Algeria in search of third TotalEnergies AFCON title
Algeria will participate in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations for the 19th time in history.
They are in Group D with Angola, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania.
Algeria is seeking to achieve its third continental title.
This year’s TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023, is one tournament that Algeria is looking at using to redeem themselves following their 2021 edition disappointment and missing out on a place in the World Cup.
The North African giants are drawn in Group D alongside Angola, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania.
Algeria finished at the top of Group F of the qualifiers with 16 points after winning five matches, getting one draw with zero losses.
Player to watch: Mohamed Amin Ammoura
Mohamed Amin Amoura is considered one of Africa’s rising talents. The 23-year-old has become one of the most prominent African players shining in Europe during the current season. He set the Belgian football club scene alight with Saint-Geloise, scoring 16 goals in the tournament.
One of his best attributes is shooting with both legs and eliminating defenders during one-on-one situations.
Coach: Djamel Belmadi
Djamel Belmadi will manage his country’s national team for the third time in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations finals, as he previously led the nation to their title in 2019 on Egyptian soil.
The 47-year-old has been at the helm for five years and will be looking to use his experience of continental football to the best of his abilities to lead the Algerian side to glory.
Senegal expects problematic competition as all the big names have qualified-Sadio Mane
Senegal captain and talisman Sadio Mane believes that the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023, will be the toughest compared to previous editions.
The Teranga Lions skipper spoke to CAFOnline on the nation’s chances of defending the title and what such a feat would mean to him and the nation.
Senegal is pitted in what many have deemed as the group of death where they will be up against Cameroon, Guinea, and The Gambia in Group C.
He shared his views on their tough group and the rest of the competition. Mane said the team expected a challenging competition as all the big African nations had qualified for the Cote d’Ivoire edition and would all aim to do well.
“We know it won’t be easy, but we will be there to do our best and try to go through every round. We are expecting a tough competition. This competition will be one of the strongest since I started playing in it because all the big countries are here, and have their targets, but we will see what will happen”, said the skipper.
Asked what it would mean for him personally to lift the title in succession, the 31-year-old star said it would be a remarkable achievement as the TotalEnergies AFCON trophy remains one of the best trophies he has won in his glittering career.
“Firstly, winning the AFCON was the best trophy I have ever won, and coming to do it again will be a special and big achievement. I have dreamed of playing in this competition since I was a kid, and we will do our best. Winning the AFCON will have a big impact on our football because we have won all the other categories, which is great for the country,” concluded Mane.
Senegal kicked off their title defense against The Gambia on Monday, 15 January, before the ultimate clash of the Lions when they faced the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon three days later.
They conclude their Group C campaign against Guinea on Wednesday, 23 January.
All their matches will occur at the Stade Charles Konan Banny Stadium in Yamoussoukro, which will also play host to a Round of 16 and quarter-finals of the competition.
Zambia are set to compete in their 18th Africa Cup of Nations tournament
Coach Avram Grant’s are chasing their second title
The Chipolopolos are placed in Group F with Morocco, Tanzania, and DR Congo
Avram Grant, the coach of Zambia, has named the 27 players who could represent the Chipolopolos in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023.
The Zambian team finds itself in Group F alongside Morocco, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The 27 Zambians called up for the Africa Cup of Nations
Goalkeepers
Lawrence Mulenga
Francis Mwansa
Toaster Nsabata
Egypt selects 27 Pharaohs for TotalEnergies AFCON title challenge
Egypt are set to compete in their 26th TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations
Coach Rui Vitória has called up 27 players
The Pharaohs are placed in Group B with Ghana, Mozambique, and Cape Verde
Rui Vitória, the coach of Egypt, has named the 27 players who could represent the Pharaohs at the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire 2023.
The Egyptian team finds itself in Group B alongside Ghana, Mozambique, and Cape Verde.
The 27 Egyptians called up for the Africa Cup of Nations
Guinea-Bissau names 25 Wild Dogs for Cote D’Ivoire 2023
Guinea-Bissau is set to compete in its fourth TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations appearance
Coach Baciro Cande has named 25 players
The Djurtus are placed in Group A with Coast d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Nigeria
Baciro Candé, the coach of Guinea-Bissau, has selected 25 players who could represent the Djurtus in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023.
