Why Athletics hold the ace this year

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January 12, 2024

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Ten reasons to be excited for 2024

Noah Lyles with fans at the World Athletics Championships Budapest 23 (© Getty Images)

As World Athletics reports, there are many things to look forward to in athletics this year.

There’ll be six global championships in 2024, with ever-expanding one-day meeting circuits spread throughout the year. Rivalries will be renewed, and record-breakers will continue to push boundaries in their respective disciplines.

Here are ten reasons to be excited by what’s coming over the next 12 months.

1. Paris 2024 Olympic Games

Athletics is the No.1 sport in what will be the biggest event on the planet this year. One hundred years after Paris last hosted the Games, the Olympics will return to the French capital, where 2000 athletes from about 200 countries will compete for medals in 48 disciplines from 1-11 August. Expect duels, drama, and record-breaking performances as athletes compete for the highest honor in the sporting world.

Stade de France, venue of the athletics at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games (© Paris 2024)

2. World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24

The year’s first global track and field championships will start in two months as Glasgow hosts the World Indoor Championships on March 1-3. In Belgrade two years ago, pole vaulter Mondo Duplantis and triple jumper Yulimar Rojas set world records to claim gold; they’ll be looking to add to their medal – and record – tally in Glasgow, as will a host of other top track and field stars.

Glasgow’s Emirates Arena (© Getty Images)

3. World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24

For the first time since 2017, the World Relays will be held in the Bahamian capital as the global event returns to the venue of the first three editions. From 4-5 May, athletes will be vying to secure their place in the 4x100m, 4x400m, and mixed 4x400m for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games—expectations of a nation rest on their shoulders – and their baton exchanges.

World Relays in The Bahamas (© Getty Images)

4. World Athletics Cross Country Championships Belgrade 24

Two years after the Serbian capital hosted the World Indoor Championships, Serbia will play host to the world’s best cross-country runners this year. Recent editions of the event, in both Aarhus and Bathurst, have put athletes to the test on grueling courses, so expect more of the same on 30 March.

Athletes in action at the World Cross Country Championships (© Getty Images)

5. World Athletics U20 Championships Lima 24

After the latest successful edition of the World U20 Championships in Cali two years ago, the global event will return to South America as Lima becomes the first city in Peru to host a World Athletics Series event. The championships will occur from 27-31 August, showcasing the world’s most promising up-and-coming stars.

Athletes compete in the women’s 4x400m final at the World Athletics U20 Championships in Cali (© Marta Gorczynska)

6. World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships Antalya 24

Is there room on the calendar for one more global event? Go on, then. For the first time in the history of these championships – including all previous iterations – Turkiye will play host to the World Race Walking Team Championships on 21 April. The first 22 teams here will automatically qualify for the marathon race walk mixed relay – the newest Olympic discipline – at the Paris Games.

Kenya’s Emily Ngii at the World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships Muscat 22 (© Dan Vernon)

7. One-day meeting circuits

While championship action is excellent, the likes of the Wanda Diamond League and World Athletics Continental Tour are where athletes can be seen in action week in and week out throughout the peak of the outdoor track and field season. Before that, there’s also the World Indoor Tour, while other series such as the Cross Country Tour, Combined Events Tour, Race Walking Tour, and Label road races will provide competition opportunities throughout the year.

Gudaf Tsegay on her way to a world 5000m record in Eugene (© Marta Gorczynska / Diamond League AG)

8. Record breakers

Athletes continued to push boundaries throughout the past 12 months on the track, field, and roads. Expect more of the same in 2024 as Faith Kipyegon, Mondo Duplantis, Kelvin Kiptum, Yulimar Rojas, and Ryan Crouser look to run, jump, and throw better than ever.

Mondo Duplantis celebrates his world pole vault record of 6.23m in Eugene (© Marta Gorczynska / Diamond League AG)

9. Big clashes

Rivalries between the sport’s biggest stars always provide a gripping narrative for any season. For 2024, expect some mouth-watering clashes to come from the likes of Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone and Femke Bol in the 400m hurdles, Kelvin Kiptum and Eliud Kipchoge in the marathon, Gudaf Tsegay and Sifan Hassan in the 10,000m or Daniel Stahl and Kristjan Ceh in the discus to name but a few.

