AFCON 2023 : Adebayor excludes Cameroon, Ivory Coast and Senegal

Emmanuel Adebayor has already singled out a team as a standout for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). The Togolese striker explained why he believes Algeria is well-equipped for success.

While teams like Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon actively prepare for the CAN 2023, Emmanuel Adebayor doesn’t consider them as favorites to win the title. The former Togolese international places his hopes in another team.

From January 13 to February 11, the African continent will resonate with the rhythm of the 34th edition of the CAN. Ivory Coast, as the host country, is gearing up to host one of the most memorable competitions ever organized in Africa. Known as the “CAN of hospitality,” this tournament is naturally coveted, especially for the prestigious trophy.

Emmanuel Adebayor endorses Algeria

The 24 nations competing will give their all to secure the coveted trophy. Senegal, as the reigning champion of the 33rd edition, naturally aspires to consecutive victory. However, Emmanuel Adebayor, close to El Hadj Diouf, does not bet on the Lions of Terenga.

According to the former Real Madrid player, another team seems to have the necessary qualities to win the championship. The former captain of the Togo Hawks believes that Algeria has all the assets to aim for the final victory.

“Algeria has a very efficient team, as we saw against Togo. I wish the team good luck for the CAN and why not clinch the title. Algeria plays with great ball control; Bentaleb has been very impressive, playing in a simple manner and often making the right decisions. With Mahrez and Slimani, I think they have every chance to win the CAN, but one must remain vigilant in this competition. I always have fond memories with Algeria, having played several matches there, and it was always pleasant on and off the field. I wish you much success for the CAN,” Emmanuel Adebayor revealed in an interview with Anis Meziane (ENTV).

This reaction followed a friendly match between Algeria and the local Togo team. In preparation for the CAN in Togo, the Algerians had triumphed 3-0 against the Hawks.

Djamel Belmadi disagrees with Adebayor!

While Emmanuel Adebayor bets on Algeria, the coach of the Fennecs (Algerian national team) remains more reserved. Djamel Belmadi emphasized that the recent performances of the Fennecs did not position them among the strongest contenders for the title.

“The favorites for the CAN are often the same; we know them: Egypt, Senegal, Morocco, Tunisia, Nigeria, Ivory Coast – for me, a big, big favorite playing at home,” Djamel Belmadi declared. “No one can have certainties about the future winner. We did not qualify for the World Cup; we exited in the first round of the last CAN, and you have repeated it enough, so, de facto, we are not favorites.”

Despite acknowledging Algeria’s past performances, including the victory in the 2019 CAN, Belmadi remains cautious about expectations. “I see a lot of similarities in our squads between this 2019 competition and the upcoming one. But we need to unite, hurt ourselves together, be united, disciplined. The first match of the CAN is always tough; we remember ours in 2019. We must be ready, and we will be.”

Despite a modest approach, Djamel Belmadi highlighted that the national team’s goal has not changed, asserting that they approach the tournament with ambition. “We will arrive calmly in this tournament but with a lot of ambitions. We’ve been working towards this for a while. We have some certainties: no defeat in 2023, like in 2019 or 2020. The goal will never change: go as far as possible, go for victory! Many of us want the same thing; it will be a fierce battle.”