Aissa Mandi: Algeria Veteran Endorses CAF’s Bold AFCON Scheduling Shift

Algerian defender Aissa Mandi believes that CAF’s move to hold the Africa Cup of Nations every four years is a constructive change that will enhance the prestige and worth of the competition.

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“Organising the competition every four ‌years is a good thing. It’s 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 the major continental tournaments, such as the Euros, and that makes sense and is good ‍for African football overall,” he added.

The Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) recent move to shift the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to a four-year cycle starting in 2029 has ignited intense controversy.

Announced just before the 2025 edition in Morocco, the decision is seen by many as a dismissal of a tradition that has seen the tournament held every two years since its inception in 1957.

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Among the most vocal opponents is Mali coach Tom Saintfiet, who condemned the change and pointed the finger at FIFA, suggesting the global governing body influenced the decision to the detriment of African football.

“Since 1957, Africa has organised the Cup every two years, now they say every four. It’s not fair. Africa must be respected,” he ⁠said.

Algeria moved to the top of the group with a 3-0 victory over Sudan. They lead Burkina Faso on goal difference, who secured second place after a late comeback to defeat Equatorial Guinea 2-1.

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