Senegal star Sadio Mane names Ghana among favorites to win 2023 AFCON title

Sadio Mane, the current African Footballer of the Year, has expressed his belief that Ghana is among the favorites to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place early next year.

Mane, who played a pivotal role in leading Senegal to their first-ever AFCON title in the previous edition, has identified Ghana as a strong contender. He scored the decisive penalty in the final against Egypt at Yaounde’s Olembe Stadium, showcasing his exceptional skills.

Senegal has already secured their spot in the upcoming tournament, along with other nations such as Egypt, Algeria, Morocco, Mali, South Africa, Nigeria, and Zambia.

However, Ghana, despite currently leading Group E in the qualifiers, still needs to secure their qualification by avoiding defeat in their final match against the Central African Republic in September.

When asked about their title defense, Sadio Mane acknowledged that the AFCON is a competition full of surprises, but he listed six countries, including his native Senegal, as the usual favorites. The list also included Ghana, along with hosts Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, and Cameroon.

“The AFCON is full of surprises, but we know the usual best teams like the hosts, Nigeria, Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Algeria and Cameroon,” he said, as quoted by Joueurs Cameroonais.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is set to be hosted by Ivory Coast and will commence on January 13, 2024.