What Is 2019 Africa Cup of Nations squads

Overview

The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations marked a historic expansion, increasing from 16 to 24 participating nations. Hosted by Egypt, the tournament ran from June 21 to July 19, 2019, with each team required to finalize a squad of 23 players by June 10.

This expansion allowed more countries to compete, increasing representation across the continent. The squads were announced in the weeks leading up to the tournament, with key stars like Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Riyad Mahrez headlining their respective teams.

• 24 teams participated in the 2019 tournament, the first time the format expanded beyond 16 nations since the competition began in 1957.
• Each national football association had to submit a final squad of 23 players by June 10, 2019, as mandated by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
• The tournament was hosted in 6 Egyptian cities: Cairo, Alexandria, Suez, Ismailia, Port Said, and El Salam Stadium.
• Algeria’s squad included Riyad Mahrez, who played every match and scored 4 goals, becoming a tournament standout.
• Senegal named Sadio Mané as captain, but he missed the final due to a minor injury sustained in the semi-final against Tunisia.

How It Works

The squad selection process for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations followed strict CAF regulations, balancing competitive fairness with logistical planning. National coaches submitted preliminary lists before finalizing 23-player rosters.

• Preliminary Squad: Each nation first named a provisional list of up to 30 players by May 28, 2019. This allowed flexibility before final cuts.
• Final Deadline: The official deadline for submitting the final 23-player squad was June 10, 2019, ten days before the opening match.
• Injury Replacements: Teams could replace injured players before their first match, but only with medical certification approved by CAF.
• Goalkeeper Requirement: Each squad was required to include at least three goalkeepers to ensure safety and compliance with tournament rules.
• Age Range: The youngest player was 17-year-old Youssouf Dao from Mali, while Egypt’s Ahmed Fathy, at 34, was among the oldest.
• European-Based Players: Over 60% of the tournament’s players were based in European clubs, highlighting the global reach of African talent.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key squad details across five top-performing nations in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.

The data shows that European-based players dominated the top teams, with Algeria and Senegal relying heavily on talent from leagues in France, England, and Italy. Nigeria balanced domestic and international players, while host nation Egypt underperformed despite home advantage.

Why It Matters

The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations squads reflected broader trends in African football, including globalization, youth development, and strategic player management. The tournament served as a platform for emerging talent and national pride.

• The inclusion of young players like Mali’s Youssouf Dao signaled a shift toward investing in future generations across African football programs.
• Algeria’s victory with a cohesive, balanced squad demonstrated the importance of team chemistry over individual stardom.
• European clubs saw increased interest in players like Samuel Chukwueze of Nigeria, who earned a move to Villarreal after the tournament.
• The expanded format allowed smaller nations such as Madagascar to participate, boosting development and visibility.
• Medical and logistical planning improved with injury replacement rules, enhancing player safety and fairness.
• The tournament highlighted CAF’s modernization efforts, including video assistant referee (VAR) technology used for the first time in AFCON history.

The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations squads not only shaped the competition but also influenced future player development, scouting, and continental football strategy across Africa.