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Bafana Bafana among Afcon's 'small teams' that can cause an upset? Mosimane on who might be crowned in Ivory Coast

The 34th edition of Afcon kicked off on Saturday, January 13 with <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-za/lists/ivory-coast-seko-fofana-jean-philippe-krasso-afcon-tournament-guinea-bissau/bltdd787340b6034d9d" target="_blank">hosts Ivory Coast beating Guinea-Bissau 2-0.</a>Teams are battling for the $7 million prize money but as usual, everybody has their opinion on who might win it.

WHAT HAPPENED?

The hosts have shown their hunger and started the campaign with a morale-boosting win in front of their fans. Senegal, who are the defending champions, will be aiming to successfully defend their crown.2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco are also in the fold hoping to go all the way. Nigeria, with their quality players, and Egypt, have the potential to win the 2023 title.Despite not being on the favourites list, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en-ke/lists/mudau-banks-on-continental-experience-as-bafana-bafana-focus-on-writing-history-you-can-t-compare-caf-champions-league-with-psl/blt85ace75a3a67418d" target="_blank">South Africa have a good squad with players who have done well in clubs' continental competitions</a>.It explains why Mosimane believes it will not be a straight-forward win for the tournament's top dogs.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

"Even with injuries, Nigeria can't be written off with the likes of [Victor] Osimhen and Villarreal's Samuel Chukwueze plus other quality players," Mosimane told SuperSport TV."I also expect Morocco to do very well, to be honest, they have no reason not to do well. But in [Afcon], you’ve got the so-called small 'small teams' who also have guys playing in Europe – people look at Guinea-Bissau, [their squad] play in France and Portugal."They are tactically aware and clever, and if they have a good coach, they always create problems. But I still go with Senegal, I know the coach, and because I know how tactically disciplined they are."

WHAT MOSIMANE SAID

In the next couple of days, teams will be battling to seal their Round of 16 tickets with some players using the biennial competition to market themselves.The tournament will conclude on Sunday, February 11.

WHAT NEXT?

Bafana Bafana among Afcon's 'small teams' that can cause an upset? Mosimane on who might be crowned in Ivory Coast | Goal.com South Africa

Successful South African coach Pitso Mosimane has shared his views on teams better placed to win the Africa Cup of Nations.

Bafana Bafana among Afcon&apos;s &apos;small teams&apos; that can cause an upset? Mosimane on who might be crowned in Ivory Coast