The Guinea-Bissau team finds itself in Group A alongside Ivory Coast, Equatorial Guinea, and Nigeria.
The 25 Guinea-Bissau Players Called up for the Africa Cup of Nations
Goalkeepers
Jonas Mendes
Ouparine Djoco
Fernando Embadje
Defenders
Marcelo Djalo
Opa Sangante
Sori Mane
Fali Cande
Edgar Le Nanu
Houboulang Mendes
Jefferson Encada
Midfielders
Nito Gomes
Dalcio Gomes
Alfa Semedo
Moretto Gassama
Janio Bikel
Carlos Mane
Carlos Gomes
Forwards
Mama Balde
Zinho Gano
Franculino Dju
Ze Turbo
Mauro Rodrigues
Famana Quizera
Marciano Sanca
All squads are provisional until the final list of 27 players is announced by CAF after submission on January 3.
Goes for 23 carefully selected giant Black Sable Antelopes for Cote D’Ivoire 2023
Angola are set to compete in their ninth TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations
Coach Pedro Goncalves has called up 23 players
The Palancas Negras are placed in Group D with Algeria, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania
Pedro Gonçalves, the coach of Angola, has selected 23 players who could represent the Palancas Negras in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire 2023.
The Angolan team finds itself in Group D alongside Algeria, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania.
The 23 Angolans Called up for the Africa Cup of Nations
Goalkeepers
Adilson Da Cruz “Neblu”
Aldo Monteiro “Kadu”
Antonio Dominique
Defenders
Joaquim Balanga “Kinito”
Augusto Carneiro “To”
Eddie Afonso
Jonathan Buatu
Nurio Furtuna
Kialonda Gaspar
Loide Augusto
Midfielders
Alfredo Ribeiro “Fredy”
Bruno Paz
Benedito Mukendi “Beni”
Manuel Show
Keliano Manuel
Valdomiro Lameira “Estrela”
Forwards
Cristovao Paciencia “Mabululu”
Ambrozini Salvador “Zine”
Felicio Joao “Milson”
Jacinto Dala “Gelson”
Jérémie Bela
M’Bala Nzola
Zito Luvumbo
All squads are provisional until the final list of 27 players is announced by CAF after submission on January 3.
World Championships: United States (USA) 37.38 Asian Championships: Thailand (THA) 38.55 South American Championships: Brazil (BRA) 38.70 Pan-American Games: Brazil (BRA) 38.68 Asian Games: China (CHN) 38.29
Season at a glance
Noah Lyles ticked the final box at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23 as he brought the US men’s 4x100m relay team home victorious to secure a third gold medal following his earlier individual wins in the 100m and 200m.
Having talked the talk, the 26-year-old walked the walk – all the way to the finish.
He brought the baton home in 37.38, the fastest time recorded this year, although two perilous exchanges after Christian Coleman had got the team off to an expected smart start – between last year’s world 100m champion Fred Kerley and Brandon Carnes, and then between the latter and Lyles – almost spoiled the party.
Italy – fielding three of the four men who earned them the Olympic title in Tokyo two years ago in individual Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs, Lorenzo Patta and Filippo Tortu – kept Lyles on point as they came home for silver in 37.62.
“This is the third gold for me here,” Lyles said after helping his country regain a title they had relinquished to Canada at the previous year’s World Championships. “It’s sensational, amazing. You can’t do better. It’s out of control.”
Bronze went to the Jamaican quartet of Ackeem Blake, Oblique Seville, Ryiem Forde and Rohan Watson, who clocked 37.76 to finish 0.04 clear of a British team – consisting of Jeremiah Azu, Zharnel Hughes, Adam Gemili and Eugene Amo-Dadzie – that looked thoroughly gutted by this turn of events.
“This is a new generation and we are proud to bring home the bronze,” said Seville.
“This medal gives us extra motivation for the upcoming Olympic Games. We want to continue to deliver medals for Jamaica.”
Japan finished fifth in 37.83 and France sixth in 38.06, while South Africa did not finish and Brazil were disqualified.
