Vibrant off the pitch but a low-scoring affair so far on it, this year’s Africa Cup of Nations also offers a window to the tournament’s beginnings.
Egypt, Ethiopia and Sudan contested the first-ever Nations Cup in 1957, and this is the first time in 52 years that the competition’s three initial contenders have all been present at the same tournament.
“The return of all three teams in one tournament does give a sense of pride and deep-rooted tradition of the competition,” sports journalist Baderldin Bakheit said.
The trio have all lifted the coveted trophy, but while maiden champions Egypt have gone on to become record seven-times winners,, external Ethiopia and Sudan have just one title each to their name.
The east Africans have fallen behind since their heyday in the 1960s and 70s despite the immense popularity of the sport in both countries and, arguably, an abundance of talent.
There are parallels in the history of the game in Ethiopia and Sudan, the neighbours who remain the only two teams from east Africa to have won the Nations Cup.
Despite being pioneers, both those victories were on home soil. Ethiopia were absent from Afcon for 31 years before making a comeback in 2013 and Sudan returned in 2008 after 32 years away.
