The African Cup of Nations 2017, officially known as the Total Africa Cup of Nations, Gabon 2017, was the 31st edition of this prestigious tournament. Held in Gabon from January 14th to February 5th, 2017, the tournament showcased the best of African football, with 16 teams competing for the coveted title. This African Cup of Nations 2017 wiki will delve into the highlights, memorable moments, and lasting impact of this thrilling competition.
The Road to Glory: Qualification and Participating Teams
The qualification process for the African Cup of Nations 2017 was a grueling affair, with 52 teams vying for a spot in the tournament. After a series of home and away matches, the 16 teams that qualified were:
- Group A: Gabon (hosts), Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Guinea-Bissau
- Group B: Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal, Zimbabwe
- Group C: Ivory Coast (defending champions), DR Congo, Morocco, Togo
- Group D: Ghana, Mali, Egypt, Uganda
African Cup of Nations 2017 Qualified Teams
Tournament Highlights: Memorable Moments and Upsets
The 2017 AFCON was filled with moments of brilliance, dramatic upsets, and nail-biting finishes, captivating fans across the continent and beyond. Here are some of the tournament’s most memorable moments:
- Cameroon’s Unexpected Triumph: Cameroon, a team not considered among the favorites, went on a remarkable run, defeating Senegal in the quarter-finals and Ghana in the semi-finals. Their victory over Egypt in the final, a 2-1 thriller, secured their fifth AFCON title.
- The Rise of Burkina Faso: Burkina Faso, led by the talented Bertrand Traoré, exceeded expectations by finishing third. Their penalty shootout victory over Ghana in the third-place playoff marked their best-ever finish in the AFCON.
- Egypt’s Return to Glory: After missing three consecutive tournaments, Egypt made a triumphant return to the AFCON, reaching the final. Led by veteran goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary, the Pharaohs displayed their trademark resilience and tactical discipline.
The Stars Align: Top Performers and Emerging Talents
The African Cup of Nations has always been a platform for showcasing the continent’s finest footballers, and the 2017 edition was no exception. These are some of the players who left their mark on the tournament:
- Christian Bassogog (Cameroon): The young winger was a revelation for Cameroon, tormenting defenses with his pace and trickery. His outstanding performances earned him the Player of the Tournament award.
- Junior Kabananga (DR Congo): The powerful striker played a pivotal role in DR Congo’s run to the quarter-finals, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with three goals.
- Bertrand Traoré (Burkina Faso): Traoré was the creative force behind Burkina Faso’s impressive campaign, showcasing his dribbling skills, vision, and ability to create scoring opportunities.
African Cup of Nations 2017 Top Goalscorers
Beyond the Pitch: The Legacy of AFCON 2017
The African Cup of Nations 2017 transcended the realm of sports, leaving a lasting legacy on Gabon and the African continent as a whole.
- Infrastructure Development: Gabon invested heavily in infrastructure ahead of the tournament, constructing new stadiums, roads, and hotels. These improvements not only enhanced the tournament experience but also benefited the country’s overall development.
- Tourism Boost: The AFCON attracted thousands of visitors to Gabon, providing a significant boost to the country’s tourism industry. The influx of fans and media attention helped showcase Gabon’s natural beauty, culture, and hospitality.
- Pan-African Unity: The tournament fostered a spirit of unity and camaraderie among African nations. Fans from different countries came together to celebrate their shared passion for football, transcending cultural and linguistic barriers.
African Cup of Nations 2017: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who won the African Football Cup Wiki 2017?
Cameroon emerged as the champions of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, defeating Egypt in the final.
2. Where was the 2017 AFCON held?
The tournament took place in Gabon, with matches played in four cities: Libreville, Franceville, Oyem, and Port-Gentil.
3. Can you provide the African Cup of Nations 2017 results?
You can find the complete match results, including scores, goal scorers, and group standings, on various sports websites and football archives.
4. Who were the top goalscorers of the tournament?
Junior Kabananga (DR Congo) finished as the top scorer with 3 goals.
5. When was the next African Cup of Nations after 2017?
The next edition of the tournament, the African Football Championship 2019, was held in Egypt.
Exploring Further: Other Notable AFCON Tournaments
This African Cup of Nations 2017 wiki has provided insights into this memorable tournament. If you’re interested in learning more about other editions of the AFCON, you can find information on past tournaments, legendary players, and unforgettable moments on our website.
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