Africa's most prestigious football tournament has come to a thrilling conclusion, with Senegal and Morocco set to clash in Sunday's final at a time when Afcon fans are still reeling from the shocking announcement that the 2025-26 tournament will now be held every four years.
The news has sent shockwaves across the continent, leaving many questioning how this drastic change was made without their input. Several African football federations claim they were not consulted on the proposal, with one anonymous source lamenting "we're killing ourselves" due to Caf's decision.
Despite protests from some quarters, the plan seems set to go ahead in 2028, just two years after the current edition is completed. Many will be dismayed by this reduction in the tournament's frequency, given its rich history and the high profile it attracts.
While Afcon has not always been a vintage affair, the group stage was packed with drama and surprises, including late twists, goal-shockers, and historic victories that brought hope to fans from countries torn apart by conflict. The knockout stages saw star names shine, as Brahim Diaz led Morocco through a wobbly match against Tanzania, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman catapulted Nigeria into contention, and Mohamed Salah helped Egypt overcome Benin and Cote d'Ivoire.
The semi-finals were equally thrilling, with Sadio Mane reminding everyone he still has it, scoring an instinctive late goal to send Senegal into the final. Morocco, meanwhile, endured a frustrating semi-final against Nigeria that lacked action and ended in a shootout, where Yassine Bounou proved instrumental in securing victory.
This year's Afcon will be remembered for generations to come due to its captivating drama, electrifying atmosphere and thrilling football on show. Yet, Caf's sudden decision threatens to diminish its stature as the continent's premier club competition takes a hit from reduced frequency of the tournament.
The news has sent shockwaves across the continent, leaving many questioning how this drastic change was made without their input. Several African football federations claim they were not consulted on the proposal, with one anonymous source lamenting "we're killing ourselves" due to Caf's decision.
Despite protests from some quarters, the plan seems set to go ahead in 2028, just two years after the current edition is completed. Many will be dismayed by this reduction in the tournament's frequency, given its rich history and the high profile it attracts.
While Afcon has not always been a vintage affair, the group stage was packed with drama and surprises, including late twists, goal-shockers, and historic victories that brought hope to fans from countries torn apart by conflict. The knockout stages saw star names shine, as Brahim Diaz led Morocco through a wobbly match against Tanzania, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman catapulted Nigeria into contention, and Mohamed Salah helped Egypt overcome Benin and Cote d'Ivoire.
The semi-finals were equally thrilling, with Sadio Mane reminding everyone he still has it, scoring an instinctive late goal to send Senegal into the final. Morocco, meanwhile, endured a frustrating semi-final against Nigeria that lacked action and ended in a shootout, where Yassine Bounou proved instrumental in securing victory.
This year's Afcon will be remembered for generations to come due to its captivating drama, electrifying atmosphere and thrilling football on show. Yet, Caf's sudden decision threatens to diminish its stature as the continent's premier club competition takes a hit from reduced frequency of the tournament.
. I mean, who decides that Afcon is only going to happen every 4 years? Did they even consider how this would affect the smaller teams and clubs on the continent? They're basically reducing it to just the big boys now 
. And what's with the lack of consultation with the federations? That anonymous source is spot on - we are killing ourselves here 
. This change might give more exposure to the top-tier teams, but at what cost? The smaller leagues and teams will be left in the dust. Not to mention the fans who just got used to having Afcon every 2 years 
. It's a shame, really. I hope they reconsider this drastic decision... or at least provide some solid reasoning behind it 
. And who gets to decide this stuff anyway? A bunch of faceless bureaucrats at Caf 
. Can't they just let the fans have a say for once? I swear, they must've been asleep when they were coming up with this plan 
.
my team Senegal is gonna be so bummed if this happens. They just made it to the final and now they might not even get another chance to compete every year 
what's next? 
I'm all about change, but this one has me shook 
Let's not forget how epic the group stage was this year 
! Who's gonna feel the vibe when it's only every 4 years?! 
Maybe I'm just a die-hard fan, but Afcon needs its regular fix 
️. Can we please get more updates on what's next? My popcorn is popping 
!
. I mean, we're talking about the most prestigious football tournament in Africa here! It's not just about the fans, it's about the history and the culture surrounding Afcon. They're basically reducing its stature and making it seem like some sort of sideshow 
... And now they're going to move it every 4 years? That's just crazy 
... The semi-finals were so intense this year, and now it's all being taken away from us? 
... It just doesn't feel right 
. And what really gets me is that the confederations didn't get a say in this decision? It feels like we're just being told what's best for us without any input from the people who care most - the fans! 
. I'm also worried about how this change will affect the smaller teams and countries, they might not have the same resources to compete every four years 
. And what's up with the lack of consultation from the federations? 
... but it's not ideal 
.
like what's the point of having a prestigious tournament if it's not gonna be held as often? 
... like when they reduced the Champions League to twice a year. Just doesn't feel right 
I don't wanna see any team gettin' left behind 
CAFOFFA IS GOING TO BE EVERY 4 YEARS NOW?!?! THAT'S LIKE, TOTALLY RUINING THE FLOW OF THE TOURNAMENT 
HOW CAN YOU JUST DISRUPT THAT WITHOUT EVEN ASKING THE FEDERATIONS FIRST?!?! IT'S LIKE, THEY'RE KILLING US 
BUT I GUESS WE'LL JUST HAVE TO WAIT AND SEE HOW THIS ALL PLAYS OUT