Afcon Report
Afcon Report
Afcon Report
A REPORT FROM
OUR MEDIA, SPORTS AND
ENTERTAINMENT ADVISORY DESK
2 AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS — REPORT
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AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS — REPORT
The prize money of 7
million US D adds an
extra layer of significance
to the competition.
Introduction
I
vory Coast’s triumphant hosting of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON)
soccer competition marks a monumental milestone in the nation’s
journey from turmoil to prosperity. Emerging victorious on home turf,
Ivory Coast celebrated not only the triumph of its football team but
also earned an impressive $7 million, representing a remarkable 40%
increase in the previous competition’s winning prize. This historic event
witnessed the convergence of some of Africa’s most esteemed football talents,
including Nigerian sensation Victor Osimhen, valued at €110 million, alongside
Egyptian hero Mohammed Salah and Moroccan standout Achraf Hakimi, each
valued at €65 million. Additionally, the AFCON showcased some of the highest-
paid coaches in the history of the tournament, with Djamel Belmadi leading the
charge at €208,000 per month, closely followed by Rui Vitoria and Jean-Louis
Gasset.
However, Ivory Coast’s journey to hosting
the AFCON was not merely about football
glory; it symbolized a remarkable economic
turnaround. Just thirteen years ago, the nation
grappled with the aftermath of a devastating
civil war. Yet, on January 13, against the
backdrop of Abidjan’s rejuvenated skyline,
President Alassane Ouattara inaugurated the
AFCON, heralding a new era of progress and
prosperity. With an investment exceeding $4.56
billion, Ivory Coast embarked on an ambitious
infrastructure overhaul, rejuvenating stadiums,
roads, and lodging facilities across five host
cities. Anticipating two million visitors, the
nation aimed to showcase its reliability and
safety, solidifying its stature as an economic
powerhouse in West Africa.
“Quantifying the AFCON’s impact may be challenging,
4
Profile of
Host Nation
Name of Country:
Capital:
2 Political – Yamoussoukro
Economic – Abidjan
3
Most Popular Land Mark: Our Lady
of Peace of Yamoussoukro Basilica.
(biggest church in the world)
5
Sources
Afrik-foot.com., Goal.com
CAF website, Ahramonline.com
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AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS — REPORT
Number of
Times Won
T
he Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been won by various teams
throughout its history. These teams have achieved significant success
in the AFCON tournament, with Egypt being the most successful,
having won the championship a record seven times. The teams with the
most titles are as follows:
Teams
based on both continental and global rankings,
showcase the competitive nature of the
tournament:
3.TUNISIAN NATIONAL
FOOTBALL TEAM:
Nickname: Eagles of Carthage
FIFA Ranking (as of December 2023): 28th
Notable Achievements: Regular participant in
FIFA World Cup, won the Africa Cup of Nations in
2004.
Performance in Afcon 2023: The Carthage eagles
refused to fly at the Afcon, they were rock bottom
of Group E with 2 points. They were stunned by
Namibia a relative minnow in African football and
only managed 2 draws with Mali and South Africa
leading them to the exit of the tournament.
4.ALGERIAN NATIONAL
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FOOTBALL TEAM:
Ranked
with ranking 103, Equatorial Guinea, 110,
AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS — REPORT
Teams
secured their place in the tournament
despite having lower FIFA rankings
compared to some of the traditional football
powerhouses in Africa.
GUINEA-BISSAU
Nickname: Djurtus
FIFA Ranking (as of December 2023): 103rd
Performance in Afcon 2023: drawn
in group A with heavyweight Nigeria,
Ivory Coast and Equatorial Guinea, they
conceded defeat and placed fourth.
MOZAMBIQUE
Nickname: Mambas
FIFA Ranking (as of December 2023): 111th
Performance in Afcon 2023: placed fourth
in group (B) in the just ended Africa Cup
of Nations (AFCON) 2024 and could not
advance from the group stage. However,
their presence marks a significant
milestone and carries the hopes of a
passionate nation.
