By Ollus Ndomu
The 2023 AFCON tournament has proven to be a battleground where no clear favorite emerges, shrouding the path to predict which team will lift the coveted trophy on February 11.
Football powerhouses Nigeria, Egypt, and Ghana, renowned for their AFCON triumphs, find their hopes deflated to some extent in the early stages. Despite their rich history in the tournament, both Nigeria and Egypt were held to draws in their opening matches. Mozambique, with an unexpected display of prowess, applied extreme pressure on Egypt, nearly toppling the Pharaohs. Only an unjustified 7 minutes of additional time and a subsequently awarded penalty saved Egypt from a potential upset.
In a surprising turn of events, Cape Verde, the island team, managed to handle Ghana with a 2-1 victory at full time. The Black Stars entered the pitch relying on their historical pitch reputation, but Cape Verde challenged this status quo. Despite Ghana’s energetic comeback with an equalizing header in the second half, Cape Verde stood firm.
The games played so far reveal a stark departure from historical trends. This AFCON edition showcases underdog teams rewriting the narrative, dethroning football bigwigs, and leaving fans on the edge of their seats as history is being rewritten right before our eyes.
