Africa Cup of Nations: A Premier International Football Tournament
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is one of the most prestigious international football tournaments in the world, held every two years to crown the best national team on the African continent.
History and Evolution of AFCON
- First edition: 1957, in Sudan
- Initially featured only six teams, but has since grown to include all 54 African countries
- Has been held annually from 1972 to 1980, and biennially since then
- FIFA affiliation began in 1963, with the first AFCON under FIFA supervision in 1968
The tournament has undergone several name changes over the years, reflecting the growing importance of African football. The current iteration is known as AFCON 2024, with Morocco hosting the event.
AFCON 2024: Host Country and Venue Details
| City | Venue | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Rabat | Mohammed V Stadium | 65,000 |
| Casablanca | Stade Mohammed V | 45,480 |
| Marrakech | Stade de Marrakech | 45,000 |
Ticket Sales and Accommodation Information
- Tickets available for purchase through the official AFCON 2024 website or authorized ticket sellers
- Variety of accommodation options in Rabat, Casablanca, and Marrakech, ranging from budget-friendly to luxury hotels and apartments
- Travel agencies offering customized packages for teams, sponsors, and fans
Africa Cup of Nations Qualification Process
The qualification process typically begins several years before the tournament and involves a series of matches played between national teams.
Qualification Format:
- Ten groups of five or six teams each, with the top two teams from each group advancing to the knockout stage
- Teams earn points based on their performance in group matches, with three points awarded for a win and one point for a draw
- The qualification process is overseen by CAF (Confederation of African Football) to ensure fairness and integrity
Notable AFCON 2024 Teams and Players
The participating teams are expected to feature some of the most talented players in African football, including:
- Stars from top European leagues, such as Manchester City's Aymeric Laporte and Liverpool's Sadio Mané
- Rising stars like Cameroon's Karl Toko Ekambi and Senegal's Ismaïla Sarr
Team-by-Team Analysis: