AFCON & Africa: A Soccer Continent of Mysteries and Surprises
Calendar icon Updated 09 May 04:58

AFCON & Africa: A Soccer Continent of Mysteries and Surprises

Kai Edvard Iliev Kai Edvard Iliev

Whenever AFCON takes place, there are surprises, always making it a fun escape from modern soccer. It serves as a vibrant showcase of the unique facets of African soccer culture, celebrated for its blend of raw athleticism and deeply rooted traditions.

African players, widely recognized in Europe for their exceptional physical abilities, bring a different dimension to the game in AFCON, highlighting the diverse styles and approaches inherent to the continent’s soccer culture.

AFCON is not just about the sport; it’s a celebration of African heritage, often marked by intriguing stories that intertwine local beliefs, such as voodoo, with soccer.

The unpredictability of outcomes in AFCON adds to its charm. Each tournament brings its own set of surprises, making the question of who will triumph a thrilling and uncertain journey. 

Predicting AFCON is always a complex task. This challenge is somewhat akin to the unpredictability seen in South America’s CONMEBOL competition, where geographical elements like high-altitude pitches add a layer of complexity.

In AFCON, the playing fields diverge significantly from the pristine, meticulously maintained pitches familiar in European leagues. Forget the well-watered grounds and welcome the land of street soccer, Africa.

These conditions contribute to a stark contrast in the performance levels of African players when they switch from their European club settings to their national teams in AFCON. Some would even go on to claim it’s a completely different sport, and they would not necessarily be wrong. 

All of this makes AFCON very unpredictable, and that is especially true for this edition.

lthough Senegal, with Sadio Mané, claimed victory in the last tournament, it’s challenging to anticipate them achieving back-to-back triumphs. While there are clear favourites, AFCON’s history suggests that underdogs often rise unexpectedly to challenge the status quo.

Morocco’s Rise: A Blend of Talent and Ambition

Among the favourites, Morocco’s team stands out (odds of winning +515 by Tonybet). The North Africans wrote their names in history in the 2022 Qatar World Cup, becoming the first team to reach the semi-final history of the African continent.

The Moroccan squad boasts a blend of talent and skill, exemplified by players like Sofyan Amrabat, who recently joined Manchester United, and dynamic full-backs Achraf Hakimi and Noussair Mazraoui, known for their attacking prowess from wide positions.

Creative forces like Amine Harit, Hakim Ziyech, and Adil Taarabt add to Morocco’s varied attacking options.

However, Morocco’s track record in AFCON has not mirrored their recent success on the world stage. This generation of players, emboldened by their World Cup performance, which included a memorable victory against Spain in a nerve-wracking penalty shootout, will be eager to rewrite their AFCON history.

Morocco’s World Cup achievement has undoubtedly raised expectations, and many will be watching to see if they can carry that momentum into the continental tournament and secure a much-desired title.

Algeria’s Resolve: A Potent Mix of Talent and Determination

There’s a very obvious obstacle to Morocco’s claim, and one does not need to go far to look for it – it is simply the closest neighbour with the loudest fanbase: Algeria (odds of winning +710 by Tonybet).

With their last triumph in the tournament dating back to 2019, Algeria consistently enters as a favourite, bolstered by a talented and well-rounded squad. Their recent performances may have been inconsistent, but the team’s potential remains undeniable.

Under the leadership of Riyad Mahrez, who has shifted his focus to prioritize AFCON following his departure from Manchester City, Algeria appears more determined than ever.

He is complemented by players like Amine Gouiri, Islam Slimani, Rayan Aït-Nouri, and Houssem Aouar, all of whom can significantly contribute to the team’s success. 

And with the will they’ve had for years, there’s always a good chance Algeria will make it far; a possible clash with Morocco could turn out to be one of the most exciting derbies in international football, especially in France – where fans of both teams frequently make the headlines when it comes to supporting the motherland. 

Nigeria’s Power Play: Attacking Prowess and Defensive Woes

Nigeria’s presence in the AFCON is always a significant factor, thanks to their impressive attacking talents that often instill fear in opposing defences (odds of winning +903 by Tonybet).

This year, their squad looks particularly potent, spearheaded by Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, who is expected to play a pivotal role. His responsibility in leading the attack is immense, but he’s not without strong support.

A lot is expected from the younger Boniface; the Leverkusen international has become a major masterstroke of Xabi Alonso’s impressive team, consistently finding the back of the net.

Boniface’s potential partnership with Osimhen could be a defining feature of Nigeria’s campaign, offering a dynamic and potent attacking duo.

Another name to consider is Umar Sadiq from Real Sociedad. His return from a lengthy injury has seen him regain his form, proving to be a formidable force in Spain.

Sadiq’s physicality and clinical finishing make him an invaluable asset, particularly in a tournament that often features open play with plenty of space to exploit. His prowess in the box and ability to bully defenders could indeed be a game-changer for Nigeria.

