AFCON 2023: The Story and Lessons Learnt As Pre-tournament Favourites All Bundled Out Without Remorse (Govima Sport)
AFCON 2023 being the 34th edition of Africa’s prestige football competition returned to our screens and this time around from West Africa in the Coast.
Ivory Coast returned as hosts for the second time in their history following the initial one which was hosted back in 1984.
By the country’s personal admission, the government has invested about $1 billion on hosting the tournament, which is on going and now in the quarter final stage.
Having built four new stadiums while renovating two others.
In addition, airports, roads, hospitals and hotels have been constructed and upgraded in the five cities that is hosting the matches; Abidjan, Bouake, Korhogo, San Pedro and the capital Yamoussoukro.
Prior to the commencement of the tournament, highest ranking countries based on FIFA metrics data were seen as the power house and major force to reckon with.
1.Morocco 🇲🇦
2.Senegal 🇸🇳
3.Tunisia 🇹🇳
4.Algeria 🇩🇿
5.Egypt 🇪🇬.
The five Nations based on their recent exploit, cajoled many that they will beyond doubt have a remarkable outing.
Starting from Morocco the No 1 team in Africa by FIFA rankings largely due to her showing in the last edition of the World Cup in Qatar. Where they reached the semi-final.
Also highly favoured to shine were the Teranga lions of Senegal, the defending champions of the tournament having won the last edition in Cameroon.
And likewise the highest record winner of the tournament the Pharoahs of Egypt were as well touted to do great exploit.
Carthage Eagles of Tunisia were as well in the mix of things and not forgetting Rihad Mahrez’s Algeria who won the 2019 edition.
As Fate would have it, the tournament’s underdogs weren’t bothered about the data(s), they exhibited a fighting spirit put up a fight and and bundled out every single one of the highest ranking top five teams on the continent. And remarkably None of the top five teams in the continent will feature in the quarterfinals which commences on Friday 2nd of February 2024.
Not only that, household names like Cameroon, Ghana and many previous winners among others have likewise been given the Tfare home to show how much football has improved in the continent.
Host Nation Ivory Coast are still hanging on by the last breath and they would have been the biggest Casualty untill a last minute miracle found them to keep their hope of winning the title alive.
Assuredly one thing is constant in life and that’s change! We have been witnessing improved football games from the tactical approach, to the style of play and technical abilities of players. Every aspect remarkably has improved.
The 8 national teams in the quarter finals left to battle things out in Africa’s prestige football competition include the following:
Moral Lesson: Never underestimate anyone, never think nothing good can come out of Nazareth, keep improving, keep getting better, because alas! the only constant thing in life is change!….. (Govima Sport)