Sydney McLaughlin wins the 400m hurdles at the Diamond League final in Zurich (© Jiro Mochizuki)

10. New stars

Every year, a new generation of talent emerges. Some will be athletes who started to make a bit of a breakthrough towards the end of last year, while others may be athletes who fans have barely heard of. Either way, keep your eyes peeled as the season unfolds to witness the future stars of the sport mixing it with the world’s best athletes.

Jaydon Hibbert in triple jump qualification at the World Athletics U20 Championships Cali 22 (© Marta Gorczynska)

Colombia 2024: Falconets intensify training

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January 12, 2024

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Colombia 2024: Falconets intensify training

Ahead of their clash with Burundi on Sunday

By Rasheed Adewuyi

Nigeria’s U-20 girls have intensified their general preparations for Sunday’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round, first leg encounter against the U-20 girls of Burundi, with another training session in Dar es Salaam on Friday afternoon.

Sunday’s match at the Azam Stadium Complex in the Tanzanian capital will kick off at 4 pm Tanzania time (2 pm Nigeria time), with the winner over two legs qualifying as one of Africa’s four flag-bearers at this year’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup finals in Colombia. The final tournament has been scheduled for 30^th August to 22^nd September.

The Falconets, ever-present at the finals since the competition was launched in Canada in 2002, reached the quarter-finalists at the last edition in Costa Rica and are much-fancied to brush aside the Burundian challenge and pick another World Cup ticket.

Nigeria’s delegation arrived on Wednesday in Dar es Salaam, which is hosting the match, as Burundi does not have an approved stadium for international games. Players immediately shook off the jet lag with a light training session. They also trained on Thursday.

The team is looking forward to Saturday’s official training at the match venue – the same venue where they drew 1-1 with Tanzania’s U20 girls in their last round of the qualifiers before sealing qualification to this stage with a 2-1 defeat of the Tanzanian girls in Abuja in the return leg.

Head Coach Chris Musa Danjuma and his crew traveled with 19 players, led by Captain Oluchi Ohaegbulem, and also including goalkeeper Faith Omilana, defenders Jumoke Alani and Shukurat Oladipo, midfielders Taiwo Afolabi and Chima Olise, and forwards Chiamaka Okwuchukwu, Opeyemi Ajakaye, and Janet Akekoromowei.

FALCONETS IN BURUNDI

Goalkeepers: Anderline Mgbechi, Shukura Bakare, Faith Omilana

Defenders: Oluchi Ohaegbulem; Jumoke Alani; Rebecca Adegbemile; Shukurat Oladipo; Oluwabunmi Oladeji

Midfielders: Adoo Yina, Taiwo Afolabi, Olushola Shobowale, Aminat Folorunsho, Chioma Olise.

Forwards: Opeyemi Ajakaye; Chiamaka Okwuchukwu; Chisom Chima; Janet Akekoromowei; Chiamaka Osuigwe; Oluwayemisi Samuel.

Namibia gears up for fourth AFCON contest

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January 12, 2024

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Namibia gears up for fourth AFCON contest

Hotto sings high praises for youngest TotalEnergies CAF AFCON coach, Collin Benjamin

Countdown to AFCON 2023, presented by Ed Emeanua

Following their safe arrival in Korhogo, Cote d’Ivoire, Namibia are gearing up to compete in their fourth TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

The Brave Warriors will be led by their former player, Collin Benjamin who goes into the tournament as the youngest of all 24 head coaches present in Cote d’Ivoire.

Benjamin, who was born 45 years ago in Windhoek enjoyed a highly successful playing career in Germany representing, the likes of Hamburger SV and 1860 Munich where he eventually took up the tactics board as a coach.

The former defender, who represented the Brave Warriors 41 times and also captained the side worked as the team’s assistant coach between 2018 – 2022 before assuming the head coach role.

Speaking exclusively to CAFOnline from their base camp in Korhogo, Orlando Pirates utility player, Deon Hotto sang the praises of Benjamin, saying that he is bringing fresh ideas and energy to the team.

“He is one of the youngest and brightest coaches in the tournament. He played his whole career in Germany at the highest level and so he is sharing that experience with us. He is a very open coach. His door is always open for us. He is just a marvelous coach with new and fresh ideas and someone who is really great to work with”, said Hotto.