TANZANIA
Nickname: Taifa Stars
FIFA Ranking (as of December 2023): 121st
Performance in Afcon 2023: The
Tanzanians conceded a 3:0 defeat in their
opening match against Morocco and
consequently emerged fourth in Group F
after a draw with DR Congo and Zambia.
THE GAMBIA
Nickname: Scorpions
FIFA Ranking (as of December 2023): 126th
Performance in Afcon 2023: The Gambians
also emerged fourth in Group C after a tough
tournament with Senegal, Cameroon and
Guinea.
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AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS — REPORT
Prize Money
What is the money up for grabs for all the 24
nations competing for AFCON 2023?
T
he Confederation of African Football has set a prize pool of $32m for the AFCON
2023 with the winner bagging a whopping amount of $7m. This amount has
seen a 40% rise from the previous finals with the AFCON 2019 winner getting
$5m.
The runner-up of the tournament took home a sum of $4m which is $1.5m
dollars more than what was awarded to Egypt during the AFCON 2021.
The winning prize of the losing semi-finalists and the losing quarter-finalists have also seen
an upsurge from what the previous season’s winners bagged.
The CAF decided to increase the prize money for all the involved teams with the losing semi-
finalists taking home $2.5m and the losing quarter-finalists receiving $1.3m at the AFCON
2023, compared to the 2021 AFCON where the losing semi-finalists were given $2.2m and the
losing quarter-finalists were given $1.18m.
T
he ticket prices for the Total Energies Africa Cup
of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 varied across three
categories:
The over-the-counter ticket sales were available in 12 cities and towns across
Cote d’Ivoire. Additionally, CAF introduced online ticket sales for football
fans, with a limit of 6 tickets per buyer, to enhance ticket accessibility and
ensure an optimal experience for all fans attending the Africa Cup of Nation.
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Comparison Of 2023
AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS — REPORT
In summary, the prize money for the Africa Cup of Nations is quite lower than that offered to
the winners of the World Cup and the Copa America however, it has seen
a significant increase in recent years. The increase in prize money reflects the growing
popularity and importance of the tournament, as well as the investment made by the host
country; Ivory Coast, which spent $1 billion on infrastructure and facilities.
The prize money serves as a source of motivation and reward for the players and the national
teams who have to manage the challenges of playing in the middle of the European club
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The increase in prize
5 Most Expensive
AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS — REPORT
€349.75
Million
€347
Million €334
Million
€274
Million
€196
Million
Djamel
Belmadi
(Algeria)
D
jamel Belmadi, born on March 25, 1976,
in Champigny-sur-Marne, France, is a
professional football coach and former
player of Algerian descent. During his
playing career, he represented several clubs,
including Paris Saint-Germain, Martigues,
Marseille, and Cannes. He also had a brief loan
spell at Manchester City. Belmadi completed a
20-cap international career with Algeria, during
which he scored 5 goals. After retiring as a player,
he transitioned to coaching and has managed
various teams, including Lekhwiya, Qatar B, and
Al-Duhail. Since August 2018, he has been the
manager of the Algeria national team. Belmadi
€208,000
has had a successful coaching career, leading
Algeria to victory in the Africa Cup of Nations in
2019. His preferred formation is 4-3-3 attacking,
per month and he holds a UEFA Pro License.
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AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS — REPORT
Rui Vitória
(Egypt)
R
ui Vitória is a 53-year-old Portuguese
football manager and former player
who played as a midfielder. He has
had a successful coaching career,
managing various teams, including Benfica,
Guimarães, and Al Nassr. He has also managed
the Spartak Moscow and Egypt national teams.
Vitória has won several titles. He has been
praised for his tactical acumen and his ability to
develop young players. Vitória has been critical
of Liverpool for suggesting that Mohamed
Salah should return home, stating that the club
was wrong to do so. His current contract with
the Egypt national team runs until 2026.
