What Is 2017 Africa Cup of Nations squads

Overview

The 2017 Africa Cup of Nations was the 31st edition of the continental football championship organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Held in Gabon from January 14 to February 5, 2017, the tournament featured 16 national teams, each required to register a final squad of 23 players by January 5, 2017.

These squads included a mix of European-based professionals and domestic league players, with strict eligibility rules ensuring only players eligible for the national team could participate. Injuries and last-minute call-ups were common, with several teams adjusting rosters during the group stage.

• Cameroon's squad included Vincent Aboubakar, who scored the winning goal in the final and finished as joint top scorer with 3 goals.
• Egypt's roster featured Mohamed Salah and Ahmed Elmohamady, key players in their run to the final despite losing 2–1.
• Gabon, the host nation, included Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who scored 3 goals but exited in the quarterfinals.
• Nigeria did not qualify, marking the first time since 2002 they missed the tournament, ending a streak of seven consecutive appearances.
• South Africa's squad had only domestic-based players, a rare occurrence among top-tier African teams in the competition.

How It Works

Each participating nation submitted a preliminary squad of up to 40 players before finalizing a 23-player roster. The final lists had to be submitted to CAF by January 5, 2017, and included three goalkeepers as mandated by tournament regulations.

• Squad Size: Each team could register exactly 23 players, with no exceptions allowed after the January 5 deadline.
• Goalkeeper Requirement:Three goalkeepers were mandatory in every squad to ensure coverage in case of injury or suspension.
• Deadline: Final squads had to be submitted by January 5, 2017, ten days before the opening match.
• Injury Replacements: Teams could replace injured players before their first match with CAF approval.
• Eligibility: Players had to be capped or registered with CAF and meet nationality requirements under FIFA rules.
• Domestic vs. Foreign-Based: Many squads included over 15 players from European clubs, reflecting the diaspora of African talent.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key squad details from top-performing nations in the 2017 tournament:

The table highlights how European-based players dominated most squads, with Egypt and Ghana fielding nearly their entire teams from foreign leagues. Cameroon’s balanced mix contributed to their unexpected championship run, while host Gabon relied heavily on their star forward Aubameyang but fell short in knockout stages.

Why It Matters

The 2017 Africa Cup of Nations squads reflected broader trends in African football, including the reliance on diaspora talent and the impact of coaching strategies on team composition. The tournament also underscored the importance of squad depth and injury management in short, high-intensity competitions.

• Cameroon's victory was significant as they entered as underdogs, making their fifth title a major upset.
• Nigeria's absence highlighted competitive shifts, with traditional powerhouses failing to qualify.
• European experience proved vital, as teams with more foreign-based players generally advanced further.
• Youth integration was limited; the average squad age was 26.4 years, favoring seasoned professionals.
• Host nation pressure affected Gabon’s performance despite having a strong individual talent in Aubameyang.
• CAF regulations on squad submission deadlines ensured fairness and logistical consistency across all teams.

Ultimately, the 2017 squads illustrated how modern African football balances domestic development with the global dispersion of its top athletes, shaping the future of the continent's premier tournament.