AFCON Tournament: A Testament to Africa's Football Success

By Enoch Karimba

The 2023, African Cup of Nations (AFCON) will kick off on Saturday, January 13th, in Ivory Coast’s Capital Abidjan. In the next three weeks, twenty-four countries will be competing for the continent’s biggest footballing silverware, including host Ivory Coast and current Champions Senegal. Angola, Algeria, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cameroon, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Egypt, DR Congo Mauritania, Tunisia Equatorial, South Africa, Morocco, Senegal, Mozambique, Mali, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zambia are the other contenders.

Flags of countries that have qualified for AFCON 2023. Phot credit: CAF

The Afcon tournament has always been a beacon of African football, showcasing the continent's best talents. The opening of this prestigious tournament is not just a celebration of football, but also a testament to the significant contributions African players have made to the sport's success in recent times, both in leagues around Europe and other parts of the world.

The opening ceremony of the tournament is always a spectacle, filled with vibrant colours, energetic performances, and a palpable sense of excitement. It's a celebration of Africa's rich culture and a testament to the continent's love for football. But beyond the festivities, the tournament serves as a platform for African players to showcase their skills and make their mark on the world stage.
African players have been instrumental in shaping the football landscape in recent years. Their impact is felt in leagues across Europe, where they have not only excelled but have also become key figures in their respective teams. From Egypt’s Mohamed Salah's record-breaking exploits with Liverpool in the English Premier League to Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's goal-scoring prowess at Barcelona , African players have consistently proven their worth.

Photo credit: CAF

In Spain's La Liga, players like Morrocco’s Youssef En-Nesyri have made significant contributions to their teams. Partey's midfield mastery for Arsenal has been crucial in their domestic and European success, while En-Nesyri's goals have been vital for Sevilla. The story is the same in Italy's Serie A, where players like Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen and Franck Kessie from Ivory Coast have been standout performers for Barcelona. Osimhen's goalscoring ability has been a revelation for Napoli, while Kessie's midfield dominance has been key for Barcelona’s resurgence. Meanwhile, beyond Europe, African players have also made their mark in other parts of the world. In China's Super League, players like Nigeria’s Odion Ighalo and Cedric Bakambu from the Democratic Republic of Congo have been standout performers, while in the Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States, players like Latif Blessing from Ghana and Nigeria’s Fanendo Adi have made significant contributions.

Alhassan Outtara Stadium in Abidjan, hosting AFCON 2023 opening ceremony

The success of African players abroad is a testament to the continent's footballing talent. It's a testament to the hard work, determination, and talent that exists within Africa. The AFCON tournament serves as a reminder of this talent, showcasing the best that Africa has to offer. As the AFCON tournament kicks off, it's not just a celebration of African football, but a celebration of Africa’s contribution to the global footballing landscape. It's a testament to the talent that exists within the continent and a reminder of the impact African players have had on the sport. The competition is more than just a sporting event. It's a celebration of Africa's rich footballing culture, a testament to the continent's footballing talent, and a reminder of the significant contributions African players have made to football's success in recent times. As the tournament unfolds, we can expect to see more of this talent on display, further cementing Africa's place in the global football landscape.