The True Value of AFCON
To understand the significance of AFCON, all you need to do is listen to some of the continent’s most iconic players. Legends like Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Touré, and Didier Drogba—or the biggest names still competing, such as Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Riyad Mahrez.
Their collections are packed with medals and championships from European club football, yet AFCON holds unparalleled importance for them.
Comparisons will inevitably arise regarding the standard of the Euros and Copa América, but—just like those competitions—it is incredibly challenging to claim the title, even for the most prominent stars and powerhouse nations.
I’ve lost track of the number of times tournament frontrunners have buckled under the strain or struggled in harsh conditions against so-called lesser footballing nations.
Drogba never secured the trophy despite being part of a golden era of Ivorian talent. Salah has yet to achieve it, and I can still recall how heartbroken he was after losing the finals in 2017 and 2021.
Officials also insist that global interest in the competition is rising continuously. Having attended the last edition in Ivory Coast, I strongly sensed that as well.
It was among the most thrilling I’ve witnessed, with an unbelievable narrative where the host nation dismissed their coach during the group stage before staging an extraordinary comeback to triumph in the final. On the ground, it certainly felt larger than ever, drawing more international attention than at any time before.
Yes, there have been numerous obstacles in the past that have tarnished the competition’s reputation. For instance, last-minute venue changes—such as when Egypt hosted in 2019 instead of Cameroon, which was unprepared. Or adjustments to the schedule, like the upcoming edition initially planned for June and July but now set to commence just before Christmas.
Then there are challenges related to infrastructure, safety, or event coordination. However, similar difficulties have affected both the Euros and Copa América in recent years.
I have always thought grievances about the tournament clashing with the European season were exaggerated. Of course, it’s inconvenient for clubs, but why should African football be dictated by the European calendar? Climate conditions also make organizing it in June and July impractical in certain parts of the continent.
AFCON may not always receive the appreciation it merits in certain regions, but after covering six editions, I sense that perception is evolving. The next tournament in Morocco—where football is currently flourishing—promises to be grander than ever and might even influence the Ballon d’Or rankings.
