AFCON 2023 has been great and fans across the continent will never forget about this experience. Almost everything has been a success as football has been more than great. Organisation and media coverage have been spot on.
1. Emilio Nsue surprisingly lead the goal king
Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen, Sadio Mane, Mohammed Kudus, Achraf Hakimi, and Percy Tau, are all bonafide superstars but Emilio Nsue has stolen the show. Born and raised in Spain, the Intercity right back, who plays as a striker for Equatorial Guinea is the leading top scorer in the AFCON as his five goals have helped the in-form Equatorial Guinea to top Group A of the 2023 AFCON.
The former Middlesbrough defender has proven that a star is born in every tournament. At the twilight of his career, Emilio Nsue,34, has worked wonders in the 2023 AFCON and he expects Equatorial Guinea to go far even though they remain underdogs.
2. VAR has been spot on
Officiating has not been an issue at the AFCON as fans have been quiet about decisions from officials. VAR’s introduction into football has had a few issues but the AFCON 2023 group stage has not encountered issues as decisions from referees have been spot on all due to the almost accuracy of VAR. Referees and their assistants have put up practically 100% performance all down to Video Assistant Referee. Few errors have been recorded.
3. North Africans struggling under the scorching sun
Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria have combined 2 wins- all secured by Walid Regragui’s Atlas Lions. The seven-time winner Egypt has drawn all three games, Tunisia drew two and lost one, Morocco has won two and secured one draw and Algeria, the last North African side to win AFCON didn’t win a single game after drawing two and losing 1-0 to the minnows Mauritania. The weather conditions have played its part in their struggle but their opponents have honestly been solid though. Algeria struggled against the strength and athleticism of Burkina Faso and Mauritania. Egypt couldn’t deal with the physical presence of Mozambique.
Morocco struggled immensely against DR Congo’s power as Tunisia couldn’t resist Namibia and Mali’s constant pressure. The North Africans look physically weak and the temperature in Ivory Coast makes them get tired easily. It has been a horrible campaign for the North Africans thus far.
4. Ghana is no more a powerhouse
Time for Ghana to conduct a root-and-branch review of their football. A country that was just a penalty kick away from reaching the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup in 2010. A country that won its 4th AFCON almost 42 years ago. A country that has produced superstars and keeps on producing some fine footballers, why would they struggle against unknown football nations? Ghana has not won a single game in the last two AFCONs and has both finished bottom of the group. What might be the cause? It’s all about bad leadership, bribery, corruption, greediness and selfishness that has destroyed the nation’s football. The country needs to start all over again as their U-17, U-20 and U-23 are no longer heard off on the world stage.
5. Minnows proving to be no mere pushovers
Mauritania defeated Algeria, Cape Verde beat Ghana and drew 2-2 with Egypt with a weak squad, Equatorial Guinea embarrassed Ivory Coast, and Namibia defeated Tunisia. Yes, these are some of the superpowers in African football but they have been shocked by the so-called minnows. Are they minnows now?
Mozambique in Group B made Ghana and Egypt suffer after fighting with them toe-to-toe. African football has been incredible since Patrice Motsepe took over and countries like Comoros, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Mauritania, Madagascar, Central African Republic, Cape Verde and Mozambique are all doing exceptionally well. Long may it continue as they will be difficult to beat in the coming years.
6. Andre Onana needs a patriotism test
The legendary Samuel Eto’o was furious with the Cameroonian team after that horror show against Senegal in the 3-1 defeat as they were outplayed and also lacked fighting spirit. Eto’o suggested a patriotism test for the Cameroonians born outside the continent but he must start it with Andrea Onana who was born in Cameroon. The Manchester United goalkeeper disrespected Cameroon after deciding to arrive 24 hrs before Cameroon’s first game against Guinea. He was angry for not starting that game as Rigobert Song refused to add him to the matchday squad. This is a goalkeeper who has conceded more than 50 goals for club and country since August 2023 so why should Cameroon let him disrupt their plans? Eto’o needs to test him first before testing those born outside the country. Assou-Ekotto, born in France to a French mother and a Cameroonian father played with all his heart so Eto’o must test every Cameronian before being given a call-up.
8. Senegal has proved to be the favourites
Aliou Cisse’s Lion of Teranga has won all their three opening games and Senegal is the only team to do so. They have outplayed their opponents with the midfield trio of Pape Gueye, Camara and Pape Meta Sarr proving to be the future. Senior players like Mane and Koulibaly have been awesome. Bookmakers think Senegal will lift the trophy and they have proven it with excellent displays.
9. Six coaches have lost their jobs just 12 days into the tournament
Adel Amrouche was the first to be fired after making comments about Morocco having the power to appoint any referee to favour them. Ghana’s Chris Houghton and Jean-Louis Gasset of Ivory Coast were fired due to poor performances. Djamel Belmadi couldn’t explain what transpired in Ivory Coast for Algeria and therefore resigned. Jalel Kadri of Tunisia quit his job as the head coach after a horrible show in the AFCON. Tom Sinfiet resigned after the Gambia failed to secure a single point in the 2023 AFCON. Why has it happened this way? The reason is that the managers know they have failed the nations and new ideas might be needed.
10. Ivory Coast deserves high praise for its wonderful organisation
Pitches, stadia, organisation, leadership, love, and admiration all rolled into one: Ivory Coast has provided these in abundance. West African nations have struggled to guarantee themselves good Stadia and pitches but Ivory Coast has shown to the others that they can do it with proper planning. Journalists and supporters who have travelled to Ivory Coast for the tournament have waxed lyrical about how great Ivory Coast is- from their beautiful women to their meals, the beaches, their music always mixed with Ghana’s music and their love for football. The leadership of Ivory Coast has done extremely well and deserves huge praise.
