{{Short description|International football contest}} {{Redirect|2022 Africa Cup of Nations|the women's tournament|2022 Women's Africa Cup of Nations}} {{Use British English|date=July 2021}} {{Use dmy dates|date=October 2020}} {{Infobox international football competition | tourney_name = Africa Cup of Nations | year = 2021 | other_titles = Coupe d'Afrique des Nations 2021 | image = 2021 Africa Cup of Nations logo.png | size = 240px | caption = Official logo | country = Cameroon | dates = 9 January – 6 February 2022<ref name="dates">{{cite web|url=https://www.cafonline.com/news-center/news/caf-executive-committee-put-infrastructures-as-one-of-the-priorities|title=CAF Executive Committee put infrastructures as one of the main priorities|publisher=Confederation of African Football|date=31 March 2021|access-date=1 April 2021|archive-date=8 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210608150040/https://www.cafonline.com/news-center/news/caf-executive-committee-put-infrastructures-as-one-of-the-priorities|url-status=live}}</ref> | num_teams = 24 | venues = 6 | cities = 5 | champion = SEN | count = 1 | second = EGY | third = CMR | fourth = BFA | matches = 52 | goals = 100 | attendance = | top_scorer = {{fbicon|CMR}} Vincent Aboubakar {{nowrap|(8 goals)}} | player = {{fbicon|SEN}} Sadio Mané<ref name="awards">{{cite news|url=https://www.cafonline.com/press-release/news/mane-cisse-mendy-aboubakar-take-totalenergies-afcon-individual-awards|title=Mane, Cissé, Mendy, Aboubakar take TotalEnergies AFCON individual awards|publisher=Confederation of African Football|date=8 February 2022|access-date=8 February 2022|archive-date=8 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220208020433/https://www.cafonline.com/press-release/news/mane-cisse-mendy-aboubakar-take-totalenergies-afcon-individual-awards|url-status=live}}</ref> | goalkeeper = {{fbicon|SEN}} Édouard Mendy<ref name="awards"/> | young_player = {{fbicon|BFA}} Issa Kaboré<ref name="youngplayer">{{cite tweet |user=CAF_Online |number=1490611300925378563 |date=6 February 2022 |access-date=7 February 2022|title=The Burkinabe Stallion Issa Kabore becomes the best young player in the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 #AFCON2021}}</ref> | fair_play = {{fb|SEN}}<ref name="awards"/> | prevseason = 2019 | nextseason = 2023 }}
The '''2021 Africa Cup of Nations''' (also referred to as '''AFCON 2021''' or '''CAN 2021'''), known as the '''TotalEnergies''' '''2021 Africa Cup of Nations''' for sponsorship reasons,<ref name="draw postponed"/> was the 33rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, the biennial international men's football championship of Africa organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The tournament was hosted by Cameroon,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=RNUWLOob5ehe2u9fTPwoPg%3d%3d|title=Cameroon to host 2019, Cote d'Ivoire for 2021, Guinea 2023|publisher=Confederation of African Football|date=20 September 2014|access-date=20 September 2014|archive-date=20 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190420003428/http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=RNUWLOob5ehe2u9fTPwoPg%3D%3D|url-status=live}}</ref> and took place from 9 January to 6 February 2022.<ref name="dates"/>
The tournament was originally scheduled to be played in June and July 2021. However, the CAF announced on 15 January 2020 that due to unfavourable climatic conditions during that period, the tournament had been rescheduled to be played between 9 January and 6 February 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cafonline.com/news-center/news/communique-de-la-commission-d-organisation-de-la-can-2021|title=Statement from the Organising Committee of the Total African Cup of Nations Cameroon 2021|publisher=Confederation of African Football|date=15 January 2020|access-date=16 January 2020|archive-date=15 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210115182930/https://www.cafonline.com/news-center/news/communique-de-la-commission-d-organisation-de-la-can-2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On 30 June 2020, the CAF moved the tournament's dates for the second time to January 2022 following the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic across the continent, whilst retaining the name 2021 Africa Cup of Nations for sponsorship purposes.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cafonline.com/news-center/news/decisions-of-caf-executive-meeting-30-june-2020|title=Decisions of CAF Executive Meeting – 30 June 2020|publisher=Confederation of African Football|date=30 June 2020|access-date=23 July 2020|archive-date=24 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210324165051/https://www.cafonline.com/news-center/news/decisions-of-caf-executive-meeting-30-june-2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
Matches were played in six venues across five cities. The defending champions Algeria were eliminated in the first round after finishing bottom of their group.<ref>{{Cite news|title=Holders Algeria crash out of Nations Cup|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59975483|access-date=10 February 2022|archive-date=28 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220128134139/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/59975483|url-status=live}}</ref> Senegal won their first AFCON title after defeating Egypt in the final 4–2 on penalties, following a 0–0 draw after extra time.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60186276|title=Senegal 0 Egypt 0 (4-2 on pens)|date=6 February 2022|work=BBC Sport|access-date=7 February 2022|archive-date=7 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207003221/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/60186276|url-status=live}}</ref> This edition witnessed many organizational and refereeing disputes and problems, which raised a lot of criticism.<ref>{{cite web |date=9 February 2022 |title=AFCON 2021 – The good, the bad and the ugly |url=https://heartof.football/2022/02/09/afcon-2021-the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly/ |access-date=9 October 2025 |website=Heart of Football}}</ref>
==Host selection== After the CAF Executive Committee meeting on 24 January 2014, it was announced that there were three official candidates for the 2021 edition:<ref name="decisions">{{cite web|url=http://www.cafonline.com/userfiles/file/Accreditations/EXCO%20Press%20Release%2024%20jan%20(1).pdf|title=Decisions made by the CAF Executive Committee, convened January 24th 2014|publisher=Confederation of African Football|date=26 January 2014|access-date=27 January 2014|archive-date=1 February 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140201235905/http://www.cafonline.com/userfiles/file/Accreditations/EXCO%20Press%20Release%2024%20jan%20(1).pdf|url-status=live}}</ref>
'''Bids:''' *Algeria *Guinea *Ivory Coast '''Rejected bids:''' *DR Congo *Gabon *Zambia
This list was different from the list of the host nation bids for both the 2019 and 2021 edition of the Cup of Nations as announced by CAF in November 2013, with Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon and Zambia also on the original list.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4622/africa/2013/11/27/4436496/six-nations-submit-bids-for-2019-2021-afcon|title=Six nations submit bids for 2019 & 2021 Africa Cup of Nations|publisher=Goal.com|date=27 November 2013|access-date=27 January 2014|archive-date=13 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513220625/https://www.goal.com/en-za/news/4622/africa/2013/11/27/4436496/six-nations-submit-bids-for-2019-2021-afcon|url-status=live}}</ref> All three official candidates also bid for hosting the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
The decision to award the hosting rights was postponed from early 2014 to grant each bidding country adequate time to receive the inspection delegation.<ref name="decisions"/> After the final vote at the CAF Executive Committee meeting, on 20 September 2014, the CAF announced that the AFCON would be hosted in 2019 by Cameroon, in 2021 by Ivory Coast, and in 2023 by Guinea.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/29257382|title=Nations Cup: 2019, 2012 and shock 2023 hosts unveiled by Caf|publisher=BBC Sport|date=20 September 2014|access-date=12 February 2018|archive-date=20 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151220101928/http://www.bbc.com/sport/0/football/29257382|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Host change=== On 30 November 2018, CAF stripped Cameroon of hosting the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations because of delays in the construction of stadiums and other necessary infrastructure;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/46407474|title=Cameroon stripped of hosting 2019 Africa Cup of Nations|date=30 November 2018|publisher=BBC Sport|access-date=10 December 2018|archive-date=28 March 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328205922/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/46407474|url-status=live}}</ref> it was relocated to Egypt.<ref>{{cite news|title=Egypt named as 2019 Nations Cup hosts|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/46788780|access-date=10 February 2022|archive-date=13 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113034321/https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/46788780|url-status=live}}</ref> CAF President at the time, Ahmad Ahmad, said that Cameroon had agreed to host the 2021 tournament instead.<ref>{{cite news|title=Caf: 'Cameroon accepts to host 2021 Afcon'|work=BBC Sport|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/46653173|access-date=10 February 2022|archive-date=10 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220110001601/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/46653173|url-status=live}}</ref> Consequently, Ivory Coast, original hosts of 2021, would host the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, and Guinea, original hosts of 2023, would host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2018/12/10/can-2019-le-pays-hote-sera-connu-le-9-janvier_5395283_3212.html|title=CAN 2019 : le pays hôte sera connu le 9 janvier|work=Le Monde|date=10 December 2018|language=fr|access-date=10 December 2018|archive-date=9 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210409210201/https://www.lemonde.fr/afrique/article/2018/12/10/can-2019-le-pays-hote-sera-connu-le-9-janvier_5395283_3212.