Nigeria’s squad depth is further bolstered by the likes of Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Alex Iwobi (Everton) and Kelechi Iheanacho (Leicester). These players could potentially complement the Osimhen-Boniface partnership, adding variety and tactical flexibility to the Nigerian attack. 

However, it’s important to note Nigeria’s historical vulnerability in defence. Their backline has often been their Achilles heel, costing them crucial matches and titles. 

This defensive frailty remains a concern and could be a decisive factor in the tournament’s knockout stages. Nigeria’s ability to balance their formidable attack with a more solid defence could be the key to their success in this edition of AFCON. 

Food for thought!

Ghana’s Challenge: Uniting Individual Brilliance

Ghana is somewhat of an odd shout to some – but with so many talented soccer players, is it possible to not mention this team? (odds of winning +710 by Tonybet).

This year, they boast a notable player who has been making waves in European soccer – Mohamed Kudus. After leaving Ajax for West Ham under David Moyes’ guidance, Kudus has proven his worth, showcasing his creative prowess and establishing himself as a significant playmaker.

His partnership with Lucas Paquetá has only elevated his profile across Europe, marking him as a potential cornerstone of creativity in the continent’s soccer scene.

While Nico Williams chose to play for Spain, his brother and teammate at Athletic Club, Iñaki Williams, opted for his homeland, Ghana. His performances for Athletic Club in La Liga have been impressive, and his role in Ghana’s team is anticipated to be just as influential. 

However, despite these individual talents, Ghana often faces challenges in harnessing their collective potential into a cohesive unit.

While underdogs frequently outperform favourites in this competition, Ghana has typically found it challenging to break this pattern. This year’s tournament, despite Kudus’ progression and the addition of quality players like Iñaki Williams, may not be an exception.

Underdogs in Focus: Burkina Faso and Guinea’s Potential

Delving into the realm of AFCON underdogs, Burkina Faso emerges as a noteworthy mention (odds of winning +4785 by Tonybet).

This country, somewhat obscure both geographically and in the soccer world, has demonstrated its potential through players like Tapsoba, a standout performer developed under Xabi Alonso.

Burkina Faso’s soccer scene, while not widely recognized, has produced talents such as Ouattara, who has shown impressive scoring abilities. Burkina’s problem is also that it has two Tapsoba’s and two Ouattara’s, but that’s another topic. 

On a more serious note, last year saw Burkina Faso rise as a dark horse, securing a respectable third place after a closely contested match against Cameroon, which they narrowly lost on penalties.

This unexpected success has set the stage for another potentially deep run in the upcoming tournament. The development of their players since the last edition suggests that Burkina Faso could again surprise many.

Guinea is another country that could make a significant impact (odds of winning +6620 by Tonybet). While not as under-the-radar as Burkina Faso, Guinea boasts talents like Guirassy, currently the top scorer in the Bundesliga.

This accomplishment alone marks him as a player to watch. The squad is further bolstered by Ilaix Moriba, formerly of Barcelona and recently loaned from Leipzig. His presence in midfield, alongside Diawara and Cissé, could provide the necessary support for their attacking line. 

Guinea, while facing stiff competition in a group with Cameroon, has established itself as a notable name in African soccer. Oh, and important: Do not confuse Guinea-Bisseau with Equatorial Guinea as the two are in the same group. 

Ivory Coast’s Edge: Home Advantage and Rising Stars

In all of this, there’s one “underdog” that only a few curiously mention – the host of AFCON itself. Seeing the scenery with home support in past years, Ivory Coast is very much a candidate for the African throne in my eyes (odds of winning +674 by Tonybet).

The team’s roster features several players who have made their mark in European football. Notably, Nicolas Pépé, who has had a stint with Arsenal, and the likes of Fofana and Kessié are well-known figures in the soccer world. Their experience and skills add considerable strength to the Ivorian squad.

Moreover, the presence of N’Dicka, Sangaré and the young but talented Diomandé adds depth to the team.

Diomandé, in particular, at only twenty years old, has already attracted attention from top clubs, including Arsenal. Currently playing for Sporting, his performances have not only earned him recognition but also speculation about a future high-profile transfer.

The combination of experienced players familiar with European soccer, emerging young talents like Diomandé, and the fervent support of the home crowd gives the Ivory Coast a unique edge. They carry the legacy of legendary players like Didier Drogba, which further fuels the nation’s soccer’s aspirations.

AFCON 2024: A Showcase of Unparalleled Drama and Excitement in Soccer

The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) offers a unique and enthralling experience for soccer fans, distinct from the often tactical and defensively oriented play seen in European leagues.

Sky Sports’ decision to broadcast the games in the UK is a testament to the growing interest in this vibrant and dynamic tournament.

AFCON is characterized by its unpredictability and drama, both on and off the pitch. 

The tournament breaks away from the conventional defensive compactness and tactical rigidity often observed in European soccer, instead showcasing a more open, attacking, and, at times, chaotic style of play.

If there’s one thing AFCON has never been short of, it’s most definitely entertainment in all forms.

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