The 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, held in Ivory Coast, has progressed to the semi-final stage, with four teams just two victories away from claiming the trophy.
In the first semi-final, three-time AFCON champions Nigeria will face South Africa, while the second semi-final features hosts Ivory Coast against DR Congo.
Each of the remaining four teams has previously secured the AFCON title, with DR Congo enduring the longest drought since their last continental triumph in 1974.
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The tournament, scheduled to conclude on February 12 with the final match, has led to the departure of numerous players from their clubs due to its timing overlapping with many club-level competitions.
Sports Brief examines the top seven African clubs with the highest number of players called up for AFCON 2023.
Clubs with the most players called up for AFCON 2023:
7. Atlético Petróleos de Luanda – 5 players:
Competing in Girabola, Angola’s premier football club competition, Atlético Petróleos de Luanda had five players, including Eddie Afonso and To Carneiro, participating in AFCON 2023.
6. Simba Sports Club – 6 players:
Participating in the Tanzanian Premier League, Simba Sports Club had six players, such as Aishi Manula and Mzamiru Yassin, representing their countries in the pursuit of the AFCON 2023 title.
5. Young Africans Sports Club – 7 players:
Currently positioned second in the Tanzanian Premier League, Young Africans were without seven key players, including Stephane Aziz Ki and goalkeeper Djigui Diarra.
4. Orlando Pirates – 7 players:
A prominent club from South Africa, Orlando Pirates, lost seven players, including Nkosinathi Sibisi and Thabang Monare, in the AFCON 2023 tournament.
3. Pyramids Football Club – 9 players:
A leading team from the Egyptian Premier League, Pyramids Football Club, lost nine key players, including Blati Toure and Ahmed El Shenawy, to AFCON 2023.
2. Al Ahly Sporting Club – 10 players:
Another significant club from the Egyptian Premier League, Al Ahly Sporting Club, had ten players, including Ali Maaloul and Percy Tau, participating in AFCON 2023.
1. Mamelodi Sundowns – 11 players:
As reported by GOAL, Mamelodi Sundowns found themselves without 11 players competing in the South African Premier Division, with their last match on December 30, 2023, and their next fixture scheduled for February 14. The absence of the 11 players should not pose a significant concern, barring potential injuries sustained during the AFCON 2023 tournament.