Eight nations went sub-38 seconds in 2023, compared to five the previous year. All but one of those performances took place in Budapest.
World Championships: United States (USA) 41.03 Asian Championships: China (CHN) 43.35 South American Championships: Brazil (BRA) 43.47 Pan-American Games: Cuba (CUB) 43.72 Asian Games: China (CHN) 43.39
Season at a glance
Sha’Carri Richardson, already the 100m champion and 200m bronze medallist, secured a second gold at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest as she anchored the United States to sprint relay victory in a championship record of 41.03.
That was an improvement of 0.04 on the previous record set at the 2011 Daegu championships by Jamaica, who were second in Budapest in a season’s best of 41.21, with Britain claiming bronze in 41.98 – also a season’s best.
Richardson had been handed – and maintained – a significant advantage over Jamaica’s anchor-leg runner, two-time world 200m champion and world 100m silver medallist Shericka Jackson.
That lead was thanks to the earlier efforts of Tamari Davis, Twanisha Terry and individual 200m silver medallist Gabby Thomas, whose superb bend running on the third leg reversed the advantage that had been gained by Jamaica’s 36-year-old second-leg runner Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, the five-time world 100m champion.
Fraser-Pryce was handed the baton by Natasha Morrison and passed it over to third-leg runner Shashalee Forbes.
Elaine Thompson-Herah, who matched Fraser-Pryce’s record of two Olympic 100m titles at the last two Games, ran in the heats.
Britain, represented by Asha Philip, Imani Lansiquot, Bianca Williams and Daryll Neita, was one of four nations to run under 42 seconds in 2023, with Cote d’Ivoire one place ahead of them in the world list through the 41.90 clocked in the Budapest heats, although they failed to finish in the final.
Fraser-Pryce now has 16 world medals, four shy of the record tally held by Allyson Felix of the United States.
World Championships: United States (USA) 2:57.31 Asian Championships: Sri Lanka (SRI) 3:01.56 South American Championships: Venezuela (VEN) 3:04.14 Pan-American Games: Brazil (BRA) 3:03.92 Asian Games: India (IND) 3:01.58
Season at a glance
The United States underlined its domination of this event by winning a third consecutive world title in Budapest.
The US quartet lived up to their status as favourites to come home in 2:57.31 – the fastest time recorded in 2023.
Individual world 400m bronze medallist Quincy Hall led off, establishing a clear lead before handing over the baton to the man he had beaten to the podium by one place, Vernon Norwood.
By the time the latter offered the baton to Justin Robinson – already a gold medallist from the mixed relay – the lead was comfortable, and victory was sealed by 400m hurdles bronze medallist Rai Benjamin.
It was the United States’ ninth gold medal in the men’s 4x400m from the past 10 editions of the World Championships – they took silver behind Trinidad and Tobago at the London 2017 edition.
For France, desperately searching for a medal with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on the horizon, there was the much-needed relief of an unexpected silver medal – which turned out to be the only one the team won at the championships.
The quartet of Ludvy Vaillant, Gilles Biron, David Sombe and Teo Andant rose to the big occasion as they set a French record of 2:58.45.
At one point on the final lap it looked as though Antonio Watson, the individual world 400m champion, would move Jamaica into a medal position, but Britain’s Rio Mitcham held on to third place, crossing the line in 2:58.71. Watson brought Jamaica home fourth in 2:59.34.
India, who had challenged the United States in the heats, didn’t feature in the medal hunt and placed fifth in 2:59.92.
As in 2022, only three nations went sub-2:59 in the course of the year, comparted to eight in 2021. In 2023 those nations were the three eventual medallists, although India had clocked 2:59.05 in the heats.
World Championships: Netherlands (NED) 3:20.72 Asian Championships: Vietnam (VIE) 3:32.36 South American Championships: Colombia (COL) 3:31.39 Pan-American Games: Cuba (CUB) 3:33.15 Asian Games: Bahrain (BRN) 3:27.65
Season at a glance
Having fallen in the final metres of the opening day’s mixed relay at the World Athletics Championships, Femke Bol – by now the owner of a first global gold in the 400m hurdles – rose superlatively in the final track event.
