AFCON 2023: Profiles Of All 24 Competing Nations

ALGERIA

NICKNAME: Fennec Foxes/The Greens

HEAD COACH: Djamel Belmadi

AFCON HISTORY: 2x winners (1990, 2019)

                               1x runners-up: (1980)

                               20 AFCON appearances 

                               77 Matches (28 W | 22 D | 27 L)

CAF RANKING: 4th

PLAYER TO WATCH: Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli (Saudi Arabia)

GROUP D OPPONENTS: Angola, Burkina Faso, Mauritania.

AFCON 2023 SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Anthony Mandrea (Caen, France), Rais Mbolhi (CR Belouizdad, Algeria), Oussama Benbot (USM Alger, Algeria), Moustapha Zeghba (Damac, Saudi Arabia).

Defenders: Youcef Atal (Nice, France), Kevin van den Kerkhof (Metz, France), Rayan Ait Nouri (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England), Yasser Larouci (Sheffield United, England), Aissa Mandi (Villarreal, Spain), Mohamed Amine Tougai (Esperance Tunis, Tunisia), Ramy Bensebaini (Borussia Dortmund, Germany), Ahmed Touba (Lecce, Italy), Zineddine Belaid (USM Alger, Algeria).

Midfielders: Nabil Bentaleb (Lille, France), Sofiane Feghouli (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey), Houssem Aouar (Roma, Italy), Fares Chaibi (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), Ramiz Zerrouki (Feyenoord, Netherlands), Hicham Boudaoui (Nice, France), Ismael Bennacer (AC Milan, Italy).

Forwards: Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli, Saudi Arabia), Adam Ounas (Lille, France), Mohamed Amoura (Union Saint-Gilloise, Belgium), Youcef Belaili (MC Alger, Algeria), Baghdad Bounedjah (Al Sadd, Qatar), Islam Slimani (Coritiba, Brazil).

ANGOLA

NICKNAME: Palancas Negras

HEAD COACH: Pedro Gonçalves

AFCON HISTORY: 0x winners 

                               1x runners-up: (1987)

                               9 AFCON appearances 

                               26 Matches (4 W | 12 D | 10 L)

CAF RANKING: 28th

PLAYER TO WATCH: Gelson Dala (Al-Wakrah)

GROUP D OPPONENTS: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania.

AFCON 2023 SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Antonio Dominique (Etoile Carouge, Switzerland), Kadu (Oliveira Hospital, Portugal), Neblu (Premeiro Agosto, Angola), Gelson (Interclube, Angola).

Defenders: Eddie Afonso, To Carneiro, Kinito, Inacio Miguel (all Petro Atletico, Angola), Loide Augusto (Alanyaspor, Turkey), Jonathan Buatu (Valenciennes, France), Nurio Fortuna (Gent, Belgium), Kialonda Gaspar (Estrela Amadora, Portugal).

Midfielders: Beni (Casa Pia, Portugal), Estrela (Erzurumspor, Turkey), Fredy (Eyupspor, Turkey), Keliano Manuel (Estrela Amadora, Portugal), Bruno Paz (Konyaspor, Turkey) Show (Maccabi Haifa, Israel).

Forwards: Jeremie Bela (Clermont, France), Gelson Dala (Al Wakrah, Qatar), Zito Luvumbo (Cagliari, Italy), Mabululu (Al Ittihad, Egypt), Felicio Milson (Maccabi Tel Aviv, Israel), Zine (AEK Athens, Greece), Gilberto (Petro Atletico, Angola), Depu (Gil Vicente, Angola), Chico Banza (Anorthosis Famagusta, Cyprus).

BURKINA FASO

NICKNAME: The Stallions

HEAD COACH: Hubert Velud

AFCON HISTORY: 0x winners 

                               1x runners-up: (2013)

                               13 AFCON appearances 

                               48 Matches (9 W | 16 D | 23 L)

CAF RANKING: 10th

PLAYER TO WATCH: Issa Kabore (Luton Town)

GROUP D OPPONENTS: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania.

AFCON 2023 SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Herve Koffi (Charleroi, Belgium), Hillel Konate (Chateauroux, France), Kilian Nikiema (ADO Den Haag, Netherlands), Sebastien Tou (Sabadell, Spain).

Defenders: Issa Kabore (Luton Town, England), Steeve Yago (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Issoufou Dayo (RS Berkane, Morocco), Nasser Djiga (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia), Edmond Tapsoba (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Adamo Nagalo (Nordsjaelland, Denmark), Abdoul Guiebre (Modena, Italy), Valentin Nouma (Saint Eloi Lupopo, DR Congo).

Midfielders: Blati Toure (Pyramids, Egypt), Adama Guira (Racing Rioja, Spain), Dramane Salou (Urartu, Armenia), Ismahila Ouedraogo (Panserraikos, Greece), Sacha Banse (Valenciennes, France), Gustavo Sangare (Quevilly-Rouen, France), Stephane Aziz Ki (Young Africans, Tanzania).

Forwards: Bertrand Traore (Aston Villa, England), Dango Ouattara (Bournemouth, England), Mamady Alex Bangre (Toulouse, France), Djibril Ouattara (RS Berkane, Morocco), Hassane Bande (HJK Helsinki, Finland), Mohamed Konate (Akhmat Grozny, Russia), Abdoul Tapsoba (Amiens, France), Cedric Badolo (Sheriff Tiraspol, Moldova).

