AFCON 2023 : RUNDOWN OF FIRST PHASE ENTERING SECOND PHASE

The first phase of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2023 came to a close with a draw between the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia. The results of the 12 matches in this first phase were marked by seven wins, five draws and seven defeats, creating a competitive table within the six groups.

Among the highlights, Senegal shone with a resounding 3-0 win over Gambia, as did Morocco with a 3-0 victory over Tanzania.

Below are the leaders of each group at the end of the first phase:

– Group A: Ivory Coast with three points and two goals scored.

– Group B: Cape Verde with three points and two goals scored.

– Group C: Senegal with three points and three goals scored.

– Group D: Burkina Faso with three points and one goal scored.

– Group E: Mali with three points and two goals scored. Namibia is also on three points with one goal scored, placing them second in the group.

– Group F: Morocco with three points and three goals scored.

The second phase of the group stage kicks off this Thursday 18th January 2023, with some exciting matches, including Egypt against Ghana, and Ivory Coast against Nigeria. A victory for Ivory Coast would automatically qualify them for the next stage with six points.

The coaches, notably Rigobert Song and Aliou Cissé, will face the press to discuss their plans, potential injuries and reassure fans of their determination to win the upcoming matches.

On the issue of ticket scarcity, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has assured potential spectators that steps have been taken to resolve the problems associated with ticket shortages in the first phase. Assurances have been given, and solutions have been put in place to deal with such cases in the future, offering relief to fans who have been unable to attend matches due to ticket shortages.

The matches to open the next phase on Thursday 18th January 2024 are; Equatorial Guinea vs Guinea Bissau ( 14:00 GMT) at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan, Ivory Coast vs Nigeria ( 17:00 GMT) at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, Abidjan , and lastly Egypt vs Ghana (20:00GMT) at the Felix Houphouet-Boigny Stadium, Abidjan . Stay tune to your screens as this AFCON tournament soon takes a different turn out.

Delia Nyadi