The African Football Federation (CAF) reiterated that the Cup of Nations (AFCON) was a big tournament, after Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher understates.
Carragher rejected the match when discussing Mohamed Salah’s chance to win the Ballon d’OR this year.
Carragher spoke on Sky Sports after Liverpool beat Manchester City 2-0 on Sunday, suggesting that Salah’s nationality and Egypt’s international record could hinder him from reaching a football top Opportunity to award.
“I think the problem [is] The fact that he is with Egypt, and he may not be in a big game, or there may be a great chance of winning. ”
“I think it’s a Champions League or a big tournament. Usually, like Vini Jr. and (Kylian) Mbappe, the players who are good at this, Real Madrid are in the Champions League It looks really good.”
“I think it’s a Champions League or a big tournament.
His remarks immediately sparked opposition with former Manchester City defender Micah Richards, quickly correcting that he was indeed a prestigious game.
“Just say, AFCON is a big game because a lot of people at home say ‘they aren’t taking it seriously’. AFCON is a big game, you know.”
Carragher replied that questioning whether Egypt will be a contender for the World Cup means that only the biggest international matches have affected Ballon d’Or.
However, Stridge closed the argument, saying: “If you win the Euro or the Copa America it’s considered big, so AFCON is at the same level.”
Reaction, CAF shared an article on X with Photos to show the importance of AFCON.
“Big tournament. That’s a tweet,” the post reads.
Large competition. 🔥
That’s a tweet. #totalenergiesafcon pic.twitter.com/oau1kc7ivl
-CAF_ONLINE (@CAF_ONLINE) February 24, 2025
