AFCON 2023 Had it All: Surprises, Quality Football, Eighty-nine goals in group stage, series of early coaches sacking.

Teams In Knockout Round 

The ongoing African Cup of Nations in Cote d'Ivoire has been nothing short of spectacular, exceeding expectations and captivating football fans around the world with its abundance of surprises. 

This year's tournament has garnered increased media coverage, drawing attention unlike any recent editions.

CAF president, Patrice Motsepe, set the stage for the tournament with a bold proclamation, stating, “This AFCON is going to be the best AFCON in the history of African football. Côte d’Ivoire will show the world the best football players from Africa and the best football players in the world.” As the competition has unfolded, it's clear that his words were not merely rhetoric. From the onset, top-quality football has been showcased, fulfilling Motsepe's vision of an exceptional tournament. 

Mauritiana Team with their first ever AFCON win

One of the key contributing factors to the high level of play has been the expansion of participating teams from 16 to 24. This expansion has not only allowed for greater diversity in representation but has also added more quality to the competition.

The increased number of teams has brought about a more competitive environment, paving the way for several unexpected upsets. Traditional powerhouses such as Ghana, Algeria, and Tunisia have found themselves facing unexpected challenges, with Ghana being knocked out early and Algeria and Tunisia struggling in their group stage matches. The Ivory Coast, a perennial contender, also faced a surprising defeat, losing 4-0 to Equatorial Guinea, further proving the depth of competition and the potential for underdog triumphs.

The extension of participating teams has not only led to a more diverse and competitive tournament but has also raised the overall level of play, captivating audiences with thrilling matches filled with suspense and excitement.

Angola Top their group 

To add to the excitement, the total number of goals scored in the group stages has reached an impressive (89), nearing the goal tally of previous AFCON tournaments in 2019 (102) and 2021 (100).

Defending champion with 3 wins in 3 games

Notably, another surprising aspect of this year's tournament has been the influx of managerial sackings from prominent teams. Ghana, Algeria, and Ivory Coast have all made sudden changes in their coaching staff, with Ivory Coast's decision to part ways with their manager despite still being in the competition adding an unexpected twist to the tournament's narrative. These managerial shake-ups have added an element of unpredictability to the competition, further emphasizing the intense pressure and high stakes involved in AFCON 2023.

The AFCON 2023 in Cote d’Ivoire has truly been a celebration of African football, showcasing the continent's rich talent, competitive spirit, and the remarkable growth of the sport. As the tournament progresses into the knockout stages, the world eagerly anticipates more moments of breathtaking skill, thrilling drama, and the crowning of a deserving champion.

Super Eagles Clinch Hard-Fought Victory Against Ivory Coast at African Cup of Nations; Super Eagles Players rating

 In a gripping match at the ongoing African Cup of Nations, the Super Eagles clinched a well-deserved win against host nation Ivory Coast. 

The game remained goalless in the first half, but the tide turned in the second half as Troost Ekong's penalty in the 55th minute sealed the win for Nigeria after Ousmanne Diomande fouled Victor Osimhen in the box.

The Super Eagles' defensive prowess was on full display as they countered the relentless attacking moves of the Ivory Coast, ultimately emerging victorious. Nigeria's strategic game plan, crafted by Jose Peseiro, proved effective, with the team's 3-4-3 formation and well-timed substitutions contributing to their success.

Despite the triumph, Nigeria need to remain mindful of the need to capitalize on scoring opportunities as they move forward in the tournament. With a crucial match against Guinea Bissau on the horizon, the Super Eagles now should focus on securing a win to advance to the next stage and secure a favorable position in the group standings.

The upcoming Nigeria vs. Guinea Bissau match on the 22nd Monday will be pivotal for the Super Eagles' journey in the African Cup of Nations, as they aspire to solidify their place in the tournament.

Super Eagles Player Performance Review:

Nwabali - ⭐️ 7

He performed admirably in goal, handling situations effectively when called upon.

Ola Aina - ⭐️ 8

Unlike the first game, he displayed immense improvement, excelling in defense and making all the right moves.

Calvin Bassey -⭐️ 8

Thrived in the 3-back formation, displaying immense strength and power in defense like the rest of the team.

Ekong Troost - ⭐️ 9

Took proactive charge of the Super Eagles' defense and successfully converted a penalty under pressure, an outstanding performance.

