A tournament of contrasts
AFCON 2025 delivered theatre on the pitch and plenty to chew over off it. Matches produced drama and emotion, while organisers, referees and groundsmen were left to pick through a list of shortcomings that will shape discussions ahead of the 2027 edition. Some problems were operational, others cultural — together they painted a picture of a competition that still has room to grow.
Six takeaways from AFCON 2025
1) Refereeing is in flux
Officiating emerged as a central theme of the tournament. Where previous editions — notably AFCON 2023 in Côte d’Ivoire — were praised for a strong VAR operation, this year’s tournament exposed inconsistency in decision-making. Many observers have linked the decline in cohesion to off-field turbulence, including the abrupt dismissal of Noumandiez Doué from CAF’s refereeing department late last year, which appears to have left a leadership vacuum.
2) VAR standards slipped at crucial moments
Video assistance still has the capacity to transform matches, but inconsistent application and communication undermined confidence. Teams, coaches and fans were frustrated by delays, opaque explanations and decisions that seemed to diverge from the norms established at previous tournaments.
3) Pitch quality and weather mattered
Several venues struggled to cope with local weather patterns, exposing uneven surfaces and drainage problems that affected the tempo and safety of games. Poor turf diminished player performance at times and intensified calls for a unified stadium standard for future editions.
4) Hosts delivered on hospitality
Off the field, the host nation offered a warm welcome that underlined Africa’s capacity to stage major events. Fan engagement, security arrangements and the general atmosphere around host cities were positives that tournament organisers can build on — a reminder that good hospitality and public enthusiasm are as vital as logistics.
5) Player welfare needs clearer prioritisation
Long travel itineraries, compressed schedules and high temperatures tested squads. Medical and recovery provisions varied by team and venue, highlighting the need for firmer CAF guidelines to safeguard player health as calendars become more congested.
6) Organisation reveals both competence and cracks
Operational successes sat beside blunt reminders of where planning fell short. Transport, accreditation and scheduling largely functioned, but the cumulative effect of small failures compounded into visible problems on matchdays. AFCON 2027 will be an opportunity to tighten procedures and reassert standards.
Looking ahead
AFCON 2025 was entertaining and imperfect in equal measure. The tournament highlighted the positive aspects of hosting and support from local communities, while exposing structural weaknesses in refereeing, VAR, playing surfaces and player welfare. If CAF, host federations and stakeholders act on these lessons, the competition can return stronger in 2027 — but that will require clear leadership, investment in infrastructure and a renewed commitment to consistency.
