The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations is fast approaching, and qualifying for this major African football event concluded this week. Cameroon and Namibia have obtained their ticket to complete the list of 24 teams which will participate in the competition in Ivory Coast.
The playoffs were full of emotions and surprises. Cameroon had to fight until the end to qualify, with a decisive match against Burundi ending in a 3-0 victory. The Indomitable Lions had to wait until the second half to take the lead, thanks to goals from Bryan Mbeumo, Christopher Wooh and Vincent Abubakar. This victory not only qualified Cameroon, but also Namibia which was hanging on the result of this meeting.
The qualifications also revealed a choice poster for the competition. Twelve former winners of the trophy will be present in Ivory Coast, including Mohamed Salah’s Egypt, reigning champions Senegal, as well as Algeria, Burkina Faso and Mali. This concentration of great teams promises a tough and exciting competition, where every match will be contested.
It is interesting to note that there will be no new countries participating in this African Cup of Nations, a first since the 2015 edition. This underlines the level of competitiveness of the competition, where only the best succeed to qualify. Teams like Gambia, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique have managed to qualify for several consecutive editions, demonstrating their progression and ambition on the African scene.
Now that the qualifications are complete, the draw will be made on October 12 in Abidjan to determine the groups for the competition. Qualified teams must now prepare for the event and give themselves the means to shine on the continental stage.
The 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast therefore promises to be exciting, with a list of prestigious teams and a high level of competition. African football fans are eager to experience this great football celebration and see which team will lift the coveted trophy. Come to Ivory Coast for a month of intense competition and unforgettable moments.