Both the AFCON and the AFC Asian Cup will vie for the attention of the football world this month, but which tournament is the more prestigious one?
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) and the AFC Asian Cup are two of the most prestigious football tournaments in the world, each representing a pinnacle of achievement for teams in their respective continents.
In 2024, these tournaments have gained particular prominence in the football world due to their co-disruption of the regular football calendar, but which is the
African Cup of Nations (AFCON)
The AFCON, set to take place from January 13 to February 11, 2024, will be hosted by Ivory Coast. This edition of the tournament was postponed from 2023 to 2024 to avoid the tropical rain season in West and Central Africa. A total of 24 teams will be competing, divided into six groups of four.
This tournament features some of the top African national teams, including seven-time champions Egypt and the 2013 champions Nigeria. The prize money for the 2023 AFCON event was increased to $7 million, a 40% rise from the previous edition in 2021.
AFC Asian Cup
Concurrently, the AFC Asian Cup will take place from January 12 to February 10, 2024, in Qatar. Like the AFCON, the Asian Cup will also feature 24 teams divided into six groups.
This tournament was initially scheduled for 2023 but was moved to 2024 due to the high summer temperatures in Qatar and their participation in the CONCACAF Gold Cup. The prize money for the AFC Asian Cup has been maintained at $5 million, the same as was awarded to the 2019 winner, Qatar.
Comparison between AFCON vs Asian Cup
Prize money and prestige
Comparing the prize money of these tournaments highlights the financial differences between them. The winner of the AFC Asian Cup receives the same amount as the runner-up of the AFCON. In terms of participation, numerous Premier League players are involved in both tournaments, impacting club performances during this period.
For instance, prominent players like Mohamed Salah from Liverpool and Thomas Partey from Arsenal are expected to participate in AFCON, while players like Son Heung-min from Tottenham and Takehiro Tomiyasu from Arsenal represent their nations in the Asian Cup.
These tournaments not only showcase the footballing talent and competitiveness of Africa and Asia but also have a significant impact on global football dynamics, particularly affecting clubs in the European leagues where many of the players play their club football.
Football stars to watch in AFCON vs AFC Asian Cup
African Cup of Nations (AFCON)
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), set to take place in Ivory Coast, features an array of football stars from across the continent. Some of the key players to watch include:
Mohamed Salah (Egypt): As one of Africa's best and arguably greatest-ever football talents, Salah's presence is vital for Egypt. His success with Liverpool and commitment to his national team makes him a standout player in the tournament.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria): Recently named the Best African Player of the Year, Osimhen is a critical figure in Nigeria's attack. His goal-scoring abilities and form make him one of the top players to watch.
Sadio Mane (Senegal): Mane, a two-time former African footballer of the year, was pivotal in Senegal's 2022 AFCON victory. His performance will be crucial for Senegal's chances of retaining their title.
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco): A star for Paris Saint-Germain and the Moroccan national team, Hakimi's attacking prowess and defensive skills make him a key player for Morocco.
Mohammed Kudus (Ghana): Playing for West Ham United, Kudis has been a sensation in the Premier League, known for his speed, skill, and goal-scoring ability. He is pivotal for Ghana's chances in the tournament.
Serge Aurier (Ivory Coast): A seasoned defender, Aurier brings experience and leadership to the Ivorian team. He played a crucial role in Ivory Coast's 2015 AFCON triumph.
Sehrou Guirassy (Guinea): Excelling in the Bundesliga, Guirassy's goal-scoring form for VfB Stuttgart has been impressive, making him a key player for Guinea.
Nicolas Jackson (Senegal): Representing Chelsea, Jackson's goal-scoring prowess will complement Mane in Senegal's attack.
Pape Matar Sarr (Senegal): A young talent at Tottenham Hotspur, Sarr has shown great skill and energy in the midfield, making him a player to watch.
Azzedine Ounahi (Morocco): After a strong showing in the 2022 World Cup, Ounahi will again be a vital part of the Moroccan team.
These players, among others, are set to light up the tournament with their skills and contribute significantly to their respective teams' performances. The presence of these stars also highlights the depth and talent present in African football, making the tournament a must-watch event for football fans. For more detailed information about the teams and players in the tournament, please refer to the sources from Al Jazeera
AFC Asian Cup
The 2023 AFC Asian Cup, hosted by Qatar, features some of the most prominent football stars from Asia. Here are some key players to watch:
Son Heung-Min (South Korea): The Tottenham Hotspur captain is arguably the biggest star of the tournament. Known for his incredible speed, skill, and finishing, Son is a vital player for South Korea.
Kaoru Mitoma (Japan): A rising star in the Premier League, Mitoma has impressed with his dribbling ability and attacking prowess. He's expected to be a key player for Japan.
Hwang Hee-chan (South Korea): Playing for Wolves in the Premier League, Hwang has demonstrated his versatility and goal-scoring ability, making him an important player for South Korea.
Matthew Ryan (Australia): The experienced goalkeeper, formerly with Brighton & Hove Albion, will captain Australia in the tournament.
Mehdi Taremi (Iran): The FC Porto striker is known for his finishing skills and will be crucial for Iran's success in the tournament.
Wataru Endo (Japan): After joining Liverpool, Endo has become an integral part of the team. He will be a key midfielder for Japan.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (Japan): The Arsenal defender is known for his defensive solidity and could play a significant role for Japan if he recovers from his injury in time.
Kim Min-jae (South Korea): A defender for Bayern Munich, Kim is considered one of the best in his position and will be vital in South Korea's defence.
Sardar Azmoun (Iran): Despite a challenging season with AS Roma, Azmoun's experience and goal-scoring record for Iran make him a player to watch.
Sunil Chhetri (India): The veteran Indian striker, known for his goal-scoring prowess, will lead India's attack in the tournament.
These players, among others, will bring a high level of skill and excitement to the tournament, showcasing the depth and talent in Asian football. The tournament will also impact European leagues, as key players will be absent from their clubs during this period.
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