CAMEROON

NICKNAME: The Indomitable Lions

HEAD COACH: Rigobert Song

AFCON HISTORY: 5x winners (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017)

                               2x runners-up: (1986, 2008)

                               2x third-place: (1972, 2021)

                               20 AFCON appearances 

                               91 Matches (45 W | 30 D | 16 L)

CAF RANKING: 7th

PLAYERS TO WATCH: Vincent Aboubakar (Besiktas)

GROUP C OPPONENTS: The Gambia, Guinea, Senegal.

AFCON 2023 SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Andre Onana (Manchester United, England), Fabrice Ondoa (Nimes, France), Devis Epassy (Abha, Saudi Arabia) Simon Ngapandouetnbu (Marseille, France).

Defenders: Christopher Wooh (Rennes, France), Junior Tchamadeu (Stoke, England), Nouhou Tolo (Seattle Sounders, USA), Darlin Yongwa (Lorient, France), Oumar Gonzalez (Al Raed, Saudi Arabia), Harold Moukoudi (AEK Athens, Greece), Jean Charles Castelletto (Nantes, France), Malcom Bokele (Bordeaux, France), Enzo Tchato (Montpellier, France).

Midfielders: Olivier Ntcham (Samsunspor, Turkey), Yvan Neyou (Leganes, Spain), Doualla Wilfried Nathan (Victoria United, Cameroon), Ben Njongoue Elliott (Reading, England), Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa (Napoli, Italy), Olivier Kemen (Kayserispor, Turkey), Leonel Ateba (Dynamo Douala, Cameroon).

Forwards: Vincent Aboubakar (Besiktas, Turkey), Georges-Kevin Nkoudou (Damac, Saudi Arabia), Clinton Njie (Sivasspor, Turkey), Karl Toko Ekambi (Abha, Saudi Arabia), Faris Moumbagna (Bodo/Glimt, Norway), Frank Magri (Toulouse, France), Moumi Ngamaleu (Dynamo Moscow, Russia).

CAPE VERDE

NICKNAME: Tubarões Azuis (Blue Sharks)

HEAD COACH: Pedro Leitão Brito

AFCON HISTORY: 0x winners

                               0x runners-up

                               0x third-place

                               4 AFCON appearances 

                               11 Matches (2 W | 6 D | 3 L)

CAF RANKING: 14th

PLAYER TO WATCH: Garry Rodrigues (Ankaragucu)

GROUP B OPPONENTS: Ghana, Egypt, Mozambique

AFCON 2023 SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Vozinha (AS Trencin, Slovakia), Marcio Rosa (Anadia, Portugal), Dylan Silva (Sintrense, Portugal).

Defenders: Stopira (Boavista da Praia, Cape Verde), Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes (Shamrock Rovers, Ireland), Diney (Al Bataeh, UAE), Dylan Tavares (Bastia, France), Logan Costa (Toulouse, France), Joao Correia (GD Chaves, Portugal), Steven Moreira (Columbus Crew, USA).

Midfielders: Jamiro Monteiro (San Jose Earthquakes, USA), Kenny Rocha (AEZ Zakakiou, Cyprus), Patrick Andrade (Qarabag, Azerbaijan), Joao Paulo Fernandes (Sheriff Tiraspol, Moldova), Deroy Duarte (Fortuna Sittard, Netherlands), Cuca (Uniao de Leiria, Portugal), Kevin Pina (Krasnodar, Russia), Laros Duarte (Groningen, Netherlands).

Forwards: Ryan Mendes (Fatih Karagumruk, Turkey), Garry Rodrigues (Anakaragucu, Turkey), Willy Semedo (Omonia, Cyprus), Bebe (Rayo Vallecano, Spain), Jovane Cabral (Salernitana, Italy), Helio Varela (Portimonense, Portugal), Bryan Teixeira (Sturm Graz, Austria), Benchimol (Benfica B, Portugal).

DR CONGO

NICKNAME: The Leopards

HEAD COACH: Sébastien Desabre

AFCON HISTORY: 2x winners (1968, 1974)

                               0x runners-up: (1986, 2008)

                               1x third-place: (2015)

                               19 AFCON appearances 

                               73 Matches (20 W | 24 D | 29 L)

CAF RANKING: 13th

PLAYER TO WATCH: Yoane Wissa (Brentford)

GROUP F OPPONENTS: Morocco, Tanzania, Zambia

AFCON 2023 SQUAD:

Goalkeepers: Dimitry Bertaud (Montpellier, France), Lionel Mpasi (Rodez, France), Baggio Siadi (TP Mazembe, DR Congo).

Defenders: Dylan Batubinsika (Saint Etienne, France), Brian Bayeye (Ascoli, Italy), Rocky Bushiri (Hibernian, Scotland), Henock Inonga (Simba, Tanzania), Gedeon Kalulu (Lorient, France), Joris Kayembe (Genk, Belgium), Arthur Masuaku (Besiktas, Turkey), Chancel Mbemba (Marseille, France).

Midfielders: Theo Bongonda (Spartak Moscow, Russia), Grady Diangana (West Bromwich Albion, England), Gael Kakuta (Amiens, France), Edo Kayembe (Watford, England), Samuel Moutoussamy (Nantes, France), Charles Pickel (Cremonese, Italy), Aaron Tshibola (Al Hatta, UAE).

Forwards: Simon Banza (Braga, Portugal), Cedric Bakambu (Galatasaray, Turkey), Meschack Elia (Young Boys, Switzerland), Silas (Stuttgart, Germany), Fiston Mayele (Pyramids, Egypt), Yoane Wissa (Brentford, England).

