By Peter Mwaura
For the first time in the history of the continental showpiece, the biennial event will be staged in June and not January as has been in the past editions. The timing of the AFCON finals has for years been contentious since it affected the league season in Europe where majority of AFCON players ply their trade.
This is the 1st time the Continental showpiece will be staged in June
For the first time in the history of the continental showpiece, the biennial event will be staged in June and not January as has been in the past editions. The timing of the AFCON finals has for years been contentious since it affected the league season in Europe where majority of AFCON players ply their trade.
24 teams will participate in the 32nd edition
After 23 years, 24 teams will participate instead of the traditional 16 teams. The increase in teams was highly influenced by the expansion of the European championship which African observers led by Nigerian football federation president Amaju Pinnock said was a huge success.
Stricter standards on stadia set to host the finals have been introduced. Host nations are expected to prove they have the necessary infrastructure particularly high quality pitches and hotels for teams. This is why Cameroon was stripped off the hosting rights for the 2019 edition.
East Africa will be represented by 4 nations
Another new experience that will be part of the 32nd edition is that for the first time in history, four East Africa teams will take part expressively through hard work and not regulations.
Kenya will be making a return after 15 year absence with Tanzania making its second appearance after 39 long years. Uganda make their second successive appearance while Burundi makes its debut.