9781422278321

CAF The confederation representing Africa was formed in 1954 with South Africa, Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia as representing members. This took place at the 29th FIFA Congress in Switzerland. Some countries argued that the standard of play in Africa was not good enough to be granted confederation status, but Africa’s inclusion passed by a 24–17 vote. Today, the CAF has 56 member associations, including Egypt, seven-time winners of the Africa Cup of Nations, the confederation’s top competition. African nations have sent several strong teams to the World Cup over the years. Morocco was the first African team to get out of the group stage,

advancing to the second round in 1986. Morocco has qualified for four World Cups. Other countries with at least that many appearances include Algeria, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Tunisia. Of these, only Tunisia has failed to advance past the group stage. The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon were quarterfinalists in 1990, the farthest an African team has ever advanced. Other nations to match this accomplishment include Senegal in 2002 and Ghana in 2010. African nation players are well represented in the world’s top leagues. Riyad Mahrez of Algeria was named African Footballer of the Year in 2016. The winger played seven seasons in France before moving to Premier League Club Leicester City in 2014.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang plays for Gabon in the CAF and plays his club soccer in the Bundesliga

Another standout African player is 2015 African Footballer of the Year Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Gabon. One of the best strikers in the world, Aubameyang also started his club career in France, playing five seasons there before signing with Borussia Dortmund in the Bundesliga. He scored more than 80 goals in his first four seasons in Germany.

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