Let me briefly educate the readers about some little history of the AFCON
The Africa cup of nation was founded in year 1957 (February) in Khartoum, Sudan.
It was the first Africa nations cup contested by just three countries: the host Sudan, Egypt and Ethiopia.
The north Africa Egypt defeated the host nation in the final by 4-0 with all the goals scored by El-diba who finished the tournament as top scorer with five goals.
Now to the main point I have today.
Did you know that the last seven Africa champion did not make it beyond the last 16 in their next AFCON tournament?
The defending Champion of the Afcon Senegal who beat Egypt in 2021 africa cup of nation fail to go beyond the round of 16 in this year Afcon tournament, after they were knocked out by host nation Cote d’ivoire.
In 2019, Algeria beat senegal in the final to become africa champion but did not qualify out of the group stage in 2021.
In 2017, Cameroon beat Egypt in the final and became champion, but fail to pass the round of 16 in 2019.
In 2015, Cote d’ivoire defeated Ghana in the final and was africa champion at that year, but did not move pass the group stage in 2017.
Nigeria won the africa nations cup in 2013 by defeating fellow West africa country Burkina faso in the final, but disgracely not qualified for the next tournament in 2015.
Zambia against all odd beats Cote d’ivoire full of stars like Drogba, Yaya toure, Solomon Kalou and co in the final, but also did not come out of the group stage in 2013 AFCON.
And in 2010, Egypt defeated Ghana in the final and became africa champion, but did not even make it to the next tournament in 2012.
Will this trend continues or the jinx will be broken by the the next winner?
Let’s put our fingers cross.
Semifinal fixture:
Nigeria vs South Africa
Cote d’ivoire vs Dr Congo.
