All 24 participating nations set to compete in the highly anticipated 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire have successfully secured their spots in the prestigious tournament.
The completion of the qualification process came with a resounding victory for five-time AFCON champions, Cameroon, who defeated Burundi 3-0 in a thrilling match on Tuesday.
With a total of 12 former AFCON champions among the qualified teams, including the formidable three-time champions Nigeria, the upcoming AFCON promises to be a grand spectacle for football enthusiasts across the continent and beyond.
Host nation, Cote d’Ivoire, will lead a robust West African contingent of 11 countries, featuring the reigning champions Senegal, Nigeria, Ghana, Guinea, and Burkina Faso, among others. This strong representation from West Africa is expected to make the competition fierce and captivating.
East Africa will be represented by Tanzania, making a return to the finals after impressing in the qualifiers. The North African nations will also be in the mix, with Egypt, a seven-time AFCON champion, leading the charge.
Egypt has set its sights on an unprecedented eighth title, having reached the finals in two of the last three editions, in 2017 and 2021.
One notable aspect of the qualification process is the absence of debutants in this edition. African football powerhouses managed to maintain their dominance and secure their qualification, ensuring that the competition will feature only seasoned teams.
Originally scheduled for June 2023, the 2023 AFCON has been rescheduled to run from January 13 to February 11, 2024, promising an exciting start to the new year for football fans. The adjustment in dates was made to accommodate logistical and organizational requirements.
The full list of the 24 qualified countries for the 2023 AFCON includes:
Algeria
Angola
Burkina Faso
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Cote d’Ivoire (Hosts)
DR Congo
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
Gambia
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Mali
Mauritania
Morocco
Mozambique
Namibia
Nigeria
Senegal (Title Holders)
South Africa
Tanzania
Tunisia
Zambia
As the football world eagerly awaits the kick-off of the 2023 AFCON, fans and pundits alike can look forward to witnessing the clash of titans and the pursuit of continental glory in what promises to be an unforgettable tournament hosted in Cote D’Ivoire.
