No clear favourites as African stars go to war in Cote d’Ivoire

Senegal defeated Egypt to win the AFCON title in Cameroun

Sports, especially football, has a way of turning ordinary enthusiasts into experts, who believe they can predict what would happen even before the first ball is kicked. As it has always been at such major championships such as the FIFA World Cup and the European Championship, the African Cup of Nations holding in Cote d’Ivoire has birthed many pundits, who believe they know the team to beat at the continent’s most followed competition.

But it is not as easy as they say. However, some of African football’s living legends have joined the debate on the most suited country to lift the trophy on February 11 in Cote d’Ivoire, with many sticking to their home countries’ teams as favourites for the crown.

There are also those, who looked beyond their countries to pick the teams, which in their estimation; have qualities required to be African champions.

Beginning from today, January 13, to February 11, the world’s football lovers’ attention will be focused on Cote d’Ivoire, venue of the 34th edition of Africa’s biggest competition. The tournament was originally scheduled for the summer of 2023, but adverse weather conditions in Cote d’Ivoire forced its postponement.

As it is always the case, the competition has drawn pundits’ attention, with experts, including former stars of the game raising their hat for their favourite teams.

In all, these analysts believe that the trophy would be won by any of nine countries, including hosts, Cote d’Ivoire, 2022 World Cup semifinalists, Morocco, cup holders, Senegal, perennial favourites, Nigeria, Cameroun, Algeria, Egypt, Ghana and Tunisia. The reasons for choosing the expected winner of the championship differ among the pundits.

Morocco