AFCON 2023: Tanzania get tricky Africa Cup of Nations draw

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FOOTBALL AFCON 2023: Tanzania get tricky Africa Cup of Nations draw

Festus Chuma 09:06 - 13.10.2023

Tanzania joins heavyweights in 2023 Africa Cup of Nations; intense rivalries, debutants, and defending champions promise thrilling contests ahead.

Tanzania national team, Taifa Stars, is set to navigate a challenging Africa Cup of Nations group, following a star-studded official draw that took place in Abidjan on Thursday night.

As nations anticipate this prestigious tourney, the matches promise thrilling confrontations, old rivalries, and some underdog surprises.

Group A

Leading the pack in Group A is the enticing West African contest featuring hosts Cote d'Ivoire and their formidable regional adversaries Nigeria. 

Both teams bring to the table an illustrious football history and a talent pool that never ceases to amaze fans across the continent. 

The group's dynamics become even more fascinating with the inclusion of Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau, setting the stage for some unpredictable outcomes.

Group B

Egypt and Ghana, two titans of African football, are set for another historical confrontation in Group B. Fans will vividly recall their dramatic 2010 final, which saw the Pharaohs edge out the Black Stars. 

As Egypt aims for an unprecedented eighth win, this group's contention promises to be fiery. Cape Verde and Mozambique, though not as renowned, possess the potential to spring a surprise or two.

Group C

The defending champions, Senegal, have found themselves in what many pundits might describe as the 'Group of Death'. Group C sees them paired with Cameroon - an age-old competitor in the African football realm. 

The build-up to the tournament gains an additional layer of intrigue, given that Senegal is scheduled to face Cameroon in an imminent friendly match in France. 

This encounter will undoubtedly serve as a litmus test for both teams as they eye the bigger prize in Cote d'Ivoire. Rounding off this group are Guinea and, Gambia, whose second presence adds an element of mystery and excitement.

Group D

Algeria, recent African champions and a team that has continuously impressed on the global stage, headlines Group D. They are in the company of Burkina Faso, Mauritania, and Angola. This group, albeit not as star-studded as the others, promises tactical battles and unexpected turns.

Group E

This group will see 2004 hosts and champions Tunisia whose best-place finish since then was fourth place back in 2019 take on Mali who had successive third place finishes in 2012 and 2013.

Completing the group are 1996 champions, South Africa who will be making a return since 2019 and Namibia.

Group F

Now, what about Tanzania? Drawn into Group F, their journey will not be a walk in the park. World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, known for their technical prowess and disciplined gameplay, are the heavyweights here.

 However, football has always been unpredictable. With DR Congo, a team known for its physicality and tenacity, and Zambia, former AFCON champions, the group's dynamics are vast and varied. Tanzania, under the right guidance and with the right spirit, might just pull off the unexpected.

Cote d'Ivoire is gearing up in full swing to host this spectacle. With matches spread across six venues, including the fresh architectural marvels in Abidjan, Korhogo, and San Pedro, fans are in for a treat both on and off the pitch.

As the teams head into their preparation phase, fans cacross the continent wait with bated breath for the tournament to kick off on 13 January 2023.

Groups:

Group A: Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau

Group B: Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde Islands, Mozambique

Group C: Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea, Gambia

Group D: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Angola

Group E: Tunisia, Mali, South Africa, Namibia

Group F: Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, Tanzania