THE 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations – one of the most exciting events on this year’s sporting calendar – kicks off in just 10 minutes’ time.
Absorbing games, crackling atmospheres and drama featuring some of the best players in the world are guaranteed as holders Senegal defend the trophy they won by beating Egypt on penalties in the 2021 final in Cameroon two years ago.
Hosts Ivory Coast and underdogs Guinea-Bissau are about to start almost a month of action as 24 teams take to six stadiums which are either new or transformed for Afcon – and we’ll have you covered every step of the way.
There will be six initial groups, six stadiums and five host cities at Afcon 2023, which was originally scheduled for last June and July.
The finals were pushed back to early this year to avoid the rainy season in West Africa.
Four-time finalists Ivory Coast won Afcon in 1992 and 2015, and Elephants coach Jean-Louis Gasset has urged his squad to make the most of home advantage.
“We feel the expectation every day but we just need to live with it,” said the Frenchman, who was assistant to Laurent Blanc at Paris Saint-Germain and with France.
Borussia Dortmund striker Sebastian Haller is out as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury, as is Brighton & Hove Albion winger Simon Adingra following a hamstring problem.
Ivory Coast XI: Yahia Fofana, Singo, Diomande, Ndicka, Konan, Ibrahim Sangare, Seko Fofana, Kessie, Bamba, Krasso, Boga.
Subs: Badra Ali Sangare (GK), Seri, Kossounou, Konate, Boly, Diakite, Gradel, Aurier, Pepe, Kouame, Doumbia, Diallo.
Defender Nanu, of Turkish Super Lig side Samsunspor, had been a doubt for Guinea-Bissau’s opener.
The former Porto right-back or winger starts on the bench, while Lyon’s Mama Balde is in attack as his side plot an upset.
Guinea-Bissau XI: Djoco, Encada, Sangante, Djalo, Cande, Cassama, Bikel, Semedo, Rodrigues, Balde, Mane.
Subs: Jonas Mendes (GK), Dju, Houboulang Mendes, Fernando Gomes, Eucidalcio Gomes, Gano, Tchami, Carlos Gomes, Mane, Eulanio Gomes, Correia, Ie.
