AFCON 2023: Winners and Losers of Thrilling Finals
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations concluded with Ivory Coast emerging as champions in what many called the most thrilling edition of the tournament in memory.
From unexpected successes to dramatic matches, the event was full of surprises. Here’s a breakdown of some of the highlights:
Winners:
- Ivory Coast and Emerse Fae: The Ivorian team, led by interim coach Emerse Fae, overcame numerous challenges to claim their third continental title. Sebastien Haller’s remarkable comeback from testicular cancer added to the team’s inspirational story.
- The Host Nation: Ivory Coast’s successful hosting of the tournament showcased the country’s infrastructure development and united its citizens in celebration. President Alassane Ouattara joined in the post-match festivities, reflecting on the positive impact of the event.
- Underdogs: Several underdog teams, including Equatorial Guinea, Cape Verde, Namibia, and Angola, exceeded expectations with impressive performances, highlighting the growing competitiveness of African football.
- Viewers: The tournament attracted record viewership, with over two billion people tuning in to watch the action. Exciting matches and late goals kept fans engaged throughout the event.
- William Troost-Ekong: Despite Nigeria’s loss in the final, Troost-Ekong was named player of the tournament for his outstanding performances as a defender and goal scorer.
- VAR and Officials: The introduction of Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology received praise for its effective use in ensuring fair play and accurate decision-making.
Losers:
- Ghana: The four-time champions suffered a disappointing early exit from the tournament, failing to live up to expectations and leading to the dismissal of their coach, Chris Hughton.
- North African Nations: None of the North African teams made it past the quarter-finals, marking a surprising departure from previous tournaments where they had been strong contenders.
- Mohamed Salah: Egypt’s star player, Mohamed Salah, experienced disappointment as his team exited the tournament earlier than expected. Salah’s injury and subsequent absence from Liverpool also raised concerns about his future.
- Coaches: Several coaches faced scrutiny and criticism for their teams’ performances, with seven managers departing before the tournament’s conclusion. Algeria, Tunisia, and Egypt were among the countries that made coaching changes following their disappointing campaigns.
Overall, AFCON 2023 provided unforgettable moments and showcased the evolving landscape of African football.
(Adapted from BBC Sport)
https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/68252731