€200,000
per month
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AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS — REPORT
Jean-Louis
Gasset
(Ivory Coast)
J
ean-Louis Gasset is a French
former midfielder and a current
football manager. He was born on
December 9, 1953, in Montpellier,
France. Gasset has managed various
football clubs, including Saint-Étienne,
Bordeaux, and the Ivory Coast national
team. As a player, he spent his entire
career with his hometown club,
Montpellier HSC, and led them to victory
in the UEFA Intertoto Cup in 1999. Gasset
is known for his coaching experience
and has a preferred formation of 4-3-3
attacking. He is currently 70 years old
and is coaching the Ivory Coast national
team
€108,000
per month
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AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS — REPORT
Jose Peseiro
(Nigeria)
J
ose Peseiro is a Portuguese football
manager and former player who was born
on April 4, 1960, in Coruche, Portugal. He
played as a forward and spent his playing
career in the lower divisions of Portuguese
football. Peseiro has managed various football
clubs, including Sporting CP, FC Porto, and SC
Braga in Portugal, as well as the national teams
of Venezuela and Nigeria. He has been coaching
since 1994 and has spent his first eight years
as a manager in the third and fourth tiers of
Portuguese football.
Peseiro helped C.D. Nacional to promote to the
Primeira Liga in just three seasons
He is known for his tactical knowledge and his
preferred formation is 4-3-3
Peseiro is currently the head coach of the Nigeria
national football team
€70,000
per month
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AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS — REPORT
Walid
Regragui
(Morocco)
W
alid Regragui, born on
September 23, 1975, in Corbeil-
Essonnes, France, is a Moroccan
professional football manager
and former player who played as a right-
back. He is the head coach of the Morocco
national team Regragui has had a successful
managerial career, leading the Morocco
national team to the semi-finals of the FIFA
World Cup 2022
€60,000
per month
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AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS — REPORT
5 Highest Valued Players
At The AFCON 2023
Edmond
Mohammed Tapsoba
Kudus (Ghana) - (Burkina
Faso)
Valued at
Valued at
€45
million €40
million
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AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS — REPORT
Victor
Osimhen
(Nigeria)
V
ictor Osimhen, born on December 29, 1998, is a
Nigerian professional footballer who plays as
a striker for Serie A club Napoli and the Nigeria
national team. Known for his elite finishing, pace,
strength, and athleticism, Osimhen has established himself
as one of the best strikers in the world. He stands at 1.86 m
tall and is recognized for his significant contributions on
the field. Osimhen joined SSC Napoli on September 1, 2020,
and his current contract with the club expires on June 30,
2026. He has been a key player for both his club and the
Nigerian national team, showcasing his exceptional goal-
scoring abilities and overall impact on the game. Osimhen
has also expressed his ambitions to play in the Premier
League in the future, indicating his aspirations for further
success in his career.
Valued at
€110
million
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AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS — REPORT
Mohamed
Salah - (Egypt)
M
ohamed Salah, also known as Mo Salah, is an
Egyptian professional footballer who plays as a
right winger or forward for Premier League club
Liverpool and the Egypt national team. He is
widely regarded as one of the best players of his generation
and one of the greatest African players of all time. Salah
has achieved significant success, including winning the
Premier League and the UEFA Champions League with
Liverpool. He has also been named the African Footballer
of the Year multiple times and has received numerous
individual accolades for his exceptional performance on the
field. Salah is known for his clinical finishing, dribbling, and
Valued at speed, and he has been a prolific goal scorer throughout his
€65
career. He is considered a symbol of national pride in Egypt
for his achievements and was named in Time magazine’s
list of the 100 most influential people in 2019
Additionally, he has been a key player for Liverpool, scoring
Achraf
Hakimi
(Morocco) -
A
chraf Hakimi is a 24-year-old Moroccan
professional footballer who plays as a right-
back or right winger for Ligue 1 club Paris
Saint-Germain and the Morocco national
team. He has been a highly regarded player, known
for his speed, technical skills, and attacking prowess.
