AFCON 2023: 4 Records That Could Be Broken at the Tournament in Ivory Coast

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) stands as a football tournament with a rich history, adorned with remarkable moments and records that have captivated football fans across the continent.

From improbable goal-scoring feats to intense and unimaginable records, the AFCON has witnessed numerous iconic achievements that have left an enduring impact on the African football scene.

As the highly anticipated 34th edition of the biennial competition approaches in Ivory Coast, several players are gearing up to compete for the coveted title in the colours of their respective nations.

With the upcoming spectacular football event on the horizon, Sports Brief highlights four records that could be broken at the 2023 edition of the football tournament.

Andre Ayew consecutive AFCON goal record

The 34-year-old Ghanaian veteran has the chance to make a historic mark in AFCON history by scoring in seven consecutive Cup of Nations tournaments.

Having already netted in his last six appearances at the competition, Ayew now shares elite company with legends like fellow countryman Asamoah Gyan, Zambian great Kalusha Bwalya, and the all-time leading tournament scorer Samuel Eto'o.

However, suppose Ayew maintains his goal-scoring prowess in the upcoming AFCON, he will stand alone as the first and only player to score in seven consecutive competitions, a feat which would indeed solidify his legacy as one of Africa's greatest players. Ghana kicks off their campaign against Cape Verde on Jan 14.

Most goals in a single AFCON tournament — Team

Another record that could likely be broken in the 2023 edition of AFCON is the record for the most goals scored by a country in an AFCON tournament.

AFCON 2023: Nigeria vs Ivory Coast among top 5 must watch games in group stages

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This record is currently held by Egypt, who scored a staggering 18 goals during the 2008 edition of the tournament under the guidance of legendary manager Hassan Shehata.

The likelihood of this record being surpassed in Ivory Coast seems substantial, considering the abundance of attacking talents that various teams are bringing into the tournament.

Female referees in the spotlight

The tournament in Ivory Coast will also set a new record for the highest number of female referee participation at an AFCON.

Of the match official’s list, which consists of 26 referees, 30 assistant referees and 12 VAR referees, six are going to be female, a number which eclipses the four that participated in the 2021 edition of the tournament.

The list of the six participating female referees includes Salima Mukansanga (Rwanda), Karboubi Bouchra (Morocco), Diana Chikotesha (Zambia), Akhona Makalima (South Africa), Rivet Maria (Mauritius), Carine Atezambong (Cameroon).

Rigobert Song's appearance record

Another record that looks set to be broken at the AFCON is the tournament appearance record held by Rigobert Song.

The record is set to be usurped by Ghana forward Andre Ayew. The Le Havre forward, who made Chris Hugton’s final 27-man list, is participating in his eighth tournament and has racked up a total of 34 AFCON appearances, only two off the competition record held by Song, as reported by Ghana Web.

Other things being equal, Ayew is expected to equal the record in Ghana’s group-stage game against Egypt and eclipse the record in Mozambique.

Ivory Coast FA boss snubs Nigeria

Sports Brief in a previous report stated Ivory Coast Football Federation chief Yacine Diallo has snubbed Nigeria’s Super Eagles whilst naming his favourite teams to win the AFCON.

The 63-year-old, who recently took to the media to discuss a flurry of topics, including his nation's preparation for the tournament, opted against choosing the West African Nation and instead opted for defending champions Senegal, Egypt and Morocco.