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Etchells |first1=Daniel |title=Egypt named as hosts of 2019 Africa Cup of Nations |url=https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1073977/egypt-named-as-hosts-of-2019-africa-cup-of-nations |website=www.insidethegames.biz |date=8 January 2019 |access-date=9 January 2019 |archive-date=13 May 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190513215939/https://www.insidethegames.biz/articles/1073977/egypt-named-as-hosts-of-2019-africa-cup-of-nations |url-status=live }}</ref> On 30 January 2019, the CAF President confirmed the timetable shift, after a meeting with Ivory Coast President, Alassane Ouattara, in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=Dg9RVuF74E0msNGS6%2bJ%2bkw%3d%3d|title=COTE D'IVOIRE AGREES CAF TIMETABLE SHIFT|date=30 January 2019|publisher=CAF|access-date=1 February 2019|archive-date=22 May 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522002029/http://www.cafonline.com/en-US/NewsCenter/News/NewsDetails?id=Dg9RVuF74E0msNGS6%2bJ%2bkw%3d%3d|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic== The tournament was originally scheduled to take place between 9 January and 6 February 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2022-01-07|title=Everything you need to know about the Africa Cup of Nations|url=https://www.espn.com/soccer/africa-cup-of-nations/story/4563970/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-africa-cup-of-nations|access-date=2022-02-11|website=ESPN.com|language=en|archive-date=18 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220118093026/https://www.espn.com/soccer/africa-cup-of-nations/story/4563970/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-africa-cup-of-nations|url-status=live}}</ref> The preliminary round and two matchdays of the qualifying group stage had already been played between 9 October and 19 November 2019. The third and fourth matchdays of the qualifying group stage, which were initially scheduled to take place from 23 to 31 March and 1 to 9 June 2020 respectively, were postponed and all remaining qualifying matches rescheduled due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Africa.<ref>{{cite news |title=CAF postpones 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for March |url=https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/coronavirus-caf-postpones-2021-africa-cup-of-nations/1ldwoh08jy9pe1bwi5l6bhayjq |work=Goal.com |date=15 March 2020 |access-date=1 July 2020 |archive-date=30 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200930022121/https://www.goal.com/en-ng/news/coronavirus-caf-postpones-2021-africa-cup-of-nations/1ldwoh08jy9pe1bwi5l6bhayjq |url-status=live }}</ref>
On 19 June 2020, the CAF stated it was undecided about when continental competitions would resume, and were prioritising new schedules for the 2019–20 CAF Champions League and the 2019–20 CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals, the postponed 2020 African Nations Championship and the 2020 Africa Women Cup of Nations, alongside the 2021 Africa Cup of Nation, as football competitions across the continent had been postponed, cancelled or suspended.<ref>{{cite news |title= Confusion trails AFCON 2021 starting dates |url= https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/06/19/confusion-trails-afcon-2021-starting-dates/ |newspaper= This Day|date= 19 June 2020 |access-date= 1 July 2020 |archive-date= 2 July 2020 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20200702072800/https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2020/06/19/confusion-trails-afcon-2021-starting-dates/ |url-status= live }}</ref>
On 30 June 2020, however, the CAF announced the rescheduling of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations to January 2022 "''after consultation with stakeholders and taking into consideration the current global situation''" according to a published statement, with new dates to be announced at a later date.<ref>{{cite news |title=CAF reschedules AFCON, CHAN, interclub, cancels women AFCON |url=https://www.guardian.ng/sport/caf-reschedules-afcon-chan-interclub-cancels-women-afcon/amp/ |location=Lagos, Nigeria|date=30 June 2020 |access-date=30 June 2020 |archive-date=4 July 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200704062436/https://guardian.ng/sport/caf-reschedules-afcon-chan-interclub-cancels-women-afcon/amp/ |url-status=live |newspaper=The Guardian}}</ref> Subsequently, other continental competitions and events to be held were rescheduled or cancelled, including new dates for the remaining AFCON qualifiers, which were now to be completed by March 2021.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.cafonline.com/news-center/news/cameroon-2021-qualifiers-resume-november-qatar-2022-set-for-may-2021|title=Cameroon 2021 qualifiers resume November, Qatar 2022 set for May 2021|publisher=Confederation of African Football|date=19 August 2020|access-date=2 April 2021|archive-date=13 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200913094621/https://www.cafonline.com/news-center/news/cameroon-2021-qualifiers-resume-november-qatar-2022-set-for-may-2021|url-status=live}}</ref> On 31 March 2021, it was confirmed that the final tournament would take place from 9 January to 6 February 2022, exactly one year after its originally scheduled start date.<ref name="dates"/>
==Qualification== {{main|2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualification}}
===Qualified teams=== The following teams qualified for the tournament.
{| class="wikitable sortable" width="100%" style="text-align:left;" |- ! Team ! Method of<br>qualification ! Date of<br>qualification ! Finals<br>appearance ! Last<br>appearance ! Previous best<br>performance ! FIFA ranking<br>at start of event |- | {{fb|CMR}} || {{sort|F1|Hosts / {{nowrap|Group F winners}}}} || {{sort|01|8 January 2019}} || 20th || 2019 || {{sort|01|'''Winners'''}} (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017) ||50 |- | {{fb|SEN}} || {{sort|I1|Group I winners}} || {{sort|02|15 November 2020}} || 16th || 2019 || {{sort|02|Runners-up}} (2002, 2019) ||20 |- | {{fb|ALG}} || {{sort|H1|Group H winners}} || {{sort|03|16 November 2020}} || 19th || 2019 || {{sort|01|'''Winners'''}} (1990, 2019) ||29 |- | {{fb|MLI}} || {{sort|A1|Group A winners}} || {{sort|04|17 November 2020}} || 12th || 2019 || {{sort|02|Runners-up}} (1972) ||53 |- | {{fb|TUN}} || {{sort|J1|Group J winners}} || {{sort|05|17 November 2020}} || 20th || 2019 || {{sort|01|'''Winners'''}} (2004) ||30 |- | {{fb|BFA}} || {{sort|B1|Group B winners}} || {{sort|06|24 March 2021}} || 12th || 2017 || {{sort|02|Runners-up}} (2013) ||60 |- | {{fb|GUI}} || {{sort|A2|Group A runners-up}} || {{sort|07|24 March 2021}} || 13th || 2019 || {{sort|02|Runners-up}} (1976) ||81 |- | {{fb|COM}} || {{sort|G2|Group G runners-up}} || {{sort|08|25 March 2021}} || 1st || {{sort|08|None}} || Debut ||132 |- | {{fb|GAB}} || {{sort|D2|Group D runners-up}} || {{sort|09|25 March 2021}} || 8th || 2017 || {{sort|05|Quarter-finals}} (1996, 2012) ||89 |- | {{fb|GAM}} || {{sort|D1|Group D winners}} || {{sort|10|25 March 2021}} || 1st || {{sort|08|None}} || Debut ||150 |- | {{fb|EGY}} || {{sort|G1|Group G winners}} || {{sort|11|25 March 2021}} || 25th || 2019 || {{sort|01|'''Winners'''}} (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010) ||45 |- | {{fb|GHA}} || {{sort|C1|Group C winners}} || {{sort|12|25 March 2021}} || 23rd || 2019 || {{sort|01|'''Winners'''}} (1963, 1965, 1978, 1982) ||52 |- | {{fb|EQG}} || {{sort|J2|Group J runners-up}} || {{sort|13|25 March 2021}} || 3rd || 2015 || {{sort|04|Fourth place}} (2015) ||114 |- | {{fb|ZIM}} || {{sort|H2|Group H runners-up}} || {{sort|14|25 March 2021}} || 5th || 2019 || {{sort|07|Group stage}} (2004, 2006, 2017, 2019) ||121 |- | {{fb|CIV}} || {{sort|K1|Group K winners}} || {{sort|15|26 March 2021}} || 24th || 2019 || {{sort|01|'''Winners'''}} (1992, 2015)||56 |- | {{fb|MAR}} || {{sort|E1|Group E winners}} || {{sort|16|26 March 2021}} || 18th || 2019 || {{sort|01|'''Winners'''}} (1976)||28 |- | {{fb|NGA}} || {{sort|L1|Group L winners}} || {{sort|17|27 March 2021}} || 19th || 2019 || {{sort|01|'''Winners'''}} (1980, 1994, 2013)||36 |- | {{fb|SDN}} || {{sort|C2|Group C runners-up}} || {{sort|19|28 March 2021}} || 9th || 2012 || {{sort|01|'''Winners'''}} (1970)||125 |- | {{fb|MWI}} || {{sort|B2|Group B runners-up}} || {{sort|20|29 March 2021}} || 3rd || 2010 || {{sort|07|Group stage}} (1984, 2010)||129 |- | {{fb|ETH}} || {{sort|K2|Group K runners-up}} || {{sort|21|30 March 2021}} || 11th || 2013 || {{sort|01|'''Winners'''}} (1962)||137 |- | {{fb|MTN}} || {{sort|E2|Group E runners-up}} || {{sort|22|30 March 2021}} || 2nd || 2019 || {{sort|07|Group stage}} (2019) ||103 |- | {{fb|GNB}} || {{sort|I2|Group I runners-up}} || {{sort|23|30 March 2021}} || 3rd || 2019 || {{sort|07|Group stage}} (2017, 2019) ||106 |- | {{fb|CPV}} || {{sort|F2|Group F runners-up}} || {{sort|24|30 March 2021}} || 3rd || 2015 || {{sort|05|Quarter-finals}} (2013) ||73 |- | {{fb|SLE}} || {{sort|L2|Group L runners-up}} || {{sort|25|15 June 2021}} || 3rd || 1996 || {{sort|07|Group stage}} (1994, 1996) ||108 |}
==Format== A total of 24 teams competed in the final tournament. Only the hosts received an automatic qualification spot, with the other 23 teams qualifying through a qualification tournament. For the finals, the 24 teams were drawn into six groups of four teams. The teams in each group played a single round robin, and after the group stage, the top two teams from each group and the four highest ranked third-placed teams advanced to the round of 16. From then on the tournament proceeded with a knockout phase.
