The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2024 in Cote d’Ivoire, Africa’s premier football championship, has football enthusiasts and legends alike buzzing with predictions and excitement. The tournament, rescheduled from 2023 due to weather concerns, promises thrilling contests from January 13 to February 11.
Favourites for the title vary, but consensus circles around nine teams: hosts Cote d’Ivoire, Morocco, Senegal, Nigeria, Cameroon, Algeria, Egypt, Ghana, and Tunisia. Each brings a unique blend of skill and passion to the pitch.
Morocco, fresh from their historic World Cup semifinal appearance, is a top contender. Arouna Kone, a former Cote d’Ivoire striker, tips Nigeria and Cameroon as potential champions alongside Senegal and Morocco. Nigeria, aiming for their fourth AFCON title, showcases stars like Victor Osimhen, tipped by John Mikel Obi, the former Nigerian captain, for tournament best player.
Injuries, however, have sidelined key players like Taiwo Awoniyi and Victor Boniface, raising questions about team dynamics. Rabar Madjer, an Algerian legend, notes the challenge in predicting winners due to the high calibre of teams.
The competition’s intensity is highlighted by Senegal’s Captain, Sadio Mane, who anticipates a tough journey ahead for all teams, including his own. Senegal, placed in a challenging group, begins their title defence against The Gambia, followed by a high-stakes match against Cameroon.
The tournament’s allure extends globally, thanks in part to the presence of African stars in top leagues like the English Premiership. This has significantly increased viewership, as noted by BBC commentator Mark Scott, with the 2019 final attracting over 90 million viewers.
The predictions for the winner are diverse. Senegal, the current champions, possess a strong squad but face concerns over Sadio Mane’s form. Morocco, on the other hand, looks to build on their World Cup success. Egypt, led by Mohammed Salah, seeks to reclaim past glory, having won the tournament seven times.
According to a report by The Guardian, Nigeria’s attacking prowess makes them formidable contenders, despite past disappointments. Host nation Cote d’Ivoire, with a balanced team, could leverage its home advantage. Algeria, the 2019 champions, hopes to replicate their success, led by Riyad Mahrez.
Tunisia and Cameroon, with their rich AFCON history, cannot be overlooked, while Ghana, despite recent struggles, remains a team with potential.
As the tournament unfolds, the question looms: Will Senegal defend their title, or will a new champion emerge? The Guardian picks these nine teams as the top contenders, setting the stage for a thrilling spectacle of African football.
