Algeria’s Mandi backs move to AFCON every four years

The decision to organize the Africa Cup of Nations every four years is a positive step by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) that will add value to the tournament, according to Algerian defender Aissa Mandi.

«It is a good thing to organize the competition every four years. It is better than every two years,» Mandi told a press conference on Saturday, a day before Algeria’s Group E clash with Burkina Faso.

“It will be like all major continental tournaments like the European Championship, and that makes sense and is good for African football in general,” he added.

CAF’s decision to host AFCON every four years from 2029 on the eve of the 2025 tournament in Morocco sparked widespread debate, with many critics saying it shows a disrespect to the continent’s tradition of holding the tournament every two years since 1957.

Malian coach Tom Saintfiet was extremely critical and blamed FIFA for the switch.

READ | Mali’s coach lashes out over the change in AFCON format

«Since 1957, Africa has hosted the Cup every two years, now they say every four years. It is not fair. Africa must be respected,» he said.

Algeria opened its campaign with a 3-0 win over Sudan to top the group with three points, ahead of Burkina Faso on goal difference after coming back from behind late to beat Equatorial Guinea 2-1.

Published on December 27, 2025