AFCON 2021: First Round Review

Africa’s biennial competition, the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) came off as planned following several weeks of intense speculations and doubts about its postponement over the widespread of the novel virus, coronavirus, and its mitigating impact on several economies and football as a global sport. 



The tournament started with its usual fun and buzz with several nationals travelling far and near to support and cheer their teams on to victory. 

The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon didn’t disappoint as host tournament, as a veteran striker, Vincent Aboubakar lifted the spirit of the home fans with two penalties after they went behind a Gustavo Sangare goal.  In the other game, Cape Verde gave off a resounding performance to stick a solitary goal past Ethiopia to claim their first 3 points of the tournament.

Senegal, one of the tournament favorites, kicked off their campaign as they dispatched Zimbabwe by a goal to nil whiles Guinea got the better of Malawi in the other Group B encounter. 



A clash of heavyweights saw Ghana welcome Morocco to what failed to live up to the billing as the former were left to lick their wounds in a 1- 0 loss following their ill preparation prior to the competition, Gabon took full opportunity to claim 3 points as they beat debutants Comoros Islands. 

A fantastic 30th-minute strike from Kelechi Iheanacho was all that the two-time AFCON Champions needed to tame the record holders, Egypt whiles minnows Sudan and Guinea Bissau had to settle for a draw. 

Cote d’Ivoire took full advantage of pre-tournament favorites Algeria’s goalless draw against Sierra Leone to edge Equatorial Guinea aiding them to the summit of the table in Group E.

Mali showed clear superiority in the battle of the “eagles” against Tunisia beating them in a narrow win to pick all 3 maximum points, Gambia also tamed Mauritania in the other group fixture.