It’s already the end of the first day of the first round of CAN 2023. First impressions…
Group A
Ranking of group A, after the first day of CAN 2023
For its entry into the running, Côte d’Ivoire was clinical towards Guinea Bissau of the restless Texeira and Encada. With a superb shot into the top corner, Seko Fofana, man of the match, quickly scored the first goal of the game and the competition. An achievement which nevertheless will not prevent his team from losing impact, to the benefit of the Djurtus, clumsy and ultimately punished by Jean Philippe Krasso’s masterpiece. 2-0, final score.
HIGHLIGHTS | Ivory Coast 🆚 Guinea-Bissau #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 – MD1 Group A – CAF TV
That being said, in the middle as well as in defense, the Elephants, without a real number 6, were very feverish. Sangaré and Kessié were as non-existent as Wilfried Singo, right back, and Serge Aurier, who probably frustrated at being sidelined, replaced him at half-time. The beginnings of a hidden uneasiness among the elders, probably overwhelmed by a youth more attentive to Seko Fofana, the new centerpiece of coach Jean Louis Gasset.
HIGHLIGHTS | Nigeria 🆚 Equatorial Guinea #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 – MD1 Group A – CAF TV
In the other match in Pool A, Nigeria failed to get rid of the pesky Equatorial Guinea. Which also opened the scoring by Iban Salvador before being caught in stride by Victor Osimhen’s equalizer.
African Golden Ball, the Napoli center forward was against his will, the headliner of an offensive sector too ineffective to claim success. Despite a balance in the game, sadly found behind the injuries of Sadiq Umar and Victor Boniface, the formidable attack of Super Eagles made a pale appearance.
Group B
Ranking of group B, after the first day of CAN 2023
Seven-time African champions, Egypt certainly did not expect this welcome. Although she quickly led her opponent, she was knocked down by a playful Mozambique who let her victory slip away at the end of the match (2-2). A penalty transformed by Mohamed Salah, involved brilliantly in the two Egyptian achievements.
HIGHLIGHTS – Egypt vs Mozambique | Summary of the match between Egypt and Mozambique (2-2) #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 – CAF TV
For this first day, the Pharaohs will therefore not take the leadership chair. By voracious people Blue Sharks, they will be overtaken in the last minutes. 2-1, Cape Verde, stronger, defeated Ghana from the very good Djiku, deprived of the entry of André Ayew, Ernest Nuamah and Inaki Williams, and seized pole position.
Group C
Ranking of group C, after the first day of CAN 2023
C like red cards, the group of death was true to itself. Beyond the derby, the magnificent double from Lamine Camara, symbol of the success of Senegalese football, the humiliation inflicted by Senegal on Gambia, 3-0, we witnessed the beginnings of expulsions at the African Cup of Nations.
HIGHLIGHTS | Senegal 🆚 The Gambia #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 – MD1 Group C – CAF TV
Indeed, the Gambian Ebou Adams and the Guinean François Kamano consumed the first “toasted rusks” of the Ivorian CAN. Captain of Lap which leaves his teammates at 10, will indirectly allow Franck Magri and Cameroon to respond to Mohamed Bayo and Guinea, without managing to win. Dominant, 69% possession, 18 shots, Indomitable Lions will be satisfied with 1-1.
Group D
Ranking of group D, after the first day of CAN 2023
It is now 4 matches that Algeria has not won on the continental chair. After Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea and Ivory Coast in Cameroon, it is Angola’s turn to steal the smiles of Desert Warriors.
HIGHLIGHTS – Algeria vs Angola | Summary of the match between Algeria and Angola (1-1) #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 – CAF TV
Bounedjah started the hostilities with an ingenious half-volley and Mabululu responded with a surface kick, thus extending, 1-1, this painful series which could last forever against Burkina Faso. THE Stallions late 1-0 winners from Mauritania, thanks to a penalty from Bertrand Traoré in the 96th minute.
Group E
Ranking of group E, after the first day of CAN 2023
We don’t call them Brave Warriors for nothing. After the Cameroonians during the qualifiers, it is the turn of the Tunisians to bow to the technical, tactical and athletic qualities of the Namibians.
HIGHLIGHTS – Tunisia vs Namibia -MD1 | Summary of the match between Tunisia and Namibia #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 – CAF TV
A festival of Vizeu, the center, and Deon Hotto who perfectly adjusts his head in the nets of Eagles of Carthage. Thunderclap in the City of Poro! Tunisia falls, Namibia jubilant. Celebrates its first success in a CAN, synonymous with second place in the ranking behind Mali, victorious over an unfortunate South Africa at the break, which missed a penalty. Percy Tau…
Group F
Ranking of group f, after the first day of CAN 2023
The message has been sent: we will have to count on Morocco. Favorite, the semi-finalist of the 2022 World Cup outclassed a willing Tanzania, but clearly below the level of the Lions of the Atlas. 3-0, a triumph which naturally makes his next opponents tremble. Spectacular DR Congo, lacking realism against Zambia.
HIGHLIGHTS – Morocco vs Tanzania -MD1 | Summary of the match between Morocco and Tanzania #TotalEnergiesAFCON2023 – CAF TV
Hanging on by Bullets determined, 1-1, the Leopards made things more complicated for the future. To continue, they will have to obtain at least a draw against Walid Regragui’s men. An eminently possible future, when we see the talent they have at the forefront.
The typical team for the first day, according to BABIFOOT
Best XI of the first day of CAN 2023 according to BABIFOOT