Semi Ajayi - ⭐️ 8

Excelled in covering the defense line effectively for the team.

Zaidu Sanusi - ⭐️ 7

Started a bit slow but recovered well, holding his own from the left wing-back position.

Samuel Chukwueze - ⭐️ 6

Played a somewhat involved role among the attackers, had a chance to create a scoring opportunity but exhibited some selfishness before being substituted.

Alex Iwobi - ⭐️ 7

Fulfilled a deeper role in the team, contributing significantly to the defensive aspect of the game.

Frank Onyeaka - ⭐️ 6

Performed the necessary but less glamorous marking job effectively, similar to the last game.

Lookman Ademola - ⭐️ 8

Continued to showcase liveliness and skill in ball retention to benefit Nigeria.

Victor Osimhen - ⭐️ 8

Though missing a chance to score, he redeemed himself by winning a penalty and remained influential in the attacking front.

Moses Simon - ⭐️ 5

Made little impact when entering the game but contributed to building the defensive structure.

Bright Osayi-Samuel - ⭐️ 4

Made minimal impact during the game and missed a key opportunity, impacting the team's performance.

Paul Onuachu - ⭐️ 6

Played a significant role in maintaining possession in the attacking front.

Kenneth Omeruo - ⭐️ 6

Added strength to the defense after coming on as a substitution, contributing effectively.

Super Eagles Player ratings vs Equatorial Guinea: Iwobi Struggled, Osimhen missed one-on-one and Nwabali did well in his debut

The Nigeria national team encountered a major obstacle in their first African Cup of Nations 2023 match against Equatorial Guinea, ending in a disappointing 1-1 draw.

The match began with an early setback for Nigeria as Ivan Salvador scored a brilliant goal in the 36th minute, putting Equatorial Guinea in the lead. However, Nigeria fought back immediately, and just two minutes later, Victor Osimhen rose to the occasion with a powerful header, restoring parity with a skillful finish following a brilliant cross from Ademola Lookman.

Throughout the match, Nigeria created several scoring opportunities, but unfortunately, they struggled to convert their chances. The missed opportunities included a notable sitter that Osimhen failed to convert after a well-placed pass from Iwobi.

As the match concluded with a hard-fought draw, Nigeria now looks ahead to their upcoming crucial encounter against the host nation Ivory Coast. With the need to secure more than a point in their next match, Nigeria will be eager to regroup and showcase their best against Ivory Coast on Thursday.

Super Eagles Player Rating:

Nwabali - ⭐️ 6 

Hardly tested by Equatorial Guinea and not responsible for the goal conceded. Did well in his debut. 

Ola Aina - ⭐️ 5 

Didn't contribute much to the team's attacking efforts. Seemed a bit slower than usual.

Ekong Troost - ⭐️ 6 

Led the Super Eagles' defense proactively, but with minimal action in Nigeria's box, he wasn't called into play much.

Semi Ajayi - ⭐️ 6

Had a few nervy moments while defending but managed to hold his ground.

Zaidu Sanusi - ⭐️ 5 

Pushed the team forward but failed to capitalize on opportunities, including a missed chance to score and an inability to deliver a good pass in the final third.

Alhassan Yusuf - ⭐️ 7 

Performed well in his debut, making a few interceptions before leaving the pitch injured.

Alex Iwobi - ⭐️ 5 

Brought in for creativity, but only managed to create one attacking opportunity with a pass and struggled in every aspect of the game.

Frank Onyeaka - ⭐️ 6 

Focused on the gritty work and executed his role effectively.

Lookman Ademola  - ⭐️ 7 

Nigeria's best player in attack, creating the equalizer and providing bright moments for the team.

Moses Simon - ⭐️ 5 

Started the match well, delivering a few crosses from the left side, but got rattled after losing possession multiple times and struggled later on.

Victor Osimhen - ⭐️ 7 

Scored Nigeria's equalizer, contributed to the team's attacking pressure, and also missed a crucial one-on-one chance that could have changed the game's outcome.

Joe Aribo - ⭐️ 6 

Entered the central midfield role and connected well with quick passes, showing liveliness and involvement.

Calvin Bassey - ⭐️ 4 

Came on as a left back, provided a few crosses, but had minimal impact.