==Match ball== CAF announced the official match ball named Toghu on 23 November 2021. It was made by English manufacturer Umbro.<ref>{{cite news |last=Oludare |first=Shina |title=Afcon 2021: Toghu unveiled as official match ball |url=https://www.goal.com/en-gh/news/afcon-2021-toghu-unveiled-as-official-match-ball/blt2a5bd2f564756a72 |access-date=2 January 2022 |work=Goal |date=24 November 2021 |archive-date=2 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220102003551/https://www.goal.com/en-gh/news/afcon-2021-toghu-unveiled-as-official-match-ball/blt2a5bd2f564756a72 |url-status=live }}</ref>
== Mascot == The mascot, "Mola", was unveiled on 17 May 2021, during a ceremony in Yaoundé. He was a lion and his kit bore resemblance to Cameroon's home colours, with words saying "Cameroon" with "2021" on the top and bottom of the kit.<ref>{{cite web|title=Toute l'actualité de l'administration BIYA du jour à la une depuis Yaoundé|url=https://www.cameroon-tribune.cm/article.html/39923/fr.html/afcon-2021-mascot-|url-status=live|date=17 May 2021|access-date=16 January 2022|website=Cameroon Tribune|language=fr|archive-date=16 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220116003126/https://www.cameroon-tribune.cm/article.html/39923/fr.html/afcon-2021-mascot-}}</ref>
==Match officials== The following referees were chosen for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, with two referees from CONCACAF assigned. The list consists of 24 referees, 31 assistant referees and eight video assistant referees from 36 countries.<ref name="match officials">{{cite web|url=https://www.cafonline.com/press-release/news/totalenergies-afcon-cameroon-match-officials-announced|title=TotalEnergies AFCON Cameroon match officials announced|publisher=Confederation of African Football|date=21 December 2021|access-date=11 January 2022|archive-date=11 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220111181921/https://www.cafonline.com/press-release/news/totalenergies-afcon-cameroon-match-officials-announced|url-status=live}}</ref> It includes Salima Mukansanga, who therefore became the first woman to referee at the Africa Cup of Nations.<ref>{{cite news |title=Referee Salima Mukansanga creates history, becomes first woman to take charge of AFCON match |url=https://www.wionews.com/sports/referee-salima-mukansanga-creates-history-becomes-first-woman-to-take-charge-of-afcon-match-445887 |access-date=19 January 2022 |work=WION |agency=Reuters |date=19 January 2022}}</ref>
===Referees=== {{div col|colwidth=22em}} * {{fbaicon|ALG}} Mustapha Ghorbal * {{fbaicon|ANG}} Hélder Martins Rodrigues de Carvalho * {{fbaicon|BOT}} Joshua Bondo * {{fbaicon|BDI}} Pacifique Ndabihawenimana * {{fbaicon|CMR}} Blaise Yuven Ngwa * {{fbaicon|EGY}} Mahmoud El Banna * {{fbaicon|EGY}} Amin Omar * {{fbaicon|ETH}} Bamlak Tessema Weyesa * {{fbaicon|GHA}} Daniel Nii Laryea * {{fbaicon|GAM}} Bakary Gassama * {{fbaicon|GUA}} Mario Escobar (CONCACAF) * {{fbaicon|KEN}} Peter Waweru * {{fbaicon|MLI}} Boubou Traore * {{fbaicon|MTN}} Dahane Beida * {{fbaicon|MRI}} Ahmad Imtehaz Heeralall * {{fbaicon|MAR}} Redouane Jiyed * {{fbaicon|COD}} Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo * {{fbaicon|RWA}} Salima Mukansanga * {{fbaicon|SEN}} Maguette N'Diaye * {{fbaicon|SEN}} Issa Sy * {{fbaicon|SEY}} Bernard Camille * {{fbaicon|ZAF}} Victor Gomes * {{fbaicon|TUN}} Sadok Selmi * {{fbaicon|ZAM}} Janny Sikazwe {{div col end}}
===Assistant referees=== {{div col|colwidth=22em}} * {{fbaicon|ALG}} Abdelhak Etchiali * {{fbaicon|ALG}} Mokrane Gourari * {{fbaicon|ANG}} Jerson Emiliano dos Santos * {{fbaicon|BFA}} Seydou Tiama * {{fbaicon|CMR}} Elvis Guy Noupue Nguegoue * {{fbaicon|CMR}} Carine Atezambong Fomo * {{fbaicon|TCD}} Issa Yaya * {{fbaicon|COM}} Soulaimane Almadine * {{fbaicon|EGY}} Mahmoud Ahmed Abouelregal * {{fbaicon|EGY}} Ahmed Hossam Taha * {{fbaicon|GUI}} Sidiki Sidibe * {{fbaicon|DJI}} Liban Abdourazak Ahmed * {{fbaicon|KEN}} Gilbert Cheruiyot * {{fbaicon|LSO}} Souru Phatsoane * {{fbaicon|LBY}} Attia Amsaaed * {{fbaicon|MAD}} Lionel Andrianantenaina * {{fbaicon|MAR}} Mustapha Akarkad * {{fbaicon|MAR}} Lahcen Azgaou * {{fbaicon|MAR}} Zakaria Brinsi * {{fbaicon|MAR}} Fatiha Jermoumi * {{fbaicon|MOZ}} Arsenio Maringula * {{fbaicon|NER}} Mahamadou Yahaya * {{fbaicon|NGA}} Samuel Pwadutakam * {{fbaicon|COD}} Olivier Safari * {{fbaicon|SEN}} Djibril Camara * {{fbaicon|SEN}} El Hadj Malick Samba * {{fbaicon|SEY}} James Fredrick Emile * {{fbaicon|RSA}} Zakhele Siwela * {{fbaicon|SUD}} Mohammed Abdallah Ibrahim * {{fbaicon|TUN}} Khalil Hassani * {{fbaicon|UGA}} Dick Okello {{div col end}}
===Video assistant referees=== {{div col|colwidth=22em}} * {{fbaicon|ALG}} Lahlou Benbraham * {{fbaicon|ALG}} Mehdi Abid Charef * {{fbaicon|EGY}} Mahmoud Mohamed Ashour * {{fbaicon|MEX}} Fernando Guerrero (CONCACAF) * {{fbaicon|MAR}} Samir Guezzaz * {{fbaicon|MAR}} Adil Zourak * {{fbaicon|MAR}} Bouchra Karboubi * {{fbaicon|TUN}} Haythem Guirat {{div col end}}
==Draw== The final draw was originally scheduled to take place on 25 June 2021, but was postponed to 17 August 2021 due to logistical reasons relating to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref name="dates"/><ref name="draw postponed">{{cite news|url=https://www.cafonline.com/news-center/news/caf-postpones-totalenergies-africa-cup-final-draw-new-date-to-be-set-soon|title=CAF postpones TotalEnergies Africa Cup final draw, new date to be set soon|publisher=Confederation of African Football|date=6 June 2021|access-date=7 June 2021|archive-date=29 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729221854/https://www.cafonline.com/news-center/news/caf-postpones-totalenergies-africa-cup-final-draw-new-date-to-be-set-soon|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="CAN 2021 : Le tirage au sort prévu au 15 août prochain">{{cite news|url=https://africafootunited.com/can-2021-le-tirage-au-sort-prevu-au-15-aout-prochain|title=CAN 2021 : Le tirage au sort prévu au 15 août prochain|date=21 July 2021|access-date=21 July 2021|archive-date=7 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220107041602/https://africafootunited.com/can-2021-le-tirage-au-sort-prevu-au-15-aout-prochain/|url-status=live}}</ref> The 24 teams were divided into four groups of six each, with the four initial pots determined based on the August 2021 FIFA World Rankings (shown in parentheses), listed below. Cameroon and Algeria were automatically given the top two seeds as hosts and title holders, respectively.
{| class=wikitable |- !width=25%|Pot 1 !width=25%|Pot 2 !width=25%|Pot 3 !width=25%|Pot 4 |- valign=top |{{fb|CMR}} (54) ''(hosts)''<br>{{fb|ALG}} (30) ''(title holders)''<br>{{fb|SEN}} (21)<br>{{fb|TUN}} (28)<br>{{fb|MAR}} (32)<br>{{fb|NGA}} (34) |{{fb|EGY}} (46)<br>{{fb|GHA}} (52)<br>{{fb|CIV}} (57)<br>{{fb|MLI}} (60)<br>{{fb|BFA}} (62)<br>{{fb|GUI}} (76) |{{fb|CPV}} (77)<br>{{fb|GAB}} (85)<br>{{fb|MTN}} (100)<br>{{fb|SLE}} (106)<br>{{fb|ZIM}} (108)<br>{{fb|GNB}} (109) |{{fb|MWI}} (118)<br>{{fb|SDN}} (121)<br>{{fb|EQG}} (132)<br>{{fb|COM}} (133)<br>{{fb|ETH}} (137)<br>{{fb|GAM}} (148) |}
==Venues== {{OSM Location map | width=250| height=320| coord={{coord|6.763|12.458}} | zoom=5| shape1=n-circle | caption=Location of the host cities of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations | auto-caption=6 | shape-color1 = #007a5e | mark-title1 = Yaoundé | mark-description1 = Olembe Stadium<br />Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium | mark-coord1 = {{Coord|3.8619|11.5207}} | mark-title2 = Douala | mark-description2 = Japoma Stadium | mark-coord2 = {{Coord|4.0413|9.7064}} | mark-title3 = Garoua | mark-description3 = Roumdé Adjia Stadium | mark-coord3 = {{Coord|9.3079|13.3965}} | mark-title4 = Bafoussam | mark-description4 = Kouekong Stadium | mark-coord4 = {{Coord|5.4756|10.4192}} | mark-title5 = Limbe | mark-description5 = Limbe Stadium | mark-coord5 = {{Coord|4.0102|9.2064}} }} With the Africa Cup of Nations expanded from 16 to 24 teams, six venues were used across five Cameroonian cities.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40645134|title=Cameroon government moves to ease 2019 AFCON fears|date=19 July 2017|last=Bongben|first=Leocadia|publisher=BBC|access-date=26 July 2019|archive-date=24 June 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190624184256/https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/40645134|url-status=live}}</ref> The six stadiums selected to host matches were the Olembe Stadium and Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, both in the capital Yaoundé, the Japoma Stadium in Douala, the Limbe Stadium in Limbe, the Kouekong Stadium in Bafoussam and the Roumde Adjia Stadium in Garoua.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.camer237.com/the-six-stadiums-to-host-afcon-2021/|title=The Six stadiums To Host Afcon 2021 Cameroon|date=25 July 2019|website=camer237.com|access-date=26 July 2019|archive-date=26 July 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726105335/https://en.camer237.com/the-six-stadiums-to-host-afcon-2021/|url-status=live}}</ref> The opening match of the tournament and the final took place at the newly built 60,000 seater Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Okeleji |first1=Oluwashina |title=Football: Ready or not, here we come |url=https://www.theafricareport.com/439/football-ready-or-not-here-we-come/amp/ |website=The Africa Report.com |date=3 December 2018 |access-date=26 July 2019 |archive-date=26 July 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190726121155/https://www.theafricareport.com/439/football-ready-or-not-here-we-come/amp/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
{| class="wikitable sortable" !City !Stadium !Capacity |- | rowspan="2" |Yaoundé |Olembe Stadium |60,000 |- |Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium |42,500 |- |Douala |Japoma Stadium |50,000 |- |Garoua |Roumdé Adjia Stadium |25,000 |- |Bafoussam |Kouekong Stadium |20,000 |- |Limbe |Limbe Stadium |20,000 |} {{Clear}}
== Opening ceremony == thumb|237x237px|Atmosphere before the start of the AFCON launch ceremonies. The opening ceremony of the stadium began at 10:00 with the setting up of the animation groups and the cultural activities which lasted until 14:00.<ref>{{Cite news|title=CAN-2021: la Côte d'Ivoire va saisir le TAS|language=fr|work=BBC News Afrique|url=https://www.bbc.com/afrique/region-46562205|access-date=25 January 2022|archive-date=25 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125135623/https://www.bbc.com/afrique/region-46562205|url-status=live}}</ref> Guests and officials were set up until the start of the opening match at 17:00. Among the guests were members of Confederation of African Football (CAF), members of the diplomatic corps, presidents of legislative and judicial institutions, members of government including the president of COCAN 2021 and the presidents of CAF and FIFA.
