The African Cup of Nations is here. This long-awaited sports tournament started on January 13, 2024. Fans were excited to see their countries and favorite players compete for pride. The first intense match featured Ivory Coast (the host) against Guinea-Bissau.
The countdown to this moment has stopped, and now fans can immerse themselves in all the action unfolding. Our guide discusses essential details regarding AFCON 2024 at this early stage of the competition.
Contents
- Brief Overview of the Africa Cup of Nations
- Time And Location For The AFCON 2024
- Hosting Stadiums
- What television channel can I watch AFCON?
- Which teams have qualified for AFCON 2023
- AFCON Fixtures Preview
- AFCON 2024 Favorite Players
- Why Kenya won’t be participating in AFCON 2023
- Tips To Betting on The AFCON 2024 In Kenya
- History Of The AFCON
- Past Winners
- Important Achievements
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Brief Overview of the Africa Cup of Nations
The Africa Cup of Nations is a popular competition packed with lots of action. AFCON is catching the attention of soccer fans in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. It’s the most significant event in African soccer. When the competition begins, people from Europe, Asia, America, and other places watch to see famous players who also play for their favorite clubs.
AFCON is not just about soccer; it also shows the world the excellence of African culture and traditions. Teams wear traditional clothes for pictures, and fans come to the games dressed in cultural outfits while dancing to cultural music. It is like a big party celebrating the different cultures of Africa.
Time And Location For The AFCON 2024
The AFCON began on January 13, and it will continue until Feb. 9, 2024; Ivory Coast is the host nation. The AFCON occurs every two years; this time, it should have been in 2023. However, due to poor weather, it has been shifted to 2024. Ivory Coast will be a significant force in the AFCON this year. In the football sphere, they are a formidable team.
Hosting Stadiums
Ivory Coast has eight stadiums. Six of these will be ready to host the games. These stadiums are standard and can hold over 20,000 people. They also have modern facilities. Let’s take a look at the AFCON stadiums:
Laurent Pokou Stadium
The Laurent Pokou Stadium is located in San Pedro. San Pedro is on the southwest coast of the Ivory Coast. This stadium accommodates about 20,000 spectators. The Laurent Pokou Stadium of South West Ivory Coast is another AFCON 2023 stadium. Teams like Morocco, Mali, and DR Congo will likely match in this stadium during the tournament, making it more critical in history.
Stade de la Paix (Bouaké)
Located in the Ivory Coast is Bouaké Peace Stadium. It was recently renovated. The stadium is the third-biggest venue used for hosting the African Cup 2023. The event will accommodate more than 40,000 people. Bouaké is situated in the Ivory Coast mid-section.
Charles Konan Banny Stadium
It is an excellent destination with modern-day equipment, accommodating some 20,000 folks. So Senegal will start a defense of their title right there.
Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium.
It accommodates up to 45,000 people. It is the home of ASEC Mimosas and Elephants de Côte d’Ivoire, where they play club league games.
Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium
The biggest stadium for the African Cup of Nations year is now known as the de Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium. It was formerly called Stade Olympique. The capacity is about 60,000 people. The stadium will be the stage of the tournament’s final on February eleven, 2024.
What television channel can I watch AFCON?
StarTimes is a broadcaster that will regale you with the matches for AFCON 2023 if you are in Kenya and dream of catching this event on TV. And, if you are a subscriber and have the rights to broadcast all 52 games, then nothing can stop your success. SuperSport will also air the matches live. You can subscribe to either the Startimes service or SuperSport offers to watch all action from AFCON.
Which teams have qualified for AFCON 2023
There will be 24 teams to play in AFCON in 2023.
- Algeria
- Angola
- Burkina Faso
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- DR Congo
- Egypt
- Equatorial Guinea
- Gambia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Ivory Coast
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Morocco
- Mozambique
- Namibia
- Nigeria
- Senegal
- South Africa
- Tanzania
- Tunisia
- Zambia
AFCON Fixtures Preview
Group A
All eyes turn to Abidjan’s Stade Olympique as Ivory Coast’s “Elephants” face Guinea Bissau in the tournament opener. With stars like Haller and Konaté, the hosts aim to clinch their first continental title in nine years.
