By : Lloyd Mahachi
The year 2024 has been an eventful one for African sports, with numerous triumphs and controversies making headlines. From the Africa Cup of Nations to the Paris Olympics, African athletes have shown their mettle and made their mark on the global stage.
AFCON 2024 Surprise
One of the major surprises of the year was the host nation Ivory Coast winning the Africa Cup of Nations. The Elephants overcame early setbacks in the tournament, including two group-stage losses and the dismissal of their coach, to stage a remarkable comeback. Interim coach Emerse Faé made history as the first to win AFCON without starting as head coach. Star striker Sébastien Haller sealed the team’s path to the final with a decisive goal against Congo and scored the winning goal in the final, sparking celebrations across the country.
AFCON 2025 Preview
The Confederation of African Football has confirmed that AFCON 2025 will take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026. Qualified teams include Morocco, Comoros, Zambia, Mali, Zimbabwe, Nigeria, Tunisia, South Africa, Uganda, Equatorial Guinea, Benin, Sudan, and Gabon. Ghana, a four-time champion, failed to qualify for the first time since 2004 after finishing bottom of Group F.
African Athletes Shine at Paris Olympics
African athletes delivered standout performances at the Paris 2024 Olympics, winning a total of 38 medals. Kenya led the African tally with 11 medals, including 4 golds, followed by Algeria with 2 golds, and South Africa and Ethiopia each earning 1 gold. Highlights included Kenya’s bronze finishes in the marathon events and Botswana’s Letsile Tebogo securing gold in the 200m, a first for Africa in this event.
Controversy Surrounds Imane Khelif
Imane Khelif, an Algerian boxer, captured women’s welterweight gold at the Paris Olympics despite controversy surrounding her gender eligibility. Recent reports allege she has XY chromosomes, a claim she has vowed to challenge legally. Her situation echoes South African athlete Caster Semenya, who missed the Olympics following a dispute over rules requiring reduced testosterone levels for competition.
Doping Incidents on the Rise
The Athletics Integrity Unit reported record doping tests at the Paris 2024 Olympics, with a 4% increase compared to Tokyo 2020. Kenya and Ethiopia faced numerous athlete bans for prohibited substances, with Kenya’s Anti-Doping Agency sanctioning 33 athletes. High-profile cases include former marathon world record holder Wilson Kipsang and Olympic champion Jemima Sumgong.
European Football Transfers
In European football, Nigerian striker Victor Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli and has been in fine scoring form. His contract reportedly includes a clause for a permanent move in January. In a blockbuster move, Kylian Mbappé transferred to Real Madrid but is still adjusting, according to coach Carlo Ancelotti.
Francis N’gannou’s Eventful Year
Cameroonian MMA fighter Francis N’gannou returned to action in 2024 with a first-round victory over Renan Ferreira at the PFL Super Fights event. Earlier in the year, he suffered a loss to British boxer Anthony Joshua. Following his fallout with the UFC, N’gannou joined the Professional Fighters League, where he continues to build his career.
The year 2024 has been a mixed bag for African sports, with triumphs and controversies sharing the spotlight. As the continent’s athletes continue to make their mark on the global stage, they must also navigate the challenges of doping, eligibility, and fair play. Despite these challenges, African sports are poised for continued growth and success in the years to come.
Editor : Josephine Mahachi