EGYPT

NICKNAME: The Pharaohs

HEAD COACH: Rui Vitoria 

AFCON HISTORY: 7x winners (1957, 1959,1986, 1998,2006,2008, 2010)

                               3x runners-up: (1962,  2017,  2021) 

                               25 AFCON appearances 

                               107 Matches (60 W | 20 D | 27 L)

CAF RANKING: 5th

PLAYER TO WATCH: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, England)

GROUP B OPPONENTS: Cape Verde, Ghana and Mozambique

AFCON 2023 SQUAD: 

Goalkeepers: Mohamed El Shenawy (Al Ahly, Egypt), Ahmed El Shenawy (Pyramids, Egypt), Gabaski (National Bank of Egypt, Egypt), Mohamed Sobhi (Zamalek, Egypt).

Defenders: Ahmed Hegazy (Al Ittihad, Saudi Arabia), Mohamed Abdelmonem, Mohamed Hany, Yasser Ibrahim (all Al Ahly, Egypt), Ali Gabr, Ahmed Samy, Mohamed Hamdy (all Pyramids, Egypt), Omar Kamal (Future, Egypt), Ahmed Fatouh (Zamalek, Egypt).

Midfielders: Hamdi Fathi (Al Wakrah,Qatar), Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal, England), Marwan Attia, Emam Ashour (both Al Ahly, Egypt), Zizo (Zamalek, Egypt), Mahmoud Hamada (Al Masry, Egypt), Mohanad Lasheen (Pyramids, Egypt).

Forwards: Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, England), Mostafa Fathi (Pyramids, Egypt), Trezeguet (Trabzonspor, Turkey), Omar Marmoush (Eintracht Frankfurt, Egypt), Mostafa Mohamed (Nantes, France), Kahraba (Al Ahly, Egypt), Ahmed Hassan (Pendikspor, Turkey).

8. EQUATORIAL GUINEA

9. 

NICKNAME: Nzalang Nacional (National Thunder)

HEAD COACH: Juan Micha Obiang 

AFCON HISTORY: 4th place (2021)

                               3 AFCON appearances 

                               15 Matches (6 W | 4 D | 5 L)

CAF RANKING: 18th

PLAYER TO WATCH: Emilio Nsue (CF Intercity, Spain)

GROUP A OPPONENTS: Ivory Coast, Guinea Bissau Nigeria

AFCON 2023 SQUAD: 

Goalkeepers: Jesus Owono (Alaves, Spain), Manuel Sapunga (Polokwane City, South Africa), Aitor Embela (Soneja, Spain).

Defenders: Basilio Ndong (Universitatea Craiova, Romania), Carlos Akapo (San Jose Earthquakes, USA), Charles Ondo (Huddersfield Town, England), Marvin Anieboh (Illescas, Spain), Nestor Senra (Real Aviles, Spain), Jose Elo (Merida, Spain), Esteban Orozco (Arges Pitesti, Romania).

Midfielders: Jannick Buyla (Logrones, Spain), Alex Balboa (Alaves, Spain), Federico Bikoro (Club Africain, Tunisia), Iban Salvador (Miedz Legnica, Poland), Jose Machin (Monza, Italy), Santiago Eneme (MFK Vyskov, Czech Republic), Josete Miranda (Niki Volos, Greece), Pablo Ganet (Alcoyano, Spain).

Forwards: Noe Ela (Numancia, Spain), Jose Nabil (Cano Sport, Equatorial Guinea), Emilio Nsue (Intercity, Spain), Salomon Obama (Santa Coloma, Andorra), Luis Nlavo (Braga B, Portugal).

9. GAMBIA

NICKNAME: The Scorpions

HEAD COACH: Tom Saintfiet 

AFCON HISTORY: Quarter Finals (2021)

                               1 AFCON appearance 

                               5 Matches (3 W | 1 D | 1 L)

CAF RANKING: 35th

PLAYER TO WATCH: Alieu Fadera (Genk, Belgium)

GROUP C OPPONENTS: Cameroon, Guinea and Senegal 

AFCON 2023 SQUAD: 

Goalkeepers: Modou Jobe (Musanze, Rwanda), Baboucarr Gaye (Lokomotiv Sofia, Bulgaria), Lamin Sarr (Eskilsminne, Sweden).

Defenders: Dawda Ngum (Ariana, Sweden), Omar Colley (Besiktas, Turkey), James Gomez (Sparta Prague), Ibou Touray (Stockport County, England), Noah Sonko Sundberg (Ludogorets, Bulgaria), Jacob Mendy (Wrexham, Wales), Saidy Janko (Young Boys, Switzerland), Muhammed Sanneh (Banik Ostrava, Czech Republic), Bubacarr Sanneh (Unattached).

Midfielders: Hamza Barry (Vejle, Denmark), Ablie Jallow (Metz, France), Sulayman Marreh (Unattached), Ebou Adams (Cardiff City, Wales), Sanyang Abdoulie (Grenoble, France), Alasana Manneh (Odense, Denmark), Ebrima Darboe (LASK, Austria), Yusupha Bobb (KACM Marrakech, Morocco).

Forwards: Alieu Fadera (Genk, Belgium), Assan Ceesay (Damac, Saudi Arabia), Musa Barrow (Al Taawoun, Saudi Arabia), Ebrima Colley (Young Boys, Switzerland), Yankuba Minteh (Feyenoord, Netherlands), Muhammed Badamosi (Al Hazem, Saudi Arabia), Ali Sowe (Ankaragucu, Turkey).

