Title: The challenges of the draw for the group stage of CAN 2023: The selectors unhappy with the programming
Introduction :
Thursday evening, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) carried out the draw for the group stage of the 2023 African Cup of Nations (CAN). However, this programming was not unanimous among the selectors national teams. Indeed, some of them expressed their dissatisfaction with the timing chosen for this event. In this article, we will analyze the reactions of the selectors and the implications of this programming on the preparation of the teams for the competition.
The dissatisfaction of the selectors:
Several coaches have criticized CAF’s decision to organize the CAN 2023 draw during the international break. Sébastien Desabre, coach of the DRC national team, questioned the decision, calling it “nonsense”. He also points out that many coaches were unable to attend the event due to traveling with their teams for international matches. According to him, CAF could have chosen a later date in order to allow the presence of all the coaches concerned.
Implications for team preparation:
The scheduling of the CAN 2023 draw during the international break sparked reactions from the selectors, as it disrupted their preparation for the next matches. Sébastien Desabre emphasizes that his priority is to be with his players to prepare them as best as possible for the competition. Being absent for two days to attend the draw would have been detrimental to the team’s concentration and preparation. It is therefore legitimate to wonder whether this programming could have been better thought out to avoid such disruptions.
The consequences for CAF:
The dissatisfaction of the selectors highlights a dysfunction in the organization of CAF. It is important for the governing body of African football to take into account the concerns of the selectors and consider solutions to avoid such problems in the future. A more suitable calendar, taking into consideration the international break and the preparation of the teams, would be necessary to guarantee optimal organization of the competition.
Conclusion :
The draw for the CAN 2023 group stage sparked mixed reactions from national team coaches. CAF’s choice to organize this event during the international break disrupted the teams’ preparation for the next matches. It is essential that the governing body of African football takes these concerns into account and finds solutions to avoid such inconveniences in the future.. Better coordination between CAF and national federations is necessary to ensure a well-prepared and fair competition for all participating teams.