Every two years, the African Championship shakes up European team schedules, with stars like Salah, Osimhen, Hakimi, Mane, and Mahrez gracing the tournament.
Despite suboptimal timing, it remains a celebration of national team football, showcasing some of the world's biggest talents.
Morocco is the bookmakers' favorite, backed by a deep squad, followed by Senegal, Ivory Coast, and Algeria.
Israel's representatives include Seck, Milson, Shaw, and Empanda, adding an interesting dimension to the mix.
The mascot, Akwaba, chosen for the host team "The Elephants," symbolizes a warm welcome in the Baule language.
Egypt holds the tournament record with seven wins, while Samuel Eto'o stands out as the top scorer.
The tournament has witnessed surprising performances, such as Madagascar's 2019 campaign and Comoros' impressive run in 2021, adding an element of unpredictability.
Rigobert Song and Ahmed Hassan share the record for the most appearances in the tournament, highlighting their enduring impact.
Cameroon boasts the most World Cup appearances, and Tunisia looks to make its 16th consecutive AFCON appearance, having participated in every edition since 1994, with a title win in 2004.
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