Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a biennial international men's football championship of Africa organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The 2025 edition, held in Morocco, recently concluded with significant controversy. Host nation Morocco reached the final, facing Senegal. Morocco defeated Nigeria in the semi-finals after a penalty shootout, while Senegal progressed after their semi-final match against Egypt. However, the final was marred by a walk-off protest, leading to fines exceeding $1 million and bans for players and Senegal's coach. CAF has also investigated clashes between players and officials during earlier games, warning of disciplinary action. Despite the controversies, the tournament also highlighted individual stories, such as DR Congo's superfan Mboladinga, who gained popularity despite his team's loss. Nigeria secured a quarterfinal spot with a win over Mozambique, and Senegal had a strong showing throughout the tournament including a win over Botswana. The event's significance lies in its role as the premier football competition in Africa, showcasing talent and fostering national pride, although the recent controversies have raised concerns about sportsmanship and governance.