CAN 2024 recently revealed its groups during the draw, causing both satisfaction and concern among African football players. While some groups are considered balanced, others were quickly given the dreaded title of “group of death”. This is particularly the case for Group C, made up of Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea and Gambia.
Group C instantly became the talk of the town, with mixed reactions from coaches and players. Everyone recognizes the difficulty of this group, which brings together teams who all reached the round of 16 during the last CAN. Gambia coach Tom Saint-Fiet openly acknowledges the complexity of the group and is hoping for a miracle so his team can qualify for the second round.
The reigning champion, Senegal, was not spared by the draw and finds itself faced with an old enemy, Cameroon, as well as two neighbors eager to dethrone it. The president of the Senegalese Football Federation, Me Augustin Senghor, emphasizes that the draw does not distinguish between difficult and easy groups, recalling that Algeria, the big favorite of the previous edition, was eliminated from the first round. He therefore considers that the important thing is to start the competition well and show that his team is still up to the challenge.
Ivory Coast, host country of CAN 2024, had a relatively mild draw, although Didier Drogba, former Ivorian international, warns against euphoria too quickly. He underlines the quality of Nigeria, considered one of the favorites, as well as the determination of the two Guineas, Equatorial and Bissau, who will not allow themselves to be easily dominated.
In conclusion, it is clear that this CAN 2024 draw has generated a diversity of reactions among African football players. If some already see themselves in difficulty in the group of death, others prefer to remain cautious and remember that each team has its own strengths and can create a surprise. In any case, this competition promises to be thrilling and exciting for African football fans.