last triumph in 2010, begins this group in a strong position. Ghana, who were eliminated in the group stage of the previous edition in Cameroon, now boasts a squad with proven talents that can take them further in the competition.
However, Cape Verde and Mozambique, the other two members of this group, will aim to spring a surprise. Cape Verde, who reached the round of 16 in the 2021 edition, successfully navigated the qualifying rounds in a group with Burkina Faso, Togo, and Eswatini. The prospects in Group B look promising.
Making their return to the competition after missing the last six finals, Mozambique faces a tough draw. The Mambas, who will be making their fifth appearance, have shown positive momentum after a successful qualifying campaign (finishing second behind Senegal with 10 points). However, their two losses to the reigning African champions, Senegal, may hint at their challenges against stronger opponents, such as Egypt and Ghana.
Group B Composition: Mozambique, Cape Verde, Ghana, Egypt
Group C: A Tough Challenge for Senegal
The draw hasn’t been kind to the recent African Cup of Nations champions, Senegal. The Teranga Lions, victorious in Cameroon, will begin their title defense in a challenging group. They face off against Cameroon, the host of the last CAN, and the third-place finishers from the previous edition, the Indomitable Lions, making it a hotly anticipated matchup. These two nations, who will play a friendly match in Lens next Monday, obviously would have preferred not to meet in the group stage.
Guinea, who reached the round of 16 in the last CAN, will undoubtedly pose a fierce challenge to the two natural favorites. The Gambia, who reached the quarter-finals in the 2021 CAN, will also not be pushovers. The team led by Belgian coach Tom Saintfiet has set its sights on a round of 16 berth, aiming to validate their recent progress.
However, the Teranga Lions should approach this group with caution. Being a top seed does not necessarily guarantee success, as evidenced in 2012 when Zambia surprised everyone by winning the tournament ahead of Ivory Coast.
Group C Composition: The Gambia, Guinea, Cameroon, Senegal
Group D: Algeria Reunites with Burkina Faso
Algeria finds itself in a manageable Group D. The Desert Foxes are the clear favorites and will face opponents they haven’t encountered in a while. This is especially true for Angola, with their last clash dating back to January 18, 2010, during the group stages of the African Cup of the same year.
Angola is returning to the competition for the first time since their participation in 2019, where they were eliminated in the group stage. The Palancas Negras have a challenging draw and will need to step up if they want to match or surpass their best performances in the tournament. They reached the quarter-finals in 2008 and 2010, but those days seem distant, with the likes of Manucho, Lama, or Flavio who defeated Senegal in 2008.
Algeria will also renew their rivalry with Mauritania, whom they faced in a friendly match on June 3, 2021, with Algeria winning 4-1.
Qualifying for the CAN after topping their group, Burkina Faso is the second-favorite in this group. The Stallions and the Desert Foxes crossed paths in 2021 during the World Cup 2022 qualifiers, drawing 2-2 and 1-1. Finishing third in the last CAN, Burkina Faso should not be underestimated.
Group D Composition: Angola, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Algeria
Group E: Morocco’s Relatively Favorable Draw
Morocco, quarter-finalists in the last African Cup and semi-finalists in the last World Cup, received a relatively favorable draw. However, they will need to prove themselves against ambitious opponents. DR Congo and Zambia are expected to battle for the second spot in the group. Morocco and DR Congo faced each other in the recent World Cup qualifiers, which may motivate the Leopards to seek revenge.
Morocco will also face Namibia, considered the group’s underdog. Namibia has been eliminated in the group stage in each of their three previous appearances (1998, 2008, 2019). However, a goalless draw against Algeria on September 7th in the last round of qualifiers might indicate the team’s quality and potential to surprise.
Group E Composition: Namibia, South Africa, Mali, Tunisia
Group F: Tunisia Faces Stiff Competition
Group F promises a fierce battle for qualification, with Tunisia, Mali, and South Africa as the standout teams. Tunisia and Mali, as in the recent CAN, find themselves in the same group once again. South Africa, showing steady improvement, aims to prove that they can compete with the giants of African football.
Tanzania is considered the weakest team in this group. This marks only their third appearance in the tournament, and they have been eliminated in the group stage in their previous two participations, in 1998 and 2019.
