Bournemouth’s AFCON duo could miss up to six games while away on international duty for this year’s competition.
It’s often a huge problem for many European clubs when the Africa Cup of Nations come around. The 2023 AFCON tournament – which confusingly will be played in 2024 – takes place in the Ivory Coast from 13 January to 11 February.
In the middle of the European domestic season, many clubs will be without several of their most important players.
Others, such as Premier League champions Manchester City, have been luckier – Pep Guardiola won’t lose a single player during this year’s AFCON.
Bournemouth are not quite so fortunate. With two of their stars set to depart in January for some or all of the competition, they are losing more players than many of their rivals.
The tournament has come at an awful time for Andoni Iraola’s side, who have been on a good run. The Cherries have won six of their last seven Premier League fixtures, and have not tasted defeat since their 6-1 loss at the Etihad to Manchester City.
Which Bournemouth Players Will Be At AFCON 2023?
Antoine Semenyo – Ghana
Bournemouth fans will be praying Antoine Semenyo is not at the Africa Cup of Nations for long. The Ghanaian winger has been in fine form for his club this campaign, racking up three goals and two assists in the league.
The 23-year-old has two goals from his eight senior caps for Ghana, and has been picked to go with his nation to the upcoming competition. As one of Bournemouth’s standout performers, he will be a big loss for the club.
Dango Ouattara – Burkina Faso
Another winger, Dango Ouattaro has been a key man for his country recently. With six goals in his 15 caps, the Burkina Faso star could play a big role at AFCON.
Yet to score for Bournemouth this season, he will be less of a loss than Semenyo, but is another man they will have to live without during a crucial stage of the season.
One player who will not be going to this year’s AFCON tournament is Ivory Coast international, Hamed Traore. The 23-year-old has earned five caps for his country, but has not been selected on this occasion.
Traore has made just three league appearances for the Cherries this season, and his lack of minutes has evidently impacted his national team selection.
2023 AFCON Schedule
The group stages of this season’s AFCON take place from 13 to 24 January. Due to the Premier League’s scheduling, Bournemouth only actually have one game during this period.
They host Liverpool on 21 January, meaning anyone involved with AFCON will definitely be unavailable. There is also the possibility they will miss the FA Cup third round tie with at QPR on 6 January, depending when they join up with their national sides.
Should Bournemouth beat QPR, fourth round fixtures will be played over the weekend of 27 January. This could be too soon for those knocked out in the group stages.
The AFCON knockout stages start on 27 January this year, with the final on 11 February. Bournemouth have three Premier League matches in that time.
They visit West Ham on 1 February, before hosting Nottingham Forest three days later. The Cherries’ trip to Fulham on 10 February comes one day before the AFCON final.
With one of Bournemouth’s AFCON contingent playing for a favoured sides, Semenyo could well be missing for a large chunk of these games. Burkina Faso are less favoured, so they will at least be expecting Dango Outtara back a little earlier.
Bournemouth’s Schedule During AFCON
- 6 January: QPR – Bournemouth (FA Cup third round)
- 21 January: Bournemouth – Liverpool (Premier League)
- 27 January: FA Cup fourth round
- 1 February: West Ham – Bournemouth (Premier League)
- 4 February: Bournemouth – Nottingham Forest (Premier League)
- 10 February: Fulham – Bournemouth (Premier League)
Andoni Iraola’s side play their first game after the Africa Cup of Nations on 17 February, when they make the long trip up to St James’ Park to face Newcastle.
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