Move over Euros, Copa America and World Cup! There’s a new kid on the block demanding crown jewels. While the dust (and maybe some spilled jollof rice) has settled, the debate rages on. AFCON 2023, hosted by the Ivory Coast just concluded and has left football fans worldwide with greater memories. Was it truly the “best tournament ever”? Strap on your shin guards, because we’re diving into the beautiful chaos that was AFCON 2023.
Remember the VAR-craziness of the World Cup? AFCON said, “Hold my vuvuzela!” Let’s be honest, refs usually inspire sighs and eye rolls. But AFCON 2023? They were like ice-skating robots – precise, efficient, and surprisingly entertaining (minus the triple axels). Remember the World Cup’s phantom VAR calls that left fans frothing? Yeah, AFCON got it right. Most of the time. Okay, maybe not always, but the improvement was undeniable. Sure, there were a few questionable calls, but compared to the World Cup’s tech-heavy, stop-start affair, AFCON’s officiating felt refreshingly human, even heroic at times (looking at you, South Africa’s Ronwell Williams, who single-handedly saved 4 penalties!).
Let’s face it, the World Cup can get bogged down by big names and cautious tactics. AFCON, on the other hand, was a free-flowing fiesta of footballing fun. We saw Emilio Nsue, a defender (!) outscore most strikers, underdogs like causing upsets, and comebacks that would make Lazarus blush. Remember Equatorial Guinea, a nation with a population smaller than most European stadiums? They reached the quarter-finals, leaving footballing giants like Algeria and Ghana in their dust. Talk about Davids slaying Goliaths, this tournament had enough upsets to stock a Shakespearean tragedy. The final? Nigeria leading, then Ivory Coast roaring back – pure, unadulterated drama that left us all on the edge of our seats.
Who predicted the hosts, Ivory Coast, lifting the trophy after early group stage stumbles? Not many. But their Cinderella story, complete with a comeback victory in the final, solidified AFCON 2023’s “anything is possible” narrative. It was a triumph that resonated across the continent, proving that even when the odds are stacked, football still finds a way to surprise. Morocco, the pre-tournament favorites, were sent packing early! Well, it paved the way for Ivory Coast’s unlikely triumph. The hosts, shaky at first, capitalized on the absence of their North African rivals, proving that sometimes, a little bit of luck can go a long way. Their victory was a testament to resilience, home advantage, and maybe a silent “thank you” to Morocco for clearing the path.
So, was AFCON 2023 the “best tournament ever”? It’s hard to say definitively. But compared to recent Euros and Copa Americas, it offered a unique blend of passionate fans, unpredictable results, and VAR-assisted fairness. It showcased the raw talent and fighting spirit of African football, leaving a lasting impression that even the most jaded football fan couldn’t ignore.
One thing’s for sure: AFCON 2023 has set a high bar. The beautiful game just got a whole lot more beautiful, and the rest of the world is taking notice. Buckle up, football fans, because Africa is ready to challenge for the global football crown, one thrilling tournament at a time.
Look, AFCON 2023 has offered a different kind of magic – a raw, passionate and unpredictable one. It was a celebration of African football in all its glory, with its unique flavor, vibrant culture and the ever-present rhythm of the vuvuzelas. In terms of pure entertainment and unexpected twists, AFCON 2023 might just have taken the crown. But hey, that’s just my opinion. Now, who’s up for a celebratory dance? Just remember to bring earplugs for the vuvuzelas!