The set-up of officials ended by 16:00 with the arrival of the presidents of Comoros and Cameroon. After the performance of the hymns, the opening speech was made by Patrice Motsepe, CAF's president followed by the solemn opening of the competition by the President of the Republic of Cameroon, Paul Biya, after which a cultural parade of about an hour took place.
A cultural interlude representing the four cultural areas of Cameroon was presented with five hundred young ambassadors and the mascot Mola who participated in the dance, the host artist, Fally Ipupa offered a performance.<ref>{{Cite web|date=3 January 2019|title=CAN 2021: Paul Biya confirme la tenue de la compétition au Cameroun|url=https://www.africatopsports.com/2019/01/03/can-2021-paul-biya-confirme-tenue-de-competition-cameroun/|access-date=25 January 2022|website=Africa Top Sports|language=fr|archive-date=25 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125134123/https://www.africatopsports.com/2019/01/03/can-2021-paul-biya-confirme-tenue-de-competition-cameroun/|url-status=live}}</ref> During this parade, a virtual lion appeared to viewers, this was set up by Belgian graphic designer Thibault Baras on an idea of the creative company lib.<ref>{{cite web|date=12 January 2022|title=CAN 2022 : qui a conçu le lion virtuel d'Olembe qui a tant fasciné ?|url=https://www.africatopsuccess.com/can-2022-qui-a-concu-le-lion-virtuel-dolembe-qui-a-tant-fascine/|access-date=25 January 2022|website=Africa Top Success|language=fr|archive-date=25 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125022720/https://www.africatopsuccess.com/can-2022-qui-a-concu-le-lion-virtuel-dolembe-qui-a-tant-fascine/|url-status=live}}</ref> Made in augmented reality and turned on a game engine, this lion was sixteen meters long, eight meters high and weighed a ton.<ref>{{cite web|title=Cameroon-Info.Net:: CAN Cameroun 2021: Voici Thibault Baras, le créateur du lion virtuel d'Olembé|url=https://www.cameroon-info.net/article/can-cameroun-2021-voici-thibault-baras-le-createur-du-lion-virtuel-dolembe-407193.html|access-date=25 January 2022|website=Cameroon Info|language=fr|archive-date=13 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113110525/https://www.cameroon-info.net/article/can-cameroun-2021-voici-thibault-baras-le-createur-du-lion-virtuel-dolembe-407193.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://pavels-sportsbiz.com/afcon-2021-thibault-baras-reveals-stunning-details-about-opening-ceremonys-virtual-lion-2/|title=AFCON 2021: Thibault Baras reveals stunning details about opening ceremony's virtual lion|access-date=25 January 2022|website=Cameroon Sports News|date=13 January 2022|archive-date=25 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125214123/https://pavels-sportsbiz.com/afcon-2021-thibault-baras-reveals-stunning-details-about-opening-ceremonys-virtual-lion-2/|url-status=live}}</ref>
After the match, which took place from 17:00 to 19:00, there was a fireworks display.
==Squads== {{main|2021 Africa Cup of Nations squads}}
==Group stage== {{Hatnote|All times are local, WAT (UTC+1).}}
The top two teams of each group, along with the best four third-placed teams, advanced to the round of 16.
===Tiebreakers=== Teams were ranked according to points (3 points for a win, 1 point for a draw, 0 points for a loss), and if tied on points, the following tiebreaking criteria were applied, in the order given, to determine the rankings (Regulations Article 74):<ref name="regulations">{{cite web|url=https://images.cafonline.com/image/upload/caf-prd/bm58fa2qjh76asriri5s.pdf|title=Regulations of the Africa Cup of Nations|publisher=Confederation of African Football|access-date=11 January 2022|archive-date=5 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220105104452/https://images.cafonline.com/image/upload/caf-prd/bm58fa2qjh76asriri5s.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> # Points in head-to-head matches among tied teams; # Goal difference in head-to-head matches among tied teams; # Goals scored in head-to-head matches among tied teams; # If more than two teams were tied, and after applying all head-to-head criteria above, if two teams were still tied, all head-to-head criteria above were applied exclusively to these two teams; # Goal difference in all group matches; # Goals scored in all group matches; # Drawing of lots.
===Group A=== {{main|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group A}}
{{2021 Africa Cup of Nations group tables|Group A|only_pld_pts=no_hide_class_rules}}
{{Football box |date = {{Start date|2022|1|9|df=y}} |time = 17:00 |team1 = {{fb-rt|CMR}} |score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group A#Cameroon vs Burkina Faso|2–1}} |team2 = {{fb|BFA}} |goals1 = Aboubakar {{goal|40|pen.|45+3|pen.}} |goals2 = Sangaré {{goal|24}} |stadium = Olembe Stadium, Yaoundé |attendance = |referee = Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria) |report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243250/match-report }} {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|9|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|ETH}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group A#Ethiopia vs Cape Verde|0–1}} | team2 = {{fb|CPV}} | goals2 = J. Tavares {{goal|45+1}} | stadium = Olembe Stadium, Yaoundé | attendance = | referee = Hélder Martins de Carvalho (Angola) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243251/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|13|df=y}} | time = 17:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|CMR}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group A#Cameroon vs Ethiopia|4–1}} | team2 = {{fb|ETH}} | goals1 = *Toko Ekambi {{goal|8||68}} *Aboubakar {{goal|53||55}} | goals2 = Hotessa {{goal|4}} | stadium = Olembe Stadium, Yaoundé | attendance = | referee = Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo (DR Congo) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243252/match-report }} {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|13|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|CPV}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group A#Cape Verde vs Burkina Faso|0–1}} | team2 = {{fb|BFA}} | goals2 = Bandé {{goal|39}} | stadium = Olembe Stadium, Yaoundé | attendance = | referee = Amin Omar (Egypt) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243253/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|17|df=y}} | time = 17:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|CPV}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group A#Cape Verde vs Cameroon|1–1}} | team2 = {{fb|CMR}} | goals1 = Rodrigues {{goal|53}} | goals2 = Aboubakar {{goal|39}} | stadium = Olembe Stadium, Yaoundé | attendance = | referee = Sadok Selmi (Tunisia) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243254/match-report }} {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|17|df=y}} | time = 17:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|BFA}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group A#Burkina Faso vs Ethiopia|1–1}} | team2 = {{fb|ETH}} | goals1 = Bayala {{goal|25}} | goals2 = Kebede {{goal|52|pen.}} | stadium = Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam | attendance = | referee = Ahmad Heeralall (Mauritius) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243255/match-report }}
===Group B=== {{main|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group B}}
{{2021 Africa Cup of Nations group tables|Group B|only_pld_pts=no_hide_class_rules}}
{{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|10|df=y}} | time = 14:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|SEN}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group B#Senegal vs Zimbabwe|1–0}} | team2 = {{fb|ZIM}} | goals1 = Mané {{goal|90+7|pen.}} | stadium = Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam | attendance = | referee = Mario Escobar (Guatemala) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243256/match-report }} {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|10|df=y}} | time = 17:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|GUI}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group B#Guinea vs Malawi|1–0}} | team2 = {{fb|MWI}} | goals1 = I. Sylla {{goal|35}} | stadium = Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam | attendance = | referee = Daniel Nii Laryea (Ghana) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243257/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|14|df=y}} | time = 14:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|SEN}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group B#Senegal vs Guinea|0–0}} | team2 = {{fb|GUI}} | stadium = Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam | attendance = | referee = Bamlak Tessema Weyesa (Ethiopia) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243258/match-report }} {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|14|df=y}} | time = 17:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|MWI}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group B#Malawi vs Zimbabwe|2–1}} | team2 = {{fb|ZIM}} | goals1 = Mhango {{goal|43||58}} | goals2 = Wadi {{goal|38}} | stadium = Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam | attendance = | referee = Dahane Beida (Mauritania) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243259/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|18|df=y}} | time = 17:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|MWI}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group B#Malawi vs Senegal|0–0}} | team2 = {{fb|SEN}} | stadium = Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam | attendance = | referee = Blaise Yuven Ngwa (Cameroon) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243261/match-report }} {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|18|df=y}} | time = 17:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|ZIM}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group B#Zimbabwe vs Guinea|2–1}} | team2 = {{fb|GUI}} | goals1 = *Musona {{goal|26}} *Mahachi {{goal|43}} | goals2 = Keïta {{goal|49}} | stadium = Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaoundé | attendance = | referee = Salima Mukansanga (Rwanda) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243260/match-report }}
===Group C=== {{main|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group C}}
{{2021 Africa Cup of Nations group tables|Group C|only_pld_pts=no_hide_class_rules}}
{{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|10|df=y}} | time = 17:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|MAR}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group C#Morocco vs Ghana|1–0}} | team2 = {{fb|GHA}} | goals1 = Boufal {{goal|83}} | stadium = Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaoundé | attendance = | referee = Joshua Bondo (Botswana) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243262/match-report }} {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|10|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|COM}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group C#Comoros vs Gabon|0–1}} | team2 = {{fb|GAB}} | goals2 = Boupendza {{goal|16}} | stadium = Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaoundé | attendance = | referee = Peter Waweru (Kenya) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243263/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|14|df=y}} | time = 17:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|MAR}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group C#Morocco vs Comoros|2–0}} | team2 = {{fb|COM}} | goals1 = *Amallah {{goal|16}} *Aboukhlal {{goal|88}} | stadium = Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaoundé | attendance = | referee = Sadok Selmi (Tunisia) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243264/match-report }} {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|14|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|GAB}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group C#Gabon vs Ghana|1–1}} | team2 = {{fb|GHA}} | goals1 = Allevinah {{goal|88}} | goals2 = A. Ayew {{goal|18}} | stadium = Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaoundé | attendance = | referee = Lahlou Benbraham (Algeria) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243265/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|18|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|GAB}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group C#Gabon vs Morocco|2–2}} | team2 = {{fb|MAR}} | goals1 = *Allevinah {{goal|21}} *Aguerd {{goal|81|o.g.}} | goals2 = *Boufal {{goal|74|pen.}} *Hakimi {{goal|84}} | stadium = Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaoundé | attendance = | referee = Dahane Beida (Mauritania) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243266/match-report }} {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|18|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|GHA}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group C#Ghana vs Comoros|2–3}} | team2 = {{fb|COM}} | goals1 = *Boakye {{goal|64}} *Djiku {{goal|77}} | goals2 = *Ben Nabouhane {{goal|4}} *Mogni {{goal|62||85}} | stadium = Roumdé Adjia Stadium, Garoua | attendance = | referee = Boubou Traore (Mali) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243267/match-report }}
