The Sensational Success and Impact of CAN 2023: A Unifying Force in African Football

Establishing an overall assessment of CAN 2023 means once again emphasizing the unanimity which crowns a vintage considered exceptional and which has strengthened the weight of African football on the world stage. We can certainly even consider this edition as the best in its history. Even if the previous ones with 16 participants from the end of the 2000s and the beginning of the 2010s were much richer in stars (Eto’o, Drogba, Essien, Aboutrika, Obi Mikel).

The tournament which ended on Sunday evening thus contained many positive points which consolidated the essential status of a competition which was once much less considered: correct pitches, good referees well in tune with the VAR, no serious excesses in and around the sites, jubilant stadiums that are less empty than in previous editions, spectacular matches (117 goals scored in 52 matches, a nice average of 2.38 goals per match), a good overall level of play often geared towards the offensive (5 matches at 0-0 only), extensive media coverage (the final was broadcast in around 175 countries) for real popular enthusiasm in Africa and among the many diasporas outside, no cascading injuries (except the emblematic Mo Salah), players from the eliminated teams quickly returned to their clubs in Europe…

Oumar Diakite after his goal in the CAN 2023 final

Credit: Getty Images

A popular 24-team formula

And then there is the absolutely crazy storytelling of an Ivorian selection champion at home after having come close to death in the pool and who was then crowned queen thanks to the miraculous Sébastien Haller, who returned from cancer 18 months ago and an injury which had deprived him of the start of the tournament! And as an anthem was needed to set the mood for a country that is so hospitable and showcases a modern Africa, Tam Sir made the crowds dance with his Hammer Shot…

The undisputed success of Côte d’Ivoire 2023 has therefore greatly strengthened the stature of the CAN, which has already been significantly enhanced since the summer edition of Egypt 2019. Unlike in the recent past, European clubs will hardly be able to oppose the departures of their African players or call into question the principle of a CAN organized every two years. The 24-team formula which brings together half of the African teams was acclaimed by an entire continent, more sure of its strength. Because it guarantees the almost total presence of continental leaders, while promoting the emergence of deserving “small countries” (Cape Verde, Namibia, Mauritania). This will sustainably reinforce a clear desire to secure a biennial continental meeting.

Symbolically also, the replacement in the middle of the competition of Jean-Louis Gasset by Emerse Faé at the head of the Elephants further undermined the predominance of the “white wizards” over local technicians. Finally, whatever their CVs, prestigious or not, African players playing in Europe have now become very eager to participate in the great adventure of the CAN, which was not always the case in the past. François Mughe’s refusal to join the Indomitable Lions in Ivory Coast today appears insane in the eyes of many African players and supporters from wherever they are…

Sebastien Haller hero of CAN 2023

Credit: Getty Images

A success also for Infantino

From a more institutional point of view, the success of this CAN has consecrated Gianni Infantino, the big boss of FIFA, both sincere and very interested promoter of African football which weighs 54 votes in the entire electoral college of the institution he has presided over since 2016. As Jean-Baptiste Guégan recalled in After Foot La Revue, his strategy of perpetuating his power was skillfully consolidated around a personal investment very focused on the Black Continent . In 2021, the Swiss had directly contributed to installing the South African Patrice Motsepe at the head of CAF, he then granted 9 +1 tickets to Africa for the 2026 World Cup to 48 teams instead of the usual five and he even included Morocco in the 2030 World Cup loop with a Spanish-Portuguese start!

Its Forward program, which follows Sepp Blatter’s Goal project, finances the development of football (infrastructure and competitions, such as the very closed African Football League) thanks to FIFA funds and windfalls from Saudi investors such as “Gianni the African” has been able to associate itself with the major projects of its governance. Sunday evening, on mondovision, the joint presentation of the trophy to captain Max-Alain Gradel from the hands of Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara but also those of P. Motsepe and Gianni Infantino consecrated the imperium of the latter on the winners’ podium. He bet a lot on Africa and he benefited greatly from it at the end of an enchanting CAN…

Gianni Infantino

Credit: Getty Images

Summer or winter?

If the legitimacy of a CAN every two years, in odd years and which calls on all the players playing in Europe, no longer really arises, the problem of the appropriate season remains: summer or winter? For CAN 2025, Morocco has, for the moment, opted for summer. A summer option validated in 2019 by European clubs but a headache in 2025 for Gianni Infantino who will launch his new 32-team Club World Cup around this time (from June 15 to July 13, in the United States)… Summer or winter: everything can be negotiated, as we saw with the return to the winter period in Cameroon in 2022 and in Côte d’Ivoire this year. But we must act quickly, in consultation with the Moroccan federation.

The adjustment variable perhaps lies in the number of participants. Just like the Euro, the 24-participant formula and its drafting of the best third-placed teams makes the CAN last unreasonably long. However, the decision has been made: football Africa has chosen an extended field where half of the continent is now invited. Furthermore, with this Ivorian CAN, it is precisely the diversity of styles of the many countries present and the emergence of numerous talents (players and coaches) which now ensure the promotion and undisputed progress of African football that we have always wanted to see him reach his best level.

The winter of 2024 has truly established the CAN as an unmissable biennial event and African football as a major player in the football world. At the same time, the Asian Cup of Nations has made a significant media and qualitative breakthrough which should very soon also gain increased visibility. Because with a possible very tough last four where Japan, South Korea, Iran, Australia or a Saudi Arabia in full swing would appear pell-mell, there is no doubt that this competition will be more followed. African Cup of Nations, Asian Cup of Nations: with these two “CAN”, like the BRICS, a new global geography of football is emerging!

2024-02-12 20:17:00
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