By: Jeremiah Nutsugah
The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, tournament kicks off on 13th January, 2024 with hosts Côte d’Ivoire facing off against Guinea-Bissau in what is expected to be one of the most openly contested tournament in recent times.
It will be just the third time where we will see 24 teams take part since the expansion in 2019, with even more sides now looking to get their hands on the famous trophy.
Some of the favorites tipped to win the AFCON Trophy;
Senegal
Senegal decisively moved past their previous defeat to Algeria, leaving it firmly behind. In the final, a 4-2 penalty shootout against Egypt marked a historic moment as talisman Sadio Mané not only secured victory with the winning penalty but also achieved a milestone by becoming his country’s all-time leading goalscorer. This accomplishment earned him the distinction of being the first Senegalese player ever named AFCON Player of the Tournament.
Considered favorites to clinch the trophy in 2024 and aiming to achieve the rare feat of back-to-back tournament victories, the Lions of Teranga boast a roster of top-quality players. This includes renowned names such as Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy, and Premier League stars Nico Jackson, Pape Matar Sarr, and Idrissa Gana Gueye.
Morocco
Following an outstanding World Cup campaign in 2022, where Morocco achieved the historic feat of becoming the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final, attention now turns to the Atlas Lions. The focus is on whether they can replicate this success at the African Cup of Nations and potentially go even further.
Under the continued leadership of Walid Regragui, the team faces the challenge of improving upon their recent disappointing performances at AFCON. Morocco has not advanced beyond the quarter-final stage since 2004, when they finished as runners-up to hosts Tunisia.
Many of their stars from the World Cup will be looking to put their names up in lights once more, including goalkeeper Bono, Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, Nayef Aguerd, Hakim Ziyech and Amine Harit to name a few.
Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire, despite winning the competition in 2015, has faced challenges progressing beyond the quarter-final stage. The team is now pinning their hopes on home advantage as they aim to become the first host nation to clinch the tournament since Egypt in 2006.
In the last tournament, the team showcased strength by going unbeaten in the group stages. However, their journey was cut short in the first knockout round, experiencing a heartbreak with a 4-5 penalty shootout defeat to eventual runners-up Egypt. This premature exit left many anticipating a deeper run, adding a sense of unfinished business to their AFCON endeavors.
After failing to qualify for their second consecutive World Cup, this home tournament is set to be one where they can give back to their fans and hopefully become three time AFCON champions after their success in 1992 and 2015.
Nigeria
Despite being drawn alongside hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria will be confident of making it out of the group and going far into the tournament.
The Super Eagles have some incredible firepower with the likes of Victor Osimhen, Victor Boniface, Samuel Chukwueze and Kelechi Iheanacho all able to change a game at the flick of a switch, but will need to improve on their disappointing 2021 campaign that saw them knocked out in the last 16 at the hands of Tunisia.
Egypt
Egypt, a legendary team in the African Cup of Nations, boasts the highest number of tournament trophies, surpassing any other nation in terms of victories.
Despite facing a setback with a penalty shootout loss against Senegal (4-2) in the last AFCON, Egypt exhibited an incredible performance. As they enter the 2024 AFCON, the team is eager to make a powerful statement on the field.
Renowned for having some of the most loyal fans and a rich history in the game, Egypt is anticipated to compete fiercely in the upcoming tournament. Their formidable presence and commitment are poised to leave a lasting impact on the AFCON 2024.
Burkina Faso
Not many people have given Burkina Faso a chance for this year’s AFCON, but if their performances in recent tournaments is anything to go by, then they may be the dark horses once again. In the last 10 years, Burkina Faso have made it to at least the semi-final stage in three of the four tournaments they have qualified for, finishing as runners-up to Nigeria in 2013, before a third place finish in 2017 and finishing fourth last time out in 2021.