The African Cup of Nations is the most prestigious football tournament hosted in Africa. It begun in 1957 with only three countries as participants; Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia. Since it's inception Egypt has been the most successful nation having won a record seven times African cup of nations trophy.
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Football is the most unifying sport in the world and the AFCON is never an exception when it comes to bringing people together. During this tournament, fans all over Africa and the world at large tune in to watch this great sporting event. There's a great feeling of enthusiasm as families and friends gather to cheer their players to victory in the stadiums. Those who cannot make it to the stadiums never forget to get themselves glued to their televisions to catch glimpses of the glorious, eye-catching moments of good football.
Over the years, Africa has produced great football talents such as Sadio Mane of Senegal, Mohammed Salah of Egypt, Wilfred Ndidi of Nigeria, Karl Toko Ekambi of Cameroon, Youssef El-Arabi of Morocco, Riyad Mahrez of Algeria and a host of other great footballers, and that assures a competitive, breathtaking tournament. These great talents will be at loggerheads to take home the crown and glory. For sure, it will be captivating, interesting and enchanting to watch this great footballers battle out in the field of play for the honour and pride. There's never a better feeling for a footballer than representing his nation at an international tournament.
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As a young football fan, Ghana2008 AFCON was the first AFCON tournament I witnessed but on TV. I still remember the Ghana vs Nigeria quarterfinals which ended in disappointment for we Nigerians. Nigeria had taken the lead through a penalty scored by Yakubu Aiyegbeni but the celebrations were cut short just before the break by a powerful header from Ghana and Chelsea's legend, Michael Essien which left the scoreline at 1-1 halftime. Second half was quite thrilling as Ghana's Mensah was sent off for a foul against Nigeria's talisman Osaze Odemwingie, reducing Ghana to 10 men and giving Nigeria the advantage. But Nigeria could not utilise this advantage yet the unbearable happened in the late minutes of the game. Sulley Muntari of Ghana delivered a low pass to Junior Agogo in the box who carefully slotted the ball into the back of net. It was a moment of mixed feelings for the fans in the stadium and those at home. Ghana who were the tournament's hosts were thrilled with joy while Nigerian fans cried out bitterly in utter dismay. I was very upset. That goal saw Ghana through to the semifinals.
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Another emphatic moment was in the finals between Egypt and Cameroon, when Cameroon's Rigobert Song's mistake led to the only goal of the match which was scored by Egypt's Mohammed Aboutrika.
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There have been other exciting moments at the AFCON like the penalty miss by Chelsea and Ivorian legend Didier Drogba in the 2012 finals between Zambia and Ivory Coast, the heroics of Sunday Mba of Nigeria in the 2013 AFCON, the thrilling penalty shootout in the 2015 finals between Ivory Coast and Ghana which saw Ivory Coast as eventual winners, the Cameroon resilience in the 2017 AFCON finals which saw them come back from a 1-0 deficit in the first half to win 2-1 in the second half with a late goal from Vincent Aboubakar. And most recent, Algeria's perfect outing in the 2019 AFCON tournament where they became champions defeating Senegal twice, once in the group stage and at the finals.
The 2021 African Cup of Nations is set to commence on Sunday 9th January, 2021 with 24 teams vying for the crown. The tournament was originally scheduled to be played in June and July 2021 but the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on 15th January, 2020 that due to unfavourable climatic conditions during this period, the tournament would take place from 9th January to 6th February, 2021. On 30 June 2020, the CAF moved the tournament for the second time to January 2022 following the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic across the continent, whilst retaining the name 2021 Africa Cup of Nations for sponsorship purposes. Cameroon is the hosting nation, which earned them an automatic qualification to the tournament. The first match will take place in Stade Omnisport Paul Bayi, Olembé between the hosts Cameroon and Burkina Faso. This will be a very interesting match to keep up with.
Algeria, the defending champions, having won the 2019 AFCON trophy, remains the favorites to claim the trophy considering their formidable squad and unbeaten run of 40 consecutive matches, a feat that has never been achieved by any other country in world football. But with the rise of great talents in other nations, this tournament promises to be filled with upsets. Other countries such as Nigeria, Cameroon, Egypt, Ivory Coast and a host of other nations will be strong contenders for the trophy.
As football fans, during moments like this we can't sit still as we are so anxious to witness every moment of this great tournament. It will really be a nice tournament with star-studded displays from our great talents.
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