===Group D=== {{main|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group D}}
{{2021 Africa Cup of Nations group tables|Group D|only_pld_pts=no_hide_class_rules}}
{{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|11|df=y}} | time = 17:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|NGA}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group D#Nigeria vs Egypt|1–0}} | team2 = {{fb|EGY}} | goals1 = Iheanacho {{goal|30}} | stadium = Roumdé Adjia Stadium, Garoua | attendance = | referee = Bakary Gassama (Gambia) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243268/match-report }} {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|11|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|SDN}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group D#Sudan vs Guinea-Bissau|0–0}} | team2 = {{fb|GNB}} | stadium = Roumdé Adjia Stadium, Garoua | attendance = | referee = Issa Sy (Senegal) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243269/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|15|df=y}} | time = 17:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|NGA}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group D#Nigeria vs Sudan|3–1}} | team2 = {{fb|SDN}} | goals1 = *Chukwueze {{goal|3}} *Awoniyi {{goal|45}} *Simon {{goal|46}} | goals2 = Khedr {{goal|70|pen.}} | stadium = Roumdé Adjia Stadium, Garoua | attendance = | referee = Victor Gomes (South Africa) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243270/match-report }} {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|15|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|GNB}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group D#Guinea-Bissau vs Egypt|0–1}} | team2 = {{fb|EGY}} | goals2 = Salah {{goal|69}} | stadium = Roumdé Adjia Stadium, Garoua | attendance = | referee = Pacifique Ndabihawenimana (Burundi) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243271/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|19|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|GNB}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group D#Guinea-Bissau vs Nigeria|0–2}} | team2 = {{fb|NGA}} | goals2 = *Sadiq {{goal|56}} *Troost-Ekong {{goal|75}} | stadium = Roumdé Adjia Stadium, Garoua | attendance = | referee = Peter Waweru (Kenya) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243272/match-report }} {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|19|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|EGY}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group D#Egypt vs Sudan|1–0}} | team2 = {{fb|SDN}} | goals1 = Abdelmonem {{goal|35}} | stadium = Stade Ahmadou Ahidjo, Yaoundé | attendance = | referee = Joshua Bondo (Botswana) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243273/match-report }}
===Group E=== {{main|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group E}}
{{2021 Africa Cup of Nations group tables|Group E|only_pld_pts=no_hide_class_rules}}
{{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|11|df=y}} | time = 14:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|ALG}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group E#Algeria vs Sierra Leone|0–0}} | team2 = {{fb|SLE}} | stadium = Japoma Stadium, Douala | attendance = | referee = Ahmad Imetehaz Heeralall (Mauritius) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243274/match-report }} {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|12|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|EQG}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group E#Equatorial Guinea vs Ivory Coast|0–1}} | team2 = {{fb|CIV}} | goals2 = Gradel {{goal|5}} | stadium = Japoma Stadium, Douala | attendance = | referee = Redouane Jiyed (Morocco) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243275/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|16|df=y}} | time = 17:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|CIV}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group E#Ivory Coast vs Sierra Leone|2–2}} | team2 = {{fb|SLE}} | goals1 = *Haller {{goal|25}} *Pépé {{goal|65}} | goals2 = *Mu. Kamara {{goal|55}} *A. Kamara {{goal|90+3}} | stadium = Japoma Stadium, Douala | attendance = | referee = Maguette N'Diaye (Senegal) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243276/match-report }} {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|16|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|ALG}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group E#Algeria vs Equatorial Guinea|0–1}} | team2 = {{fb|EQG}} | goals2 = Esteban {{goal|70}} | stadium = Japoma Stadium, Douala | attendance = | referee = Mario Escobar (Guatemala) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243277/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|20|df=y}} | time = 17:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|CIV}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group E#Ivory Coast vs Algeria|3–1}} | team2 = {{fb|ALG}} | goals1 = *Kessié {{goal|22}} *I. Sangaré {{goal|39}} *Pépé {{goal|54}} | goals2 = Bendebka {{goal|73}} | stadium = Japoma Stadium, Douala | attendance = | referee = Victor Gomes (South Africa) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243278/match-report }} {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|20|df=y}} | time = 17:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|SLE}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group E#Sierra Leone vs Equatorial Guinea|0–1}} | team2 = {{fb|EQG}} | goals2 = Ganet {{goal|38}} | stadium = Limbe Stadium, Limbe | attendance = | referee = Mohamed Marouf Eid Mansour (Egypt) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243279/match-report }}
===Group F=== {{main|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group F}}
{{2021 Africa Cup of Nations group tables|Group F|only_pld_pts=no_hide_class_rules}}
{{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|12|df=y}} | time = 14:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|TUN}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group F#Tunisia vs Mali|0–1}} | team2 = {{fb|MLI}} | goals2 = Koné {{goal|48|pen.}} | stadium = Limbe Stadium, Limbe | attendance = | referee = Janny Sikazwe (Zambia) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243280/match-report }} {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|12|df=y}} | time = 17:45{{refn|group=note|The Mauritania v Gambia match was originally scheduled to kick-off at 17:00, but was delayed to 17:45 due to timing issues in the Tunisia v Mali match.}} | team1 = {{fb-rt|MTN}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group F#Mauritania vs Gambia|0–1}} | team2 = {{fb|GAM}} | goals2 = A. Jallow {{goal|10}} | stadium = Limbe Stadium, Limbe | attendance = | referee = Mustapha Ghorbal (Algeria) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243281/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|16|df=y}} | time = 14:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|GAM}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group F#Gambia vs Mali|1–1}} | team2 = {{fb|MLI}} | goals1 = Mu. Barrow {{goal|90|pen.}} | goals2 = Koné {{goal|79|pen.}} | stadium = Limbe Stadium, Limbe | attendance = | referee = Samir Guezzaz (Morocco) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243283/match-report }} {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|16|df=y}} | time = 17:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|TUN}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group F#Tunisia vs Mauritania|4–0}} | team2 = {{fb|MTN}} | goals1 = *Mathlouthi {{goal|4}} *Khazri {{goal|9||64}} *Jaziri {{goal|66}} | stadium = Limbe Stadium, Limbe | attendance = | referee = Mahmoud El Banna (Egypt) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243282/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|20|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|GAM}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group F#Gambia vs Tunisia|1–0}} | team2 = {{fb|TUN}} | goals1 = A. Jallow {{goal|90+3}} | stadium = Limbe Stadium, Limbe | attendance = | referee = Fernando Guerrero (Mexico) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243284/match-report }} {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|1|20|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|MLI}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations Group F#Mali vs Mauritania|2–0}} | team2 = {{fb|MTN}} | goals1 = *Haïdara {{goal|2}} *Koné {{goal|49|pen.}} | stadium = Japoma Stadium, Douala | attendance = | referee = Bernard Camille (Seychelles) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243285/match-report }}
===Ranking of third-placed teams=== {{2021 Africa Cup of Nations group tables|3rd place}}
===Combinations of matches in the round of 16=== <section begin=Combinations /> The specific match-ups involving the third-placed teams depended on which four third-placed teams qualified for the round of 16:
{{legend|#BBF3BB|Combination according to the four qualified teams}}
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" |- ! colspan=6 | Third-placed teams<br />qualify from groups ! rowspan=16 | ! 1A<br />vs ! 1B<br />vs ! 1C<br />vs ! 1D<br />vs |- style="background:#FAFAFA;" | '''A''' || '''B''' || '''C''' || '''D''' || || || 3C || 3D || 3A || 3B |- style="background:#FAFAFA;" | '''A''' || '''B''' || '''C''' || || '''E''' || || 3C || 3A || 3B || 3E |- style="background:#BBF3BB;" | '''A''' || '''B''' || '''C''' || || || '''F''' || 3C || 3A || 3B || 3F |- style="background:#FAFAFA;" | '''A''' || '''B''' || || '''D''' || '''E''' || || 3D || 3A || 3B || 3E |- style="background:#FAFAFA;" | '''A''' || '''B''' || || '''D''' || || '''F''' || 3D || 3A || 3B || 3F |- style="background:#FAFAFA;" | '''A''' || '''B''' || || || '''E''' || '''F''' || 3E || 3A || 3B || 3F |- style="background:#FAFAFA;" | '''A''' || || '''C''' || '''D''' || '''E''' || || 3C || 3D || 3A || 3E |- style="background:#FAFAFA;" | '''A''' || || '''C''' || '''D''' || || '''F''' || 3C || 3D || 3A || 3F |- style="background:#FAFAFA;" | '''A''' || || '''C''' || || '''E''' || '''F''' || 3C || 3A || 3F || 3E |- style="background:#FAFAFA;" | '''A''' || || || '''D''' || '''E''' || '''F''' || 3D || 3A || 3F || 3E |- style="background:#FAFAFA;" | || '''B''' || '''C''' || '''D''' || '''E''' || || 3C || 3D || 3B || 3E |- style="background:#FAFAFA;" | || '''B''' || '''C''' || '''D''' || || '''F''' || 3C || 3D || 3B || 3F |- style="background:#FAFAFA;" | || '''B''' || '''C''' || || '''E''' || '''F''' || 3E || 3C || 3B || 3F |- style="background:#FAFAFA;" | || '''B''' || || '''D''' || '''E''' || '''F''' || 3E || 3D || 3B || 3F |- style="background:#FAFAFA;" | || || '''C''' || '''D''' || '''E''' || '''F''' || 3C || 3D || 3F || 3E |}<section end="Combinations" />
==Knockout stage== {{Main|2021 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage}}
In the knockout stage, extra time and a penalty shoot-out were used to decide the winner if necessary, except for the third place match, where a direct penalty shoot-out, without any extra time, was used to decide the winner if necessary (Regulations Article 75).