10. GHANA

NICKNAME: The Black Stars

HEAD COACH: Chris Hughton

AFCON HISTORY: 4x winners (1963, 1965, 1978, 1982)

                               5x runners-up: (1968,1970,1992,2010, 2015) 

                               23 AFCON appearances 

                               102 Matches (51 W | 21 D | 27 L)

CAF RANKING: 11th

PLAYER TO WATCH: Mohammed Kudus (West Ham, England)

GROUP B OPPONENTS: Cape Verde, Egypt and Mozambique

AFCON 2023 SQUAD: 

Goalkeepers: Lawrence Ati Zigi (St Gallen, Switzerland), Richard Ofori (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Joe Wollacott (Hibernian, Scotland).

Defenders: Daniel Amartey (Leicester City, England), Alexander Djiku (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Abdul Fatawu Hamidu (Medeama, Ghana), Gideon Mensah (Auxerre, France), Denis Odoi (Club Bruges, Belgium), Nicholas Opoku (Amiens, France), Mohammed Salisu (Monaco, France), Kingsley Schindler (Samsunspor, Turkey), Alidu Seidu (Clermont, France).

Midfielders: Majeed Ashimeru (Anderlecht, Belgium), Osman Bukari (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia), Baba Iddrisu (Mallorca, Spain), Ransford Konigsdorffer (Hamburg, Germany), Mohammed Kudus (West Ham, England), Richmond Lamptey (Asante Kotoko, Ghana), Elisha Owusu (Auxerre, France), Joseph Paintsil (Genk, Belgium), Salis Abdul Samed (Lens, France).

Forwards: Andre Ayew (Le Havre, France), Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace, England), Ernest Nuamah (RWD Molenbeek, Belgium), Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth, England), Jonathan Sowah (Medeama, Ghana), Inaki Williams (Athletic Bilbao, Spain).

11. GUINEA

NICKNAME: Syli National (National Elephants) 

HEAD COACH: Kaba Diawara

AFCON HISTORY: 1x runners-up: (1976) 

                               14 AFCON appearances 

                               47 Matches (13 W | 17 D | 17 L)

CAF RANKING: 15th

PLAYER TO WATCH: Naby Keita (Werder Bremen, Liverpool)

GROUP C OPPONENTS: Cameroon, Gambia and Senegal

AFCON 2023 SQUAD: 

Goalkeepers: Aly Keita (Ostersunds, Sweden), Moussa Camara (Horoya, Guinea), Ibrahim Kone (Hibernians, Malta).

Defenders: Antoine Conte (Botev Plovdiv, Bulgaria), Ibrahima Diakite (Reims, France), Issiaga Sylla (Montpellier, France), Sekou Sylla (SC Cambuur, Netherlands), Mouctar Diakhaby (Valencia, Spain), Julien Janvier (Kayserispor, Turkey), Saidou Sow (Strasbourg, France), Mohamed Ali Camara (Young Boys, Switzerland).

Midfielders: Amadou Diawara (Anderlecht, Belgium), Seydouba Cisse (Leganes, Spain), Aguibou Camara (Atromitos, Greece), Naby Keita (Werder Bremen, Germany), Abdoulaye Toure (Le Havre, France), Mory Konate (Mechelen, Belgium), Ilaix Moriba (RB Leipzig, Germany), Karim Cisse (Saint Etienne, France).

Forwards: Francois Kamano (Abha, Saudi Arabia), Morgan Guilavogui (Lens, France), Serhou Guirassy (Stuttgart, Germany), Mohamed Bayo (Le Havre, France), Jose Kante (Urawa Red Diamonds, Japan), Facinet Conte (Bastia, France).

12. GUINEA-BISSAU

NICKNAME: Djurtus

HEAD COACH: Baciro Candé

AFCON HISTORY: Group Stage (2017, 2019, 2021) 

                                3 AFCON appearances 

                                9 Matches (0 W | 3 D | 6 L)

CAF RANKING: 21st

PLAYER TO WATCH: Mama Baldé (Lyon, France)

GROUP A OPPONENTS: Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria

AFCON 2023 SQUAD: 

Goalkeepers: Ouparine Djoco (Francs Borains, Belgium), Fernando Embadje (Alcanenense, Portugal), Jonas Mendes (Kalamata, Greece).

Defenders: Fali Cande (Metz, France), Marcelo Djalo (Palencia, Spain), Jefferson Encada (Pharco, Egput), Edgar Ie (Istanbul Basaksehir, Turkey), Nanu (Samsunspor, Turkey), Nito (Maritimo, Portugal), Opa Sangante (Dunkerque, France), Prosper Mendy (Charleroi, Belgium).

Midfielders: Janio Bikel (Gaziantep, Turkey), Moreto Cassama (Omonia, Cyprus), Dalcio (APOEL, Cyprus), Carlos Mane (Kayserispor, Turkey), Sori Mane (Academico Viseu, Portugal), Carlos Mendes (Bolton Wanderers, England), Mauro Rodrigues (Yverdon, Switzerland), Alfa Semedo (Al Tai, Saudi Arabia).

Forwards: Mama Balde (Lyon, France), Franculino (Midtjylland, Denmark), Zinho Gano (Zulte Waregem, Belgium), Famana Quizera (Academico Viseu, Portugal), Marciano Sanca (Almeria, Spain), Ze Turbo (Nizhny Novgorod, Russia).

13. IVORY COAST

NICKNAME: The Elephants

HEAD COACH: Jean-Louis Gasset

AFCON HISTORY: 2x winners (1992, 2015) 

                               2x runners-up: (2006, 2012) 

                               24 AFCON appearances 

                               99 Matches (44 W | 29 D | 26 L)

CAF RANKING: 8th

PLAYER TO WATCH: Simon Adingra (Brighton, England)

GROUP A OPPONENTS: Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau and Nigeria

AFCON 2023 SQUAD: 

Goalkeepers: Yahia Fofana (Angers, France), Charles Folly (ASEC Mimosas, Ivory Coast), Badra Ali Sangare (Sekhukhune United, South Africa).

