The depth of talent, record viewership and fair refereeing made it a tournament that proves African football is starting to thrive.
Around one-third of the players that have been called up to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations were born outside of Africa.
Why it’s been the most talked-about African football tournament in years: the wins, losses, hosts and bosses.
Critics said that allowing more countries to play would water Afcon down. It’s had the opposite effect.
Increased prize money, several new broadcasting deals and the biggest names in African football will define the 2024 action.