The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) kicks off in Ivory Coast in mid-January after being postponed to avoid a clash with the rainy season in West Africa.
With Senegal looking to defend their title, the 24-team format means the top two from each group will advance to the knockout stages, with the four best third-placed teams joining.
There were shocks at the last Cup of Nations in Cameroon, with Comoros and Gambia going through as Four-time champions Ghana went home early, but what to expect from the 34th edition of the continental tournament?
BBC Sport Africa spoke to players, African football legends and journalists to set up the A, B and C teams.
Group A – Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau
The hosts were drawn with three-time winners Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, who pulled off a few upsets reach the quarterfinals last time out.
Guinea-Bissau, aiming to progress from the group stage for the first time, complete a line-up that Ivory Coast “Very difficult” awaits striker Didier Drogba.
“There is no generous draw because all the teams deserve to be here and they will fight,” said Drogba, who scored 65 goals for the Elephants.
“Nigeria, with Victor Osimhen and all the players they have, is a big team. We must not forget the other two teams because there are always surprises.
“I think our main advantage will be to focus on our game, our team, our strengths and try to progress. It’s up to us to make the most of it, get behind our team and make sure the trophy will stay at home.”
Nigeria face to face review by supporters after drawing the first two FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers against Lesotho and Zimbabwe in November, but Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka says it is very important that the fans get behind the team.
“I know they will be disappointed, but we still need their support,” the 25-year-old said.
“We know what it takes to win Afcon. The draws we’ve had in the last two games is something we have to learn from.”
The West Africans exited in the last 16 in Cameroon and Onyeka faces a tough task in their Abidjan-based group.
“It is not easy to play against the African teams,” he added. “It’s something we have to prepare ourselves [for]mentally and physically”.
The games of the A group
- Saturday January 13: Ivory Coast – Guinea-Bissau
- Sunday January 14: Nigeria – Equatorial Guinea
- Thursday January 18: Ivory Coast – Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea – Guinea-Bissau
- Monday January 22: Equatorial Guinea – Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau – Nigeria
Group B – Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde and Mozambique
![Mohamed Quds celebrates Ghana's goal against South Korea at the 2022 World Cup](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/624/cpsprodpb/14BE7/production/_131976948_mohammedkuduscelebratesvssouthkorea.jpg)
![Mohamed Quds celebrates Ghana's goal against South Korea at the 2022 World Cup](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/624/cpsprodpb/14BE7/production/_131976948_mohammedkuduscelebratesvssouthkorea.jpg)
Egypt expect to travel away to West Africa after losing two of the last three Afcon finals – vs Cameroon (2017) and Senegal (2021) – after “distinguished technical performances” according to Egyptian journalist Inas Mazhar.
“Mozambique should provide an immediate start given the difference in experience and history between the two teams, but the second game against Ghana will be the most difficult and crucial, where Egypt will fight to secure top spot “, he added.
“With Cape Verde to follow, the Pharaohs’ chances of topping the group are strong and progress almost certain – however, if they reach the quarter-finals, the North Africans will clash with stronger teams.
“Coach Rui Vitoria has not faced such a test since he took over in July 2022, which could be Egypt’s biggest challenge.
“The Portuguese will be scrutinized by Egyptian football fans and pundits, who will accept nothing less than an appearance in the final.”
High expectations are also an issue for Ghanawith BBC Sport presenter and reporter George Ando Jnr saying fans are “concerned” about the form of the Black Stars, who have not reached the last eight of a Nations Cup since 2017.
“Ghana were eliminated in the 2019 round of 16 and were winless and failed to qualify from the group stage in Cameroon,” he added.
“The challenges the team faced were evident in qualifying. The team lacked cohesion, the technical team looked unsettled with selection changes and the apathy of the fans was evident after repeated poor performances.
“The Black Stars have struggled in the first half of every game Chris Hughton has managed so far – with just one of the nine goals they’ve scored under him coming in the opening 45 minutes.”
After needing a last-minute winner to beat Madagascar in World Cup qualifying and then falling to defeat in Comoros, Addo Jr believes “nothing is guaranteed” for Ghana.
“The matches against Cape Verde and Mozambique have become a concern based on the performances against the minnows of late,” he said.
“Qualifying for the quarter-finals would be a huge achievement. While that may seem achievable, Hughton and his team need to find a solid starting line-up.
“Furthermore, the Black Stars will need to keep their key players fit to stand a chance.”
Group B matches
- Sunday January 14: Egypt – Mozambique, Ghana – Cape Verde
- Thursday January 18: Egypt – Ghana
- Friday January 19: Cape Verde – Mozambique
- Monday January 22: Mozambique – Ghana, Cape Verde – Egypt
Group C – Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea and Gambia
![Sadio Mane reacts after winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal in Cameroon in February 2022](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/624/cpsprodpb/D6B7/production/_131976945_sadiomanetrophy3.jpg)
![Sadio Mane reacts after winning the Africa Cup of Nations with Senegal in Cameroon in February 2022](https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/onesport/cps/624/cpsprodpb/D6B7/production/_131976945_sadiomanetrophy3.jpg)
Continental heavyweights Cameroon they have five Nations Cup titles to their name, but they had to settle for third place at the headquarters of the last time.
Despite a draw with holders Senegal, anything less than success may not go down well with Indomitable Lions supporters.
“We expect them to bring the trophy, especially since we won our first Afcon in Abidjan in 1984,” said Cameroonian football analyst Lawrence Nkede.
However, performances during the 2021 finals drew mixed reactions. While there was praise for the team’s resilience, disappointment was rife after the semi-final loss to Egypt on penalties.
Now observers are concerned about coach Rigobert Song’s lack of a consistent starting line-up.
“In the last ten games we’ve had ten different lineups. It’s very difficult to read the team and their real ability,” Nkede added.
With goalkeeper Andre Onanas continued slump in form at Manchester United and doubts over striker Bryan Mbeumo’s fitness, the Lions may already be injured ahead of their first game against Guinea.
Syli Nationale have reached the knockout stages in their last three appearances while The Gambia return later a surprise in the quarterfinals on their Afcon debut.
“Scorpions will need to be at their best to progress after poor performances and two defeats in World Cup qualifiers,” said journalist Momoudou Bah.
“Coach Tom Seidfiet’s side will be ready to take on Senegal in a derby in the opening game as it will be the first time in over 15 years that the two countries have faced each other at the senior level.”
Gambian football is progressing, with the country taking part in the Under-20 World Cup this year for the first time in 16 years, but Saintfiet has faced criticism for his playing philosophy.
“The down-to-earth approach, which relies on sitting deep to absorb pressure before hitting opponents on the break, has been one of the team’s strengths since the Belgian took over in 2018,” Bah added.
“But he has had to deal with backlash from supporters who want a more expansive approach. Saintfiet have also faced challenges in rallying as some key players struggle in front of goal.”
Group C games
- Monday January 15: Senegal – Gambia, Cameroon – Guinea
- Friday January 19: Senegal – Cameroon, Guinea – Gambia
- Tuesday, January 23: Guinea – Senegal, Gambia – Cameroon