Guinea Bissau, considered an underdog, qualified for their 4th successive AFCON, surpassing giants like Guinea and Nigeria. Despite being the weakest on paper, the Ivorians are expected to secure victory in their first match, setting the stage for a compelling campaign.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria enter AFCON with redemption on their wings, bouncing back from recent disappointments. After leading their qualifying group, they’re favorites with a star-studded lineup featuring African footballer of the year Victor Osimhen.
Equatorial Guinea, an underdog, possesses the potential for an upset. While they have consistently progressed from the group stage of all AFCON tournaments, they’ve qualified for.
Group B
Egypt, a dominant force in the AFCON, won the titles consecutively from 2006 to 2010. They seek revival with coach Rui Vitória, who adopt a more expansive style. Despite a 13-year title drought, their seven titles remain unrivaled. They head to the tournament with an aging squad, averaging 28.9 years.
Meanwhile, Mozambique, back after 13 years, treasures the AFCON chance. Chiquinho Conde’s team, underestimated initially, dreams of a historic win, standing as underdogs in the tournament, fueled by the joy of surpassing expectations and reaching the finals.
Ghana, a former AFCON powerhouse, grapples with a decline in form, facing low expectations under coach Chris Hughton. Conversely, Cape Verde’s football resurgence, driven by coach João de Deus and expatriate players, might defy expectations.
Despite recent setbacks, their 2023 AFCON return displayed resilience. The clash with Ghana rekindles history, marking a pivotal moment for both teams seeking redemption and prominence on the African football stage.
Group C
Senegal, breaking their trophy drought in 2021, aims to maintain their champion status. They lost just once in 2023 and enjoy a winning start in 2024. Meanwhile, Aliou Cissé’s Lions, led by Sadio Mané, face concerns over maintaining intensity as key players moved away from Europe to the Saudi Pro League.
The Gambia, once AFCON’s lowest-ranked team, made waves in the previous edition, reaching the quarterfinals as underdogs. Returning with belief, they aim to surprise again. They display some resilience and dramatic flair in their qualifying journey against Congo.
Cameroon, one of the rare AFCON title defenders, secured their fifth title in 2017 against all odds. The Indomitable Lions will hope to have André Onana back from Man Utd in time for this first clash.
Kaba Diawara, once known as an unlucky striker at Arsenal, now seeks luck as Guinea’s coach in AFCON. Naby Keïta, with over 50 caps and 11 goals for Guinea since 2014. He will seek to motivate the Syli National’s side when facing Cameroon.
Group D
Algeria’s AFCON defense in 2023 fell short due to predictability and squad fatigue. The wake-up call led to a squad overhaul, emphasizing youth. Notable veterans like Yacine Brahimi were replaced in a deliberate shift towards a younger squad. They will hope fresh legs will infuse the much needed energy to have a successful tournament.
Angola, historically a mid-level team, returns to AFCON amid organizational challenges. Coach Pedro Gonçalves acknowledges their status as the “weakest in the group.” after leading the team to their ninth AFCON appearance.
Burkina Faso remains committed to homegrown talent ahead of the tournament . The Stallions reached the 2013 final while they get to the 2017 and 2019 semi-finals. With a determined coach, they aspire to secure a spot in the last eight, aiming for a potential deeper AFCON run.
A decade ago, Mauritania struggled in football, but now AFCON qualification is a must. Despite challenges, their team’s mentality, featuring young talent, is remarkable, securing a third successive tournament appearance. Their goalkeeper, Babacar Niasse is the tallest in the competition with 6’5’’ height.
Group E
Tunisia, seeking another AFCON triumph since 2004, faces skepticism about current capabilities. Despite missing veterans and notable players, their resilience can’t be ignored. They are expected to adopt a 4-3-3 formation with key players like Béchir Ben Saïd, Ali Maâloul, and Youssef Msakni.
Namibia’s qualification for AFCON sparked national excitement, notably with a victory over Cameroon. Despite a subsequent loss to Burundi, coach Collin Benjamin guided the Brave Warriors through a challenging qualification. They now set sight on having a bright campaign.
Mali, known for youth talent, lacks senior-level success. Despite youth achievements, their AFCON performances remain inconsistent. The current coach’s tenure aims to change this, with a 76% chance predicted to reach the last 16.
Bafana Bafana, after a prolonged AFCON hiatus since 1996, exudes quiet confidence. With a squad predominantly from Mamelodi Sundowns, the dominant club in South Africa, recent successes and rankings add to their optimism.
