The first round of the AFCON 2023 came to a close on Wednesday January 24. 16 teams have booked their places in the Round of 16: the top two teams in each group, plus the four best third-placed teams. An opportunity for Sport News Africa to take stock. The top performers: Senegal, Cape Verde, Morocco and Angola. The sensations are Mauritania and Namibia, while the dunce's cap goes to several heavyweights such as Tunisia, Ghana and Algeria.
This AFCON 2023 is all about attack. Those who had spoken of the competition in Côte d'Ivoire as the finest in history were not mistaken. In 36 first-round matches, 89 goals have already been scored. A record in the history of the competition. By way of comparison, in the 2021 edition, the first round produced 68 goals. There were only three 0-0 draws this Wednesday, January 24, in the Mali-Namibia, South Africa-Tunisia and Tanzania-RD Congo matches. In terms of scorers, Emilio Nsue of Equatorial Guinea tops the list with 5 goals. He is followed by Mostafa Mohamed (3 goals), Lamine Camara (2 goals) and Gelson Dala (2).
Senegal and Morocco at the top, the Elephants through the mousehole
Senegal, announced as the favourites for the AFCON 2023, spared no expense in showing their intent to retain their crown. Three games, three wins, 8 goals scored (best attack) and best defense (1 goal conceded).In fact, Senegal is the only nation to have won all its matches.A clear message to the competition. But watch out for any let-up in the knockout stages, as in the 1/8th final, the Lions of Teranga will face Côte d'Ivoire. The Elephants, on the other hand, have gone through a mouse hole. The host nation finished 3rd in Group A with 3 points. Knocked out after their 4-0 slap in the face against Equatorial Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire are banking on an electroshock. With Jean-Louis Gasset out of the way, Emerse Faé took over.
But the Ivorians owe their qualification to Morocco. The Atlas Lions secured a 1-0 victory over Zambia on Wednesday, January 24, which guaranteed them 1st place with 7 points, and enabled Côte d'Ivoire to move up to third ahead of Zambia. Ivorian fans sang the praises of the King of Morocco, Mohamed VI, in the streets after the match. As for the Moroccans, they remain the tournament favourites and continue to be solid defensively (best defence with Senegal, 1 goal conceded). Nigeria, 2nd in Group A (7 pts) and Cameroon, 2nd in Group C (4 pts), have also secured their qualification after a mixed start.
Cape Verde and Angola impress
In Pool B, Cape Verde shone, even impressed. While Ghana and Egypt were expected to leave nothing but crumbs, it was the Blue Sharks who devoured their opponents.1st place, 7 points, two victories over Ghana (2-1) and Mozambique (3-0) and a 2-2 draw with Egypt. Bébé's team are not afraid of a challenge.
In Group D, too, the tables have turned.Angola, in hat 4 at the draw, ended up on top with 7 points, finishing ahead of Burkina Faso, Mauritania and above all Algeria.The seeded Fennecs finished last.
First for Mauritania and Namibia
We've already heard the story of the Comoros at the AFCON 2021 and for the 2023 edition, we have the Mauritanian one. The common denominator: Amir Abdou. The 51-year-old coach gave the Murabitounes their first-ever qualification for the Round of 16 of the African Cup of Nations. A resounding success, given that it was secured thanks to a 1-0 win over Algeria.
Namibia also took advantage to qualify for the Round of 16 for the first time. The Brave Warriors finished 3rd in Group E with 4 points.Their record in their 4th African Cup: a win over Tunisia (1-0), a 0-4 defeat by South Africa and a 0-0 draw with Mali.
Algeria and Ghana, as in 2021
Algeria and Ghana are groggy, to say the least.The two nations, with two draws and a defeat, went out in the first round. A real failure for two of the continent's greatest soccer nations.Given that 16 of the 24 teams taking part in AFCON 2023 are in the Round of 16, you'd have to be a real disaster to miss out. With aging managers, some expected disappointments and coaches who are not up to the challenge, it will be necessary to quickly get back into fighting order. The first step is to find a new coach. Both Chris Hughton and Djamel Belmadi are no longer in the job.
Tunisia have also left the tournament prematurely. At least quarter-finalists in the last 4 editions, including a 4th place finish in 2019, the Carthage Eagles delivered a caricature of their game. An uninspired team, huddled around their goals, unable to offer a game capable of rivalling their opponents. The only time Jalel Kadri wanted to field 4 attacking players was during the 0-1 defeat by Namibia.
Since the start of the tournament, the following coaches have been relieved of their duties:Adel Amrouche (Tanzania), Tom Saintfiet (Gambia), Jalel Kadri (Tunisia), Djamel Belmadi (Algeria), Jean-Louis Gasset (Côte d'Ivoire), Chris Hughton (Ghana).
Qualified: Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Cape Verde, Egypt, South Africa, Senegal, Cameroon ,Guinea , Angola, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Mali, Namibia, Morocco, DRC.
