The draw for the next African Cup of Nations took place on Thursday at the Parc des Expositions in Abidjan. Discover the composition of the six groups and the first shocks of the competition, which will take place from January 13 to February 11.
Published on: 12/10/2023 – 22:21
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The draw has spoken and the six groups of the African Cup of Nations (CAN) are now known. On the menu, shocks from the group stage between Cameroon and Senegal, Algeria and Burkina Faso as well as Egypt and Ghana.
On the menu for the opening match, an opposition between the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire and Guinea-Bissau. The host country was not varnished by its draw since they will challenge the Super Eagles of Nigeria in their group as well as Equatorial Guinea in a group of death. Group C, that of Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea and Gambia, also promises to be raised.
For their return, the Leopards of DR Congo will face Zambia, Tanzania and Morocco, semi-finalists of World Cup-2022
The first and second in each group, as well as the four best third-placed teams will advance to the round of 16. The winner will succeed Senegal, defending champion
The draw was made by Senegalese striker Sadio Mané, Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi, former Nigerian midfielder John Obi Mikel and former Ivorian star Didier Drogba, who received a standing ovation from the audience.
Other former glories like the Ivorian Ivorian Yaya Touré or Bonaventure Kalou as well as the French Eric Abidal, Marcel Desailly and Jean Tigana were also present.
Initially scheduled for June and July 2023, the CAN was postponed to be held in early 2024, in order to avoid the matches taking place in the middle of the rainy season.
It will take place from January 13 to February 11 in six stadiums: Abidjan (two enclosures), Bouaké (center), Korhogo (north), San Pedro (southwest) and the capital Yamoussoukro (center).
