AFCON 2023: Algerian Legend Says Choosing a Favourite is Difficult, Names Top Contenders

• The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is less than two weeks away
• Several teams have been dubbed as favourites for the trophy
• An Algerian icon stated it is difficult to pick only one favourite

Algerian legend, Rabah Madjer has refused to name one favourite for the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d'Ivoire.

On paper, the tournament seems to be wide open to top nations with the best squads, although some seem to have the edge.

The outright favourites are reigning champions, Senegal, who named an almost similar squad to the one that beat Egypt in the 2022 edition.

Morocco is another team that pundits and fans have picked to win it all. The Atlas Lions reached the 2022 World Cup semi-final and are widely expected to go all the way in Cote d'Ivoire.

Nigeria, Egypt and Senegal backed as AFCON 2023 favourites, Ghana snubbed

Football

Nigeria have the most fearsome strike force in Africa, led by Victor Osimhen and Victor Boniface. They are always favourites but have failed to live up to the hype on multiple occasions.

Egypt have always been a solid team in the tournament. They last won AFCON in 2010 but with Mohamed Salah, they could right the wrongs of the 2022 final, which they lost to the Lions of Teranga.

Four-time champions Ghana, 2019 champions Algeria, and hosts Cote d'Ivoire will also be a problem for anyone.

Madjer on AFCON 2023 favourites

Speaking to CAF, the 1987 African Footballer of the Year is expecting an entertaining competition. However, he declined to name just one favourite.

"Naming a specific team as the favourite is extremely challenging, especially with giants like the host nation Cote d’Ivoire, Algeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Nigeria participating in the finals."

Madjer is considered one of Africa's greatest players. His backheel for FC Porto against Bayern Munich in the 1987 European Cup final etched his name in the history books.

AFCON 2023: Ex Nigeria player Samson Siasia backs Super Eagles for title

Football

The Algerians also won the AFCON trophy in 1990.

Teams with the most to prove at AFCON

Sports Brief also previously reported on African national teams with the most to prove in AFCON 2023.

Ghana and Nigeria are expected to go all the way since they have produced some of Africa's best players.

Despite having some of the best African talent over the years, Morocco have struggled to make their mark.