Defenders: Serge Aurier (Nottingham Forest, England), Willy Boly (Nottingham Forest, England), Ismael Diallo (Hajduk Split, Croatia), Ousmane Diomande (Sporting Lisbon, Portugal), Ghislain Konan (Al Fayha, Saudi Arabia), Evans Ndicka (Roma, Italy), Odilon Kossounou (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Wilfried Singo (Monaco, France).

Midfielders: Jean-Thierry Lazare Amani (Union Saint-Gilloise, Belgium), Idrissa Doumbia (Alanyaspor, Turkey), Seko Fofana (Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia), Ibrahim Sangare (Nottingham Forest, England), Franck Kessie (Al-Ahli, Saudi Arabia), Jean-Michael Seri (Hull City, England).

Forwards: Simon Adingra (Brighton & Hove Albion, England), Jonathan Bamba (Celta Vigo, Spain), Jeremie Boga (Nice, France), Sebastien Haller (Borussia Dortmund, Germany), Karim Konate (RB Salzburg, Austria), Christian Kouame (Fiorentina, Italy), Jean-Philippe Krasso (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia), Max-Alain Gradel (Gaziantep, Turkey), Oumar Diakite (Reims, France), Nicolas Pepe (Trabzonspor, Turkey).

14. MALI

NICKNAME:  Les Aigles (The Eagles)

HEAD COACH: Eric Sekou Chelle

AFCON HISTORY: 1x runners-up: (1972) 

                               12 AFCON appearances 

                               54 Matches (19 W | 19 D | 16 L)

CAF RANKING: 9th

PLAYER TO WATCH: Yves Bissouma (Tottenham Hotspur)

GROUP E OPPONENTS: Namibia, South Africa and Tunisia

AFCON 2023 SQUAD: 

Goalkeepers: Aboubacar Doumbia (Afrique Football Elite, Mali), Djigui Diarra (Young Africans, Tanzania), Ismael Diawara (Malmo, Sweden).

Defenders: Amadou Dante (Sturm Graz, Austria), Moussa Diarra (Toulouse, France), Mamadou Fofana (Amiens, France), Boubacar Kiki Kouyate, Falaye Sacko (both Montpellier, Frnace), Sikou Niakate (Braga, Portugal), Hamari Traore (Real Sociedad, Spain).

Midfielders: Yves Bissouma (Tottenham Hotspur, England), Mohamed Camara (Monaco, France), Lassana Coulibaly (Salernitana, Italy), Aliou Dieng (Al Ahly, Egypt), Kamory Doumbia (Brest, France), Amadou Haidara (RB Leipzig, Germany), Diadie Samassekou (Hoffenheim, Germany), Adama ‘Noss’ Traore (Hull City, England), Boubacar Traore (Wolverhampton Wanderers, England).

Forwards: Fousseni Diabate (Lausanne Sport, Switzerland), Nene Dorgeles, Sekou Koita (both RB Salzburg, Austria), Sirine Doucoure (Lorient, France), Moussa Doumbia (Al Adalah, Saudi Arabia), Youssoufa Nikaite (Bani Yas, UAE), Lassine Sinayoko (Auxerre, France), Ibrahim Sissoko (Saint Etienne, France)

15. MAURITANIA

NICKNAME: Al-Murabitun  (Lions of Chinguetti)

HEAD COACH: Amir Abdou

AFCON HISTORY: Group stage (2019, 2021) 

                               2 AFCON appearances 

                               6 Matches (0 W | 2 D | 4 L)

CAF RANKING: 22nd

PLAYER TO WATCH: Aboubakary Koita (Sint-Truiden, Belgium)

GROUP D OPPONENTS: Algeria, Angola and Burkina Faso

AFCON 2023 SQUAD: 

Goalkeepers: Babacar Niasse (Guingamp, France), Namori Diaw (ASC Tevragh-Zeine, Mauritania), Mbacke N’Diaye (Nouakchott Kings, Mauritania).

Defenders: Lamine Ba (Varazdin, Croatia), Dellah Yali (Al Hedod, Iraq), El Hassen Houeibib (Al Zawraa, Iraq), Nouh Mohamed El Abd (FC Nouadhibou, Mauritania), Bakary N’Diaye (Al Quwa Al Jawiya, Iraq), Khadim Diaw (Al Hilal, Sudan), Aly Abeid (UTA Arad, Romania), Ibrahima Keita (TP Mazembe, DR Congo).

Midfielders: Guessouma Fofana (Daxo Katokopias FC, Cyprus), Bodda Mouhsine (FC Nouadhibou, Mauritania), Oumar Ngom (Pau, France), Omare Gassama (Chateauroux, France), Bakari Camara (Villefranche, France), Sidi Ahmed Mohamed El Abd (FC Nouadhibou, Mauritania), El Hadji Ba (FC Nouadhibou, Mauritania), Yassin El Welly (US Monastir, Tunisia).

