Africa Cup of Nations

As of now, the 2024 AFCON standings reflect the performance of the national teams in their respective groups. The group stage includes 6 groups of 4 teams each. After the group stage, the top two teams from each group and the four best third-placed teams advance to the knockout stage. Each team is awarded 3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, and 0 points for a loss.

Current Group Leaders (October 2023):

• Group A: Senegal (9 points, +6 goal difference)
• Group B: Algeria (7 points, +4 goal difference)
• Group C: Morocco (6 points, +3 goal difference)
• Group D: Nigeria (9 points, +7 goal difference)
• Group E: Egypt (7 points, +5 goal difference)
• Group F: Ivory Coast (6 points, +4 goal difference)

These teams are currently leading their respective groups and are on track to qualify for the knockout stages.

Qualification Criteria

• 16 teams qualify for the knockout stages: the top 2 teams from each group and the 4 best third-placed teams based on points and goal difference.

The goal difference is crucial in determining which teams advance when points are tied. For example, in the 2019 AFCON, South Africa advanced to the knockout stage with just 3 points by having a better goal difference than other third-placed teams. Similarly, teams like Ivory Coast and Egypt often rely on their high-scoring potential to build a positive goal difference, ensuring progression even in tight groups.

• Total number of teams: 24.
• Total matches: 52.
• Average goals per match (based on previous editions): 2.35 goals.
• Prize money for the winner: $5 million.
• Runners-up prize money: $2.75 million.
• Teams participating for the first time in 2024: 1 (Comoros).

Historically, teams like Egypt, Cameroon, and Ghana have consistently topped the AFCON standings. Egypt holds the record with 7 AFCON titles, followed by Cameroon with 5 titles and Ghana with 4 titles. These teams have established dominance, frequently topping their groups and reaching the knockout stages with ease.

In the 2022 AFCON, Senegal won their first-ever title, defeating Egypt in a penalty shootout, which brought their tally to 1 title. The 2024 edition will see Senegal defend their title, and they are already among the group leaders with 9 points and a +6 goal difference in the qualifiers.

The AFCON 2024 will feature daily matches during the group stage, which spans two weeks. Each team plays three matches during the group stage. Some of the most anticipated upcoming fixtures include:

• Nigeria vs Egypt – A battle of two African giants with a long history of intense matchups.
• Morocco vs Algeria – This North African derby is always highly competitive and could determine the group winner.

Recent Results (October 2023 Qualifiers):

• Senegal 3-0 Guinea-Bissau
• Nigeria 4-1 Sierra Leone
• Morocco 2-1 South Africa

These recent results have positioned some of the tournament favourites in strong positions to qualify for the knockout stages.

The Africa Cup of Nations has always been a hotbed of excitement and news, especially regarding team preparations and injuries. In the lead-up to AFCON 2024, several star players have faced injury setbacks, potentially impacting their teams:

• Mohamed Salah (Egypt): Recovering from a minor injury, expected to return for Egypt’s knockout stage matches.
• Sadio Mané (Senegal): Suffered an ankle injury but is likely to recover before the start of the tournament.
• Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): Nigeria’s key forward, who also plays in Italy Serie A for Napoli, has been in excellent form, scoring 4 goals in the qualifiers.

Top scorers often define AFCON tournaments. In the 2022 AFCON, Vincent Aboubakar of Cameroon led the charts with 8 goals. In the 2024 qualifiers, top players to watch include:

• Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): 4 goals in qualifiers, Nigeria’s key attacking threat.
• Mohamed Salah (Egypt): 3 goals, pivotal for Egypt’s success.
• Sadio Mané (Senegal): 3 goals, driving Senegal’s title defence.

Team Statistics:

• Senegal: Strongest defence, having conceded only 1 goal in the qualifiers.
• Nigeria: Highest number of goals scored, 12 goals in 3 matches, averaging 4 goals per match.
• Algeria: Leading in possession stats, controlling over 65% of possession in all matches played so far.

The AFCON has grown from a 3-team tournament in 1957 to the 24-team format seen today. Some of the tournament’s greatest moments include Egypt’s dominant run in the 2000s, where they won 3 consecutive titles (2006, 2008, 2010). Cameroon’s victory in 2017, and Senegal’s triumph in 2022, have further cemented the tournament as a stage for African football’s greatest talents.

Some of AFCON’s most memorable matches have been the result of long-standing rivalries. For example, Nigeria vs. Ghana and Egypt vs. Algeria have provided some of the tournament’s most thrilling and controversial moments. The 2024 AFCON is expected to see these rivalries reignite, particularly if the teams meet in the knockout stages.

Several teams have already shown dominance in the early stages of the qualifiers. Nigeria, with their attacking prowess, and Senegal, with a rock-solid defence, have stood out. Players like Victor Osimhen, with 4 goals in just 3 matches, and Mohamed Salah who also plays in the Premier League for Liverpool, is leading Egypt’s charge, are expected to be key figures.

Notable Performances:

• Senegal 3-0 Guinea-Bissau: Senegal’s clean sheet highlights their defensive strength.
• Nigeria 4-1 Sierra Leone: Showcased Nigeria’s lethal attack, led by Osimhen.

The 2024 Africa Cup of Nations is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling editions yet, with 24 teams vying for the prestigious trophy. Defending champions Senegal are leading their group with 9 points, while top contenders like Egypt, Nigeria, and Algeria are also performing well. With star players like Sadio Mané, Mohamed Salah, and Victor Osimhen in the spotlight, the competition promises high drama and unforgettable football moments. As the tournament progresses, expect tight races for qualification, legendary rivalries to reignite, and plenty of goals to decide the champions of African football.