Author: Alie Bittar @bittar32

CAF unveils 2023 African Cup of Nations logo
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

No debutants as Africa’s giants target Cote d’Ivoire glory

The line-up for next year’s TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire is complete, with no new teams set to make their debut, CAF reports.

The 24 qualified sides feature continental heavyweights like holders Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Morocco and Tunisia.

Cameroon, Ghana, Nigeria and DR Congo add further star quality, alongside South Africa, Mali and Burkina Faso.

Less fancied sides such as Equatorial Guinea, Cape Verde and Gambia will look to spring a surprise.

Egypt extended their record number of AFCON appearances to 26 by qualifying again.

The Gambia remain the tournament’s least experienced side following their maiden outing last year.

Mozambique return after a six-edition absence, while Zambia are back following a run of three straight misses.

But there are no newcomers to freshen up the field at the first finals in the Cote d’Ivoire since 1984.

With a host of giants involved, competition for the title promises to be fierce when the tournament starts on 13 January.

Holders Senegal and regional powers Algeria and Nigeria are likely to be among the favourites.

But the expanded 24-team format leaves the door open for a shock winner.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer on Twitter @bittar32, Contact bi****@*****************ne.com and African News. 

TotalEnergies AFCON 2023 24-team line-up complete
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Stage set for Cote d’Ivoire Cup of Nations 2023 final draw

All twenty-four nations set to know their group opponents on October 12 after the final draw in the Ivorian Capital of Abidjan.

Continental goliaths like Senegal, Egypt, Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco and Algeria are among the big guns waiting to know their fate.

The gigantic football events in the continent will kick off in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, on 13 January 2024. CAF noted that the official draw will be held in Abidjan on 12 October 2023.

After the Indomitable Lions picked up their tickets to make it a 19th straight finals by thrashing Burundi 3-0 in Garoua to top Group C on Tuesday, the Confederation of African Football has announced the date for the official draw.

Next year’s (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire will be the 34th edition of the biennial African Association Football Tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football.

It will be hosted by Ivory Coast for the second time, having first hosted it in 1984. Senegal are the defending champions after beating Egypt in a penalty shootout last year.

Fifty-two (52) nations battle in the qualification phase, but only 24 will compete in the finals.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, the writer on Twitter @bittar32, Contact bi****@*****************ne.com and African News. 

No debutants as Africa's giants target Cote d'Ivoire glory
Attacker Issa Kallon nets brace for Shanghai Port
by Alie Bittar @bittar32

Attacker Issa Kallon nets winner for Shanghai Port

Sierra Leone International Issa Kallon was the hero for Shanghai Port on Thursday in their 2-1 over Tianjin Jinmen Tiger.

The winger recorded his third of the season in the 75th minute, assisted by Lucas Joao at the Shanghai Stadium stadium Shanghai City, China.

Robert Berić, a Slovenian, scored the visitors’ opening goal in the 12th minute before Lü Wenjun drew parity three minutes later. 

Robert Beric followed up Ba Dun’s shot to slot home for Tianjin in the 12th minute, but Lu Wenjun’s header just four minutes later saw Shanghai level the scores, with the first half ending 1-1.

The second half saw fierce attacks and counterattacks from both teams. 

Kallon, 27, was subbed on in the 58th minute to replace Liu Xiaolong. In the 75th minute, Issa Kallon slid in to score Shanghai’s winning goal.

Shanghai Port and Tianjin Jinmen Tiger have played each other three times so far this season, with Shanghai winning two and the other match being a draw.

Connect with us @football_sierra on Facebook/ Instagram, Football Sierra Leone, and Players Abroad. The writer Alie Bittar on Twitter @bittar32, Contact Bi****@*****************ne.com.