At least 10 teams can win Africa Cup of Nations, says Morocco coach Regragui

Walid Regragui, mastermind behind the stunning success of 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, says "at least 10 teams can win the Africa Cup of Nations" in the Ivory Coast from January 13.

While his Atlas Lions are obviously among the contenders for the most prized trophy in African football, the 48-year-old former international full-back did not name the others.

Two years ago, Morocco became the first African or Arab country and only the third outside Europe or South America to reach the penultimate stage of the global showpiece.

Since Egypt completed three straight Cup of Nations triumphs in 2010, six editions have produced six different winning nations and the 2024 tournament is arguably the most open ever.

READ | Is the Africa Cup of Nations' two-year cycle good for African football?

AFP Sport picks 10 contenders who are most likely to lift the trophy after the final in Abidjan on February 11:

ALGERIA

Impressive champions in 2019 but flops in 2022 when they crashed out after the first round, Riyad Mahrez-inspired Algeria are widely regarded as one of the top five challengers.

Coach Djamel Belmadi has chosen a mix of old and new faces, including 2019 final match-winner Baghdad Bounedjah as the Desert Foxes chase a third title.

BURKINA FASO

The Stallions are missing from most lists of favourites, but in their last four appearances from 2013 they can boast of second, third and fourth-place finishes.

They have numerous players in top European leagues, including Manchester City full-back Issa Kabore on loan at Luton Town, but a lack of game time for Bertrand Traore at Aston Villa is a blow.

CAMEROON

The form of the Indomitable Lions has been consistently unpredictable since former star Rigobert Song became coach early last