By Our Binocular
All is set for the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.
The continental showpiece will kick off in Côte d’Ivoire on Saturday (Jan. 13).
The 2023 AFCON was initially scheduled for July 2023 and is taking place this year.
Côte d’Ivoire is hosting the event for the 2nd time in its history.
The opening match will pit host and two-time AFCON winner Côte d’Ivoire against Guinea-Bissau.
The fixture will kick off at 8 pm local time and will be played at the newly built Ébimpé Alassane Ouattara stadium.
African giant Nigeria will then take on Equatorial Guinea on Sunday in group A’s second match.
The 24 teams taking part in the tournament are divided into 6 groups.
Reigning champions Senegal will seek to retain its crown.
According to media reports, at least 1,5 million people are expected to attend the event in Côte d’Ivoire.
Matches will be played in 5 cities, including the capital Yamoussoukro and the economic capital Abidjan.
The country has invested nearly 1 billion CFA francs, approximately worth 1.6 million dollars.
Lineups
Ivory Coast
Goalkeeper: Yahia Fofana.
Defenders: Wilfried Singo, Ousmane Diomande, Evan Ndicka, Ghislain Konan.
Midfielders: Seko Fofana, Franck Kessié, Ibrahim Sangaré.
Forwards: Jean-Philippe Krasso, Jérémie Boga, Jonathan Bamba.
Guinea-Bissau
Goalkeeper: Ouparine Djoco.
Defenders: Fali Candé, Opa Sangante, Marcelo Djaló, Jefferson Encada.
Midfielders: Janio Bikel, Alfa Semedo, Dálcio, Carlos Mané, Mamá Baldé.
Forwards: Sori Mané.
