The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) has commenced, bringing football enthusiasts across the continent together in a celebration of skill, competition, and national pride. Ivory Coast, hosting the finals for the second time, began with an impressive 2-0 victory against Guinea-Bissau but faced a setback in their second match against Nigeria.
The BBC is ensuring extensive coverage for UK viewers, broadcasting 10 live games during the finals. Additionally, World Football at Afcon will release round-up podcasts after each matchday, offering insights and analyses.
Holders Senegal marked the beginning of their title defense with a convincing 3-0 win over The Gambia. Surprisingly, underdogs have left their mark, with Namibia securing their first-ever Afcon win, and Cape Verde causing an upset against Ghana. Notably, Algeria, Egypt, Cameroon, and Nigeria all experienced challenges against less-favored opponents.
The tournament features 24 teams divided into six groups. Hosts Ivory Coast share Group A with three-time champions Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. Group B presents a heavyweight clash between Egypt and Ghana, while defending champions Senegal find themselves in a tantalizing fixture against Cameroon in Group C.
The tournament's format includes group stages, with matches scheduled at 14:00, 17:00, and 20:00 (all times GMT). The top two teams from each group and the four best-ranked third-placed teams will advance to the knockout stages, leading to the quarter-finals, semi-finals, and the final on February 11.
Six stadiums in five host cities, including two in Abidjan, will host the matches. These stadiums have either undergone renovations or are entirely new, with the Ivorian government investing one billion US dollars in infrastructure projects.
Originally planned for June-July 2023, the tournament was rescheduled to avoid the West African rainy season. Ivory Coast, emerging from a civil war twelve years ago, warmly welcomes Africa's football elite.
Senegal, despite losing key players to the Saudi Pro League, is considered favorites for the title. Algeria, the 2019 champions, and Morocco, following their World Cup success, are also highly fancied. Ivory Coast, even without past stars like Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure, is riding high in the odds.
The schedule is packed with exciting matches, showcasing the best of African football. As teams battle for supremacy, fans eagerly anticipate the thrilling moments, unexpected victories, and unforgettable performances that define the Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament promises to be a celebration of the beautiful game, uniting diverse nations through their shared love for football.
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