Top Contenders for Afrika Cup 2024 Title

According to bookmakers, Senegal, Morocco, and Ivory Coast are the top contenders for the Afrika Cup 2024 title, with odds of approximately 5.5, 5.5, and 6.5, respectively. These teams have each secured a victory in the group stage, with Ivory Coast needing a win in their last group stage match to advance to the knockout stage.

Disappointing Start for Algeria and Ghana

Despite being considered favorites before the tournament, Algeria and Ghana have not performed optimally, with odds of approximately 9 and over 30, respectively. Ghana’s chances of advancing to the next stage are now out of their hands.

Bundesliga Representation in the Tournament

A total of 23 Bundesliga players have been nominated to represent their home countries at the Afrika Cup 2024, causing several Bundesliga clubs, such as Leverkusen and Stuttgart, to lose key players for the duration of the tournament.

Timing of the Afrika Cup

The scheduling of the Afrika Cup during the winter months has been a source of frustration for some football fans, as it often coincides with the second half of the European football season. Despite the speculation that the tournament is held in winter due to the extreme heat in African summers, the next Afrika Cup in 2025 is scheduled to take place in the summer in Morocco.

Return of Players and Potential Impact

The final match to determine the champion will take place on February 11th. While clubs will support their players, the hope is for a healthy return, especially after injuries to top players like Mo Salah and Bundesliga strikers Victor Boniface and Serhou Guirassy.

Overall, the Afrika Cup 2024 promises an exciting conclusion and potential repercussions for the clubs of the participating players.