The AFCON cup, short for Africa Cup of Nations, is the premier international men’s football (soccer) competition in Africa. It’s essentially the African championship for national teams, organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
It is the most important football tournament for African countries. This prestigious tournament is held every two years, switching to odd-numbered years since 2013. Ivory Coast won the most recent edition in early 2024 (their 3rd title).
The 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was held in Ivory Coast earlier this year, causing a shuffle in the lineups of several Premier League teams. Here are some of the EPL players who participated in AFCON 2024:
Mohammed Salah (Liverpool)
The Egyptian talisman has been a key player for his national team Egypt. He was one of the most profiled players who would excel at the tournament, until injury cut short his run to the top position and potential success for Egypt’s title run.
Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal)
Elneny wasn’t a regular starter for Egypt throughout the tournament. He was surprisingly benched for a critical game against DR Congo, which Egypt ultimately lost on penalties.
Despite playing the full final, Egypt lost on penalties, adding to the disappointment. While Elneny didn’t have a standout performance, his experience likely played a part in Egypt’s run to the final.
Bertrand Traore (Aston Villa)
Bertrand Traore had a positive impact for Burkina Faso at AFCON 2024, contributing with goals despite not always starting matches. His first goal was a late penalty that secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Mauritania in their opening match.
He came on again and converted another penalty to equalise for Burkina Faso against Algeria, although they ultimately drew 2-2. Despite not always starting, Traore proved himself a vital player for Burkina Faso with his goal-scoring ability. Traore’s performance highlights the importance of strong substitutes who can change the game.
Dango Ouattara and Antoine Semenyo (Bournemouth)
Dango Ouattara:
Ouattara primarily functioned as a squad player for Burkina Faso, featuring in some matches but not necessarily starting every game. Despite limited playing time, Ouattara’s return from injury itself was a positive for Burkina Faso. While Ouattara didn’t have a breakout performance, participating in the tournament likely provided valuable experience for his future career.
Antoine Semenyo:
Semenyo achieved a lifelong dream by making his debut for Ghana in their opening group game. However, the debut turned sour as Ghana lost the match, and Semenyo himself missed a penalty in the first half.
This experience can be a learning curve for Semenyo to establish himself further in the national team. Semenyo’s impressive club form at Bournemouth suggests he has the potential to be a key player for Ghana in the future.
Yoane Wissa & Frank Onyeka (Brentford)
Yoane Wissa:
Yoane Wissa played a crucial part in DR Congo’s journey to the semi-finals of AFCON 2024, impressing with his performance. Wissa was a regular starter and focal point of the DR Congo attack throughout the tournament including scoring two crucial goals for his team.
As a more experienced player, Wissa likely provided leadership within the squad, further cementing all his appearances in all the matches featured, and also bagging a man of the match against Guinea.
Frank Onyeka:
Frank Onyeka’s performance was widely praised, solidifying his position as a key player for Nigeria and earning him the title of the tournament’s best tackler. Onyeka was nicknamed the “Tank” due to his relentless tackling and interceptions.
He racked up the most tackles (14) and interceptions (11) throughout the entire competition, according to the Confederation of African Football. Onyeka’s performance at AFCON boosted his reputation and recognition as a rising star in African football.
Idrissa Gueye (Everton)
Due to a calf injury sustained during his time at Everton, Gueye was unable to participate in the initial group stage matches for Ghana. Despite his recovery, Gueye was frequently excluded from the starting lineup and instead made appearances primarily as a substitute.
Despite limited playing time, Gueye’s experience and leadership were valuable assets for the Senegalese squad.
Other notable EPL players that featured in the AFCON 2024 tournament:
- Fodo Ballo-Toure, Calvin Bassey & Alex Iwobi (Fulham)
- Jordan Ayew (Crystal Palace)
- Serge Aurier, Willy Boly, Ibrahim Sangare, Moussa Niakhate, Cheikhou Kouyate & Ola Aina (Nottingham Forest)
- Anis Ben Slimane & Yasser Larouci (Sheffield United)
- Pape Matar Sarr & Yves Bissouma (Tottenham Hotspur)
- Mohammed Kudus & Nayef Aguerd (West Ham United)
EPL players made a significant impact at AFCON 2024. Some like Onyeka and Wissa emerged as stars, while others such as Mohamed Salah and Gueye were nursing their injuries, and couldn’t return to full strength for their respective country duties.
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