Inconsolable after losing the baton and causing the Netherlands to be disqualified as they appeared to be on the brink of mixed 4x400m gold, Bol had reacted in the best possible manner in her individual event and by the time she lined up for the women’s 4x400m final she was a model of confidence and composure.
Bol needed all of those qualities, however, after taking over the baton from third leg runner Cathelijn Peeters 10 metres adrift of Jamaica’s last-leg runner Stacey Ann Williams, with Britain’s Nicole Yeargin in silver medal position.
Williams, super-energized, went off very fast and as she arrived into the final straight the gap between the three runners was much the same. But as the Jamaican and Briton began to labour, Bol started to erode the gap with her long, driving stride.
The Briton was passed with around 50 metres to go and it looked like a consolatory silver for the Dutch. But Bol was still charging on, and as the legs began to go for the leader she exchanged silver for gold in the space of the final 10 metres, to a roar of disbelief from the crowd in the newly-built National Athletics Centre.
The 23-year-old had exchanged her disastrous opening for a triumphant finale, securing top spot on the podium for herself and teammates Eveline Saalberg, Lieke Klaver and Peeters.
Meanwhile, the fates had turned around the fortunes of the opening day. The United States team, defending the title with Holmes again on the anchor leg, were disqualified in the heats for an illegal baton exchange.
The first five home in the Budapest final clocked the five fastest times of the year. The Dutch, Jamaican and British teams earned their medals by clocking 3:20.72, 3:20.88 and 3:21.04 respectively, with Canada fourth in 3:22.42 and Belgium fifth in 3:22.84.
These were the only five nations to run a sub-3:23 in 2023, one fewer than in the previous year.
World Championships: United States (USA) 3:08.80 Asian Championships: India (IND) 3:14.70 South American Championships: Colombia (COL) 3:14.79 Pan-American Games: Dominican Republic (DOM) 3:16.05 Asian Games: Bahrain (BRN) 3:14.02
Season at a glance
The mixed relay final closed the track session on the opening day of the World Athletics Championships and 10 metres from the finish line Femke Bol, who earlier in 2023 had beaten the world indoor 400m record that had stood since 1982, looked set to anchor the Netherlands to gold.
After taking over a narrow lead for the last leg, the Olympic bronze medallist and world silver medallist in the 400m hurdles lengthened it around the final bend. But Alexis Holmes, anchor runner for the United States, refused to lose touch.
And as the Dutch athlete became aware of her opponent drawing alongside her she pitched forward on to the track, no more than five metres from the line. Despite scrambling to her feet and getting home as the third runner, Bol’s attempt was in vain as the baton had rolled away on to the infield beyond the finish as she hit the track.
The Netherlands, whom Bol had anchored to silver at the previous year’s World Championships behind the Dominican Republic, were disqualified.
As the United States celebrated the dramatic turn of events which allowed them to regain the title they had won when the event made its debut at the Doha 2019 World Championships, Bol was distraught; and not to be consoled.
To add to the US delight, the quartet of Justin Robinson, Rosey Effiong, Matthew Boling and Holmes was able to celebrate a world record time of 3:08.80 which took more than half a second off the time the United States had clocked in Qatar four years earlier.
Silver went to the British quartet of Lewis Davey, Laviai Nielsen, Rio Mitcham and Yemi Mary John in a national record of 3:11.06, with the Czechia team of Matej Krsek, Tereza Petrzilkova, Patrik Sorm and Lada Vondrova taking bronze in a national record of 3:11.98.
The Dominican Republic, due to defend their title, had not started in the heats.
The overall level of performance rose dramatically from that of 2022 as the number of nations recording a sub-3:15 time rose from nine to 22.
After seeing out a prosperous year for African football in 2023
With less than a few hours before the dawn of another year, CAFOnline reviews what has been another exceptional and memorable year for African football.
Senegal at the summit of Africa
An expression that resonated three times this year. 4 February 2023, Senegal lifts the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship, for the first time in its history. The team led by Pape Thiaw won on penalties against Algeria, host country of the competition.
A collective success in which several individuals stood out, including the red-hot Lamine Camara who was voted best young player in the competition along with Pape Mamadou Sy crowned best goalkeeper.