Forwards: Hemeya Tanjy (Al Ittihad, Libya), Aboubakar Kamara (Al Jazira, UAE), Souleymane Anne (Deinze, Belgium), Aboubakary Koita (Sint-Truiden, Belgium), Pape Ibnou Ba (Concarneau, France), Souleymane Doukara (Magusa Turk Gucu, Cyprus), Idrissa Thiam (Mesaimeer, Qatar), Sidi Bouna Amar (FC Nouadhibou, Mauritania)

16. MOROCCO

NICKNAME: The Atlas Lions

HEAD COACH: Walid Regragui

AFCON HISTORY: 1x winners (1946) 

                               1x runners-up: (2004) 

                               18 AFCON appearances 

                               70 Matches (27 W | 24 D | 19 L)

CAF RANKING: 1st

PLAYER TO WATCH: Achraf Hakimi (PSG, France)

GROUP F OPPONENTS: DR Congo, Tanzania and Zambia

AFCON 2023 SQUAD: 

Goalkeepers: Yassine Bounou (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia), Munir Mohamedi (Al Wehda, Saudi Arabia), Mehdi Benabid (AS FAR, Morocco).

Defenders: Achraf Hakimi (Paris St-Germain, France), Noussair Mazraoui (Bayern Munich, Germany), Yahya Attiat Allah (Wydad Casablanca, Morocco), Nayef Aguerd (West Ham, England), Romain Saiss (Al Shabab, Saudi Arabia), Yunis Abdelhamid (Reims, France), Chadi Riad (Real Betis, Spain), Abdel Abqar (Alaves, Spain), Mohamed Chibi (Pyramids, Egypt).

Midfielders: Amir Richardson (Reims, France), Sofyan Amrabat (Manchester United, England), Oussama El Azzouzi (Bologna, Italy), Selim Amallah (Valencia, Spain), Bilal El Khannouss (Genk, Belgium), Azzedine Ounahi (Marseille, France), Ismael Saibari (PSV, Netherlands), Amine Harit (Marseille, France).

Forwards: Hakim Ziyech (Galatasaray, Turkey), Amine Adli (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Abde Ezzalzouli (Real Betis, Spain), Sofiane Boufal (Al Rayyan, Qatar), Tarik Tissoudali (Gent, Belgium), Youssef En-Nesyri (Seville, Spain), Ayoub El Kaabi (Olympiacos, Greece).

17. MOZAMBIQUE

NICKNAME: Os Mambas (The Mambas)

HEAD COACH: Chiquinho Conde

AFCON HISTORY: Group stage (1986, 1996, 1998, 2010) 

                               4 AFCON appearances 

                               12 Matches (0 W | 2 D | 10 L)

CAF RANKING: 23rd

PLAYER TO WATCH: Reinildo (Atletico Madrid, Spain)

GROUP B OPPONENTS: Ghana, Egypt, Cape Verde

AFCON 2023 SQUAD: 

Goalkeepers: Ernan (UD Songo, Mozambique), Fazito (Ferroviario Nampula, Mozambique), Ivane Urrbal (Associacao Black Bulls, Mozambique).

Defenders: Domingos (Costa do Sol, Mozambique), Nanani (UD Songo, Mozambique), Edmilson Dove (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa), Bruno Langa (GD Chaves, Portugal), Reinildo Mandava (Atletico Madrid, Spain), Mexer (Bandirmaspor, Turkey), David Malembana (FC Noah, Armenia), Nene (Associacao Black Bulls, Mozambique).

Midfielders: Amadu (UD Songo, Mozambique), Joao Bonde (Ferroviario Beira, Mozambique), Clesio (Honka, Finland), Guima (GD Chaves, Portugal), Shaquille (Ferroviario Maputo, Mozambique), Alfons Amade (KV Oostende, Belgium).

Forwards: Domingues (UD Songo, Mozambique), Geny Catamo (Sporting CP, Portugal), Witi (CD Nacional, Portugal), Gildo (Sporting Covilha, Portugal), Stanley Ratifo (CfR Pforzheim, Germany), Lau King (Sagrada Esperanca, Mozambique).

18. NAMIBIA

NICKNAME: Brave Warriors

HEAD COACH: Collin Benjamin

AFCON HISTORY: Group stage (1998, 2008, 2019) 

                               3 AFCON appearances 

                               9 Matches (0 W | 2 D | 7 L)

CAF RANKING: 27th

PLAYER TO WATCH: Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)

GROUP E OPPONENTS: Mali, South Africa, Tunisia

AFCON 2023 SQUAD: 

Goalkeepers: Lloyd Kazapua (Chippa United, South Africa), Edward Maova (Pretoria Callies, South Africa), Kamaijanda Ndisiro (African Stars, Namibia).

Defenders: Lubeni Haukongo (Cape Town Spurs, South Africa), Ryan Nyambe (Derby County, England), Ivan Kamberipa (Orapa United, Botswana), Kennedy Amutenya (Gaborone United, Botswana), Ananias Gebhardt (Baroka, South Africa), Riaan Hanamub (AmaZulu, South Africa), Aprocius Petrus (Liria Prizren, Serbia), Denzil Haoseb (Khomas Nampol, Namibia), Charles Hambira (African Stars, Namibia).

Midfielders: Marcel Papama (Jwaneng Galaxy, Botswana), Ngero Katua (Unam, Namibia), Prins Tjiueza (Liria Prizren, Serbia), Petrus Shitembi (Kuching City, Malaysia), Uetuuru Kambato (African Stars, Namibia).

Forwards: Peter Shalulile (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Deon Hotto (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Wendell Rudath (Jwaneng Galaxy, Botswana), Bethuel Muzeu (Black Leopards, South Africa), Joslin Kamatuka (Maritzburg United, South Africa), Absalom Iimbondi (Khomas Nampol, Namibia).