However, he has also been the subject of significant off-
field controversy, including a high-profile divorce and
a rape allegation. Despite these challenges, Hakimi’s
on-field performances and achievements have earned
him recognition, including being named Footballer
of the Year and winning various titles such as the
Champions League and the FIFA Club World Cup. His
career has been marked by both success on the pitch
and personal challenges off the pitch.
Valued at
€65
million
27
Mohammed
M
ohamed Kudus is a 23-year-old Ghanaian
professional footballer who currently plays
as an attacking midfielder or a right winger
for Premier League club West Ham United.
Born on August 2, 2000, in Accra, Ghana, Kudus stands
at 177cm tall and has represented Ghana at various
levels, including the Ghana U17, Ghana U20, and Ghana
national teams. Kudus began his professional career
with Danish club FC Nordsjælland, after being scouted
from the Right to Dream Academy, where he made 57
appearances and scored 14 goals.
He then joined Ajax in the Eredivisie, where he made
16 appearances and scored 6 goals. In 2023, Kudus
transferred to West Ham United, where he has made
13 appearances and scored 9 goals. Kudus has been
praised for his dribbling skills, which are considered
very strong. He has also been called up to the Ghana
national team, making his debut on November 14, 2019.
In the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Kudus scored two goals in
a match against South Korea, cementing a 3-2 win for
Ghana. Kudus has a market value of €45 million and
is represented by Supernova Management. He has a
contract with West Ham United that expires on June
30, 2028, with an option for a further year.
Valued at
€45
million
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AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS — REPORT
Edmond
Tapsoba
(Burkina Faso)
E
dmond Tapsoba, born on February 2, 1999,
in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, is a 24-year-
old center-back who currently plays for
Bayer 04 Leverkusen in the German
Bundesliga. Tapsoba began his professional
career with Salitas FC in 2014 before moving to US
Ouagadougou, Leixoes SC Matosinhos, and Vitoria
SC Guimaraes. He joined Bayer 04 Leverkusen
in 2020. Tapsoba has played 114 matches in the
Bundesliga, all for Bayer 04 Leverkusen, and
has won 57 of them. He is known for his speed,
strength, passing ability, and composure, and has
been compared to Jérôme Boateng. Tapsoba has
been in exceptional form for Bayer 04 Leverkusen,
and his market value is estimated at €40 million.
He has also made 36 appearances for the Burkina
Faso national team. Tapsoba’s impressive
performances have reportedly attracted interest
from clubs such as Tottenham Hotspur
Valued at
€40
million
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Coaches Who Lost
Interesting Records
The tournament boasts some remarkable records which are:
1. Most Titles: Egypt holds the record with 7 championships.
2. Most Goals: Samuel Eto’o from Cameroon has scored the 18 goals in
AFCON history.
3. Most Appearances: Rigobert Song of Cameroon holds the record for the
most appearances in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament, with
36 matches played from 1998 to 2010
4. Biggest Win: Ivory Coast holds the record for the biggest win, defeating
Ethiopia 6-1 in 1968.
5. Longest Unbeaten Run: Ghana had a remarkable unbeaten streak of 15
matches between 2008 and 2013.
6. Youngest Goal Scorer: Nwankwo Kanu from Nigeria became the youngest
goal scorer at AFCON at the age of 17 years and 236 days.
7. Oldest Goal Scorer: Hossam Hassan from Egypt holds the record for being
the oldest goal scorer at AFCON at the age of 39 years and 6 months.
8. Andre Dede Ayew ; captain of Ghana’s Black Stars, etched his name in
Africa Cup of Nations history on Sunday, becoming only the third player
to participate in eight editions of the tournament.
9. Teams winning on debut: Egypt (1957), Ghana (1963), South Africa (1996)
10. Consecutive title wins: Egypt ( 2006,2008,2010)
11. Most consecutive appearances: Tunisia (1994-2023)
12. Youngest goalscorer: Shiva N’Zigou was 16 years and 93 days old when he
scored for Gabon against South Africa in January 2000.