The Brave Warriors are drawn in an interesting Group E consisting of neighbors, South Africa, 2004 champions Tunisia as well as Mali, who are expected to enjoy the most support with the nation being on the border of Korhogo.

Namibia go into the tournament carrying the underdogs title, with all three of the previous appearances concluding in the group stages – something Benjamin and his Brave Warriors will be hoping to change in the Cote d’Ivoire edition this year.

Helen Obiri to run again in Boston!

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January 12, 2024

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Defending champion Obiri leads women’s field for Boston Marathon

Hellen Obiri wins the 2023 Boston Marathon (© Getty Images)

Organizers of the BAA Boston Marathon have announced that Hellen Obiri will defend her title at the World Athletics Platinum Label road race on 15 April.

The two-time world 5000m champion is one of four past Boston winners who’ll take to the start-line of this year’s race, alongside two-time champion Edna Kiplagat, 2019 winner Worknesh Degefa and 2018 victor Desiree Linden.

Obiri – the only woman in history to have won senior world titles indoors, outdoors and at cross country – made her marathon debut in New York in 2022, clocking 2:25:49, a time that remains her PB.

Five months later, she won on Boston’s downhill course in 2:21:38, then triumphed in a tactical race in New York at the end of 2023 in 2:27:23.

“I am excited to return to the 2024 Boston Marathon to try to defend my title,” said Obiri, a two-time Olympic silver medallist. “Boston is a historic race and I would like to add my name further to its history on 15 April. Winning such a historic marathon with my family waiting at the finish line was an amazing experience.”

Degefa is the fastest in the field. The Ethiopian won on her marathon debut in Dubai in 2017, then regained that title in 2020, having also won in Boston in 2019 in between those races. She didn’t compete at all in 2021 or 2022 as she had two children during that time, but she returned to action in 2023 and clocked a PB of 2:15:51 to win in Valencia.

She’ll be joined by fellow Ethiopians Tadu Teshome and Hiwot Gebrekidan, both of whom have set sub-2:18 PBs in Valencia in recent years.

Other Ethiopian women in the line-up include 2015 world 5000m silver medallist Senbere Teferi and former world half marathon record-holder Ababel Yeshaneh, a previous podium finisher in Boston, New York and Chicago.

Kiplagat, the 2017 and 2021 champion, will be making her seventh appearance at the Boston Marathon. The 44-year-old, who has a PB of 2:19:50, finished seventh at the New York Marathon two months ago.

Other leading Kenyans in the field include 2022 world marathon silver medallist Judith Korir, 2022 New York champion Sharon Lokedi, 2015 world silver medallist Helah Kiprop, and 2014 world half marathon silver medallist

Mary Ngugi-Cooper

Surprise world bronze medallist Fatima Gardadi will be making her first ever appearance in a World Marathon Majors race. Before finishing third in Budapest last year, the Moroccan had won in Marrakech in 2022 and Rabat in 2023. More recently, she set a PB of 2:24:12 to finish second in Xiamen earlier this month.

Linden leads the US contingent, along with Emma Bates, who finished fifth last year.

Elite women’s field

Worknesh Degefa (ETH) 2:15:51
Tadu Teshome (ETH) 2:17:36
Hiwot Gebrekidan (ETH) 2:17:59
Judith Korir (KEN) 2:18:20
Meseret Belete (ETH) 2:18:21
Tiruye Mesfin (ETH) 2:18:47
Worknesh Edesa (ETH) 2:18:51
Zeineba Yimer (ETH) 2:19:07
Senbere Teferi (ETH) 2:19:21
Dera Dida (ETH) 2:19:24
Edna Kiplagat (KEN) 2:19:50
Mary Ngugi-Cooper (KEN) 2:20:22
Nazret Weldu Gebrehiwet (ERI) 2:20:29
Ababel Yeshaneh (ETH) 2:20:51
Vibian Chepkirui (KEN) 2:20:59
Helah Kiprop (KEN) 2:21:27
Buze Diriba (ETH) 2:23:11
Emma Bates (USA) 2:23:18
Sharon Lokedi (KEN) 2:23:23
Malindi Elmore (CAN) 2:23:30
Fatima Gardadi (MAR) 2:24:12
Angie Orjuela (COL) 2:25:35
Fabienne Konigstein (GER) 2:25:48
Hellen Obiri (KEN) 2:25:49
Desiree Linden (USA) 2:25:55
Jackie Gaughan (USA) 2:27:08
Dominique Scott (RSA) 2:27:31

New venue for Steelers vs. Bills

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January 11, 2024

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Playoff game in Buffalo could be moved to Cleveland

NFL wildcard game between Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers could be played in Cleveland© Provided by Daily Mail

Sunday’s NFL wildcard game between the Buffalo Bills and Pittsburgh Steelers could be moved to Cleveland if lake effect weather prompts a state of emergency to be declared in Western New York, Max Winters reports for Daily Mail.

On Thursday afternoon, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for much of Western New York, including Orchard Park, where the Bills play home games.

It is in effect from Saturday afternoon until Monday morning, and states over seven inches of snow are possible over the weekend, with winds possibly reaching 60mph.

Pittsburgh’s KDKA Radio is now reporting that Browns stadium officials have already been informed that a switch of venues may be required.

Cleveland Browns Stadium is located 184 miles southwest of Orchard Park.

Cleveland Browns Stadium officials have been alerted in case the game must be moved. Provided by Daily Mail

It will be a massive blow for Josh Allen and the Bills if they have to give up home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

But Mike Tomlin and the Steelers, who go into the game as underdogs, would be delighted to have the game moved to a neutral venue.

The report also predicts temperatures in the 20s at kick-off time, although it could feel as much as 10 to 15 degrees colder.

‘We’ve been through a lot of games here where we’ve had to, no pun intended, weather the storm that way, right,’ Bills coach Sean McDermott said this week.

‘It affects how you play the game, how you manage the game. So when we have that here, it’s an added dimension to our preparation.’

Playing away from Buffalo would be a significant boost to T.J. Watt and the rest of the Steelers© Provided by Daily Mail

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said he’s sticking with Mason Rudolph for the trip to Buffalo.

Rudolph is 3-0 as a starter since taking over for an ineffective Mitch Trubisky before a game against Cincinnati on December 23.

The Steelers have averaged 27 points since Rudolph took over, a total of 10 points more than they had been averaging during a sometimes rocky season that included a 1-4 stretch from mid-November to mid-December that dropped Pittsburgh out of playoff position.

‘We’re simply staying with the hot hand and not disrupting the apple cart,’ Tomlin said Tuesday.

‘We’ve been in some tough circumstances. He’s delivered, we’ve delivered.’

AFCON 2023 Opening Game Preview

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January 11, 2024

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Hosts wary of potential Guinea Bissau ‘trap’ in the opener

Host nation Cote d’Ivoire will be on high alert for a potential giant-killing when they face Guinea-Bissau in Saturday’s TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2023 curtain-raiser.

The Elephants are heavy favorites for the Group A clash against a Djurtus side that has never won an Afcon game in three previous tournaments.

But coach Jean-Louis Gasset is wary of complacency against opponents with nothing to lose in front of 60,000 fans in Abidjan.

“We cannot underestimate Guinea-Bissau,” said Gasset. “In these types of opening games, there is always a risk the underdog is fired up to cause an upset.”

Cote d’Ivoire hopes to emulate the class of 1984 by launching their campaign with a big win as hosts.

That victorious side 39 years ago thrashed Togo 3-0 in Abidjan in the tournament’s first match.

But Bissau will take inspiration from holding Gabon to a 1-1 draw in the 2017 opener, targeting a famous first Afcon victory.

“We know we can create a sensation against the hosts,” insisted Bissau coach Baciro Cande.

The Elephants can call on an array of Europe-based stars like Sebastian Haller, Eric Bailly, and Franck Kessie as they eye glory on home soil.

With a squad packed with quality, the Elephants are justified favorites if they can handle the weight of expectation in front of a packed stadium.

But opening games can prove unpredictable and cagey – so Cote d’Ivoire must avoid falling into a Bissau trap that could derail their TotalEnergies CAF campaign.

Cote d’Ivoire v Guinea Bissau
Kick-off: 20:00 GMT
Venue: Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Ebimpe

Pharaohs fancy another bite at AFCON apple

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January 11, 2024

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Pharaohs fancy another bite at AFCON apple

Egypt is aiming for a record extending crown – Mahmoud Trezeguet

TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations record holders (7), Egypt are aiming to extend record.

