Underdogs Shine at the 2023 African Cup of Nations

The 2023 African Cup of Nations, currently taking place in Cote D'Ivoire, has been full of surprises, with analysts dubbing it the tournament of the underdogs. Traditional football powerhouses such as Egypt, Cameroon, Cote D’Ivoire, and Ghana have suffered notable defeats, while other countries like Cape Verde and Equatorial Guinea have impressed.

As of now, only Groups A and B have completed their first round matches, while Groups C and D will finish their matches on Tuesday. However, the outlook doesn’t seem promising for the host country, Cote D’Ivoire, and the Black Stars of Ghana.

It is important to note that two teams from each of the six groups will automatically qualify for the round of 16, and four additional teams that finish third in their groups will also advance as ‘best losers’.

The teams that have already qualified automatically for the round of 16 are Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria, Cape Verde, Egypt, and Senegal.

The 2023 African Cup of Nations has showcased the rise of underdog nations, while traditional powerhouses have struggled to find their footing. The tournament’s unpredictability has captivated football fans across the continent and beyond, making it a memorable edition.