A Brief Overview of AFCON
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is one of the most celebrated football tournaments globally, recognized for bringing together Africa’s top soccer nations. Since its inception in 1957, AFCON has grown in popularity, boasting a robust following in and outside Africa.
How Often is AFCON Held?
Initially, the African Cup of Nations was a biennial event, occurring every two years. The tournament happened in the even years until 2013, when the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided to shift it to the odd years to avoid clashing with the FIFA World Cup and the European Championship. Therefore, you can anticipate this premier tournament every two years, with the hosting rights rotating among different African nations.
Historical Context of the AFCON Frequency
The very first AFCON took place in Khartoum, Sudan, in 1957, with only three teams participating. Despite the small size, it marked the beginning of a new era in African football. From 1968 onwards, the number of participating teams increased to sixteen, necessitating that the event be held every two years to accommodate the growing interest in the competition and the increasing number of teams.
The shift of AFCON to odd years in 2013 happened following a decision by CAF, the governing body of African football. This was primarily to diminish its clashes with other major international football tournaments, thus allowing full participation of all eligible African nations. The odd-year format has been in place ever since, with the latest edition (as of the time of writing) taking place in 2021 in Egypt.
AFCON and Its Impact
AFCON is not just a football tournament; it’s a cultural event that unites the continent. It’s a vital economic driver, creating jobs, boosting tourism, and promoting the host nation’s international image. Furthermore, it is a platform for African players to showcase their skills to international scouts, potentially leading to lucrative contracts in more prominent leagues globally.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dismissing AFCON as just ‘another tournament’ is to overlook its impact on the African sports scene and beyond. Its biennial nature, held every two years, ensures a consistent showcase of talent while allowing enough time in the calendar for teams and players to prepare and recuperate. In a continent often divided by political and geographical barriers, AFCON stands as a unifying symbol of African unity, resilience, and a growing impact on the global football stage.
