10 things to expect from TotalEnergies AFCON2023

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, is the 34th edition of CAF's biggest football fiesta.

The 34th Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, is set to kick off in Cote d’Ivoire this Saturday. 

As the heavyweights of African football get ready to battle for the coveted title, here is what to expect from the AFCON2023;

1. Star-Studded AFCON Lineup

Global superstars will light up Ivory Coast starting this weekend led by Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, the Africa Player of the Year. 

Other stars include Mohamed Salah, newlywed, Sadio Mane, Riyad Mahrez and Mohammed Kudus will be leading their respective nations in search of glory in the competition.

2. Open Competition

Some pointers show that the AFCON 2023 could be the most open in recent times. 

From Liverpool’s Mo Salah expressing the desire to end his AFCON heartbreaks this time after two defeats in the final to Mane-led Senegal hoping to successfully defend their crown.

World Cup heroes, Morocco, are also in the mix alongside Osimhen and the Super Eagles.

3. Senegal’s Defense

The Teranga Lions lifted their first AFCON title in the last edition, with Mane the shining light for his country. 

The Al Nassr man is back with the star-studded Lions like Edouard Mendy and Nicolas Jackson, are back intending to defend the title.

4. Ambitious Hosts

Having committed millions of dollars to host the competition, Ivory Coast would be looking to host and win the tournament at home. 

Talents like Sebastien Haller, Simon Adingra, Ibrahim Sangare and Franck Kassie of FC Barcelona, mean the Elephants have the tools to lift the crown on home soil.

Having won it twice on home soil before, Ivory Coast could seal a third victory.

5. Morocco as favourites

Becoming the first nation from Africa to make it to the semifinal of the FIFA Men’s World Cup following that heroics in Qatar 2022 sees Morocco enter AFCON2023 as a legitimate contender and favourite.

The Atlas Lions are known as underachievers in the continent and would want to ride off that Qatar wave to finally put that tag to bed.

Morocco is Africa’s best-ranked country heading into the tournament in Cote d’Ivoire. 

6. Ghana’s Euro Pedigree

The West Africans come into the tourney as one of the nations with proper AFCON pedigree having won it four times.

However, Ghana’s last win was 42 years ago and the Black Stars will want to get their hands on the title again.

To help them achieve that, they will put hope on their sensational star, Mohammed Kudus, who has been inspiring for club and country since the last World Cup.

7. Redemption time for Algeria

After a premature exit in the last edition held in Cameroon, the Northern African giants are on a mission in West Africa.

Algeria will be led by former Manchester City winger, Riyad Mahrez in a bid to restore their lost glory. 

8. Nigerian Hitman Osimhen

African Player of the Year Victor Osimhen has conquered Italy and Africa on a personal note, earning him the crown as Africa’s latest king.

However, the AFCON remains elusive for the 25-year-old, who is set to lead Nigeria’s quest to do it again - win a fourth title. 

9. AFCON format

In case you did not know, there will be 24 nations going head-to-head for the 2023 tourney. 

No team has managed to defend any of the last seven editions, with seven different winners. 

With the new format, the AFCON could be set for its most entertaining and intriguingly intense edition yet. 

10. Pulse Sports will lead you

With a blend of young and veteran stars ready to do battle, your premium online star, Pulse Sports Nigeria, will be on the ground and across platforms to bring all the details and action.

Brace up for what promises to be a memorable journey into the heart of African football.

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