The bell rings. The African Cup of Nations (CAN) is back. The 35th edition takes place in Morocco from December 21 to January 18. On Sunday, in Rabat, the host country will open the ball against the Comoros. A month that vibrates an entire continent, but not only that. The competition now goes beyond the borders of Africa. Who will be the new king? Morocco, semi-finalist of the last World Cup, is inevitably at the top of the pile. The host country and its ultra-complete squad are only aiming for the final victory. Senegal is also cut out to win the African crown. Behind the two favorites, a bunch of outsiders, including the defending champion Ivory Coast, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa, Algeria…
The African Cup of Nations always offers its share of surprises, disappointments and great stories. Questions too. What will be the atmosphere in the event of a clash between Moroccans and Algerians, in the midst of a diplomatic crisis between the two countries? The kingdom intends to take advantage of the competition to refine the logistical and security preparations but also the reception of the public (many stadiums will be full) in view of the 2030 World Cup, co-organized with Spain and Portugal. Forty-eight hours before the start of the competition, Libé sheds light on eye-catching players, teams and managers.
The two most famous players on the continent are out of form. The Moroccan Achraf Hakimi and the Egyptian Mohamed Salah – who have not
