With the 2024 African Cup of Nations about to kick off on 13 January in Côte d’Ivoire, speculation is running rife as to which teams are likely to win the trophy for this 34th edition. The main contenders include Morocco, Senegal, Ivory Coast and Algeria.
This year, 24 nations will be vying for the title, each looking to dethrone Senegal and claim the African crown. The tournament kicks off in Abidjan on 13 January.
Here’s a look at the favourites, the outsiders and the teams to watch out for at the 34th edition of the AFCON 2024.
The favourites
Morocco : End of the curse?
Considered one of the big favourites, the Moroccan team has achieved what many in Africa only dream of – reaching the semi-finals of a World Cup. It’s an impressive achievement that coach Walid Regragui now intends to replicate on the continental stage. “Our objective is to maintain our level. I’m aiming for at least a semi-final,” said Regragui, adding that he would resign if he failed. “We need to go into the tournament with confidence to overcome the curse of the African Cup.”
However, that ‘curse’ could still challenge the Atlas Lions. Despite their regular appearances at the World Cup, Morocco have won just one Africa Cup of Nations in 18 appearances – back in 1976. Since then, the team has suffered a number of setbacks, including a losing final in Tunisia in 2004. Worse still, in the last decade, the Moroccans have won just one knockout match, in 2022, before being eliminated in the quarter-finals by Egypt in a brawl involving players and staff.
Nevertheless, there is cause for optimism: “We have a good balance between the present and the future,” says Regragui. Young talents like Ismael Saibari and Chadi Riad, winners of Morocco’s first U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in 2023, could show their elders how to break the curse.
Senegal : The Weight of Being a Champion
Once derided for their lack of titles, Senegal have silenced the critics over the last two years. After losing the final in 2019, the team won the 2022 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon. They have also won the CHAN, the AFCON U17, the AFCON U20 and the AFCON beach soccer. With a historic generation of young talent, Senegal is at the pinnacle of African football and is aiming to retain its title.
Only Egypt, Ghana and Cameroon have achieved this feat to date. However, being at the top often means that the only way down is up. The 2022 World Cup has not been impressive for the Lions of Teranga, and a 1-0 friendly defeat to Algeria in September revealed some weaknesses. In addition, most of their key players have moved to Saudi Arabia, raising doubts about their ability to handle high-intensity matches.
What’s more, Senegal find themselves in a tough group with Cameroon, a derby against neighbouring Gambia and a Guinea that is always hard to beat. Could this lead to an early exit, similar to that of reigning champions Algeria in 2022?
Côte d’Ivoire : Home advantage
With players like Aurier, Diomandé, Ndicka, Kossonou, Singo, Fofana, Kessié, Sangaré, Adingra, Haller, Konaté and Pépé, Côte d’Ivoire have one of the most impressive squads in the world. Now is the time for the Elephants to reclaim their place in the pantheon of African football after three disappointing editions, especially as they will be playing in front of their home fans, who are hoping for another triumph after the one in 2015.
However, playing at home brings its own pressure, often an obstacle in the Africa Cup of Nations. Since Egypt’s victory in 2006, no host nation has won, in contrast to the previous trend where hosts won 11 of the 25 editions. Côte d’Ivoire’s most ardent fans still remember the humiliation of 1984, when the team was eliminated early in the group phase.
The Outsiders
Algeria: The Comeback Team
2022 was a nightmare year for Algeria, with a disappointing first-round exit in Cameroon and a painful failure to qualify for the World Cup. Coach Djamel Belmadi goes into this tournament hungry for revenge, relying on a mix of experienced players such as Riyad Mahrez, Ramy Bensebaini, Sofiane Feghouli and Ismaël Bennacer and emerging young talents such as Rayan Aït Nouri and Farès Chaibi. A victory over Senegal in September signalled Algeria’s comeback.
Egypt : Still a formidable competitor
2022 a été une année cauchemardesque pour l’Algérie, avec une élimination décevante au premier tour au Cameroun et un échec douloureux à se qualifier pour la Coupe du monde. Le sélectionneur Djamel Belmadi aborde ce tournoi avec une soif de revanche, s’appuyant sur un mélange de joueurs expérimentés tels que Riyad Mahrez, Ramy Bensebaini, Sofiane Feghouli et Ismaël Bennacer et de jeunes talents émergents tels que Rayan Aït Nouri et Farès Chaibi. La victoire contre le Sénégal en septembre a marqué le retour de l’Algérie.
L’Égypte : Un concurrent toujours aussi redoutable
Nigeria’s attacking power, with players like the 2023 African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, Kelechi Iheanacho, Moses Simon, Sadiq Umar and Ahmed Musa, is formidable. However, football requires a balanced team, not just a collection of strikers and attacking midfielders. Nigeria’s defence and goalkeeping raise concerns about their ability to progress deep into the tournament. In 2022, Nigeria dominated the group stage but then collapsed, largely due to the team’s imbalance. The Super Eagles, with their three titles and 15 podium finishes, will be eager to maintain their status as African giants.
Teams to watch
Mali : Ready to Rise?
Mali, often a strong contender but never a champion, could see 2024 as their year. Despite finishing runners-up in 1972 and two third-place finishes in 2012 and 2013, they have yet to win the title. Coach Eric Chelle has an impressive midfield, with Amadou Haïdara, Yves Bissouma and Mohamed Camara, but key absences could prove detrimental.
Tunisia: Breaking through?
Tunisia’s challenge: breaking new ground – Ranked third in Africa in the FIFA rankings (28th in the world), behind Morocco (13th) and Senegal (20th), Tunisia has had limited success in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations. With 20 appearances, the Carthage Eagles have only won the title once, in 2004 on home soil. They were finalists in South Africa in 1996 and in 1965, also in Tunisia.
Tunisia boast an almost impenetrable defence, finishing their qualifying round with just one goal conceded – the best result of any team in the competition. However, resilience will be crucial, especially during a transitional phase marked by the international retirement of Whabi Khazri and the ageing Youssef Msakni. The emergence of new leaders in the team is eagerly awaited.
Cameroon : The Underestimated Lion
The Cameroonian proverb says: “A lion never dies, it just sleeps”. Lately, the Indomitable Lions seem to be asleep. The five-time champions have struggled to qualify, with uncertainty hanging over them right up until the final match of the qualifiers. The current squad seems unremarkable, with only Zambo-Anguissa and André Onana playing for top European clubs.
However, Cameroon are known for their unexpected prowess, as evidenced by their prestigious victory over Brazil at the World Cup in Qatar. However, they cannot afford to rest for too long, as a tough group awaits them in the forthcoming tournament.
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