Former chairman of the Ghana Football Association, Alhaji MND Jawula says the expansion of the number of countries at the Africa Cup of nations is an opportunity for smaller countries to participate in the continental show piece.
The confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed last week that the tournament will be held in June and July instead of January and February and will be expanded to 24 teams from 16.
The announcement has been met with divergent views and the former GFA chairman revealed it provides the chance for some nations to get the opportunity to participate.
“With the number of nations at AFCON, I presume it’s just to give a chance to lesser known countries that would have never dreamt of making an appearance at the Africa Cup of nations. I think it has its own pros and cons but it is not a bad move,” he told Joy FM.
“Smaller nations will also want to come to clash with bigger teams so there are giant killers hanging around. Don’t forget Uganda nearly surprised us in Tamale so there won’t be minnows in football.”
Starting at the Africa Cup of nations in Cameroon 2019, there will be 24 countries playing for the first time at the competition which will be held in June and July.
Meanwhile, Alhaji MND Jawula also added there are advantages and disadvantages to the changes which he believes could affect the quality at the nations Cup.
“The advantage is that the quality won’t be at the level we expect. Everybody wants to go to a competition where the best players emerge so there can be a general feeling why wehave to watch a competition when all manner of players participate.” He said.
By Lukman Evergreen Mumin