Host Cote d’Ivoire will play local rivals Nigeria at the Group phase of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023 as the official Draw set up some fascinating matches following Thursday’s draw in Abidjan.
Reigning champions Senegal were set in opposition to Cameroon while record winners Egypt restore threats with Ghana after the draw was made.
The ceremony was a spellbinding one with current and former football geniuses, including Didier Drogba, Mikel Obi, Sadio Mane and Achraf Hakimi, representing as Assistants for the final Draw.
Host Cote d’Ivoire have been matched with territorial opponents Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau in Group A.
Senegal, who won it recently, were matched in Group C against Cameroon, Guinea and AFCON debutants Gambia in what looks a competitive pool.
Interestingly, Senegal will face Cameroon in a friendly in France on Monday as part of their build-up to defend the trophy on Ivorian soil.
Egypt, who will be hunting a record-extending eighth continental crown, will face Ghana in Group B in a repeat of the 2010 final which the Pharaohs won late on. Cape Verde and Mozambique also complete the group.
Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and Angola are also matched in Gathering D in another astonishing pool.
World Cup semi-finalists Morocco would possibly control a comfortable Group F consisting of DR Congo, Zambia and Tanzania.
Matches will take place at six venues across the country, including newly constructed stadiums in Abidjan, Korhogo and San Pedro.
The 16-team group stage was plotted in Abidjan, with Cote d’Ivoire hosting the continent’s showpiece event from 13 January to 11 February 2023.
The 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