Group F
Morocco, post-World Cup setbacks, eyes an AFCON title. Historical patterns suggest success after World Cup glory. Morocco, led by talents like Hakimi, Ziyech, and El Azzouzi, gears up for AFCON in a dynamic 4-1-4-1 formation. Key players and tactical depth can fuel their campaigns.
Tanzania, the AFCON underdog, brings in players from lower English tiers. Qualifying by a narrow margin reflects the grit defining Tanzanian football. Club successes, notably Simba SC and Yanga, uplift national pride.
DR Congo, once AFCON champions, yearns for current success. Despite historical glory, recent AFCON woes demand consistency. Coach Desabre turns things around, leading a remarkable AFCON qualifier comeback.
Zambia, AFCON champions in 2012, return after a long absence under Avram Grant. Despite past struggles, Grant’s focus on team improvement and experience from leading Ghana showcases potential success.
AFCON 2024 Favorite Players
AFCON 2024 is going to have some outstanding players. These players want to make a significant impact on their teams. Let’s talk about a few standout players who might do well and help their country win:
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
Victor Osimhen is the freshly crowned best in Africa. These awards draw everyone’s attention to him during AFCON 2023. Nigerian fans are anticipating him to lead the Super Eagles to victory. Victor scored several goals in Napoli’s Serie A championship. Victor Osimhen must be at his best if the Super Eagles will lift the AFCON cup.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Many football lovers in Kenya will say that the number of players better than Mo Salah in modern-day world football can be counted on fingers. In particular, the question is whether Mo Salah would produce a result for his nation — Egypt, in their bid to win an AFCON since 2010. As for his current performance, people believe he will put fire in the competition and stand as a winner of the Best Player award.
Mohammed Kudus (Ghana)
In the Premier League this season, one of the most lethal players enjoying an excellent form and trending hot highlight inclusion. The Portland Timbers player Mohammed Kudus, short Kudus, has been making positive waves in all plays throughout the last games. He did well in the English Premier League in the 2018-2019 season at West Ham. He scored six goals and helped out with one assist. With every judge’s stolen gaze, Mohammed Kudus is almost one of the players to follow as a regular in AFCON 2023.
Sadio Mane (Senegal)
Led by the high-rising star of Sengal, Sadio Mane, who will be bent on steering his team into winning two back-to-back AFCONs. In the last edition of the competition, he was bright and played a crucial role in enabling his country their maiden success. Senegalese players and fans who make all efforts to achieve success will wish an injury in the competition did not burden them.
Why Kenya won’t be participating in AFCON 2023
Kenya will not participate in the 2023 AFCON. FIFA has enforced a suspension as the cause of this. The reason for this ban is the nation’s political meddling. Regretfully, FIFA has imposed a similar suspension on Zimbabwe as well. Kenya and Zimbabwe can’t participate in the AFCON qualification process. Football fans in these countries will suffer since these administrative problems prevent their teams from competing in famous competitions and showcasing their talents.
Tips To Betting on The AFCON 2024 In Kenya
With the top betting sites in Kenya, placing an AFCON 2023 wager is a simple affair.
Pick a Trusted Site: First, choose a good betting site in Kenya. Look for one approved by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB) and offering cool bonuses.
Create an Account: Sign up on the chosen site. Fill in your details during registration so they know it’s you. Once done, you’ll have your account.
Put in Some Money: After creating your account, add money to it. This is like putting coins in your game to play.
Find the AFCON Section: Look for a particular part on the site for AFCON 2023. It’s like going to the right shelf in a store.
Make Your Picks: In this AFCON section, you’ll see different betting options. Choose who will win a group or the whole tournament, predict award winners, or bet on specific match outcomes.
Explore More Bets: Check out other fantastic bets, like guessing the number of goals, cards, or corners in a game. There are also choices like over/under and handicaps.
Wait and Watch: Once you’ve placed your bets, wait for the games to happen. It’s like planting seeds and watching them grow during the tournament.
Many platforms have a dedicated section for the tournament, where you can find various betting options. Here are some famous markets for Kenya football betting during the AFCON 2023:
Group Stage and Competition Winners: Predict the countries you believe will win each group and the overall winners of the AFCON 2023 competition.
