Sports

AFCON 2023 : CAF Praises Performance

Par Dilian WELLENG
06 févr. 2024 13:33
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The Technical Study Group of the AFCON Côte d’Ivoire 2023 has gave insightful analysis of the competition this far during a meeting with the press yesterday February 5, 2024 in Abidjan.

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations has reached the semi-finals stage, and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has provided insightful analysis through its Technical Study Group. With a strong showing from organised teams, the tournament has impressed, according to the group's analysis revealed to the press yesterday February 5, 2024 in Abidjan. The exceptional event brought together an illustrious panel of football legends, renowned coaches, and esteemed guests, amongst which two Cameroonians, Joseph-Antoine Bell and Sebastien Bassong.

High-Quality Play Impresses
The group applauds the competition's overall quality, highlighting the record 113 goals scored in 48 matches as a testament to exciting game-play. They attribute this to several factors, including well-organized teams with strong defensive strategies, consistent playing identities, and skilled goalkeepers. Interestingly, the majority of players plying their trade abroad, particularly in the French league, contribute significantly to this quality. However, the group also commends teams with predominantly local players, praising the cohesion these players bring due to their familiarity with each other. The average player age 26-27 years, with Gambia and Côte d'Ivoire being the youngest squads, adds another dynamic layer to the competition.

Upsets Highlight Development
The group unanimously sees the numerous upsets in the tournament as a positive sign for African football's development. They credit the quality of coaching, access to analysis tools, and increased player confidence in overcoming any opponent. This shift away from the "big team vs. small team" mentality reflects the continent's rising footballing standards.

Refereeing Gets Thumbs Up
Despite acknowledging minor issues, the group largely applauds the refereeing standards at AFCON. They highlight measures taken to combat corruption, such as isolating referees from external influences, and assure the public that the referees are well-trained and performing admirably.