AFCON not a major tournament – Carragher

Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher has stirred controversy by dismissing the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a major tournament.

His comments came during a post-match analysis of Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City in the Premier League on Sunday, where Egyptian star Mohamed Salah shone with a goal and an assist for Dominik Szoboszlai.

Speaking on an after-match interview, the former Liverpool centerback suggested that Salah’s nationality and Egypt’s lack of success on the global stage could hinder his chances of winning the Ballon d’Or this year.

“I think the problem is the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in a major tournament as such or maybe doesn’t have a great chance of winning,” Carragher said.

He added, “Normally, the player who excels in either the Champions League or a major international tournament wins the Ballon d’Or.

“Right now, players like Vinícius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé are in the spotlight because Real Madrid is performing well in the Champions League.”

*Pundits clash 

Carragher’s remarks did not sit well with fellow pundits.

Former Manchester City defender Micah Richards quickly countered, stating, “Just to clarify, AFCON is a major tournament. A lot of people at home might not take it seriously, but AFCON is a big deal, just so you know.”

Carragher, however, doubled down on his stance, questioning whether Egypt would be considered contenders for the FIFA World Cup.

Carragher

“Do you think Egypt would be contenders for the World Cup? Because, for me, only the biggest international competitions influence the Ballon d’Or race,” he argued.

Former England striker Daniel Sturridge intervened, shutting down Carragher’s argument.

“If winning the Euros or Copa America is deemed significant, then AFCON is on the same level. It’s a major tournament,” Sturridge asserted.

*Salah’s Ballon d’Or prospects

Mohamed Salah’s consistent brilliance for Liverpool has kept him in the conversation for the Ballon d’Or, but Carragher’s comments highlight the perceived bias against African players in the race for football’s most prestigious individual award.

Despite Salah’s remarkable performances in the Premier League and Champions League, his inability to lead Egypt to global success has often been cited as a drawback.

Carragher blasted by AFCON winner

Former Egyptian international and Aston Villa right-back, Ahmed Elmohamady, has launched a scathing attack on Carragher.

In a social media post, Elmohamady, who won the AFCON twice with Egypt, hit back at Carragher, saying “Jamie Carragher doesn’t know what Major Tournaments is because he never won one”.

More info on AFCON

AFCON is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world, showcasing the best talent from the African continent.

First held in 1957 in Sudan, the inaugural tournament featured only three participating nations: Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. Egypt emerged as the first champions, defeating Ethiopia in the final.

The tournament was proposed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to promote unity and competition among African nations.

Originally held every two years, AFCON’s schedule has seen adjustments over time.

In 2013, CAF announced the tournament would switch to odd-numbered years to avoid clashing with the FIFA World Cup.

However, in 2017, it reverted to even-numbered years and has since maintained a biennial schedule.

Egypt remains the most successful nation in AFCON history, with seven titles, followed by Cameroon with five, and Ghana and Nigeria with four and three titles, respectively.

The tournament has grown significantly since its inception. Starting with just three teams in 1957, it expanded to 16 teams in 1996 and further to 24 teams in 2019.

This expansion has allowed more nations to compete and has increased the tournament’s global viewership.

AFCON has also been a platform for some of Africa’s greatest footballers, including Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, Yaya Touré, and Mohamed Salah.

Samuel Eto’o holds the record for the most goals in AFCON history, with 18 goals across six tournaments.

AFCON has produced countless memorable moments. In 1996, South Africa won their first title on home soil, just two years after the end of apartheid.

The 2012 final saw Zambia claim their first AFCON title in a dramatic penalty shootout against Ivory Coast.

The match was held in Gabon, near the site of a 1993 plane crash that killed 18 Zambian players, making the victory deeply emotional.

Globally, AFCON has produced players who have achieved fame in Europe’s top leagues, influencing football tactics and styles with their flair, physicality, and speed.

However, AFCON has faced challenges, including scheduling conflicts with European club competitions, which have led to disputes over player availability.

Organizational issues, such as delays in infrastructure development and security concerns, have also been points of criticism.

Despite these challenges, CAF has continued to invest in improving the tournament’s quality, including better facilities, increased prize money, and enhanced broadcasting capabilities.

The 2023 AFCON was held in Ivory Coast, marking the country’s second time as host.

The 2025 edition is scheduled to take place in Morocco, the first time the tournament will be held in the North African nation since 1988.

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