Rabat, Morocco — The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is set to kick off on December 21st in Morocco, with advocates calling for the tournament to receive equal respect compared to other major international football competitions.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has assured that African stars will participate in AFCON, with CAF president Patrice Motsepe engaging in discussions with stakeholders to ensure the best possible tournament, according to Samson Adamu, CAF’s director of tournaments. The event is considered the most important tournament for African countries, aside from the World Cup.
Former England international Eni Aluko argues that AFCON deserves the same respect as the World Cup and European Championships. She believes that some people fail to respect African football and that it’s time to stop seeking validation from European critics. Aluko emphasizes the growing audience and the presence of top players in the tournament, stating that those who don’t watch are “missing out”. According to reports, the tournament’s timing clashes with the English Premier League and UEFA Champions League, leading some to argue that it disrupts European clubs who lose key players.
Despite this, players view representing their countries in AFCON as equally important as participating in the European Championship or Copa America. As the tournament approaches, it remains to be seen how AFCON will be received globally. According to Africanews, the perception of AFCON is evolving, with some recognizing its growing importance in the football calendar.
Source: Africa