13. Fastest Goal; 1st minute Hassan El-Shazly for Egypt against Ivory Coast in
1974.
14. Most goals in a single match: Laurent Pokou scored 5 goals for Ivory coast
against Ethiopia.
15. Most goals in a single tournament; Ndaye Mulamba scored 9 goals for
Zaire in 1974 tournament.
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AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS — REPORT
IVORY COAST –
PROFILE (AFCON 2023)
I
vory Coast also known as the “Ele- a relatively inexperienced Interim manager,
phants” is one of Africa’s major forces in Emerse Fae, who did the wonders.
the Africa Cup of Nations. Ivory Coast
have had the opportunity to participate He introduced experienced players who had
in the AFCON tournament twenty-five been benched by the previous coach, players
(25) times and have made five (5) appearances such as Michel Seri and Max Gradel. He also
at the finals. gave the starting berth to player like Sebastien
They have won the tournament three times; Haller and Simon Adingra (formerly of the
most recently as hosts in 2023, 2015 and 1992. Right to Dream Academy in Ghana).
Ivory Coast has also finished as runner up
twice, in 2012 and 2006. They were termed the “Lucky Elephants” as
they always found a way to claw their way back
into a game as long as the final whistle had not
Ivory Coast’s Path to the Finals been blown. Scoring late goals became their
trademark and clutch performances by “The
In an act of defiance and dogged stubborn-
General” Frank Kessie dragged the Elephants
ness, the Elephants of Ivory Coast downed the
over the line.
high-flying Super Eagles of Nigeria in the final
In the Round of 16, Ivory Coast scored a late
of the Afcon 23, this being their second time
equaliser against the defending champions
meeting in the tournament. The Elephants
Senegal and won on penalties. Another late
were initially counted out as they had an abys-
goal ensured that they sent the game against
mal and shambolic showing in the group stag-
Mali to extra time before piercing the hearts
es with two (2) defeats from three (3) matches
of the Malians with a final kick in the 120th
and only scrapping through into the knock-
minute of extra time to advance to the last four,
out stages by qualifying as one of the best 3rd
where a Sebastien Haller’s strike was enough
placed teams in the group stages. There was
for the hosts to qualify for the final in dramatic
some controversy in their camp as the Coach,
fashion.
Jean-louis Gasset, was fired and replaced by
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AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS — REPORT
AFCON 23
Winning
Coaches’
Profile
E
merse Faé is a former professional
footballer and current manager of
the Ivory Coast national football
team. Born in France, Faé played
for France national teams at youth
level and for the Ivory Coast national team at
senior international level. He has managed
various teams, including Clermont B, OGC
Nice Youth, and the Ivory Coast U23 team,
before being appointed as caretaker manager
of the Ivory Coast national team during the
2023 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16. Faé
was named the best coach of the 2023 Africa
Cup of Nations
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AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS — REPORT
Awards at
AFCON 2023
• Simon Adingra, Ivory Coast (Brighton)- TotalEnergies Man of the
Match (finals).
• Simon Adingra, Ivory Coast (Brighton)- – Best Young player Award.
• William Troost-Ekong, Nigeria (PAOK Thessaloniki) - TotalEnergies
Best Player award.
• Emilio Nsue Lopez, Equitorial Guinea (CF intercity) - PUMA Golden
Boot award (5 goals).
• Ronwen Williams, South Africa (Mamelodi Sundowns) - Ecobank
Best Goal Keeper.
• Third Place team (Bronze medal) - South Africa.
• Fair Play Air Cote d’Ivoire Team – South Africa.
The ceremony also included the official handing over of the CAF
Flag to the Royal Moroccan Federation to signify the handing
over of the hosting reigns to the country for the competition set
to take place in 2026.
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AFRICAN CUP OF NATIONS — REPORT
SPORTS TEAM;
Salim Ahmed Nsiah - Associate Director.
Stephen Otu Amoah - Managing Associate.
Richmond Danso - Senior Associate.
Michael Teye - Associate.
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