Aristide Bance: AFCON Cult Hero Makes 2023 Final Prediction, Leaves Out Favourites Senegal

• Former Burkina Faso striker Aristide Bance has made his AFCON predictions
• The AFCON legend believes Burkina Faso will go far in the tournament
• Bance led Burkina Faso to second place at the competition in 2013

Burkina Faso legend Aristide Bance has named the two teams that will reach the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The AFCON cult hero has not played since 2020 when he starred for Guinean outfit Horoya AC. Despite not officially announcing his retirement, he did not make the Burkina Faso team for the tournament.

Bance will be following the tournament with keen interest as Stallions of Burkina Faso eye a first-ever success at the competition.

The Abidjan-born striker believes the Stallions will meet hosts Ivory Coast in the final of the competition.

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"Final of Africa Cup of Nations. Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast," he wrote on social media.

Ivory Coast are two-time champions of the tournament, last winning it in 2015 after beating Ghana on penalties.

Meanwhile, Burkina Faso's best finish was in 2013, when they reached the final before losing to Nigeria. Bance was part of the team in South Africa.

Ivory Coast have been drawn in Group A alongside Nigeria, Guinea Bissau and Equatorial Guinea while Burkina Faso shared Group D with Angola, Algeria and Mauritania, as reported by the BBC.

Ahead of the tournament in Ivory Coast, Senegal remains favourites as they travel to the competition as defending champions. Egypt, Nigeria and Algeria have also been tipped to win the ultimate.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations begins on January 13 to February 11.

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Earlier, Sports Brief reported that participating teams at the forthcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations are making final preparations ahead of the tournament, which starts on January 13.

Coaches have submitted their final squads for the showpiece and have chosen the players who will be heading to the tournament to represent their respective countries.

South Africa will be without key striker, Lyle Foster, who was left out of the squad due to recent mental health struggles, while Ivory Coast will be without Wilfred Zaha.