What Is 2015 Africa Cup of Nations squads

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2015 Africa Cup of Nations squads featured 16 national teams, each submitting a 23-player roster, with the tournament held in Equatorial Guinea from January 17 to February 8, 2015. Notable participants included Ivory Coast, Ghana, and hosts Equatorial Guinea.

Key Facts

Tournament took place from January 17 to February 8, 2015
Host country was Equatorial Guinea
16 national teams participated
Each squad had a maximum of 23 players
Ivory Coast won the tournament, defeating Ghana 9–8 in a penalty shootout after a 0–0 draw

Overview

The 2015 Africa Cup of Nations was a continental football championship organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Held in Equatorial Guinea due to Morocco's withdrawal over Ebola fears, the tournament featured 16 nations competing for the title.

The squads were announced in the weeks leading up to the event, with each national team required to finalize a 23-player roster. The competition saw strong performances from West African teams, culminating in a dramatic final between Ivory Coast and Ghana.

Ivory Coast: Defending champions Ivory Coast entered the tournament with a strong squad including Yaya Touré and Wilfried Bony, aiming to retain their title from 2012.
Ghana: Ghana's squad featured experienced players like Asamoah Gyan and Andre Ayew, but struggled with injuries and inconsistent form during the group stage.
Equatorial Guinea: As hosts, Equatorial Guinea automatically qualified and included several naturalized players, sparking debate over eligibility rules.
Algeria: Algeria's squad was led by Islam Slimani and Sofiane Fégouli, but they were eliminated in the quarterfinals by Ivory Coast.
Senegal: Senegal fielded a youthful team with Sadio Mané and Keita Baldé, showing promise despite an early exit in the group stage.

How It Works

Each participating nation was required to submit a final squad of 23 players, adhering to CAF regulations and FIFA eligibility rules. These squads included a mix of experienced internationals and emerging talents, selected by national team coaches.

Roster Deadline: National federations had to submit their final 23-player lists by January 10, 2015, one week before the tournament began. Late changes were permitted only for serious injuries.
Goalkeeper Requirement: Each squad was required to include at least three goalkeepers, per FIFA regulations, ensuring adequate coverage in case of injury or suspension.
Player Eligibility: Players had to be registered with CAF and hold citizenship of the nation they represented, though naturalization rules allowed some flexibility for dual nationals.
Injury Replacements: Teams could replace injured players before their first match, but not afterward, unless a goalkeeper was injured during the tournament.
Age Range: The average age of players across all squads was 26.4 years, with the youngest being 18-year-old Keita Baldé of Senegal and the oldest 38-year-old Roger Aholou of Togo.
European-Based Players: Over 60% of all squad members played for clubs in European leagues, reflecting the global dispersion of African football talent.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of squad details from five key teams in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations:

Team	Head Coach	Key Player	Average Age	Players from Domestic League
Ivory Coast	Hervé Renard	Yaya Touré	27.1	2
Ghana	James Kwesi Appiah	Asamoah Gyan	26.8	5
Algeria	Christian Gourcuff	Islam Slimani	26.5	3
Senegal	Alain Giresse	Sadio Mané	25.3	4
Equatorial Guinea	Esteban Becker	Emilio Nsue	27.6	18

This table highlights the diversity in squad composition, with Equatorial Guinea relying heavily on domestic-based players, while Ivory Coast and Algeria featured mostly European-based professionals. The variation in average age and coaching leadership also influenced team dynamics and performance outcomes throughout the tournament.

Why It Matters

The 2015 Africa Cup of Nations squads reflected broader trends in African football, including globalization, youth development, and political influence in sports. These rosters provided insight into national strategies and the evolving landscape of international competition.

Talent Distribution: The widespread presence of African players in European leagues underscored the continent's growing influence on global football talent pipelines.
Naturalization Debates: Equatorial Guinea's use of naturalized players sparked controversy, raising questions about national identity and eligibility in international sports.
Youth Integration: Several nations, like Senegal and Nigeria, included under-23 players, signaling a shift toward long-term development over immediate results.
Injury Management: The tournament highlighted the risks of player burnout, with several key athletes sidelined due to club commitments before the event.
Coaching Impact: Hervé Renard's leadership of Ivory Coast to victory demonstrated the importance of experienced coaching in high-pressure tournaments.
Tournament Legacy: The 2015 edition set the stage for future reforms in squad registration and player welfare policies across CAF competitions.

Understanding the composition and context of these squads helps illustrate how African football continues to evolve, balancing tradition with modernization in pursuit of continental and global success.