When was the last AFCON held? The Africa Cup of Nations, one of the most prestigious football tournaments on the continent, was last held in 2021. The tournament, which features the national teams of African countries, took place in Cameroon and was a major event for football fans across the continent.
The Africa Cup of Nations, also known as the CAN, is organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and has been held since 1957. Over the years, the tournament has grown in popularity and has become a significant event in the football calendar. The last AFCON was a special one, as it marked the first time the tournament was held in Cameroon since 1972.
Cameroon was the host nation for the 2021 AFCON, and the country was excited to showcase its infrastructure and hospitality to the world. The tournament featured 24 teams, with the hosts, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, and South Africa qualifying automatically as the defending champions or as the five highest-ranked teams in the CAF rankings.
The group stage of the tournament was held in four different cities across Cameroon: Yaoundé, Douala, Bafoussam, and Limbe. The knockout stages, including the quarterfinals, semifinals, and final, were played at the Koudouo Stadium in Yaoundé. The final match, which was a thrilling encounter, saw Senegal defeat Egypt to win their second AFCON title, with a 1-0 victory.
Despite the excitement and success of the 2021 AFCON, the tournament was not without its challenges. The pandemic had a significant impact on the tournament, with several teams experiencing difficulties in their preparations. Additionally, the event was delayed by a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused uncertainty and logistical challenges for the organizing committee.
The 2021 AFCON was a memorable event for many reasons, including the impressive performances of teams like Senegal and Algeria, the thrilling matches, and the opportunity for African football to shine on the global stage. As fans look forward to the next AFCON, which is scheduled to take place in Egypt in 2023, they will be eager to see how the continent’s football talents will continue to grow and compete at the highest level.
In conclusion, the last AFCON was held in 2021 in Cameroon, and it was a tournament that will be remembered for its thrilling matches and the success of teams like Senegal. The event showcased the growth and development of African football and provided a platform for players to showcase their talents on the world stage. As the continent prepares for the next AFCON, the excitement and anticipation are building, and football fans are eager to see what the future holds for African football.
