2023 AFCON set for next week
Story by Anashe Murombedzi
THE 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) begins next week in Côte d’Ivoire, with 24 nations set to battle it out for honours at the 34th edition of the continental showpiece.
Côte d’Ivoire will host the continental spectacle for the second time since 1984.
The tournament will run from the 13th of this month to the 11th of February.
Six groups comprising four teams will go into battle next week hoping to make it to the knockout stage.
Group A comprises hosts Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau.
In Group A, two-time champions Côte d’Ivoire will face tricky sides including three-time champions Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau who have improved visibility after qualifying for their 4th AFCON tournament.
The continental showpiece opens with Côte d’Ivoire taking on Equatorial Guinea.
The Elephants have won two of their five encounters, with Equatorial Guinea getting a win, while the other two matches ended in stalemates.
Away from an opening match, the following day will see another Group A encounter between Nigeria and Guinea Bissau.
The Nigeria – Cote d’Ivoire clash on the 18th of the month will be the match to watch in Group A.
Meanwhile, the 2023 AFCON matches will be played at six stadiums across five cities including the administrative capital of Yamoussoukro, Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo and San Pedro.
