What is the Africa Cup of Nations?
First held in 1957, the now biennial tournament is the most prestigious football competition in Africa and is organised by the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF).
With its teams usually opting for attacking play, and a predilection for open, unpredictable results, it’s widely regarded by many soccer fans as the most entertaining men’s international football tournament there is.
From Ivory Coast’s marathon shootout win in 1992 after 10 rounds of sudden death spot kicks, to Zambia’s emotional success in 2012, the competition never fails to throw up memorable moments.
Where is AFCON 2021 being held?
This year’s tournament takes place across six venues in five Cameroonian cities, with the Olembe Stadium and the Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo hosting matches in the capital Yaoundé.
The bulk of the group stage matches will be played out at the Japoma Stadium in Douala, the Limbe Stadium in Limbe, the Kouekong Stadium in Bafoussam and the Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua.
The opening match of the tournament as well as the showpiece final are both set to take place at the newly built 60,000 seater Olembe Stadium in the capital.
Who won AFCON 2019?
Algeria are the defending champs this time out, after winning the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time in their history after beating Senegal in the 2019 final in Cairo, Egypt.
The Algerians triumph came via a freak early goal after Baghdad Bounedjah’s shot took a huge deflection off Salif Sane and looped over despairing goalkeeper Alfred Gomes for what would prove to be the game’s crucial moment.
