Former Cameroon national team coach, Winfried Schaefer, expressed his belief that the major African footballing nations have not displayed their usual prowess in the current edition of the Africa Cup of Nations 2023.
Speaking exclusively to the “Zamalekawy” program on Zamalek TV, Schaefer commented, “Big teams like Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Algeria have not showcased their exceptional form in the African tournament.
It’s noteworthy that smaller teams, such as Cape Verde, have emerged on top of their groups, and this is something that pleases me.”
Highlighting the diverse player categories within African teams, Schaefer remarked, “African teams have three categories of players: local players, international players competing at a high level in Europe, and players born in Europe representing African national teams.
It is crucial to have an experienced coach well-versed in African football.”
As the Africa Cup of Nations unfolds with unexpected performances from less-favored teams, Schaefer’s insights shed light on the dynamics within the African football landscape, where traditional powerhouses face new challenges, and underdog nations make their mark.