The year began with the surprise victory of Côte d'Ivoire in the final of its CAN against Nigeria. In a moment, we will also return to the Paris Olympics among the events of the year, boxing and the CAN 2025 qualifiers.
Ivory Coast triumphs at CAN 2023
It all starts with a bang with the Ivory Coasthost country and winner of CAN 2023, after a thrilling victory 2-1 over Nigeria in the final, for his third continental title. Despite two defeats in the group stage, the Elephants change coach in the middle of the competition, then triumph with the interim Emerse Faé and her charming scorer Sébastien Haller decisive both in the semi-final against Congo and in the final.
Morocco will host CAN 2025
The next African Cup of Nations is scheduled for Morocco with this new calendar December 2025 to January 2026. The 24 qualified teams are already known, and for the first time in two decades, Ghana, which finished last in its group, will not be at the CAN. Benin returns to him after a short absence.
African glory at the Paris Olympic Games
Africa has started again Paris 2024 Olympic Games with 38 medals. Letsile Tebogo of Botswana becomes the first African gold medalist in the 200 meters. Then a second Botswanan medal, with silver, in the men's 4 x 400 relay. Kenya leaves with 11 medals, including four gold thanks to Faith Kipyegon; Ethiopia shining with Berihu Aregawi and Tsige Duguma; then gold for Ugandan Joshua Cheptegei in the 10,000 meters.
Imane Khelif and the gender controversy
An eventful year for Imane Khelif, winner of the welterweight category at the Paris Olympics, despite controversy linked to her gender. According to reports published in France in early November, the 25-year-old boxer has male chromosomes. The Algerian woman promised legal action. Her story echoes that of South African athlete Caster Semenya, sidelined for this reason.
Doping
2024 was marked by doping controversies. Multiple suspensions for Kenya and Ethiopia. In the latest global anti-doping report, published in April, South Africa ranked second with 2.9% of suspect results.
N'gannou's big fights in 2024
After losing his son earlier this year, Francis N'gannou returned to MMA by defeating Renan Ferreira in the first round of PFL Super Fights in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Cameroonian suffered a crushing defeat in March against Britain's Anthony Joshua at the Kingdom Arena in Riyadh. The 37-year-old boxer's disagreements with the UFC cost him his belt in January 2023.
Main African transfers in football
Kylian Mbappé joined Real Madrid in 2024. Despite the current shortage, his coach Carlo Ancelotti asked for support and patience for the French international. The ex-Parisian's contract does not exclude a transfer from the beginning of January.
Victor Osimhen joined Galatasaray in Türkiye from the Italian club FC Naples. The Nigerian misses the current Champions League.
