Mamelodi Sundowns year coach Rulani Mokwena has tipped Nigeria’s Super Eagles as one of the favourites to be crowned AFCON 2023 champions.
The Eagles will begin their quest for a fourth AFCON title when they face Equatorial Guinea in Group A on Sunday.
This will be the first meeting between the Eagles and Equatorial Guinea at the AFCON.
In their three Previous meetings, the Eagles have come out winners.
Also Read: AFCON 2023: Equatorial Guinea Goalie Vows To Stop Osimhen From Scoring
Speaking on the chances of Jose Peseiro’s men, Mokwena explained why he believes they are one of the favourites to lift the trophy.
“Nigeria will always be favorites because they have several top players and they are never pushovers when it comes to the tournament,” he told Sundowns website.
“Morocco is another team I believe will do well because they have a great coach, a great squad and we saw their exploits at the last World Cup.
“Egypt can also be considered a big threat in the competition as they have the pedigree and know-how to win the title.
“I also tip Ghana and Senegal to be strong contenders and I think Ivory Coast will also make it to the last 8,” the Downs coach said.
He also tipped the players who could take the tournament by storm, saying: “Victor Osimhen is one player who is in great form and we have seen his abilities in front of goal.
“He leads the line confidently and scores lots of great goals and in tournaments like this, you need goals.
“I also think Achraf Hakimi is an exceptional player who can change the course of games in several ways. Mohammed Kudus is another game changer who I expect to impress at the tournament.”
Meanwhile, hosts Côte d’Ivoire defeated Guinea-Bissau 2-0 in the opening game of the tournament on Saturday thanks to goals from Seko Fofana and Jean-Philippe Krasso.
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