AFCON 2023: 5 Biggest Surprises From in Ivory Coast So Far

There has been drama, spectacular goals, controversial decisions, and upsets in just one week of the tournament.

The tournament has lived up to the expectations, and there's so much in store as teams play their second group games.

Tunisia, Angola, Ivory Coast, and Ghana, giants of African football, have failed to light up the pre-tournament hype, and some of the teams, as mentioned earlier, need to step up in their next games.

Namibia, Cape Verde and Equatorial Guinea have surprised everyone by beating some of the top teams in the tournament, and it looks like they could go deep in the tournament. Here are some of the surprises in the tournament.

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5 biggest AFCON surprises

Cape Verde

The Blue Sharks are not in Ivory Coast to make the numbers. They dominated Ghana in their first Group B game, upsetting them to win 2-1. They are taking part in their second straight AFCON tournament, and their story has been remarkable. The Islanders made their AFCON debut in 2013 where they reached the quarter-final, per CAF.

In their second game, they comfortably edged Mozambique, with former Manchester United forward Bebe scoring a long-range stunner to open the scoring. They also became the first team to reach the last 16. To top a group with Egypt and Ghana, winners of 11 AFCON titles, is incredible.

Namibia

The Brave Warriors headed into the tournament ranked 115th in the world, and few gave them a chance of beating perennial AFCON participant Tunisia. Moreover, the Carthage Eagles are 87 places above the Southern African nation. Moreover, they were looking for their first win in the tournament.

In their first game, they stunned the 2004 champions with a late goal from Deon Hotto. It is possibly the greatest upset in AFCON history.

They have a chance to secure qualification for the next round when they play neighbours South Africa. They still have to play Mali, but it has been a phenomenal tournament for them.

Lamine Camara

Senegal started the tournament with a comfortable 3-0 win over the Gambia, and although their win was expected, the scorer of two of the goals, Lamine Camara, stole the headlines. The brace saw him win the Man of the Match award for Senegal.

He is only 20 years old, but his performance was like that of a player deep into his career. The Lions of Teranga are looking to defend their title in Ivory Coast, and Camara, alongside Sadio Mane, has been tipped to lead them into the promised land.

Mohamed Salah

Egyptians have been waiting for their eighth AFCON title since 2010. They came close to winning it, twice, in 2017 and 2021. However, they have fallen short many times since then. The nation's AFCON hopes have been put on the shoulders of Liverpool star Mohamed Salah.

Despite building a trophy-laden club career, the AFCON title has evaded one of Africa's greatest-ever players. In Ivory Coast, his performances in the first two games have been below par. He scored a last-gasp penalty to rescue a draw against Mozambique and was taken off in their draw with Ghana.

It seems his tournament is over, and time is running out for him to win that elusive AFCON title.

Emilio Nsue

The Equatorial Guinea captain bagged a hat-trick to help his country beat Guinea-Bissau 4-2 to all but qualify for the last 16. Nsue now has the first hat-trick in the competition since 2008, not Sadio Mane, Mohamed Salah or other legendary African forwards.

Nsue has played as a right-back in his career, and it is impressive that he is leading the line for an underdog team in one of the toughest football competitions in the world.

Winning Group A means they get a favourable draw in the last 16, so Nsue has a good chance of scoring a few more goals. It is turning out to be one of the stories of the tournament.

Best teams at AFCON so far

Sports Brief earlier reported on the best teams at the tournament after the first round of games.

Reigning champions Senegal impressed in their first game with a dominant performance. Morocco and Cape Verde were also impressive with their performances. Namibia and Ivory Coast also made the list.

AFCON is entering a crucial stage as teams try and secure a place in the knockout stage.