19. NIGERIA

NICKNAME: The Super Eagles

HEAD COACH: Jose Peseiro 

AFCON HISTORY: 3x winners (1980, 1994, 2013) 

                               2x runners-up: (1984,1988, 1990,2000) 

                               19 AFCON appearances 

                               97 Matches (53 W | 22 D | 22 L)

CAF RANKING: 6th

PLAYER TO WATCH: Victor Osimhen (Napoli, Italy)

GROUP A OPPONENTS: Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau

AFCON 2023 SQUAD: 

Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabili (Chippa United, South Africa), Francis Uzoho (Omonia, Cyprus), Leke Ojo (Enyimba, Nigeria).

Defenders: William Troost-Ekong (PAOK, Greece), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Fenerbahce, Turkey), Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest, England), Zaidu Sanusi (Porto, Portugal), Bruno Onyemaechi (Boavista, Portugal), Semi Ajayi (West Bromwich Albion, England), Calvin Bassey (Fulham, England), Chidozie Awaziem (Boavista, Portugal), Kenneth Omeruo (Kasimpasa, Turkey).

Midfielders: Raphael Onyedika (Club Bruges, Belgium), Joe Aribo (Southampton, England), Frank Onyeka (Brentford, England), Alex Iwobi (Fulham, England), Alhassan Yusuf (Royal Antwerp, Belgium).

Forwards: Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester City, England), Samuel Chukwueze (AC Milan, Italy), Moses Simon (Nantes, France), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta, Italy), Victor Osimhen (Napoli, Italy), Victor Boniface (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Ahmed Musa (Sivasspor, Turkey), Umar Sadiq (Real Sociedad, Spain).

20. SENEGAL (Defending Champions)

NICKNAME: Lions of Teranga

HEAD COACH: Aliou Cissé 

AFCON HISTORY: 1x winners (2021) 

                               2x runners-up: (2002, 2019) 

                               16 AFCON appearances 

                               67 Matches (27 W | 17 D | 23 L)

CAF RANKING: 2nd

PLAYER TO WATCH: Sadio Mané (Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia)

GROUP C OPPONENTS: Cameroon, Guinea and Gambia

AFCON 2023 SQUAD: 

Goalkeepers: Edouard Mendy (Al Ahli, Saudi Arabia), Mory Diaw (Clermont, France), Seny Dieng (Middlesbrough, England).

Defenders: Youssouf Sabaly (Real Betis, Spain), Kalidou Koulibaly (Al Hilal, Saudi Arabia), Moussa Niakhate (Nottingham Forest, England), Abdou Diallo (Al Arabi, Qatar), Formose Mendy (Lorient, France), Abdoulaye Ndiaye (Troyes, France), Abdoulaye Seck (Maccabi Haifa, Israel), Fode Ballo-Toure (Fulham, England), Ismail Jakobs (Monaco, France).

Midfielders: Lamine Camara (Metz, France), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham, England), Krepin Diatta (Monaco, France), Cheikhou Kouyate (Nottingham Forest, England), Pape Gueye (Marseille, France), Nampalys Mendy (Lens, France), Pathe Ciss (Rayo Vallecano, Spain) Idrissa Gana Gueye (Everton, England).

Forwards: Nicolas Jackson (Chelsea, England), Abdallah Sima (Rangers, Scotland), Boulaye Dia (Salernitana, Italy), Sadio Mane (Al Nassr, Saudi Arabia), Habib Diallo (Al Shabab, Saudi Arabia), Iliman Ndiaye (Marseille, France), Ismaila Sarr (Marseille, France).

21. SOUTH AFRICA

NICKNAME: Bafana Bafana

HEAD COACH: Hugo Broos 

AFCON HISTORY: 1x winners (1996) 

                               1x runners-up: (1998) 

                               10 AFCON appearances 

                              43 Matches (16 W | 12 D | 15 L)

CAF RANKING: 12th

PLAYER TO WATCH: Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt)

GROUP E OPPONENTS: Cameroon, Guinea and Gambia

AFCON 2023 SQUAD: 

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Veli Mothwa (AmaZulu, South Africa), Ricardo Goss (SuperSport United, South Africa).

Defenders: Nyiko Mobbie (Sekhukhune United, South Africa), Nkosinathi Sibisi, Tapelo Xoki (both Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Siyanda Xulu (SuperSport United, South Africa), Grant Kekana, Terrence Mashego, Aubrey Modiba, Mothobi Mvala, Khuliso Mudau (all Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa)

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Thapelo Maseko, Thapelo Morena (all Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela, Portugal), Jayden Adams (Stellenbosch, South Africa), Thabang Monare (Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Sibongiseni Mthethwa (Kaizer Chiefs, South Africa).

Forwards: Zakhele Lepasa, Evidence Makgopa (both Orlando Pirates, South Africa), Themba Zwane (Mamelodi Sundowns, South Africa), Oswin Appollis (Polokwane City, South Africa), Mihlali Mayambela (Aris Limassol, Cyprus), Percy Tau (Al Ahly, Egypt), Elias Mokwana (Sekhukhune United, South Africa), Iqraam Rayners (Stellenbosch, South Africa).

22. TANZANIA

NICKNAME: The Taifa Stars

HEAD COACH: Adel Amrouche 

AFCON HISTORY: Group Stage (1980, 2019) 

                               2 AFCON appearances 

                               6 Matches (0 W | 1 D | 5 L)

CAF RANKING: 32nd

PLAYER TO WATCH: Mbwana Samatta (PAOK, Greece)

GROUP F OPPONENTS: DR Congo, Morocco and Zambia

AFCON 2023 SQUAD: 

Goalkeepers: Kwesi Kawawa (Karlslunds, Sweden), Beno Kakolanya (Singida Fountain Gate, Tanzania), Aishi Manula (Simba, Tanzania).

