A former Ivory Coast football legend Yaya Toure Yaya identifies the Teranga Lions of Senegal, Morocco, Bafana Bafana of South Africa and Guinea-Bissau as AFCON 2023 favourites npflupdates.com reports.
Toure in a recent interview with Afrique Sports, snubbed three-time African champions, Nigeria when he mentioned the favourites for the 2023 AFCON.
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Nigeria is seeded in the same Group A as host nation Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea-Bissau; and they’re charging towards a fourth African Cup Of Nations (AFCON) title.
Yaya Toure identify 2023 AFCON favourites, snubs Nigeria
According to the former FC Barcelona midfielder, he chose his country Cote d’Ivoire as the country to execute the 34th edition of the AFCON.
“It’s normal to have a preference for your own country,” Toure was quoted by Soccernet Nigeria.
“Côte d’Ivoire has a strong team and many talented and experienced players.”
In his time, Toure as the captain of the Elephants of Ivory Coast, led the team to the 30th edition of AFCON in 2015. Ivory Coast overcame a 2012 shocker when they lost to Zambia in the finals; stood tall and defeated Ghana 9-8 on penalties to win the gold.
Talking about the team’s, which he thinks can execute the AFCON, Toure identified Morocco, Guinea-Bissau, Senegal and Morocco.
“But if I had to choose the teams I think are favourites, I’d say Senegal, Morocco, Guinea-Bissau, and South Africa. They had an impressive qualifying campaign,” the former Manchester City playmaker said.
In a related story, CD Chaves playmaker, Kelechi Nwakali has expressed satisfaction in making Nigeria’s 40-man provisional list.
The 25-year-old who has endured about a year absence from the Super Eagles, promised to add value to the national team if presented with an opportunity to play at the 2023 AFCON tournament.
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“It feels good to be back in the team once again ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations next month and I will do everything to ensure that I make the final squad again. I got the news from a friend last week and I thank God because it is an honour to be considered to play for your fatherland.
“I just want to keep working hard and I believe that I have a lot to offer the team at the Nations Cup. My dream is to help the team win the tournament again,” Nwakali told PUNCH Nigeria.
Toure is expected to be at the Alassane Ouattara stadium when Ivory Coast take on Nigeria on AFCON Matchday 2.
