Africa football governing body CAF has confirmed the schedule for teams' arrival in Abidjan as the 2023 AFCON kick-off draws nigh with World Cup semi-finalists Morocco set to be the first to arrive together with Guinea-Bissau, Nigeriasoccernet.com writes.
Defending champions, Senegal are expected to arrive Tuesday as the competition is set to kick-off on Saturday, 13 January 2024.
As gathered, Morocco will land on Sunday, 07 January as the world counts down to the opening match. Morocco and Guinea Bissau will be the first to arrive for the tournament as they are scheduled to arrive on Sunday, 7 January 2024, marking a huge milestone for the opening match.
Cameroon who were quarter-finalists at the last edition and the Atlas Lions are in Group F with two-time champions DR Congo, 2012 winners Zambia and the Taifa Stars of Tanzania.
The 1976 champions will be making their 19th appearance in the history of the championship. Guinea Bissau will face host Cote d’Ivoire in the tournament opener on 13 January 2024 at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe.
Super Eagles of Nigeria who are three-time winners and Equatorial Guinea complete the pack in Group A.
Tanzania on the other hand are scheduled to arrive on Monday, 8 January 2024 at midday from Dar es Salaam.
On Tuesday, 9 January 2024 holders Senegal, who will be hoping for a successful defence of the title won in Cameroon two years ago, will arrive in Abidjan.
Also due for Tuesday is record seven-time winners Egypt and Mozambique.
Olaleye Oluwadamilola