AFRICA Cup of Nations – One of the most fascinating?

By Nana Yaw Preko Bimpeh

Top drawer, magnificent, fascinating and all the adjectives or superlatives that could fit the description have been used and are being used to describe the just-ended AFCON, as the best ever. The one-month African football fiesta has been influential beyond our boundaries, with the 24 participating teams exhibiting great artistry in football for the world to see. This is a tournament that will go down as one, that is literally characterised by magic, miracles, drama and luck, as those who even wrote themselves out emerged from the furnace to ascribe themselves with pride. When it came down to the finals, the creams, Cote d’ivoire and Nigeria dished out a blistering contest to climax what has been an exhilarating tournament. Nigeria would only be reminiscing about how they could not lay their hands on the trophy, whilst Cote d’Ivoire will be in a wonderland as to how they were able to write this fairytale storyline with their group stage scenarios.

But one thing is remarkable, and that is how local coaches in the last three editions have penned themselves into history by winning the AFCON for their countries. Djamel Bemadi in 2019, Aliou Cisse in 2021, and Emers Fae in this edition. Fae will be painted across Cote d’Ivoire for his heroic work. His stack effect on the team has been phenomenal, following his takeover from his boss after their near exit from the competition at the group stages. But the twist of events as to how he was able to change Cote d’Ivoire’s home success would be the biggest achievement and a big feather in his cap. In front of a packed crowd in the Alassane Ouattara stadium, Africa football was not short of glory. Over a billion dollars spent on this tournament and the supervision only gives credence to the sparkling hosting of the 34th edition of the African football festival. It has also been a tournament of great goals and great goalkeeping from the likes of Ronwen Williams of South Africa, Stanley Nwabali of Nigeria, and others. It was therefore not surprising that Ronwen Williams got the golden gloves, eventually beating Nigeria’s goalkeeper to it, largely due to his penalty-saving skills and heroism. There was also no doubt about the player of the tournament, as Nigeria’s captain, William Troost Ekong, became the victor. Troost Ekong had been the navigating point, intersecting his team to the point of glory, but failed to glorify themselves when it mattered most. It has been a tournament of revelations from Mauritania, Cape Verde, Equatorial Guinea, and Namibia, becoming levelers for some big teams. It is a tournament that has changed the narratives for these countries, which were hitherto called or referred to as Minnows, to now become a force to be reckoned with. They will look back on the tournament to say they have indeed arrived and possibly not think of themselves as minnows any more. 

There was nothing left or short to be desired as regards officiating, as refereeing in this tournament has been beyond the salt. The referees were firm, objective and fair. Without losing cognizance of the VIDEO ASSISTANT REFEREE, VAR in this competition, it has been used very well and most significantly and has received great admiration from some world-class coaches and fans. Suffice to say, the officiating officials have been top-notch. Whereas the likes of Ghana, Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia and Cameroon would wish to have the next Cup of Nations come early, just so they can redeem themselves, Mauritania, Cape Verde, Namibia and Equatorial Guinea, similarly wish for an early AFCON to come to reinstate their memorable performances at the 2023 AFCON. After tales of miracles, slices of luck, and drama, the best team, Cote d’Ivoire, can well have their national elation. 

They also deserve a pat on the back for their incredible hosting and defying logic to triumph. There are many lessons for all countries to learn from, particularly Ghana and for all humanity, namely, not to give up on oneself and never to allow anyone to discourage you anytime you are down, for everything is possible with God. We can’t wait for Morocco in 2025. Congratulations to the winner, Cote d’Ivoire, for hosting and winning the 2023 edition of the AFCON. Congratulations to Nigeria as well; better luck in the next edition.

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