Defenders: Bakari Mwamnyeto, Ibrahim Hamad, Dickson Job (all Young Africans, Tanzania), Haji Mnoga (Aldershot Town, England), Abdi Banda (Richardson Bay, South Africa), Novatus Miroshi (Shakhtar Donetsk, Ukraine), Lusajo Mwaikenda (Azam, Tanzania), Mohamed Hussein (Simba, Tanzania), Abdulimalik Zakaria (Namungo, Tanzania), Miano van den Bos (Villena, Spain).

Midfielders: Himid Mao (Tala’ea El Gaish, Egypt), Feisal Salum (Azam, Tanzania), Morice Abraham (Novi Sad, Serbia), Mzamiru Yassin, Kibu Denis (both Simba, Tanzania) Tarryn Allarakhia (Wealdstone, England), Mudathir Yahya (Young Africans, Tanzania), Sospeter Bajana (Azam, Tanzania), Mo Sagaf (Boreham Wood, England).

Forwards: Cyprian Kachwele (Vancouver, Canada), Ben Starkie (Ilkeston Town, England), Mbwana Samatta (PAOK, Greece), Charles M’Mombwa (Macarthur FC, Australia), Simon Msuva (JS Kabylie, Algeria).

23. TUNISIA

NICKNAME: The Carthage Eagles

HEAD COACH: Jalel Kadri 

AFCON HISTORY: 1x winners (2004) 

                               2x runners-up: (1965, 1996) 

                               20 AFCON appearances 

                               80 Matches (25 W | 29 D | 26 L)

CAF RANKING: 3rd

PLAYER TO WATCH:  Ellyes Skhiri (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany)

GROUP E OPPONENTS: Mali, Namibia and South Africa

AFCON 2023 SQUAD: 

Goalkeepers: Mouez Hassen (Club Africain, Tunisia), Aymen Dahmen (Al Hazem, Saudi Arabia), Bechir Ben Said (US Monastir, Tunisia).

Defenders: Hamza Jelassi (Etoile du Sahel, Tunisia), Yassine Meriah (Esperance, Tunisia), Alaa Ghram (Sfaxien, Tunisia), Ali Maaloul (Al Ahly, Egypt), Yan Valery (Angers, France), Ali Abdi (Caen, France), Montassar Talbi (Lorient, France), Wajdi Kechrida (Atromitos, Greece), Oussama Haddadi (Greuther Furth, Germany).

Midfielders: Mohamed Ali Ben Romdhane (Ferencvaros, Hungary), Anis Ben Slimane (󠁧󠁢Sheffield United, England), Ellyes Skhiri (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany), Aissa Laidouni (Union Berlin, Germany), Houssem Tka (Esperance, Tunisia), Hadj Mahmoud (Lugano, Switzerland), Hamza Rafia (Leece, Italy).

Forwards: Youssef Msakni (Al Arabi, Qatar), Haythem Jouini (Stade Tunisien, Tunisia), Taha Yassine Khenissi (Kuwait SC, Kuwait), Sayfallah Ltaief (Winterthur, Switzerland), Bassem Srarfi (Club Africain, Tunisia), Naim Sliti (Al Ahli, Qatar), Elias Achouri (FC Copenhagen, Denmark), Seifeddine Jaziri (Zamalek, Egypt).

24. ZAMBIA

NICKNAME: Chipolopolo (The Copper Bullets)

HEAD COACH: Avram Grant

AFCON HISTORY: 1x winners (2004) 

                               2x runners-up: (1965, 1996) 

                               17 AFCON appearances 

                               66 Matches (27 W | 18 D | 22 L)

CAF RANKING: 17th

PLAYER TO WATCH:  Patson Daka (Leicester City, England)

GROUP F OPPONENTS: DR Congo, Morocco and Tanzania

AFCON 2023 SQUAD: 

Goalkeepers: Lawrence Mulenga (Power Dynamos, Zambia), Francis Mwansa (Green Buffaloes, Zambia), Toaster Nsabata (Zesco United, Zambia).

Defenders: Dominic Chanda (Power Dynamos, Zambia), Benedict Chepeshi (Red Arrows, Zambia), Rodrick Kabwe (Zakho, Iraq), Gift Mphande (Hapoel Rishon LeZion, Israel), Frankie Musonda (Ayr United, Scotland), Tandi Mwape (TP Mazembe, DR Congo), Zephaniah Phiri (Prison Leopards, Zambia), Stoppila Sunzu (Jinan Xingzhou, China).

Midfielders: Emmanuel Banda (HNK Rijeka, Croatia), Rally Bwalya (Sekhukhune United, South Africa), Miguel Chaiwa (Young Boys, Switzerland), Clatous Chama (Simba, Tanzania), Edward Chilufya (Hacken, Sweden), Kings Kangwa (Red Star Belgrade, Serbia), Kelvin Kapumbu (Zesco United, Zambia), Golden Mafwenta (MFK Vyskov, Czech Republic), Kelvin Kampamba (Zesco United, Zambia), Fredrick Mulambia (Power Dynamos, Zambia), Lubambo Musonda (Silkeborg, Denmark), Benson Sakala (Mlada Boleslav, Czech Republic).

Forwards: Lameck Banda (Lecce, Italy), Patson Daka (Leicester City, England), Kennedy Musonda (Young Africans, Tanzania), Fashion Sakala (Al Fayha, Saudi Arabia).