Award Winners: Some betting sites allow you to predict players who will receive various tournament awards. You can make predictions for awards such as the Golden Glove, top scorer, and best young player.
Game Results: Bet on the outcomes of the numerous matches during AFCON 2023. With up to 52 games in the competition, you can place bets on the results of each match.Totals: Explore betting options related to the number of goals, cards, and corners in a game. Additional choices include over/under, handicaps, and more.
History Of The AFCON
AFCON stands for the African Cup of Nations. It is a football tournament with a rich history. This football tournament began in 1957. The Confederation of African Football organized it. It is known as the oldest football competition in Africa.
The first AFCON took place in Sudan in 1957. It featured only Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan. In an exciting match, Egypt emerged victorious. They won Ethiopia 4-0 and secured the inaugural championship.
Since its modest start, AFCON’s scope and dimensions have expanded dramatically. The tournament grew from the original three teams to nine in 1962 and 22 in 1968. The competition has developed so that 24 eligible countries are actively involved. This expansion allows more African nations to compete in AFCON and increases the competition’s level of competition.
Past Winners
Here’s a list of the previous winners:
| Year | Winner | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Senegal | Egypt |
| 2019 | Algeria | Senegal |
| 2017 | Cameroon | Egypt |
| 2015 | Ivory Coast | Ghana |
| 2013 | Nigeria | Burkina Faso |
| 2012 | Zambia | Ivory Coast |
| 2010 | Egypt | Ghana |
| 2008 | Egypt | Cameroon |
| 2006 | Egypt | Ivory Coast |
| 2004 | Tunisia | Morocco |
| 2002 | Cameroon | Senegal |
| 2000 | Cameroon | Nigeria |
| 1998 | Egypt | South Africa |
| 1996 | South Africa | Tunisia |
| 1994 | Nigeria | Zambia |
| 1992 | Ivory Coast | Ghana |
| 1990 | Algeria | Nigeria |
| 1988 | Cameroon | Nigeria |
| 1986 | Egypt | Cameroon |
| 1984 | Cameroon | Nigeria |
| 1982 | Ghana | Libya |
| 1980 | Nigeria | Algeria |
| 1978 | Ghana | Uganda |
| 1976 | Morocco | Guinea |
| 1974 | Zaire | Zambia |
| 1972 | Congo | Mali |
| 1970 | Sudan | Ghana |
| 1968 | Congo | Ghana |
| 1965 | Ghana | Tunisia |
| 1963 | Ghana | Sudan |
| 1962 | Ethiopia | Egypt |
| 1959 | Egypt | Sudan |
| 1957 | Egypt | Ethiopia |
Important Achievements
The history of AFCON is replete with stunning achievements that shaped African football. Among the most memorable was Egypt’s golden era, which included three consecutive titles. As the Egyptian team is popularly referred to, the Pharaohs have won the tournament seven times, appeared in 25 editions, and played 107 matches.
From 1980-1990, Cameroon had a clear-cut history of dominance. Cameroon displayed incredible prowess in this period, advancing to the final on three occasions. They won in 1984 and 1988. They were defeated by Egypt in 1986 on penalties. Cameroon has, therefore, won five AFCON trophies back to back in 2000 and 2002, respectively.
It should be mentioned that Samuel Eto’o is another well-known forward from Cameroon who has made a lasting contribution to the country’s history. Eto’o is the highest goal scorer in AFCON history, with eighteen goals on his outings. In addition to highlighting individual players’ skills, these accomplishments offer a historical perspective on the AFCON’s significance to Africa’s football legacy.
Conclusion
Many fans are excited to support their country and favorite players at the AFCON 2023, as the tournament’s enthusiasm is already growing. Teams competing in the competition will be eager to show off and proudly represent their nation when it concludes in February. Kenyan sports lovers can easily watch the games on broadcasting channels like SuperSports. Fans can expect excitement and exciting betting chances from AFCON 2023.
FAQs
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How can I watch Kenyan matches at the AFCON 2023?
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When is the AFCON 2023?
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Samuel Okunsolawo is an iGaming expert with over six years of experience in content writing. His passion for simplifying complex concepts makes his articles accessible and useful for beginners and experts alike. With a focus on sports betting trends and reliable betting sites, Samuel’s articles are an excellent resource for those seeking guidance and staying up to date in the world of iGaming.