The 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, hosted by Ivory Coast, is electrifying the continent with stunning upsets, nail-biting finishes, and emerging heroes. As the group stage concludes and the knockout phase beckons, let's delve into 20 fascinating facts that have shaped the tournament so far:

Tournament Twists:

Postponed Party: Initially scheduled for 2023, the AFCON was delayed due to weather concerns, making this edition the first February tournament in history.

New-Look Hosts: Ivory Coast boasts four brand new stadiums and two renovated ones, showcasing the nation's commitment to the beautiful game.


Expanded Edition: With 24 teams vying for glory, this is the largest AFCON tournament ever, offering wider representation and exciting new rivalries.

Surprises and Standouts:

Underdogs Emerge: Comoros and Gambia, debutants in the tournament, have defied expectations with impressive performances, shaking up the established order.

Record-Breaking Debut: Gambia's Ebrima Colley etched his name in history, scoring the fastest goal by a debutant in AFCON history (just after 8 seconds!).

Salah Struggles: The Egyptian talisman, Mohamed Salah, is yet to find his scoring boots, raising questions about Egypt's title defense.

Mane Magic: Sadio Mane continues to shine for Senegal, leading his team with crucial goals and inspiring performances.

Defensive Dominance: Morocco boasts the tournament's tightest defense, conceding just one goal in the group stage, showcasing their resilience.

Goals and Glory:

Goal Rush: The tournament has witnessed an average of 2.3 goals per game, keeping fans on the edge of their seats with attacking football.

Free-Kick Frenzy: A remarkable 8 goals have been scored from free-kicks, highlighting the technical prowess of the participating players.

Own-Goal Agony: Unfortunately, 5 own goals have marred the competition, showcasing the pressure and intensity of the matches.

Beyond the Pitch:

Record Attendance: The newly built stadiums are buzzing with passionate fans, breaking attendance records for the opening matches.

Festive Atmosphere: The Ivorian hosts have embraced the tournament with vibrant colors, music, and celebrations, creating a joyous atmosphere.

Tech Takes Center Stage: VAR (Video Assistant Referee) is being used for the first time in the AFCON, ensuring fairer decisions and reducing controversies.

Looking Ahead:

Knockout Crunch: The knockout stage promises even more drama, with high-stakes matches and potential upsets on the horizon.

Unpredictable Path: With several strong contenders remaining, the road to the final is wide open, making predictions difficult.
Record on the Line: Egypt aims to become the first team to win four consecutive AFCON titles, while other nations chase their maiden championship.

Legacy in the Making: The successful hosting of the tournament will boost Ivory Coast's infrastructure and football development, leaving a lasting impact.

Bonus Facts:

Fashion Fiesta: Players are showcasing their unique style and flair with personalized boots and vibrant hairstyles.


Social Media Buzz: The AFCON is trending on social media, with fans passionately supporting their teams and sharing their experiences.


With the knockout stage promising even more excitement, the 2024 AFCON in Ivory Coast is shaping up to be a truly unforgettable tournament. Stay tuned for more electrifying moments and the cro
wning of the new African champion!