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Disrupted, Disregarded, Maligned and Disliked: AFCON Deserves Better From European Onlookers
In 2012, then-Manchester City manager Roberto Mancini said he ‘hoped’ that Ivorian trio Abdul Razak, Yaya and Kolo Touré didn’t go to the upcoming African Cup of Nations, due to the disruption it would have to the Cityzens’ season. All three, rightfully, travelled to the tournament, as City eventually finished 2nd to Manchester United in…
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Nigeria’s Victorious Start to AFCON
Understandably so, the first round of games have been slow in terms of goals but has not disappointed with regards to excitement and tension. The first few games are naturally slower and cagier because teams are just trying to feel each other out, not take too many risks and get some points if they can. …
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Sierra Leone Gets the Unlikeliest of Points Against Defending Champions Algeria
Ahead of the Group E opener, everyone expected it to be a showdown between holders Algeria and 2015 winners Ivory Coast. Not a single person gave Sierra Leone or Equatorial Guinea a chance in this group. Of course, with the current format of possibly three teams qualifying from the group the lesser teams have a…
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Ola Aina: The Dependable, Versatile Full-Back
Nigeria have gotten off to an impressive start to the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, beating Egypt 1-0 via a goal from Kelechi Iheanacho, and one player who was crucial in stopping Mohammed Salah’s creative influence was Ola Aina. At 25 years of age, the fullback will be crucial in the Super Eagles’ efforts to…
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Order Is Restored After a Rocky Start in Cameroon
Against the run of play and all expectations leading into the tournament, host nation Cameroon fell behind after just 24 minutes to a beautiful finish by Burkina Faso midfielder Gustavo Sangare. Although Cameroon had the ball for the most part before the goal, it was clear that Burkina Faso weren’t just going to lay down…
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Cameroon Kicks Off the 33rd African Cup of Nations
On Sunday, host nation Cameroon kick off the 2021 African Cup of Nations. Cameroon are no stranger to winning this competition, in fact, they last won it in 2017. The Indomitable Lions last hosted the competition in 1972 where they finished third. Hosting a tournament is usually associated with the advantage of having your…
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Dark Horses to Watch at AFCON
Since its first edition in 1957, the Africa Cup of Nations has seen 32 different tournaments and 14 different countries win the competition — whilst the likes of Senegal and Mali are yet to win the competition, a wide variety of nations stretching from Sudan to Zambia have won the prestigious trophy. With that being…
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AFCON’s Bundesliga Contingent
After two-and-a-half years of waiting, the Africa Cup of Nations is finally back. Players from all around the world, from clubs as far-reaching as China, Russia, Cyprus and Azerbaijan, will jet off to Cameroon for the opening month of the year with a chance to represent their home country and lead them to the Final…
