The national football team of Morocco, placed in Group F of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), alongside DR Congo, Zambia, and Tanzania, is the favorite in its pool. Meanwhile, anticipated clashes are expected in Group A between Ivory Coast, the host country, and Nigeria, as well as in Group C between Senegal, the defending champion, and Cameroon.
The Atlas Lions, impressive in the last World Cup in Qatar with a historic semi-final, are indeed serious contenders for the continental title. However, they must first overcome DR Congo, theoretically the second-favorite team in Group F, and the other teams in their pool to pave their way to the round of 16 and get closer to the cup that has eluded Morocco since 1976.
Group A of this African Cup will witness a summit clash between Ivory Coast, the host country, and Victor Osimhen's Nigeria. In this match, the Elephants must outperform Nigeria, another favorite in this group, not forgetting Equatorial Guinea, the surprising quarter-finalist of the previous edition.
Group C will also be the stage for a headline match between Senegal, the defending champion, and Cameroon, the third-placed team in the previous CAN. Led by Sadio Mané, the Lions of Teranga must defend their title against their opponent, who presents himself as one of the main favorites in the group, which also includes Guinea and Gambia.
In Group B, Egypt with Mohamed Salah aims to restore its reputation and should easily surpass the group stage against Ghana, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.
Algeria, placed in Group D, starts this AFCON with the ambition to redeem itself after its first-round elimination in the last edition. However, they must overcome Burkina Faso, the main challenger, Mauritania, in good form, and Angola.
Group E of this AFCON is also competitive, with intense matches ahead involving Tunisia, South Africa, Mali, and Namibia. The Carthage Eagles, well-prepared for this continental competition, finished at the top of their qualification group with 14 points and are logically the favorites in this pool. However, one must be wary of another heavyweight in African football, South Africa, and Mali, an opponent that will undoubtedly be tough.