Group F Composition: Tanzania, Zambia, DR Congo, Morocco
High Expectations for the Host Nation, Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire is gearing up to host the 34th African Cup of Nations, and the expectations are high for the home team. They aim to lift the trophy in front of their passionate home crowd, but the road to victory won’t be easy, with the likes of Nigeria, Guinea-Equatorial, and Guinea-Bissau in their group.
The Côte d’Ivoire team will be under pressure to perform, given the history of host nations struggling to win the tournament. The last time a team achieved this feat was Egypt in 2006. Can Jean-Louis Gasset’s Côte d’Ivoire break this pattern and secure a home victory?
Nigeria: The Powerhouse of Group A
Nigeria stands as the powerhouse in Group A, with a rich footballing history that includes three previous African Cup of Nations victories (2013, 1994, 1980). Their squad is one of the strongest on the continent, and they are the clear favorites to advance from the group. The clash between Côte d’Ivoire and Nigeria promises to be one of the most anticipated matches of the tournament.
Guinea-Bissau’s Quest for Upsets
Guinea-Bissau, a consistent participant in recent editions, will face a formidable challenge in this group. While it may seem difficult for them to advance alongside the football giants of the group, recent performances by teams like The Gambia in the 2021 CAN show that surprises are always possible. Guinea-Bissau’s performance in this group will be closely watched.
Guinea-Equatorial’s Pursuit of an Upset
Guinea-Equatorial secured their spot in the CAN through an interesting qualifying campaign. While they might not be favorites, they will certainly aim to disrupt the plans of the two strong teams in the group. Their determination and performance will be key to shaping the group dynamics.
Group B: Egypt and Ghana – A Clash of Titans
Group B presents a battle of giants with Egypt and Ghana as the natural favorites. Egypt, with its storied history in the tournament, will seek to end its championship drought. Ghana, on the other hand, boasts a squad with reliable talents and aims to go far in the competition after an early exit in the previous edition.
Cape Verde and Mozambique Eyeing Surprises
Cape Verde, coming off a successful qualifying campaign, has the potential to challenge the favorites. Mozambique, despite a challenging draw, has shown promise and will be looking to upset the established order. The battle for supremacy in Group B will be intense.
Group C: Senegal Faces a Tough Test
The defending champions, Senegal, have been placed in a challenging group that includes Cameroon and Guinea. Cameroon, as the host of the last CAN, is a strong contender, while Guinea has shown promise in recent tournaments. The Gambia is another team that aims to make a mark in this group, setting the stage for exciting matches.
Group D: Algeria’s Favorable Draw
Algeria finds itself in Group D with a favorable draw, making them the clear favorites. Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Angola will provide stiff competition. Burkina Faso, in particular, should not be underestimated after their impressive performance in recent tournaments.
Group E: Morocco’s Relatively Comfortable Group
Morocco, coming off a historic World Cup performance, has been placed in a group where they are the favorites. DR Congo and Zambia will vie for the second spot, with Tanzania considered the underdog. The matches in this group should provide an interesting mix of competition.
Group F: Tunisia, Mali, and South Africa in a Tight Race
Group F presents a three-way battle between Tunisia, Mali, and South Africa. Tunisia, the 2004 champions, will aim to demonstrate their strength. Mali, guided by a new generation of talent, poses a significant threat. South Africa, looking to regain its status as a continental heavyweight, will be determined to compete with the best. Tanzania, though considered the weakest team in the group, has the potential to surprise.
High Expectations for the Host Nation, Côte d’Ivoire
As the host nation, Côte d’Ivoire carries the hopes of the home crowd. Winning the tournament on home soil is always a cherished dream, and the Elephants will be eager to make it a reality. The challenge will be immense, but the passion and support of the Ivorian fans may play a significant role in their quest for glory.
In Conclusion
The draw for the group stage of CAN 2023 has set the stage for an exciting tournament with a mix of favorites and potential dark horses. Each group has its unique dynamics and challenges, and the football world will be eagerly watching as these nations battle for continental supremacy. The 34th edition of the African Cup of Nations promises to deliver memorable moments and intense competition on the African football stage. The fans and the players are ready for the grand spectacle, and the stage is set for an exhilarating competition.
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