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2024 African Football year in review

golf17 December 2024 09:30| © Mzansi Football
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Ivory Coast delivered one of the most dramatic comebacks in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) history, winning their home tournament under extraordinary circumstances.

Despite a rocky start in the group stages, where they barely qualified as one of the best third-placed teams, the Elephants stunned the continent by eliminating defending champions Senegal and overcoming Mali with only ten men.

They sealed their victory in a gripping final against Nigeria, with Sebastien Haller scoring the decisive goal 18 months after his cancer diagnosis.

THE EMOTIONAL ROLLER COASTER

Ivory Coast's journey captivated fans as they overcame immense pressure and setbacks, including a humiliating group-stage loss to Equatorial Guinea and the mid-tournament sacking of coach Jean Louis Gasset.

Emerse Faé, promoted to head coach on his 40th birthday, led the team to glory in front of their home crowd.

WORLD CUP QUALIFICATION DRAMA

The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup continued with two mid-year qualification rounds, leaving several teams in precarious positions. Nigeria struggled in Group C, earning just three points from four matches.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah's stunning performances kept Egypt competitive, and war-torn Sudan emerged as surprise leaders in Group B under coach Kwesi Appiah.

SHOCKS IN AFCON 2025 QUALIFIERS

The rapid qualifiers for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations delivered surprises, including Ghana's shocking failure to qualify, finishing bottom of Group F.

Morocco impressed with a perfect record, led by rising star Brahim Diaz, who scored seven goals in four matches. Despite the absence of major teams like Ghana, the field for the 2025 tournament promises high competition.

CONTROVERSY AND GAMESMANSHIP

The qualifiers were marred by bizarre incidents, including Libya's controversial treatment of Nigeria.

The Nigerian team’s flight was redirected to an isolated airfield, forcing CAF to later award them a 3-0 victory. Libya's antics ultimately backfired, as they failed to secure qualification.

AL AHLY’S DOMINANCE CONTINUES

At the club level, Egyptian giants Al Ahly cemented their reputation as Africa's premier club with their 12th CAF Champions League title. Their 2023-24 campaign was characterized by efficiency, culminating in a narrow victory over Tunisia’s Esperance in the final.

Zamalek claimed the CAF Confederation Cup, while TP Mazembe won their first Women’s Champions League in Morocco.

INDIVIDUAL BRILLIANCE

Ademola Lookman was named African Footballer of the Year after an outstanding season that included a Europa League win with Atalanta and a strong Cup of Nations showing with Nigeria. Zambian star Barbra Banda was named Women’s Player of the Year.

Ronwen Williams was the only double winner on the night, collecting the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year and Men’s Interclub Player of the Year awards.

His spectacular penalty saves at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Cote d’Ivoire 2023 will live long in the memory, including four in the quarter-final shootout win against Cape Verde as he captained South Africa to the bronze medal.

The 32-year-old helped his club Mamelodi Sundowns set a joint record low of just 11 goals conceded in 30 games in the South African Premiership as they eased to a seventh domestic league title in succession

INFRASTRUCTURE AND LEADERSHIP CHALLENGES

Off the pitch, the year highlighted infrastructure struggles and governance issues. Sudan’s inspiring World Cup campaign came amidst national turmoil, while Senegal's government removed long-time coach Aliou Cissé despite his success.

THE CONCLUSION

The year 2024 will be remembered for its dramatic twists, inspiring stories, and challenges that underline the dynamic nature of African football. As the continent prepares for Morocco 2025, the stage is set for another thrilling chapter.

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