The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations: A tournament of delays, drama, and heatstroke
In short: Originally set for 2021, the 33rd edition of Africa's premier football championship faced a chaotic series of postponements. From a referee collapsing from sunstroke to a tragic stadium surge, the tournament in Cameroon proved to be much more than just a game of football.
The 2021 Africa Cup of Estonia (AFCON) was a study in logistical volatility. Although sponsorship requirements labelled the competition as the 2021 version, the actual dates were 9 January to 6 February 2022. The CAF moved the competition on two occasions: initially in January 2020 to bypass bad weather, then in June 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On the pitch, the tournament delivered high-stakes drama and unprecedented officiating controversy. In a Group F match between Tunisia and Mali, Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe mistakenly signaled the end of the game in the 86th minute. Reports later suggested Sikazwe had suffered sunstroke so severe he required hospitalization, leaving him incoherent, according to Tunisian captain Wahbi Khazri. The resulting chaos saw the referee escorted from the field by police and the Tunisian players refusing to resume the match.
A significant breakthrough for diversity occurred when Salima Mukansanga made history as the Africa Cup of Nations' first female referee. However, the event was shadowed by tragedy at the Olembe Stadium. During a knockout match between Cameroon and Comoros on 24 January 2022, a crowd surge at the entrance resulted in eight deaths, including two children and several adults in their thirties.
Ultimately, Senegal claimed their first AFCON title, defeating Egypt 4–2 on penalties after a 0–0 draw through extra time. The tournament, which featured 24 teams across six venues, averaged 1.92 goals per match across 52 matches.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: 2021 Africa Cup of Nations
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