Football fans around the globe have been eagerly waiting for AFCON 23, also known as the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations. But if you've been marking your calendar for a summer showcase, there's a crucial update you need to know on exactly when AFCON 23 starts.
Date Rescheduled Due to Weather Conditions
Organizers initially scheduled the tournament for the summer of 2023 but have moved it to January 2024 due to adverse weather conditions in the host country, Ivory Coast. The competition now has new dates: January 13 – February 11, 2024.
Morocco: The Team to Watch
One of the teams already generating buzz for AFCON 23 is Morocco. They won the tournament in 1976 and have been in sublime form recently, finishing fourth at the FIFA World Cup 2022. The North African nation will undoubtedly be a force to reckon with.
Meanwhile, Nigeria, who failed to qualify for World Cup 2022, will get their chance at redemption.
Host Nation: Ivory Coast
The Ivory Coast is all set to host the tournament for the second time in its history. The nation is gearing up to put on a memorable event, further solidifying its reputation as a growing football powerhouse in Africa.
Venues and Teams
The tournament will span six venues across the Ivory Coast, accommodating 24 qualified teams. Here's a quick rundown of the nations that have made the cut:
- Ivory Coast (Host)
- Morocco
- Algeria
- South Africa
- Senegal
- Burkina Faso
- Tunisia
- Egypt
- Zambia
- Equatorial Guinea
- Nigeria
- Guinea-Bissau
- Cape Verde
- Mali
- Guinea
- Ghana
- Angola
- Tanzania
- Mozambique
- DR Congo
- Mauritania
- Gambia
- Cameroon
- Namibia
When is the draw for AFCON 23?
The draw will occur on October 12 in Abidja, the largest city and economic hub of Côte d'Ivoire, on the West African coast. The event marks where the 24 teams get divided into six groups of four.
We'll post the complete tables as soon they become available.
Which Premier League players will be absent?
There are a bunch of Premier League clubs ruing the absence of marquee players during AFCON. Those players potentially include André Onana, Mo Salah, Thomas Partey, Nicolas Jackson, Yves Bissouma, and Said Benrahma.
Photo: Twitter/AfricanInsider
