How many qualified per group? Extra time or direct penalties? Goal-average or special goal difference? At each international or national competition, the same regulatory issues arise and it is appropriate to review the specifics of the different tournaments. The African Cup of Nations follows a fairly standard procedure, but a reminder of the rules is necessary.
Competition format
Some 24 selections will be on the starting line in Morocco. They are divided into six groups during the first round in order to achieve an initial skimming before the round of 16. The first two from each group will advance to the next round, as will the four best third-placed teams. To determine the ranking within each group, direct confrontations will take precedence over goal difference in the event of a tie on points.
The tournament continues from the eighth to the final. Unlike the Euro, but like the World Cup, a match for 3rd place determines the honorary winner of the bronze medal. This game pits the losers of the two semi-finals against each other.
Prolongation
In the event of a tie at the end of the regulation 90 minutes during the knockout phase, an overtime period of 2 x 15 minutes will be played. If the two teams cannot decide, the traditional penalty shootout will decide between them.
List
Each coach was able to establish an expanded list of 28 players. The participating nations had to submit their list no later than December 11. A footballer in the final group can only be replaced in the event of serious injury no later than 24 hours before the first match of his national team. During matches, certain elements will have to be installed in the stands: the coach cannot put more than 23 names on the match sheet.
Suspensions
These are always complicated choices, but these can be made easier by possible suspensions. A player who has received two yellow cards is automatically deprived of the next match. The warning counter will be reset at the end of the group stage.