Samuel Chukwueze - ⭐️ 4 

Had a chance to create a key opportunity towards the end of the game but failed to capitalize.

Bright Osayi-Samuel - ⭐️ 4 

Made minimal impact during the game.

Paul Onuachu - ⭐️ 4 

Similarly made little impact in the forward position.

The African Cup of Nations Kicks Off in Côte d'Ivoire; Group Stage Analysis

 

The excitement is palpable as the African Cup of Nations, one of the most prestigious football tournaments on the continent, commences today in Côte d'Ivoire. The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, has Football fans from across Africa and beyond eagerly anticipate the kickoff of this much-anticipated tournament.

 Ivory Coast vs Guinea Bissau: The Opening Clash

The festival of football in Côte d'Ivoire begins with a thrilling contest as the host nation, Ivory Coast, locks horns with Guinea Bissau. The Stade Olympique Alassane Ouattara, a state-of-the-art stadium located in the vibrant city of Abidjan, is set to witness an electrifying atmosphere as both teams vie for an early advantage in the tournament.

GROUP STAGE: How It Might Play Out 

One thing to keep in mind is the tournament's inherent unpredictability. Here's the overview of each AFCON 2023 group and what we can anticipate.

GROUP A: Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau

Group A seems simple at first glance, but it also has the potential to be challenging. With the host nation The Elephants, Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Equatorial Guinea, and Guinea-Bissau, it's tempting to assume that Ivory Coast and Nigeria will easily progress from the group due to the quality of their players. However, it’s important to note that the group could be more challenging than it appears, especially for Nigeria. The Nigeria team has not been performing well, and with significant absences in the attacking side due to injuries, their path to the next round may not be straightforward. Despite this, I still anticipate that Nigeria will qualify alongside the host nation Ivory Coast. The two Guinean teams are expected to provide strong competition. 

GROUP B- Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde, Mozambique

Group B features the most successful team in the history of the competition, Egypt, who have won the title a record 7 times. The team looks strong, especially with the talented Mohammed Salah in top form. Ghana is expected to be their main rival for the top spot, with a fierce competition anticipated between the two teams. Ghana also has the advantage of having the in-form Mohammed Kudus on their side, boosting their chances. Cape Verde, who have previously reached the quarter-finals, will need to surpass expectations in order to advance. Meanwhile, Mozambique is seen as a potential dark horse and is considered unlikely to progress from the group. Overall, it appears that Egypt and Ghana have a relatively clear path to advance from the group. 

GROUP C - Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea, Gambia

Senegal, the reigning champions of the tournament, have a largely unchanged squad, making them strong contenders to retain their title. They are the favorites in the group, although they might face a challenge from the formidable Cameroon team, known as the indomitable lions. Despite not being the strongest, Cameroon will have Senegal a tough match when both team play. Guinea, a regular presence in AFCON, may have opportunities to upset the big names in the group but is unlikely to be sufficient. The Gambia, despite their debut in 2021 where they reached the quarter-finals, should not be underestimated either.

Group D – Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Angola

Algeria is also considered a strong contender, but after a disappointing showing at the last AFCON where they failed to advance from the group stage, they will have to elevate their performance against formidable opponents such as Burkina Faso and Angola. These two teams have been performing well recently at the AFCON and may seize the opportunity to progress to the next round. Mauritania will require some divine help to secure a point against the teams in their group. 

Group E – Tunisia, South Africa, Namibia, Mali

Group E in this tournament is considered the "group of death," featuring teams such as Tunisia, South Africa, and Mali, all of which have much to prove. These are strong teams with a good chance of progressing to the next stage. However, the group's outcome might hinge on one of them failing to secure maximum points against the weaker team, Namibia, which has yet to win a match in the tournament. While the Bafana Bafana have not had the best recent results, they are hoping for a change in fortunes and aim to compete with Tunisia and Mali as anticipated.

Group F – Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, Tanzania

Morocco, the highest-ranked African team and a strong competitor in the tournament, will face stiff competition from DR Congo and Zambia. However, these obstacles may not be enough to stop them from advancing from the group stage. The battle between DR Congo and Zambia to decide Morocco's companion will be difficult and captivating. Meanwhile, Tanzania may also aim to pull off an unexpected upset in the group, despite being seen as having limited opportunities against the other teams in terms of quality.