A few weeks later, it was the turn of their U-20 team coached by Malick Daf to shine, as they edged Gambia 2-0 at the TotalEnergies CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations final in Egypt to be crowned U-20 champions for the first time. Not only did they lift the title, but they impressively did also so without conceding a goal.
Motivated by the performances of their elders, the U-17s then followed suit and edged Morocco 2-1 in the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations final in Algeria. A tournament in which Amara Diouf was crowned top scorer of the competition with five goals.
CAN U-23: Morocco, Egypt and Mali qualified for the Olympic Games
For the first time in their history, Morocco were crowned champions of the TotalEnergies CAF U-23 Africa Cup of Nations. They did so in front of their fans when they played host to the tournament and defeated Egypt 2-1 after extra time.
The result meant both Morocco and Egypt gain automatic qualification and would then be joined by Mali who finished third at the competition.
TotalEnergies CAF Champions League: Al Ahly get eleventh star
Egyptian giants, Al Ahly secured their 11th TotalEnergies CAF Champions League in style after winning the first leg 2-1 to travel to Casablanca where they came from behind to snatch a 1-1 draw which saw them crowned African champions on aggregate.
The final was one of most talked about African club competition matches across the globe and set the tone for what promises to be another exciting edition of the competition in the current season.
TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup: USM Alger, the champion of champions
TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup winners, USM Alger came face to face with Champions League champions, Al Ahly at the King Fahd stadium in the Saudi city of Taif in a match that attracted millions of viewers globally.
An evenly contested encounter was separated by Zineddine Belaid in the 43rd minute which saw the Algerians do the unthinkable by beating Al Ahly in a cup final.
FIFA Women’s World Cup: Nigeria, South Africa, Zambia and Morocco shine
Suffice to say that the four African teams entered in the Women’s World Cup have left their mark on this tournament.
Africa shone bright at the FIFA Women’s World Cup as for the first time in the history of the competition, three African nations made it through to the Round of 16.
Looking at some of the stand out performances, Zambia star player, Barbra Banda made history by scoring the 1000th goal of the competition when playing against Costa Rica.
Zambia’s African counterparts at the tournament, Nigeria, South Africa as well as debutants, Morocco all did well to fly the African flag high in their impressive performances in the group stages that saw them all advance to the knockout stages – a first in the history of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Sundowns crowned African Football League champions
The African Football League has been the new attraction on the Pan-African football calendar. On the starting line, the eight most prestigious teams in African football and at the end a winner: Mamelodi Sundowns. The South Africans won at home in the second leg 2-1 against Wydad.
A first in the history of African Football, the African Football League lifted off in style this year with eight strong African clubs battling it out for the inaugural title.
After a fierce contest across the participating clubs, it was a north versus south battle at Mamelodi Sundowns edged Wydad AC in an exciting two-legged final that saw the South Africans crowned champions.
Mamelodi Sundowns regain CAF Women’s Champions League title
In 2022, they left their throne to AS Far. For the second time in history, Mamelodi Sundowns won the CAF Women’s Champions League by beating Sporting Club de Casablanca 3-0.
U17 World Cup: Mali sweeps Argentina and finishes third in the competition
After surrendering the title to AS Far in 2022, Mamelodi Sundowns regained their continental crown in style after being crowned CAF Women’s Champions League winners without conceding a single goal.
The final saw them comfortably cruise past SC Casablanca 3-0 to officially reclaim their title.
U17 World Cup: Mali sweeps Argentina and finishes third in the competition
The next generation of African football talent shone bright at the world stage during the FIFA U17 Word Cup.
After narrowly losing out to France in the semi-finals, Mali crushed Argentina 3-0 to win the bronze medal at the global showpiece thanks to goals by Mamadou Doumbia, Ibrahim Diarra and Hamidou Makalou.
The Denver Broncos gave Russell Wilson an ultimatum, according to the quarterback: Either alter his contract in regards to his injury guarantee or face a benching. That ultimately led to Sean Payton’s announcement Wednesday that the franchise decided to bench Wilson in favor of Jarrett Stidham, who’ll start under center for Denver as it takes on the Chargers on Sunday.