===Bracket=== {{#lst:2021 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage|Bracket}}
===Round of 16=== {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|01|23|df=y}} | time = 17:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|BFA}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage#Burkina Faso vs Gabon|1–1}} | aet = y | penaltyscore = 7–6 | team2 = {{fb|GAB}} | goals1 = B. Traoré {{goal|28}} | goals2 = Guira {{goal|90+1|o.g.}} | stadium = Limbe Stadium, Limbe | penalties1 = *Kaboré {{pengoal}} *S. Ouattara {{pengoal}} *E. Tapsoba {{pengoal}} *Simporé {{penmiss}} *Yago {{pengoal}} *Guira {{pengoal}} *Konaté {{pengoal}} *A. Tapsoba {{penmiss}} *I. Ouédraogo {{pengoal}} | penalties2 = *{{pengoal}} Bouanga *{{pengoal}} Méyé *{{pengoal}} Boupendza *{{penmiss}} Kanga *{{pengoal}} Biyogo Poko *{{pengoal}} Ecuele Manga *{{pengoal}} Ameka *{{penmiss}} N'Gakoutou *{{penmiss}} Palun | attendance = | referee = Redouane Jiyed (Morocco) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243286/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|01|23|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|NGA}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage#Nigeria vs Tunisia|0–1}} | team2 = {{fb|TUN}} | goals2 = Msakni {{goal|47}} | stadium = Roumdé Adjia Stadium, Garoua | attendance = | referee = Maguette N'Diaye (Senegal) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243287/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|01|24|df=y}} | time = 17:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|GUI}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage#Guinea vs Gambia|0–1}} | team2 = {{fb|GAM}} | goals2 = Mu. Barrow {{goal|71}} | stadium = Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam | attendance = | referee = Amin Omar (Egypt) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243289/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|01|24|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|CMR}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage#Cameroon vs Comoros|2–1}} | team2 = {{fb|COM}} | goals1 = *Toko Ekambi {{goal|29}} *Aboubakar {{goal|70}} | goals2 = Y. M'Changama {{goal|81}} | stadium = Olembe Stadium, Yaoundé | attendance = | referee = Bamlak Tessema Weyesa (Ethiopia) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243288/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|01|25|df=y}} | time = 17:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|SEN}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage#Senegal vs Cape Verde|2–0}} | team2 = {{fb|CPV}} | goals1 = *Mané {{goal|63}} *B. Dieng {{goal|90+2}} | stadium = Kouekong Stadium, Bafoussam | attendance = | referee = Lahlou Benbraham (Algeria) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243290/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|01|25|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|MAR}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage#Morocco vs Malawi|2–1}} | team2 = {{fb|MWI}} | goals1 = *En-Nesyri {{goal|45+2}} *Hakimi {{goal|70}} | goals2 = Mhango {{goal|7}} | stadium = Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaoundé | attendance = | referee = Pacifique Ndabihawenimana (Burundi) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243291/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|01|26|df=y}} | time = 17:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|CIV}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage#Ivory Coast vs Egypt|0–0}} | team2 = {{fb|EGY}} | aet = y | penalties1 = *Pépé {{pengoal}} *I. Sangaré {{pengoal}} *Bailly {{penmiss}} *Cornet {{pengoal}} *Zaha {{pengoal}} | penaltyscore = 4–5 | penalties2 = *{{pengoal}} Zizo *{{pengoal}} El Solia *{{pengoal}} Kamal *{{pengoal}} Abdelmonem *{{pengoal}} Salah | stadium = Japoma Stadium, Douala | attendance = | referee = Jean Jacques Ndala Ngambo (DR Congo) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243292/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|01|26|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|MLI}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage#Mali vs Equatorial Guinea|0–0}} | aet = y | team2 = {{fb|EQG}} | penalties1 = *A. N. Traoré {{pengoal}} *Djenepo {{pengoal}} *M. Haïdara {{penmiss}} *Hama. Traoré {{penmiss}} *Touré {{pengoal}} *Dieng {{pengoal}} *Camara {{pengoal}} *Sacko {{penmiss}} | penaltyscore = 5–6 | penalties2 = *{{penmiss}} E. Nsue *{{pengoal}} Belima *{{pengoal}} Akapo *{{pengoal}} Buyla *{{penmiss}} Ganet *{{pengoal}} Coco *{{pengoal}} Salvador *{{pengoal}} Eneme | stadium = Limbe Stadium, Limbe | attendance = | referee = Bakary Gassama (Gambia) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243293/match-report }}
===Quarter-finals=== {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|01|29|df=y}} | time = 17:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|GAM}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage#Gambia vs Cameroon|0–2}} | team2 = {{fb|CMR}} | goals2 = Toko Ekambi {{goal|50||57}} | stadium = Japoma Stadium, Douala | attendance = 36,259<ref>{{Cite news|title=Cameroon progress but sombre day shows Olembé tragedy's cuts run deep|work=The Guardian|first=Nick |last=Ames |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/jan/29/cameroon-progress-africa-cup-of-nations-the-gambia|access-date=29 January 2022|date=29 January 2022}}</ref> | referee = Pacifique Ndabihawenimana (Burundi) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243295/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|01|29|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|BFA}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage#Burkina Faso vs Tunisia|1–0}} | team2 = {{fb|TUN}} | goals1 = Da. Ouattara {{goal|45+3}} | stadium = Roumdé Adjia Stadium, Garoua | attendance = | referee = Joshua Bondo (Botswana) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243294/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|01|30|df=y}} | time = 16:00{{refn|group=note|The Egypt v Morocco match was originally scheduled to kick-off at 17:00, but was rescheduled to 16:00.}} | team1 = {{fb-rt|EGY}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage#Egypt vs Morocco|2–1}} | aet = y | team2 = {{fb|MAR}} | goals1 = *Salah {{goal|53}} *Trézéguet {{goal|100}} | goals2 = Boufal {{goal|7|pen.}} | stadium = Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaoundé{{refn|group=note|name="OlembeAhidjo"|The match was originally due to be held at Olembe Stadium in Yaoundé, but was relocated due to the investigation into the Yaoundé stadium disaster.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Kouam|first1=Joel|last2=McCluskey|first2=Mitchell|last3=Klosok|first3=Aleks|date=24 January 2022|title=AFCON: Report into deadly stadium crush will focus on who closed gate that led to loss of lives|url=https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/24/africa/cameroon-stadium-collapse-intl-afr/index.html|access-date=25 January 2022|work=CNN}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/60125621|title=Afcon 2021: Quarter-final at Olembe Stadium to be moved after fatal crush|work=BBC Sport|access-date=26 January 2022 |date=26 January 2022}}</ref><ref name="CAF_26Jan22"/>}} | attendance = | referee = Maguette N'Diaye (Senegal) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243296/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|01|30|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|SEN}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage#Senegal vs Equatorial Guinea|3–1}} | team2 = {{fb|EQG}} | goals1 = *Diédhiou {{goal|28}} *Kouyaté {{goal|68}} *I. Sarr {{goal|79}} | goals2 = Buyla {{goal|57}} | stadium = Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaoundé{{refn|group=note|name="CAF26Jan22"|The match was originally due to be held at Japoma Stadium in Douala, but was relocated.<ref name="CAF_26Jan22">{{Cite news|url=https://www.cafonline.com/press-release/news/caf-organising-committee-media-statement|title=CAF Organising Committee Media Statement|publisher=Confederation of African Football|access-date=27 January 2022|date=26 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/sport/africa/60146896|title=Afcon 2021: Two Douala games moved to Yaounde|work=BBC Sport|access-date=27 January 2022|date=26 January 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|title=African Cup organizers change venues for 3 knockout games|publisher=Associated Press |url=https://apnews.com/article/soccer-sports-comoros-cameroon-yaounde-efbbb5efb45bdc7e413354a68c2f437b|access-date=27 January 2022|date=26 January 2022}}</ref>}} | attendance = | referee = Victor Gomes (South Africa) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243297/match-report }}
