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.
Football
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.
Matchday 1: Kenneth Kaunda
On the this week's episode of the African Five-a-side podcast, we head to Zambia to name our final starter, an African president who actually liked football.
Matchday 1: Ahmed Sekou Touré
In this week's episode of the African Five-a-side podcast, we delve into how Guinea's first president, and our midfield destroyer, said "No" to France and "Yes" to football.
Understanding the African sports economy
Sports on the continent are being commercialized at a rapid rate. What’s driving it?
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: Mobutu Sese Seko
The African Five-a side podcast continues to explore the stories of five African heads of state and their influence on football. This week, we introduce our striker.
Are the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers a new era for African Football?
This week on the African Five-a-side podcast, we take a look at the kick off of the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Matchday 1: Kwame Nkrumah
Up next in the African Five-a-side podcast, we name our central defender, and explain how Ghana's first president boycotted the 1966 FIFA World Cup and won two Afcons.
Matchday 1: Gamal Abdel Nasser
In the latest episode of the African five-a-side podcast, we name our goalkeeper.
Matchday 1: Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmed Ben Bella, and Muammar Gaddafi
Africa Is a Country is proud to introduce a new podcast focused on the politics and cultural relevance of football on the African continent.
Stealing the ball
Who is the black John Kennedy? A Brazilian footballer.
Victorious
After winning Italy’s Serie A with Napoli, Victor Osimhen has cemented his claim to being Africa’s biggest footballing icon. But is the trend of individual stardom good for sports and politics?
Everything the government does
On the South African Department of Tourism's pending sponsorship deal with Premier League football club, Tottenham Hotspur.