The domestic club seasons may be in full flow right now, but a festival of international football will kick-start the 2024 schedule. As Qatar prepares to host the AFC Asian Cup on January 12th, Ivory Coast is ready to host the Africa Cup of Nations, starting on January 13th 2024.
The West African nation was initially awarded the competition in 2021 but has had to wait an extra three years to host AFCON. The 2024 matches will take place in Cameroon, in six different stadiums, in locations such as Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro and Yamoussukoro.
The tournament draw took place in October 2023, splitting the teams into six exciting groups. Host nation Ivory Coast is in Group A alongside Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau.
Egypt, seeking redemption from their final defeat two years ago, will kick off their campaign in Group B against Ghana, Cape Verde, and Mozambique. Meanwhile, Senegal, the defending champions, will start their title defence against five-time winners Cameroon, Guinea, and Gambia in Group C.
Former Manchester City and Al-Ahli forward Riyad Mahrez is probably one of the most prominent players taking part. He will captain Algeria to face Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Angola in Group D.
In Group E, Tunisia drew with Mali, South Africa, and Namibia and is one of the favourites to do well in the tournament.
Morocco is still flying high on their historical World Cup success in Qatar for being the first African side to reach a semi-final. In Group F, Morocco will face the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Tanzania, striving to secure their first tournament victory since 1976. Despite that solo win, the Atlas Lions are one of the favourites to lift the trophy this time around.
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Riyad Mahrez