Wilson spoke to reporters about the situation Friday and revealed that the initial conversations regarding a possible benching came back during the team’s Week 9 bye week and stemmed from his contract. Specifically, he was approached “the Monday or Tuesday” after he and the Broncos defeated the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 8 and was told that if he did not adjust his $37 million guarantee, he would be benched.
“They definitely told me I was going to be benched and all that,” Wilson said, via ESPN. “That whole bye week I didn’t know what was going to be the case, I was going to be ready to play, I wanted to go to Buffalo and beat Buffalo (Nov. 13). … I wasn’t going to remove the injury guarantee. This game is such a physical game, I’ve played 12 years and all that. I want to be able to play, I want to be able to help this team win. … I know every time I step on the field it’s a physical game. I never play timid, I never play scared.”
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Within his five-year, $242.6 million contract he signed with the Broncos in 2022, Wilson is guaranteed $39 million in 2024. However, if he were unable to pass a physical on the fifth day of the new league year this coming March, he would be owed another $37 million. That is what the Broncos are allegedly trying to avoid paying, and keeping Wilson off the field and out of harm’s way over the next two weeks is the best way to ensure he passes that physical.
As for Denver’s point of view, head coach Sean Payton said the decision was based “on winning” and “to get a spark offensively.”
Wilson noted that the NFL and NFLPA “got involved,” and he ended up remaining the starter for the next few weeks, notching wins over the Bills, Vikings and Browns in the process.
“We got to 3-5, beat the Chiefs … (it) definitely hurt, a low blow,” Wilson said of the situation. “Those are good teams, we did it, we fought. It was challenging (to keep playing). It’s challenging, at the same time I’ve got a job to do … at the end of the day you put your head down and stay focused.”
Wilson went on to say that he is hopeful that he still has a future with the franchise and helps them win a championship going forward. However, if this benching is a precursor to his departure and he is forced to play elsewhere, he is “prepared to do that somewhere else.”
The Gambians find themselves in Group C alongside Senegal, Guinea, and Cameroon
The Scorpions kick off their campaign on January 15 against their neighbors Senegal
Tom Saintfiet’s men will also face Cameroon in a rematch of the quarterfinal from the 2021 AFCON
This is Gambia’s second consecutive appearance in the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, aiming to replicate their impressive run in Cameroon, where they reached the quarterfinals.
Gambia’s Matches in Group C
January 15, 2024
Senegal vs. Cameroon, 2:00 PM GMT, Stade Charles-Konan-Banny, Yamoussoukro
January 19, 2024
Guinea vs. Gambia, 8:00 PM GMT, Stade Charles-Konan-Banny, Yamoussoukro
January 23, 2024
Gambia vs. Cameroon, 5:00 PM GMT, Stade de la Paix, Bouaké
How Gambia Qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations
Gambia scripted a new chapter on September 10, 2023, securing a crucial 2-2 draw against Congo-Brazzaville in a thrilling encounter. The Scorpions clinched their ticket to TotalEnergies AFCON 2023, denying the Diables Rouges. Gambia finished in the second spot in Group G, earning qualification with 10 points.
Player to Watch: Assan Ceesay
Known for his ability to exploit wide spaces, Assan Ceesay is a speedy player who actively contributes to the team’s gameplay. He consistently delivers numerous decisive passes by frequently dropping back from his midfield position to recover balls. His versatile playing style and finishing prowess allowed him to shine in the Swiss league during the early stages of his professional career. With an endearing and spontaneous approach, the Gambian gives his all, embodying the qualities of the ideal forward with unwavering generosity on the field.
Coach: Tom Saintfiet
Regarded as a tactician close to his players, Tom Saintfiet instills confidence in the core of his squad, and the results speak for themselves. In 2021, Gambia qualified for its first TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, a historic moment celebrated nationwide. Steering the ship once again for this Ivorian edition of the AFCON, the Belgian is determined to guide his team beyond the quarter-final stage. On the field, Saintfiet employs a 4-3-3 formation that transforms into a 4-5-1 during defensive phases, emphasizing on pressing and sustained activity, translating into extended runs.
Alexis Holmes celebrates USA’s mixed 4x400m world record at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23 (© Getty Images)
