Ghana football icon Asamoah Gyan has likened the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to a World Cup, highlighting the tournament’s significance for players across the continent.
AFCON, widely regarded as one of the premier competitions in world football, has faced criticism for its timing, often clashing with the European club season.
Speaking to Rio Ferdinand, Gyan, who has featured in multiple editions of the tournament, said, “Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is like a World Cup to me.”
The former Sunderland forward urged football authorities to consider rescheduling AFCON to the European off-season.
“It is something I have thought about all these years because it affects most of the clubs with African players. I believe it should get to a time that FIFA or CAF should make a decision that it should be played off-season,” the former Sunderland forward said.
Gyan also pointed out the challenges clubs face when key players leave mid-season.
“You can see clubs at the top of the league table, and their players leave for AFCON in January, and they start dropping points. However, AFCON is like a World Cup to me, and that is what every African footballer thinks,” he added.
Ghana’s all-time leading scorer featured in the 2010 and 2015 AFCON finals against Egypt and Ivory Coast, finishing as runners-up on both occasions.
The 2025 AFCON final will see Morocco face Senegal on Sunday, January 18.
