The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Ivory Coast has seen several shocking results and early exits by tournament favorites, which Caf president Patrice Motsepe believes is partly due to increased prize money incentives.
Speaking ahead of the quarterfinals, Motsepe noted that Caf had announced a 40% increase in prize money for Afcon 2023, with the overall winners receiving $7 million compared to $5 million previously.
“Many of the players [at Afcon] don’t earn the same money, and I have learned over the last 20 years, if you increase the money that goes into the pockets of the players, and tell them ‘We have increased the prize money’ it inspires them immensely,” said Motsepe.
This extra motivation has contributed to major upsets and unexpected success for some lower ranked African sides. Pre-tournament favorites like holders Senegal, 2022 World Cup semifinalists Morocco, and former champions Egypt and Algeria crashed out early.
Meanwhile, teams like Namibia stunned Tunisia, Mozambique’s draw led to Ghana’s departure, and Equatorial Guinea pulled off a shock 4-0 win over hosts Ivory Coast in the group stages. Of the eight quarterfinalists, only four have ever won Afcon previously.
The tournament has also broken records, with 105 goals scored so far – the most ever for an Afcon tournament with 44 games played.
Motsepe believes the increased prize money helps fund football development and academies across Africa. “There’s also more money going to academies into football development and some of the results of the investments we can see now but we will see many in future. So the future looks bright,” he remarked.
With lower ranked sides competing strongly against traditional powers, and investments aimed at growing the sport across the continent, Motsepe feels African football has a promising future ahead. The quarterfinals of Afcon 2023 will continue today in Ivory Coast.
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Title: Increased Prize Money Contributing to Underdog Success at Afcon 2023
Cairo, February 2nd, 2024 – The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) in Ivory Coast has seen several shocking results and early exits by tournament favorites, which Caf president Patrice Motsepe believes is partly due to increased prize money incentives.
Speaking ahead of the quarterfinals, Motsepe noted that Caf had announced a 40% increase in prize money for Afcon 2023, with the overall winners receiving $7 million compared to $5 million previously. The runner-up will get $4 million while the third place team earns $2.5 million.
“Many of the players [at Afcon] don’t earn the same money as European leagues, and I have learned over the last 20 years, if you increase the money that goes into the pockets of the players, and tell them ‘We have increased the prize money’ it inspires them immensely,” said Motsepe.
This extra motivation has contributed to major upsets and unexpected success for some lower ranked African sides. Pre-tournament favorites like holders Senegal, 2022 World Cup semifinalists Morocco, and former champions Egypt and Algeria crashed out early.
Meanwhile, teams like Namibia stunned Tunisia 1-0 in group play, Mozambique’s last-gasp 2-2 draw against Ghana led to the latter’s shock exit, and Equatorial Guinea pulled off a stunning 4-0 win over hosts Ivory Coast in the group stages. Of the eight quarterfinalists, only four have ever won Afcon previously.
The tournament has also broken records, with 105 goals scored so far – the most ever for an Afcon tournament with 44 games played.
Motsepe believes the increased prize money helps fund football development and academies across Africa. “There’s also more money going to academies into football development and some of the results of the investments we can see now but we will see many in future. So the future looks bright,” he remarked.
Motsepe has also praised the exciting and entertaining football on display at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, saying the quality of play from African nations has “increased enormously.”
“For all of the nations in Africa, the quality of football has increased enormously,” Motsepe said.
“We need to get the spectators to enjoy watching our football. It’s got to be appealing, it’s got to be attractive, it’s got to be exciting – because then it has a commercial value.
While not predicting a winner, Motsepe said “I must just say I’m proud, and I don’t know who’s going to win. I can tell you the 54 nations in Africa have each been a winner.”
The high standard of refereeing has also gained plaudits for boosting the reputation of African football. With lower ranked teams pushing traditional powers and investments flowing into the sport’s development across the continent, Motsepe feels African football has a bright future.
“The quality of our referees, the quality of our match commissioners, the quality of our linesman and the quality of our VAR (Video Assistant Referee) has been world class.
“And the integrity, the independence, and the African referees – we are confident – are as good as the best in the world.