===Semi-finals=== {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|02|02|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|BFA}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage#Burkina Faso vs Senegal|1–3}} | team2 = {{fb|SEN}} | goals1 = Touré {{goal|82}} | goals2 = *A. Diallo {{goal|70}} *I. Gueye {{goal|76}} *Mané {{goal|87}} | stadium = Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaoundé{{refn|group=note|name="CAF26Jan22"}} | attendance = | referee = Bamlak Tessema Weyesa (Ethiopia) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243298/match-report }} ---- {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|02|03|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|CMR}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage#Cameroon vs Egypt|0–0}} | team2 = {{fb|EGY}} | penaltyscore = 1–3 | aet = y | penalties1 = *Aboubakar {{pengoal}} *Moukoudi {{penmiss}} *Léa Siliki {{penmiss}} *N'Jie {{penmiss}} | penalties2 = *{{pengoal}} Zizo *{{pengoal}} Abdelmonem *{{pengoal}} Lasheen | stadium = Olembe Stadium, Yaoundé | attendance = 24,371<ref>{{Cite news|title=Salah's Egypt to face Mané's Senegal in final after shootout win over Cameroon|work=The Guardian|first=Nick |last=Ames |url=https://www.theguardian.com/football/2022/feb/03/gabals-penalty-shoot-out-saves-take-egypt-past-cameroon-into-afcon-final|access-date=6 February 2022|date=3 February 2022}}</ref> | referee = Bakary Gassama (Gambia) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243299/match-report }}
===Third place play-off=== {{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|02|05|df=y}} | time = 20:00{{refn|group=note|name="sixtofive"|The match was originally due to be held on 6 February 2022 at 17:00, but was rescheduled due to security and convenience reasons.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.beinsports.com/en/africa-cup-of-nations/news/afcon-third-place-match-brought-forward-to-sa/1825668|title=AFCON third-place match brought forward to Saturday|work=BeIN Sports|access-date=3 February 2022 |date=3 February 2022}}</ref>}} | team1 = {{fb-rt|BFA}} | score = {{score link|2021 Africa Cup of Nations knockout stage#Third place match|3–3}} | penaltyscore = 3–5 | team2 = {{fb|CMR}} | goals1 = *Yago {{goal|24}} *A. Onana {{goal|43|o.g.}} *Dj. Ouattara {{goal|49}} | penalties1 = *Kaboré {{pengoal}} *S. Ouattara {{pengoal}} *Touré {{penmiss}} *Yago {{pengoal}} | goals2 = *Bahoken {{goal|71}} *Aboubakar {{goal|85||87}} | penalties2 = *{{pengoal}} Aboubakar *{{pengoal}} Ngamaleu *{{pengoal}} Toko Ekambi *{{pengoal}} Kunde *{{pengoal}} Oyongo | stadium = Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium, Yaoundé | attendance = | referee = Redouane Jiyed (Morocco) | report = https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243300/match-report }}
===Final=== {{Main|2021 Africa Cup of Nations final}}
{{Football box | date = {{Start date|2022|02|06|df=y}} | time = 20:00 | team1 = {{fb-rt|SEN}} | score = 0–0 | aet = yes | team2 = {{fb|EGY}} | penalties1 = *Koulibaly {{pengoal}} *A. Diallo {{pengoal}} *B. Sarr {{penmiss}} *B. Dieng {{pengoal}} *Mané {{pengoal}} | penaltyscore = 4–2 | penalties2 = *{{pengoal}} Zizo *{{penmiss}} Abdelmonem *{{pengoal}} Mar. Hamdy *{{penmiss}} Lasheen | stadium = Olembe Stadium, Yaoundé | attendance = 48,000 | referee = Victor Gomes (South Africa) | report = https://web.archive.org/web/20220922065741/https://www.cafonline.com/total-africa-cup-of-nations/matches/2021/2243301/match-report }}
==Statistics==
===Goalscorers=== {{Goalscorers |goals=100|matches=52
|8 goals= *{{fbicon|CMR}} Vincent Aboubakar
|5 goals= *{{fbicon|CMR}} Karl Toko Ekambi
|3 goals= *{{fbicon|MWI}} Gabadinho Mhango *{{fbicon|MLI}} Ibrahima Koné *{{fbicon|MAR}} Sofiane Boufal *{{fbicon|SEN}} Sadio Mané
|2 goals= *{{fbicon|COM}} Ahmed Mogni *{{fbicon|EGY}} Mohamed Salah *{{fbicon|GAB}} Jim Allevinah *{{fbicon|GAM}} Musa Barrow *{{fbicon|GAM}} Ablie Jallow *{{fbicon|CIV}} Nicolas Pépé *{{fbicon|MAR}} Achraf Hakimi *{{fbicon|TUN}} Wahbi Khazri
|1 goal= *{{fbicon|ALG}} Sofiane Bendebka *{{fbicon|BFA}} Hassane Bandé *{{fbicon|BFA}} Cyrille Bayala *{{fbicon|BFA}} Dango Ouattara *{{fbicon|BFA}} Djibril Ouattara *{{fbicon|BFA}} Gustavo Sangaré *{{fbicon|BFA}} Blati Touré *{{fbicon|BFA}} Bertrand Traoré *{{fbicon|BFA}} Steeve Yago *{{fbicon|CMR}} Stéphane Bahoken *{{fbicon|CPV}} Garry Rodrigues *{{fbicon|CPV}} Júlio Tavares *{{fbicon|COM}} Youssouf M'Changama *{{fbicon|COM}} El Fardou Ben Nabouhane *{{fbicon|EGY}} Mohamed Abdelmonem *{{fbicon|EGY}} Trézéguet *{{fbicon|EQG}} Jannick Buyla *{{fbicon|EQG}} Pablo Ganet *{{fbicon|EQG}} Esteban Obiang *{{fbicon|ETH}} Dawa Hotessa *{{fbicon|ETH}} Getaneh Kebede *{{fbicon|GAB}} Aaron Boupendza *{{fbicon|GHA}} André Ayew *{{fbicon|GHA}} Richmond Boakye *{{fbicon|GHA}} Alexander Djiku *{{fbicon|GUI}} Naby Keïta *{{fbicon|GUI}} Issiaga Sylla *{{fbicon|CIV}} Max Gradel *{{fbicon|CIV}} Sébastien Haller *{{fbicon|CIV}} Franck Kessié *{{fbicon|CIV}} Ibrahim Sangaré *{{fbicon|MLI}} Massadio Haïdara *{{fbicon|MAR}} Zakaria Aboukhlal *{{fbicon|MAR}} Selim Amallah *{{fbicon|MAR}} Youssef En-Nesyri *{{fbicon|NGA}} Taiwo Awoniyi *{{fbicon|NGA}} Samuel Chukwueze *{{fbicon|NGA}} Kelechi Iheanacho *{{fbicon|NGA}} Umar Sadiq *{{fbicon|NGA}} Moses Simon *{{fbicon|NGA}} William Troost-Ekong *{{fbicon|SEN}} Abdou Diallo *{{fbicon|SEN}} Famara Diédhiou *{{fbicon|SEN}} Bamba Dieng *{{fbicon|SEN}} Idrissa Gueye *{{fbicon|SEN}} Cheikhou Kouyaté *{{fbicon|SEN}} Ismaïla Sarr *{{fbicon|SLE}} Alhaji Kamara *{{fbicon|SLE}} Musa Noah Kamara *{{fbicon|SDN}} Walieldin Khedr *{{fbicon|TUN}} Seifeddine Jaziri *{{fbicon|TUN}} Hamza Mathlouthi *{{fbicon|TUN}} Youssef Msakni *{{fbicon|ZIM}} Kudakwashe Mahachi *{{fbicon|ZIM}} Knowledge Musona *{{fbicon|ZIM}} Ishmael Wadi
|1 own goal= *{{fbicon|BFA}} Adama Guira (against Gabon) *{{fbicon|CMR}} André Onana (against Burkina Faso) *{{fbicon|MAR}} Nayef Aguerd (against Gabon) }}
== Controversies ==
=== Tunisia vs. Mali refereeing === [[File:Protestation des coachs tunisiens.jpg|thumb|Mondher Kebaier and Jalel Kadri protesting against referee Janny Sikazwe after the controversy during the match against Mali at 2021 Afcon.]] The match between Tunisia and Mali, the first meeting of Group F, was not played to completion. Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe initially whistled the end of the match in the 86th minute before changing his mind, warned by his assistant referee and the protests of the Tunisian players. He then signaled the end of the game in the 90th minute, seconds from the end of regulation time,<ref>{{Cite web |date=13 January 2022 |title='Inexplicable': Afcon ref ends Mali-Tunisia match after 89 minutes |url=https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3163164/afcon-2022-referee-makes-inexplicable-call-end-mali-vs-tunisia-match |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125132248/https://www.scmp.com/sport/football/article/3163164/afcon-2022-referee-makes-inexplicable-call-end-mali-vs-tunisia-match |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=2022-01-25 |website=South China Morning Post |language=en}}</ref> just as the assistant referee was about to announce added time. In front of the furious Tunisians, the refereeing quartet had to leave the field under police escort.
Given the extent of the controversy, the resumption of the match, to play the remaining additional time, was announced. However, the Tunisian team refused to resume the match, claiming that the players were already in the showers, or out of the stadium, therefore unfit to resume the game. The Malians having presented themselves on the lawn, the end of the match is whistled with only one team on the ground, the result of 1–0 being ratified later by CAF.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 January 2022 |title=La Tunisie déboutée, la victoire du Mali entérinée |url=https://www.sports.fr/football/can/tunisie-deboutee-victoire-mali-enterinee-546708.html |access-date=2022-11-17 |website=Sports.fr |language=fr-FR}}</ref>
Later, it was reported by different media that the referee Janny Sikazwe had in fact suffered a sunstroke in the middle of the game, so much so that he was even taken to the hospital, from where the presence of the fourth referee on the pitch at the time of the attempt to restart the match.<ref>{{cite web |last=Lawless |first=Josh |date=13 January 2022 |title=AFCON Official Explains Why Referee From Tunisia Vs Mali Game Blew Early For Full-Time TWICE |url=https://www.sportbible.com/football/official-explains-why-referee-from-tunisia-vs-mali-game-blew-early-20220113 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125132253/https://www.sportbible.com/football/official-explains-why-referee-from-tunisia-vs-mali-game-blew-early-20220113 |archive-date=25 January 2022 |access-date=25 January 2022 |website=SPORTbible |publisher=The LADbible Group Ltd}}</ref> According to the Tunisian player Wahbi Khazri, the referee of the match "was no longer coherent", "the referee lost the thread of the match" specified the Tunisian captain. "He was no longer consistent in his choices and decisions. He was very hot."
