The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed an extraordinary line-up of African football legends for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023. This prestigious event, which is the flagship continental sporting tournament, will see an array of iconic former players, known as the CAF Legends, promote the tournament and enhance its brand awareness.
This exceptional roster of legends has been carefully selected based on various criteria including popularity, participation in major competitions, and social influence. The involvement of these legends in the tournament is not just a nod to their past achievements but also a strategic move to elevate the tournament’s appeal and reach.
Each Participating Member Association (PMA) is represented by one of their renowned players who boasts a rich history in continental football. This year, the host country, Cote d’Ivoire, is an exception as it is represented by two legendary figures – former captain and two-time CAF Player of the Year, Didier Drogba, and the formidable former offensive midfielder Salomon Kalou. Kalou was a key player in the Cote d’Ivoire team that clinched the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations title in 2015.
Senegal, the current holders of the title, will be comforted by the presence of their former captain Mamadou Niang. Niang, a significant figure in Senegalese football, led the Teranga Lions in the 2012 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations and was also a part of the team in 2004, 2006, and 2008.
The list of legends further glitters with names like Egypt’s Ahmed Hassan, a four-time winner of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, and Nigeria’s midfield maestro, Augustine ‘Jay-Jay’ Okocha, who was part of the victorious 1994 team. Zambia’s former captain Christopher Katongo, who led his team to glory in 2012, is also among the illustrious names.
Siphiwe Tshabalala, known for scoring the first goal in Africa’s first-ever FIFA World Cup in 2010, represents South Africa, while former Black Stars captain Stephen Appiah, who has represented Ghana at all age groups, is also part of this star-studded line-up.
The TotalEnergies CAF Legends include other notable names such as Karim Ziani (Algeria), Fabrice Alcebiades Maieco “Akwa” (Angola), Moumouni Dagano (Burkina Faso), and many others, each bringing their own unique history and influence to the tournament. This assembly of legends not only celebrates the rich history of African football but also plays a crucial role in promoting the tournament and engaging with fans through various social activations. Their presence is a testament to the enduring legacy of African football and its continuing impact on the world stage. The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023, with such a galaxy of stars promoting it, is poised to be a spectacular event, further cementing its place as a premier football tournament on the continent
