The Africa Cup of Nations 2024 has burst into action with a mix of excitement, surprises, and standout performances. Let's take a closer look at the tournament's early highlights.
**Group Stage Drama:**
The hosts made a stellar debut, clinching a 2-0 victory against Guinea-Bissau at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan. However, their winning streak took a hit with a loss against Nigeria in the second match.
In the UK, football enthusiasts can catch the thrill as the BBC broadcasts 10 live games during the finals. Additionally, World Football at Afcon plans to keep fans engaged with round-up podcasts after each matchday.
Holders Senegal commenced their title defense with a comfortable 3-0 win over The Gambia. But, elsewhere, underdogs have left their mark. Namibia celebrated their first-ever Afcon win, and Cape Verde caused a stir by upsetting Ghana. Notably, Algeria, Egypt, Cameroon, and Nigeria faced challenges against seemingly lesser-favored opponents.
BBC Three is set to air the Group F clash between Zambia and Morocco on Wednesday, January 24, at 20:00 GMT.
**Group Breakdown:**
The 24 participating teams are divided into six groups of four. Group A features the hosts alongside three-time champions Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau. Group B boasts a heavyweight clash between Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, and Ghana, coached by the experienced Chris Hughton.
Defending champions Senegal find themselves in Group C against Cameroon, setting the stage for a tantalizing early fixture. Morocco, the highest-ranked African nation at 13th place, headlines Group F alongside DR Congo, Zambia, and Tanzania.
**Group A:** Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau.
**Group B:** Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde, Mozambique.
**Group C:** Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea, The Gambia.
**Group D:** Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Angola.
**Group E:** Tunisia, Mali, South Africa, Namibia.
**Group F:** Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, Tanzania.
**Afcon 2023 Schedule and Kick-off Times:**
The group stage, running until January 24, features at least two games daily at 14:00, 17:00, and 20:00 GMT. The knockout stages begin on January 27, with the top two teams from each group and the four best-ranked third-placed teams advancing to the last 16. Subsequent rounds include quarter-finals, semi-finals, a third-place match, and the final.
**Host Cities and Stadiums:**
Ivory Coast, welcoming the continent's best footballers for the first time since 1984, has prepared six stadiums across five host cities. The stadiums, either new or renovated, include Alassane Ouattara Stadium and Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, Stade de la Paix in Bouake, Amadou Gon Coulibaly Stadium in Korhogo, and Laurent Pokou Stadium in San Pedro. The government invested one billion US dollars in nationwide infrastructure projects.
Originally slated for June-July 2023, the tournament was rescheduled to avoid the West African rainy season.
**Top Contenders and Emerging Talents:**
Senegal, bookmakers' favorites, look to retain their title despite losing star players to the Saudi Pro League. New talents like Tottenham midfielder Pape Matar Sarr and Marseille forward Iliman Ndiaye are making waves.
Algeria, champions in 2019, remain strong contenders, defeating Senegal in a recent friendly. Morocco, following their World Cup heroics in Qatar, and Ivory Coast, boasting a formidable team despite missing past stars like Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure, are also in the spotlight.
Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, seeks redemption after losing the last final on penalties. Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon, though struggling in recent fixtures, still carry high expectations.
For a detailed guide to the tournament format, group fixtures, and more, turn to BBC Sport Africa as they cover the 34th edition of Africa's premier sporting event.
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