WRITTEN BY: [ALEX MREMA ](https://www.lnurlpay.com/alexmrema@blink.sv)
[NOSTR](https://nostr.band/?q=npub1w4zrulscqraej2570gkazt0e7j0q3xq4437hnxjqfvcs59hq86fs9vnn4x)
@npub1w4zrulscqraej2570gkazt0e7j0q3xq4437hnxjqfvcs59hq86fs9vnn4x
**AFCON 2023** kicks off in a couple days with 24 of Africa’s best taking each other on for the coveted prize. The journey will be long for some while others will have to cancel some of their hotel reservations in the Ivory Coast as their journey will end earlier than expected. Looking at the participating nations, we are assured of great games throughout the competition and even looking at the group stage itself, they’re games that are simply a must-watch. This article will deep dive into the games in the first three groups that promise to provide entertainment.
-----------
**GROUP A**
**GAME:** NIGERIA VS EQUATORIAL GUINEA
**DATE:** 14th January 2024
**TIME:** 14:00 BST
Equatorial Guinea are a side that carries no fear within their hearts and are always ready for a challenge. They are not newcomers at punishing a team for poor play and will look to catch the loaded Super Eagles squad lacking in order to pull off an early tournament surprise.
**GAME:** IVORY COAST VS NIGERIA
**DATE:** 18th January 2024
**TIME:** 17:00 BST
A clash of the heavyweights comes early on in the tournament with the Super Eagles taking on Les Éléphants at the Olympic Stadium of Ebimpé. The hosts have to be in tip top shape to not disappoint their home fans against their West African rivals. Nigeria on the other hand are expected to go all the way in the tournament and will use this as a test for what to expect in the knockout rounds should they progress.
**GAME:** EQUATORIAL GUINEA VS IVORY COAST
**DATE:** 22nd January 2024
**TIME:** 17:00 BST
The last round of group games doesn’t get more important than this. Depending on the situation in the group, this could be a win or go home situation for both nations involved. Expect hard, back-and-forth, old school fearless African football as each country will aim to send a
message to the rest of the continent that their football is one not to mess with!
-----------
**GROUP B**
**GAME:** GHANA VS CAPE VERDE
**DATE:** 14th January 2024
**TIME:** 20:00 BST
This will be Ghana’s first AFCON game since their shambolic campaign in Cameroon. They will look to express themselves as a new and reformed nation with a fresh style capable of taking them deep into the tournament. Cape Verde on the other hand are not going to make it easy for the Ghanaians as they are capable of creating a mountain load of chances to trouble the Ghanaian defence and keeper.
**GAME:** EGYPT VS GHANA
**DATE:** 18th January 2024
**TIME:** 20:00 BST
The Pharaohs are a red hot squad who are capable of taking on any of the other 23 nations involved in the competition and Ghana is no exception to this. Egypt’s defensive excellence will be a task that is capable of frustrating the Ghanaians but will be able to provide a great game of high tactical brilliance. Tune in to this one!
-----------
**GROUP C**
**GAME:** SENEGAL VS GAMBIA
**DATE:** 15th January 2024
**TIME:** 14:00 BST
The Group of Death consists of nations that are capable of providing games that will leave us on the edge of our seats by the final whistle and this clash of West African neighbours is no exception. The Gambians were one of the surprise packages of the 2021 edition of the last tournament making it all the way to the quarter-finals. However, this is one huge hurdle The Scorpions have to overcome in their first game as they take on the defending champions in their first game. Senegal will be looking to make it to their third final in as many tournaments. This match is simply a must watch!
**GAME:** CAMEROON VS GUINEA
**DATE:** 15th January 2024
**TIME:** 17:00 BST
Cameroon look to get to the finals after falling short on home soil in the last edition,which they hosted. They start off their campaign against a Guinea side that plays with purpose and pride. Guinea don’t hold anything back when they step on the AFCON stage- no matter the circumstances against them they will show up and show out against any opponent. This confidence coupled with Cameroon’s determination to take the trophy home makes the perfect potion for a juicy first round encounter in Group C.
**GAME:** SENEGAL VS CAMEROON
**DATE:** 19th January 2024
**TIME:** 17:00 BST
The clash of the lions is undoubtedly the game of the group stage. The Lions of Teranga take on The Indomitable Lions looking to take revenge for their heartbreaking semi-final exit from the last edition via penalty shootouts that left the whole nation in tears. This game will have the Cameroonians carrying extra motivation in their hearts to take down the Senegalese with their blistering attack led by their skipper, the goal scoring machine: Vincent Aboubakar.
**GAME:** GUINEA VS GAMBIA
**DATE:** 19th January 2024
**TIME:** 20:00 BST
This will likely be a must-win game for both of the nations in order to secure comfortability in matchday 3 which is essential for a group of this magnitude. Both nations have a desire for scoring goals and attacking fearlessly, almost making it a given that this game will be a back and forth encounter that will see each country put their blood, sweat and tears for the three points.
**GAME:** GAMBIA VS CAMEROON
**DATE:** 23rd January 2024
**TIME:** 17:00
This clash can possibly determine both nations' fate in the tournament. The Scorpions of Gambia carry an attacking sting that can leave the Cameroonian defence in conflict once they get going, they really can take on Cameroon and even leave with all three points here. But, this is Cameroon we are talking about, they will be determined to give their all to assure fans that they are not going to slip up even once in their quest to the trophy.
**GAME:** GUINEA VS SENEGAL
**DATE:** 23rd January 2024
**TIME:** 17:00 BST
Like the Gambia v Cameroon encounter, this game will be the determining factor for both these nations in their chase for the trophy. Senegal’s chase to retain the trophy has to go through the resilient Guineans. This sets up for a mouth-watering tie that will make both camps play with their hearts on their sleeves.
Oddbean new post about login | logout ){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}
){kind=link}