Senegal captain Kalidou Koulibaly has explained why the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations tournament in Ivory Coast will be the best in the history of the competition.

The 34th edition of Africa’s most followed tournament will kick off on Saturday with hosts Ivory Coast taking on Guinea-Bissau in the opener.

Senegal’s Lions of Teranga will be keen to defend the title they won last year after beating Egypt, and according to the former Napoli and Chelsea defender it will not be an easy tournament for participating nations.

“I believe this Ivory Coast edition will be the best in the history of the competition, as all the top-notch teams are here and fully geared up,” said Koulibaly, adding: “It’ll showcase the true picture of African football, and I believe whoever clinches the title in the end will truly deserve it.”

The defending champions find themselves in a formidable group in AFCON 2023, alongside the five-time winner Cameroon, the perennially resilient Guinea, and an ambitious Gambia eager to cause upsets.Senegal’s journey to retain their throne as the kings of Africa commences with a challenging encounter against Gambia on Monday, January 15.