Jan. 9, 2024 /Sports/ –The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off today, 13th January 2024! Here’s the breakdown:
Countries:
24 national teams are divided into 6 groups:
- Group A: Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea
- Group B: Ghana, Egypt, Cape verde, Mozambique
- Group C: Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea, Gambia
- Group D: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Angola, Mauritania
- Group E: Tunisia, Mali, South Africa, and Namibia
- Group F: Morocco, DR Congo, Tanzania, Zambia
Key Players:
The tournament boasts a plethora of talented players, but here are some standouts:
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt): Premier League Golden Boot winner, known for his dribbling, goalscoring, and playmaking.
- Sadio Mané (Senegal): Bayern Munich winger, known for his pace, power, and finishing.
- Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): Napoli striker, known for his aerial prowess and clinical finishing.
- Riyad Mahrez (Algeria): Manchester City winger, known for his mesmerizing skill and free-kicks.
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): PSG full-back, known for his attacking runs and powerful crossing.
Underdogs and Favourites:
Predicting underdogs and favourites is always tricky, but here’s a general outlook:
- Favourites:
- Senegal: Defending champions, with a star-studded lineup and recent success.
- Egypt: Mohamed Salah’s presence and their historical pedigree make them contenders.
- Algeria: Strong team spirit and tactical acumen could carry them far.
- Underdogs:
- Mali: Emerging talent and unpredictable playing style.
- Cameroon: Home advantage and experienced squad could bring an upset.
- Malawi: Strong team cohesion and impressive qualifying campaign.
Remember, upsets are always possible in AFCON, so keep an eye on the smaller teams and surprise performances!
Zambia and Morocco are in the same group, Group F, alongside DR Congo and Tanzania. Here’s an analysis of Zambia’s chances in Group F:
Group F:
- Morocco: Favourites, strong squad with World Cup experience.
- DR Congo: Former champions, experienced team with potential to upset.
- Tanzania: Underdogs, looking to make an impression in their first AFCON appearance since 2019.
- Zambia: Underdogs, motivated to return to success after missing the last edition.
Zambia’s Chances:
- Challenges: Morocco’s strength, DR Congo’s experience, and the pressure of competing for qualification spots.
- Reasons for Optimism: Recent improvement, talented players like Daka and Mwepu, and the potential for upsets in AFCON.
- Key factors to watch: Team spirit, coach Sredojević’s tactics, and individual performances.
Prediction:
Group F promises to be a close battle. While Morocco are favourites, DR Congo and Zambia shouldn’t be underestimated. If Zambia can play to their potential, stay disciplined, and capitalize on opportunities, they have a chance to secure a second-place finish and qualify for the knockout stages.
Remember, anything is possible in AFCON, so keep supporting your team and enjoy the exciting matches!