AFCON 2024 is on and has hit the ground running. The greatest football spectacle in Africa has lived up to the bill so far—bangers of goals, major upsets, history-making matches, and jubilant fans.
Here are some of the keynotes in the tournament so far;
- AFCON IS UNPREDICTABLE
Since the kick-off, there have been jaw-dropping upsets from ‘underdogs’ teams. Mozambique- a team that has never proceeded out of AFCON Tournament’s group stages almost caused a massive upset on the seven-time winners.
Were it not for a late penalty kick that was converted by Mohammed Salah, Mozambique was on the cusps of making history.
Similarly, the four-time AFCON winners- Ghana, were gunned down by a ‘tiny’ island- Cape Verde (2-1).
This stirred uproar among the fan base to the extent of confronting their head coach- Chris Hughton.
- HISTORY MADE
History was made by Andre Ayew following his eighth AFCON appearance joining the elite club of Rigobert Song- Cameroon head coach, and Ahmed Hassan.
He came on as a substitute in their 2-1 loss against Cape Verde.
“I think there are two or three records to be broken. I will be happy to achieve that but the most important thing is the team and not my achievement.
“Breaking records and not winning or not having the results as a team is not my ambition as the captain of the team. I want to do everything possible to break the record but most importantly, I want to win games as the leader of the team,” Ayew said.
- SENEGAL MEAN BUSINESS
The 2021 AFCON champions look like the team to beat. Following their convincing 3-0 win over Gambia, the defending champions look on it.
With the young, vibrant, and dynamic midfield of Lamine Camara, and Pape Gueye Senegal will be a force to reckon with.
- FANS
Fans have been key ingredients in a colorful AFCON tournament. The vuvuzelas, drums, fans painting themselves their nation’s flag, and choreographic dances have dawned on the ongoing AFCON tournament.
