Hospitals versus stadiums
As Morocco prepares to host AFCON and the 2030 World Cup, a decentralized youth movement is demanding real investment in public services over sporting spectacle.
African Cup of Nations
Enemies of progress
Delayed, underfunded, and undermined, this year’s Women’s Africa Cup of Nations has exposed not just neglect but active sabotage from CAF and national federations.
Whose game is remembered?
The Women’s Africa Cup of Nations opens in Morocco amid growing calls to preserve the stories, players, and legacy of the women who built the game—before they’re lost to erasure and algorithm alike.
Is AFCON a major tournament?
AFCON doesn’t need European validation to be major—it already is. But the real danger lies in how dismissive narratives shape the value of African football and its players.
Post-Afcon blues
Who else sorely misses the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations? Re-live the excitement from the stands in a short video by the AIAC team.
La CAN et la politique des affects
La CAN de cette année en Côte d'Ivoire a montré que ce n'est pas seulement la politique du football qui compte, mais aussi la politique de l'ambiance.
Nigeria’s elephants in the room
For Nigeria to return to the peak of African football, it needs deeper introspection about how the country functions today.
Palestine at AFCON
Palestine solidarity was widespread at the 2023 AFCON in Côte d'Ivoire, but the tournament's security apparatus quietly suppressed it.
On eagle’s wings
Nigeria’s Men's football team does best when no one expects them to.
Back in Bouaké
'Les Éléphants' quarterfinal match against Mali is happening in Cote d’Ivoire’s second largest city. Can the place once ravaged by war be a site of national redemption once again?
The ‘magic’ of the beautiful game
African football is often maligned as steeped in superstition. But rather than endemic to the continent, debates about football 'sorcery' reflect global dynamics.
Ginga, Banga, and focus
How the Palancas Negras won the hearts of Angolan football fans.
Abidjan is orange
The party in Abidjan is one that the whole continent is invited to.
Why the Black Stars deserve to fail
No one should be surprised at Ghana's Afcon exit.
Explaining AFCON upsets
So far, the group stages have delivered a host of surprises at this edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. But, fans of the tournament have long come to expect the unexpected.
AFCON is a playlist
On this second day of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, we’re bringing you a playlist exploring some of the most iconic songs in African football.
Ivorian football heritage
Three dates, in particular, were turning points in touching the hearts of Ivorians.
AFCON is a tournament like no other
Our host of the African Five-a-Side podcast kicks off his coverage of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Cote d'Ivoire.
The politics of hosting AFCON
Africa’s biggest spectacle is happening soon. What does it take to host the African Cup of Nations?
Matchday 1: Gamal Abdel Nasser
In the latest episode of the African five-a-side podcast, we name our goalkeeper.