ABIDJAN, Cote d’Ivoire, January 13, 2024: The anticipation is reaching fever pitch as the 34th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament is set to kick off, featuring 24 teams contending for the coveted title.
All eyes are on the Atlas Lions of Morocco, considered strong contenders following their impressive performance at the 2022 World Cup. Additionally, the host team, the Elephants of Cote d’Ivoire, have the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of previous hosts who clinched the AFCON title on home soil since its inception in 1957. Notable host-winners include Ethiopia, Ghana, Sudan, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, South Africa, Tunisia, and Egypt.
However, history shows that the Elephants have faced challenges when hosting, with a notable elimination in the first round during their first hosting in 1984. The current team, led by coach Jean-Louis Gasset, lacks experienced figures like Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure but aims to build a new legacy.
President of the Ivorian Football Federation, Yacine Idriss Diallo, acknowledged the team’s youthful composition and stated, “We will try to do our best to go as far as possible and try to win the trophy. This is why we are here.”
Meanwhile, the Atlas Lions, the first team to arrive, are eager to secure a title that has eluded them for 48 years. Coach Walid Regragui emphasised that despite their World Cup success, they do not consider themselves favourites, acknowledging the strength of teams like Algeria, Egypt, the Ivory Coast, and Nigeria.
As the AFCON journey begins, all 24 nations will feel a mix of apprehension, inspiration, and confidence as they aim for glory at the Alassane Ouattara Olympic Stadium in Ebimpé until the final on February 11.
