As the tournament continues, football enthusiasts and analysts are speculating about which teams have the strongest chance of emerging victorious.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 has surpassed the expectations of many, showcasing the best of African talent. As the tournament enters its second round, football enthusiasts and analysts are speculating about which teams have the strongest chance of emerging victorious.
In this context, three teams stand out as potential winners: Morocco, Senegal, and Nigeria. Each of these teams brings a unique blend of skill, strategy, and recent form to the table, but the winner will not have it easy, as big names Ghana, Tunisia, and Algeria have already been sent packing.
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Nigeria
The Super Eagles are historically one of the most successful teams in AFCON, with three titles to their name. Despite recent setbacks, including missing out on the 2022 World Cup, their squad depth and talent, especially in the attacking department, make them a strong contender.
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The Super Eagles drew one and won two games in group A, including a historic triumph over host Ivory Coast. However, coach Jose Peseiro's side have not yet hit top gear and have struggled in front of goal.
African Footballer of the Year Victor Osimhen has only scored one goal while missing many glaring chances. Meanwhile, the defence marshalled by Calvin Bassey, Ola Aina, and Troost-Ekong have held their own, conceding only once against Equatorial Guinea.
Morocco
The Atlas Lions of Morocco, despite their impressive performance at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where they reached the semifinals, struggled at the group stage. It took an Hakeem Ziyech's strike in the last game against Zambia to book a place in the last 16.
Despite not having won the AFCON since 1976, their current form and team composition, including the likes of Noussair Mazraoui and Romain Saiss, make them one of the top contenders for the title.
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Senegal
As the reigning champions, Senegal remains a strong force in African football. Their balanced squad includes standout players like Sadio Mané, Idrissa Gueye, and Kalidou Koulibaly.
The emergence of young talents such as Nicolas Jackson and Pape Matar Sarr also adds depth to their already formidable lineup. Senegal's perfect record at the group stage and their outstanding showings so far makes them clear favourites.
Senegal won all three group games against a 3-1 thrashing of Cameroon, and they look odds-on favourite to retain their title.