In 2022, Morocco made history on the global stage by becoming the first African nation to reach the semifinals of the FIFA World Cup. But on their home stage, The Atlas Lions have all but failed to make an impact. All that could change in the 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations starting on 13th January in the Ivory Coast. 

Morocco's one and only AFCON victory was back in 1976. In fact, that was one of just two appearances in the final since the tournament's debut in 1957. The key to success for Morocco, who go into the tournament as the firm favorites, is keep up the momentum from that incredible performance in Qatar, that saw Morocco become the world's favorite team for a few wonderful weeks. 

The core of that history-making side is in place from Yassine Bounou between the pipes to Youssef En-Nesyri leading the line. Out of all the 24 squads in AFCON 2023, Morocco's has the greatest strength in depth, something that could be the key to victory in a grueling month of soccer.  "We've gone from being 'outsiders' to being the favorites," says coach Walid Regragui, who knows his team are no longer a surprise package for opponents.  

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While Morocco might enjoy the strongest starting eleven across the board, the Super Eagles of Nigeria must surely boast the most fearsome forward line. Napoli's Victor Osimhen looks set to be be teaming up with Samuel Chukwueze of AC Milan and Europe's breakout star, Victor Boniface, who has ten goals in 16 Bundesliga appearances for Bayer Leverkusen, the Bundesliga leaders. However, the supporting cast might not be enough to take Nigeria to their first AFCON victory since 2013.

 The same must be the case for Egypt. The Pharaohs lost an agonizing penalty shoot-out to Senegal in the last edition and have never really recovered, having missed out on qualification to the 2022 FIFA World Cup. While Egypt boast arguably the best player at the tournament in Mohamed Salah, even his imperious powers may not be enough to lead his team to an eighth victory in the tournament. 

Senegal will be hard pushed to win back-to-back AFCON titles but the Lions of Teranga are certainly in the running. Sadio Mane has lost his way due to injury (and by moving to Saudi Arabia) since that tournament win, meaning that Chelsea's Nicolas Jackson needs to display better form in front of goal for his country, than his club. 

The pressure is on Ivory Coast to become the first hosts to win an AFCON tournament since Egypt's victory in 2006. Eyebrows were raised when Wilfried Zaha was left out of the squad, and a lot needs to come together to lift the title. But if Sebastien Haller can hit form up front, and the midfield pairing of Franck Kessie and Seko Fofana have remained sharp despite summer moves to Saudi Arabia, then a charge from The Elephants could be unstoppable.