This was the bold statement made by Mahmoud Ahmed Ibrahim Hassan, also known as Trezeguet upon the Pharaohs’ arrival in Cote d’Ivoire.

Egypt will be based at Cote d’Ivoire capital of Abidjan where they are drawn in group B alongside Ghana, Mozambique and Cape Verde.

“It is a difficult group. It is not easy. All the African teams are strong and have very good players. We will play all the matches as finals and see what they look like We came here aiming for a new title. Since our arrival, the entire team has only one goal, to go be crowned champions.”

The former Aston Villa player, who is preparing to participate in his fourth TotalEnergies AFCON, retains a painful memory of the last two finals that the Egyptians lost in 2017 against Cameroon and 2021 in Cameroon against Senegal.

“It is really difficult to lose two finals. It is painful but we will try again to get the title. We must have what we deserve, and we hope that this time luck will be on our side and that God will help us.”

Egypt kick off their campaign against Mozambique on Sunday, 14 January before facing Ghana four days later, with Cape Verde set to be their last group fixture on 22 January.

In numbers, AFCON has and will thrive

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January 11, 2024

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TOTALENERGIES CAF AFCON is a record maker

The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 is days away from commencing.

In its 34th year, the previous 33 editions have been storied and laden with numerous records.

ONE

The Teranga Lions of Senegal broke their long-standing jinx in 2022 to win their first Africa Cup of Nations trophy in Cameroon following a disappointing year in 2019.

TWO

Côte d’Ivoire has won the Africa Cup of Nations two times in its history. They achieved this feat in 1992 and 2015. On both occasions, they defeated Ghana on penalties.

THREE

Three countries, hosts Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia, took part in the first tournament in February 1957, and there was no qualifying competition.

FOUR

Ghana have won the Africa Cup of Nations FOUR times in their history. Their last triumph came in 1982 in Libya.

FIVE

Nigerian International Odion Ighalo scored 5 goals as the top scorer in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt.

SIX

Four players, Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o, Ghanaian duo Asamoah Gyan as well as Andre Ayew, and Zambia’s Kalusha Bwalya, have scored in SIX different AFCON Tournaments. No players have scored in more editions of the competition than them.

SEVEN

Egypt is the most prosperous country in the Africa Cup of Nations history, with seven titles. They won in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010.

EIGHT

Egypt’s Ahmed Hassan and Cameroon’s Rigobert Song hold the record for the most AFCON participations, with each player featured in eight finals tournaments in 1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, and 2010. This record could be tied by Ghana’s Andre Ayew at Côte d’Ivoire.

NINE

Egypt and Ghana have both reached 9 AFCON Finals. While Egypt has won seven, Ghana has had four wins.

TEN

Kalusha Bwayla, Joel Tiehi, Santos, Ndaye Mulamba, and Andre Ayew scored ten goals in the Africa Cup of Nations.

The City ‘Where Gallus Meets Greatness’

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January 11, 2024

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Welcome to the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24!

Welcome, or fáilte, as the Gaelic speakers in Scotland would say, to the digital home of the 19th edition of the World Athletics Indoor Championships in Glasgow in 2024.

Glasgow has a proven track record of hosting major sporting events, and 10 years after the 2014 Commonwealth Games, we are excited to continue the sporting legacy as three days of world-class action arrive in the city from 1-3 March 2024.

There will be six sessions of action-packed sport over three days of intense competition in the intimate setting of the Emirates Arena, with many of the best athletes in the world competing for prestigious World Indoor titles. Up to 650 competitors from more than 130 countries are expected to participate, competing in 26 events – 13 for men and 13 for women.

As this is the first time the World Athletics Indoor Championships has been hosted in Scotland, a fresh look has been created for the event, incorporating the saltire flag, elements of Glasgow’s skyline, and the Scots language to evoke a sense of place and promote Scotland’s unique cultural identity to the world.

Using the Scots language, the event strapline ‘Where Gallus Meets Greatness’ signifies Scotland’s ambition as the perfect event stage. The phrase combines ‘Gallus’, the local vernacular for ‘daring and bold’ with greatness, a word commonly associated with major sporting champions.

With athletes and fans hoping to be part of moments of greatness during the three days of intense and thrilling competition, the strapline loosely translates to ‘Who Dares Wins’. We hope to witness many iconic sporting moments when the event begins in March.

It’s almost time for the World Athletics Indoor Championships to arrive in Glasgow, and we look forward to inviting the world into our city, ‘‘Where Gallus Meets Greatness”.

With 50 days to go, Glasgow is set to become ‘The City’

With only 50 days to go until the start of the World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24, a new championships time creative has been unveiled for this prestigious world event, with the launch of a new strap-line alongside athlete pictograms and city landmark sketches to bring a uniquely Scottish look and feel to the competition.

With WICGlasgow24 taking place from 1-3 March, the countdown to the event is now well underway, with less than two months until the world’s best athletes descend on Glasgow for a feast of top-class athletics in front of a sell-out crowd.

More than 700 athletes are expected to compete in Glasgow. With the championships falling within the qualification period for the Paris 2024 Olympics, this gives the event extra significance as competitors go for gold in front of the knowledgeable Glasgow crowd, who will get close to the action in the intimate setting of the Emirates Arena.

As this is the first time the World Athletics Indoor Championships has been hosted in Scotland, a fresh look has been created for the event, incorporating the saltire flag, elements of Glasgow’s skyline, and the Scots language to evoke a sense of place and promote Scotland’s unique cultural identity to the world.

Pictogram Images Featuring The New Event Look

Using the Scots language, the event strapline ‘Where Gallus Meets Greatness’ signifies Scotland’s ambition as the perfect event stage. The phrase combines ‘Gallus’, the local vernacular for ‘daring and bold’ with greatness, a word commonly associated with major sporting champions.

With athletes and fans hoping to be part of moments of greatness during the three days of intense and thrilling competition, the strapline loosely translates to ‘Who Dares Wins’.

The brand development is unique and specific to Scotland and Glasgow, incorporating the event’s thistle logo and brand colors in addition to the saltire, Scotland’s national flag, and a nod to contemporary tartan.

The pictograms feature several Glasgow landmarks, including the iconic Duke of Wellington Statue, the Clyde Arc Bridge, and the Emirates Arena event venue. At the same time, the athletes pose in the style of the sport’s three disciplines: running, jumping, and throwing. Eagle-eyed individuals will also spot the event logo incorporated into the athletes’ clothing in a fun and playful way.

Championships Director Stuart Campbell said: “I am delighted to unveil our new event look and strapline to mark 50 days to go until the World Athletics Indoor Championships get underway.

“With the world coming to Glasgow, it has always been an essential part of our mission to highlight Scotland’s unique cultural identity, and I believe we have managed this, taking our thistle logo to the next level and reimagining it in the form of athlete pictograms.

“We were also very keen to incorporate the language of the Scots into our event strapline to give a sense of place, and I believe we have managed this with the inclusion of the word ‘Gallus’ – a phrase that I’m sure will stir a passion embedded in Scots and Glaswegians alike.”

“I can’t wait to see the city and the venue come alive with our branding as we move closer to the starting blocks and welcome the world to Glasgow.”

With only 50 days to go, it’s almost time for the World Athletics Indoor Championships to arrive in Glasgow, and we look forward to inviting the world into our city ‘‘Where Gallus Meets Greatness”.

Culled from World Athletics

AFCON 2023: Meet the Coaches

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January 11, 2024

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TotalEnergies CAF AFCON: Group B

CAFOnline.com looks at the exciting line-up of coaches in Group D of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Cote d’Ivoire 2023.

Two coaches make their TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023 debut in Group B
Chiquinho Conde is leading Mozambique at the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON for the first time in 10 years
Bubista is making a second successive TotalEnergies CAF AFCON appearance with Cape Verde

As things get heated on the pitch during the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023, there will be a continuous feast of know-how and technical acumen in the dugout.

Group B has so much to give as far as coaches go.

CAFOnline.com puts the spotlight on the coaches in Group B.

Rui Vitória – EGYPT

Born in Portugal, Vitória is heading to his first-ever TotalEnergies CAF AFCON after signing up to be the head coach of Egypt in 2022.

Before joining Egypt, Rui Vitória had a stint with Portuguese giants Benfica, where he won a domestic treble in his first season and went ahead to defend the Portuguese topflight league the following season.

Despite being a new face on the continent, the Portuguese international has what it takes to deliver on a big stage like the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON.

Chris Hughton – GHANA

For over four decades, Ghana has failed to win an AFCON title, and the 34th edition provides another platform for them to end the long drought.

To lead this campaign is the 65-year-old English-born Chris Hughton, who was appointed as the head coach after the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Chris, despite his rich experience in the English Premier League, has never been to the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON before.

The former Tottenham, West Ham, and Brentford player are hoping to write history in Côte d’Ivoire.

Bubista – CAPE VERDE

The Cape Verde National team is led by Bubista.

Bubista was a player for the Cape Verde National team, where he played 28 games as a defender.

The 54-year-old has been in charge of Cape Verde since 2020, and this will be his second AFCON. He qualified for the last edition in Cameroon and finished in the Round of 16.

Cape Verde finds themselves in a much more difficult group with past winners Ghana and Egypt.

Chiquinho Conde – MOZAMBIQUE

Chiquinho is one of the key men in the history of Mozambique football as a player and a coach.

As a player, Chiquinho spent most of his years playing in Portugal for clubs like SC Braga, Sporting Lisbon, among others.

He also appeared in three TotalEnergies CAF AFCON tournaments for Mozambique.

Before his appointment as the head coach for the Mambas, they had failed to qualify for the last six editions of the Africa Cup of Nations but managed to secure qualification for the 2023 edition.

Group D

Djamel Belmadi is chasing another TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023 glory with Algeria
Amir Abdou is leading Mauritania to a third successive AFCON finals
Pedro Gonçalves is eyeing more history with Angola
Hubert Velud expects to rely on his vast Africa experience to shine with the Stallions

Group D presents some of the finest coaches in the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Côte d’Ivoire 2023.

Djamel Belmadi will be chasing his second AFCON trophy after winning it with Algeria in 2019.

Hubert Velud, after making an appearance with Togo despite qualifying them in 2010 due to an attack on his team, has another opportunity to make history with Burkina Faso.

CAFOnline.com looks at the exciting lineup of coaches in Group D.

Djamel Belmadi – Algeria

For the third successive time, Djamel Belmadi will be leading Algeria to a TotalEnergies CAF AFCON tournament.

He managed to end the country of his birth’s 29-year wait for an AFCON trophy in 2019 when he guided them to victory.

Belmadi made 20 appearances for the Algerian national team from 2000 to 2004 and played his club football for French giant Olympic Marseille and Paris Saint-Germain.

Though a tough one, Algeria is one of the favorites to win the trophy in Côte d’Ivoire.

Hubert Velud – Burkina Faso

Born in France, Velud played as a goalkeeper for Stade de Reims. He hung his boots in 1990 and became a manager.

He has vast experience on the Africa continent at the club level. He has managed ES Sètif, USM Algiers TP Mazembe in 2012, 2013, and 2016, respectively.

In 2010, he led the Togolese national team to the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON.

Sixteen years on, Velud has another opportunity to play in the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, this time with Burkina Faso, and they are in a group they can manage and progress.

Amir Abdou – Mauritania

The Mauritanian national team will be coached by Amir Abdou, who hails from Comoros.

Amir spent eight years coaching the Comoros national team, where he managed to qualify them for their first Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon in 2021.

After guiding Mauritania to what is their third consecutive qualification for the finals of the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON, a knockout stage qualification will be in sight for Amir Abdou.

Pedro Gonçalves – Angola

Born in Angola, Pedro Gonçalves has passed through the ranks as a coach for the various Angolan national teams.

He started with the Angolan U-17 team in 2018 after stints with 1º de Agosto. He won the Cosafa Cup and also qualified them for their first-ever U-17 FIFA World Cup in 2019.

This led to his appointment as the head coach of the U-20 and U-23 national teams before getting the nod as the head coach of the national team in 2019.

He qualified for the CHAN tournament in 2022 and finished second in his group.

Gonçalves capped what has been a top performance so far with Angola with TotalEnergies CAF AFCON qualification in 2023.

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Ten reasons to be excited for 2024

1. Paris 2024 Olympic Games

2. World Athletics Indoor Championships Glasgow 24

3. World Athletics Relays Bahamas 24

4. World Athletics Cross Country Championships Belgrade 24

5. World Athletics U20 Championships Lima 24

6. World Athletics Race Walking Team Championships Antalya 24

7. One-day meeting circuits

8. Record breakers

9. Big clashes

10. New stars

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