Rabat, Morocco – Football fans around the world, and especially in Africa, are eagerly awaiting the start of the Africa Cup of Nations. Hosted by Morocco, the tournament kicks off tomorrow, Sunday, and runs until January 18, featuring 24 national teams from across the continent.
The Moroccan national team, buoyed by home advantage and the support of their fans, are aiming for their second continental title. Having previously won the championship in 1976, they are striving to solidify their position as a global football powerhouse, especially after their historic achievement of reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
The tournament holds special significance as it serves as a comprehensive organizational rehearsal for the 2030 FIFA World Cup. Morocco is co-hosting this major event with Spain and Portugal. Consequently, the Kingdom has implemented a massive sports infrastructure development program, which included the construction and renovation of nine stadiums across six cities.
The six participating Arab teams are hoping to reclaim the title they last won in 2019, a feat they haven’t achieved since Algeria’s victory. They face stiff competition from other prominent teams, most notably defending champions Ivory Coast. Nigeria will be looking to avenge their defeat in last year’s final, while Senegal, the 2021 champions, will be led by their star player Sadio Mane.
The six participating Arab teams hope to regain the title that has eluded them since Algeria’s victory in the 2019 edition, amid strong competition from prominent teams, most notably Ivory Coast, the defending champion, and Nigeria, which aspires to make up for its loss in the final of the last edition, in addition to Senegal, the 2021 champion, led by its star Sadio Mane.
The Egyptian national team is also aiming for its eighth title in the tournament, to extend its record, amid great anticipation for the performance of its star player, Mohamed Salah. Salah has never won the tournament before, despite reaching the final twice.
The Moroccan national team begins its campaign against Comoros in Group A. The group also includes Mali and Zambia. Meanwhile, Group B features a tough match between Egypt and South Africa. The remaining groups are expected to be highly competitive, particularly Group F, which includes Ivory Coast and Cameroon.
The six group winners, along with the four best third-placed teams, qualify for the knockout stages, according to the tournament format. This 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is one of the most anticipated, both in terms of its technical aspects and organization.