=== Cameroon fans crushed to death === {{Main|Yaoundé stadium disaster}}
Before the fourth match in the knockout stage between hosts Cameroon and the Comoros, which took place on 24 January 2022 at the Olembe Stadium, Cameroonian fans were crushed in a surge at the entrance. Eight deaths were recorded: two women and four men, all in their thirties, in addition to two children.<ref>{{Cite web|title=At least eight killed in stampede at Cameroon AFCON match|url=https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2022/1/25/at-least-six-football-fans-killed-in-cameroon-stampede|access-date=2022-01-25|website=www.aljazeera.com|language=en|archive-date=25 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125132249/https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2022/1/25/at-least-six-football-fans-killed-in-cameroon-stampede|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=AfricaNews|date=2022-01-25|title=Cameroon: At least eight persons killed in stampede at stadium|url=https://www.africanews.com/2022/01/25/cameroon-at-least-eight-persons-killed-in-stampede-at-stadium/|access-date=2022-01-25|website=Africanews|language=en|archive-date=25 January 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220125132250/https://www.africanews.com/2022/01/25/cameroon-at-least-eight-persons-killed-in-stampede-at-stadium/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The ministry indicated that about 50 people were injured in the incident, including two people with multiple injuries and two others with serious head injuries, and a baby was immediately transferred to the General Hospital in Yaoundé in a medically stable condition.<ref>{{Cite news|last=Kouagheu|first=Josiane|date=2022-01-25|title=Stadium stampede kills eight in Africa Cup of Nations soccer match|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/least-six-killed-cameroon-stadium-stampede-says-state-broadcaster-2022-01-24/|access-date=2022-01-25|archive-date=12 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212045118/https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/least-six-killed-cameroon-stadium-stampede-says-state-broadcaster-2022-01-24/|url-status=live}}</ref>
=== Relocation of matches from Japoma Stadium === Initially, Japoma Stadium in Douala was scheduled to host four matches in the knockout stage, in addition to six in the group stage. However, after the field was criticised by coaches and players alike during the group stage, the organisation committee decided mid-tournament to relocate all matches from Japoma Stadium to other stadiums such as Limbe Stadium and Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaoundé. Djamel Belmadi, coach of defending champions, Algeria, who left the tournament in the group stages, said that "It is not of a level permitting total fluidity and what we hope for from big tournaments like the African Cup of Nations".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/coupe-d-afrique-des-nations/can-2022-face-a-l-etat-de-la-pelouse-du-stade-de-japoma-des-rencontres-relocalisees_AV-202201210459.html|title=CAN 2022: Face à l'état de la pelouse du stade de Japoma, des rencontres relocalisées|access-date=19 February 2022|archive-date=19 February 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220219050535/https://rmcsport.bfmtv.com/football/coupe-d-afrique-des-nations/can-2022-face-a-l-etat-de-la-pelouse-du-stade-de-japoma-des-rencontres-relocalisees_AV-202201210459.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
==Awards== The following awards were given at the conclusion of the tournament: {| class="wikitable" |+ |- |Man of the Competition |{{fbicon|SEN}} Sadio Mané |<ref name="awards" /> |- |Golden Boot |{{fbicon|CMR}} Vincent Aboubakar (8 goals) |<ref name="awards" /> |- |Best Goalkeeper |{{fbicon|SEN}} Édouard Mendy |<ref name="awards" /> |- |Best Young Player |{{fbicon|BFA}} Issa Kaboré |<ref name="youngplayer" /> |- |Fair Play Award |{{fb|SEN}} |<ref name="awards" /> |}
=== Best XI === {|class="wikitable" |- !Goalkeeper !Defenders !Midfielders !Forwards !Coach |- style="vertical-align:top" | {{fbicon|SEN}} Édouard Mendy | {{fbicon|MAR}} Achraf Hakimi<br />{{fbicon|EGY}} Mohamed Abdelmonem<br />{{fbicon|BFA}} Edmond Tapsoba<br />{{fbicon|SEN}} Saliou Ciss | {{fbicon|EGY}} Mohamed Elneny<br />{{fbicon|SEN}} Nampalys Mendy<br />{{fbicon|BFA}} Blati Touré | {{fbicon|EGY}} Mohamed Salah<br />{{fbicon|CMR}} Vincent Aboubakar<br />{{fbicon|SEN}} Sadio Mané |{{flagicon|SEN}} Aliou Cissé |} <small>Source:<ref>{{cite tweet |user=CAF_Online |number=1490747184668717062 |date=7 February 2022 |access-date=7 February 2022|title=Not your average players Here is the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 best XI #AFCON2021}}</ref></small>
=== Final ranking === Matches that ended in extra time were counted as wins and defeats, while matches that ended in penalty shootout were counted as draws. 500px|thumb|Results of the teams participating in the tournament{{Legend|#2b42a3|Champion}} {{Legend|#34c0be|Runner-up}} {{Legend|#269c5a|Third place}} {{Legend|#81c846|Fourth place}} {{Legend|#E4E454|Quarter-finals}} {{Legend|#ff8c00|Round of 16}} {{Legend|#a9203e|Group stage}} {{Fb cl3 header navbar|p=yes|group=yes|no-extras=yes|fs=95}} {{Fb cl3 team|p=1|t={{fb|SEN}}|gr=B|no-extras=yes|bc=gold|w=4|d=3|l=0|gf=9|ga=2}} {{Fb cl3 team|p=2|t={{fb|EGY}}|gr=D|no-extras=yes|bc=silver|w=3|d=3|l=1|gf=4|ga=2}} {{Fb cl3 team|p=3|t={{fb|CMR}}|gr=A|no-extras=yes|bc=#c96|w=4|d=3|l=0|gf=14|ga=7}} {{Fb cl3 team|p=4|t={{fb|BUR}}|gr=A|no-extras=yes|bc=|w=2|d=3|l=2|gf=9|ga=10}} |- | colspan="11"| '''Eliminated in the quarter-finals''' |- {{Fb cl3 team|p=5|t={{fb|MAR}}|gr=C|no-extras=yes|w=3|d=1|l=1|gf=8|ga=5}} {{Fb cl3 team|p=6|t={{fb|GAM}}|gr=F|no-extras=yes|w=3|d=1|l=1|gf=4|ga=3}} {{Fb cl3 team|p=7|t={{fb|EQG}}|gr=E|no-extras=yes|w=2|d=1|l=2|gf=3|ga=4}} {{Fb cl3 team|p=8|t={{fb|TUN}}|gr=F|no-extras=yes|w=2|d=0|l=3|gf=5|ga=3}} |- | colspan="11"| '''Eliminated in the round of 16''' |- {{Fb cl3 team|p=9|t={{fb|NGA}}|gr=D|no-extras=yes|w=3|d=0|l=1|gf=6|ga=2}} {{Fb cl3 team|p=10|t={{fb|CIV}}|gr=E|no-extras=yes|w=2|d=2|l=0|gf=6|ga=3}} {{Fb cl3 team|p=11|t={{fb|MLI}}|gr=F|no-extras=yes|w=2|d=2|l=0|gf=4|ga=1}} {{Fb cl3 team|p=12|t={{fb|GAB}}|gr=C|no-extras=yes|w=1|d=3|l=0|gf=5|ga=4}} |- {{Fb cl3 team|p=13|t={{fb|MAW}}|gr=B|no-extras=yes|w=1|d=1|l=2|gf=3|ga=4}} {{Fb cl3 team|p=14|t={{fb|GUI}}|gr=B|no-extras=yes|w=1|d=1|l=2|gf=2|ga=3}} {{Fb cl3 team|p=15|t={{fb|CPV}}|gr=A|no-extras=yes|w=1|d=1|l=2|gf=2|ga=4}} {{Fb cl3 team|p=16|t={{fb|COM}}|gr=C|no-extras=yes|w=1|d=0|l=3|gf=4|ga=7}} |- | colspan="11"| '''Eliminated in the group stage''' |- {{Fb cl3 team|p=17|t={{fb|ZIM}}|gr=B|no-extras=yes|w=1|d=0|l=2|gf=3|ga=4}} {{Fb cl3 team|p=18|t={{fb|SLE}}|gr=E|no-extras=yes|w=0|d=2|l=1|gf=2|ga=3}} {{Fb cl3 team|p=19|t={{fb|GHA}}|gr=C|no-extras=yes|w=0|d=1|l=2|gf=3|ga=5}} {{Fb cl3 team|p=20|t={{fb|ALG}}|gr=E|no-extras=yes|w=0|d=1|l=2|gf=1|ga=4}} {{Fb cl3 team|p=21|t={{fb|SUD}}|gr=D|no-extras=yes|w=0|d=1|l=2|gf=1|ga=4}} {{Fb cl3 team|p=22|t={{fb|GNB}}|gr=D|no-extras=yes|w=0|d=1|l=2|gf=0|ga=3}} {{Fb cl3 team|p=23|t={{fb|ETH}}|gr=A|no-extras=yes|w=0|d=1|l=2|gf=2|ga=6}} {{Fb cl3 team|p=24|t={{fb|MTN}}|gr=F|no-extras=yes|w=0|d=0|l=3|gf=0|ga=7}} |}
==Notes== {{reflist|group=note}}
==References== {{Reflist}}
==External links== {{commons category}} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20161027054712/http://can2021.com/ 2021 Africa Cup of Nations Organizing Committee] {{in lang|fr}}
{{2021 Africa Cup of Nations}} {{2021 Africa Cup of Nations finalists}} {{2021 Africa Cup of Nations stadiums}} {{African Nations Cup}} {{2021–22 in African football (CAF)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Africa Cup of Nations}} Category:2021 Africa Cup of Nations 2021 Cup of Nations Cup of Nations Category:2022 in Cameroonian sport Category:Men's international association football competitions hosted by Cameroon Category:21st century in Yaoundé Category:Sports competitions in Yaoundé Category:Sport in Douala Category:Garoua Category:West Region (Cameroon) Category:Southwest Region (Cameroon) Category:January 2022 sports events in Africa Category:February 2022 sports events in Africa Category:Association football events postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic