Why Africa Cup of Nations bears AFCON 2023, despite taking place in 2024

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will kickoff in less than 12 days, but many are confused why it takes the name AFCON 2023, despite holding in 2024.

Originally, AFCON 2023 was scheduled to be held in June and July of 2023.

However, due to concerns about weather conditions, particularly high rainfall and temperatures during the rainy season in Ivory Coast, where the tournament was to be hosted, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) decided to move the event to January 2024.

Earlier, Patrice Motsepe, the president of CAF explained the decision.

He said, “We cannot take the risk. January is not the ideal time because of the European clubs, but it is the only choice we have.”

Another factor contributing to the timing was the FIFA World Cup, which took place in Qatar in late 2022, preventing the possibility of holding AFCON earlier in the year.

The last tournament of the continental game was won by a Sadio Mane’s inspired Senegal in 2021.