The 30th edition has lacked the usual lustre and has done injustice to the advertisement of the game and while you try wrap your head around some of the reasons, here is why I think finding the back of the net is elusive with every kick off.
Caution
Most teams have come to the tournament to get out of the group stages.
If they are eliminated in the last eight, that is a fate they can live with because over the years, under-performing at the Africa Cup of Nations is going home at the group stage.
A mentality so wrong that most teams don't feature to win tournaments or better their performance.
Lack of clinical strikers
The beginning of the millennium years probably produced the best forwards from Africa.
From Samuel Eto'o to Mohamed Aboutreika, the final third saw incisiveness that is lacking nowadays. Showboating has taken its place instead and the result is ruing chances after throwing away games.
Superstar syndrome
If individualism could win you games, there wouldn't be an Afcon.
This is the Afcon where most players have opted to play for the names at the back of their shirts instead of the ones in front.
Everyone is going for glory and everyone ends up in disrepute before the blame game ensues again.
Epitome of the modern footballer
The modern footballer would prioritise money over patriotism.
This tournament has been reduced to bonuses and allowances.
Whether you win or draw or lose, you pocket money, which is a skewed approach to salvaging any chances left of playing for pride.
Paradigm shift
Small teams have caught up with big teams and are staking their claim to the prestigious tournament.
This could be a reason why it has become difficult to contest because every team shows up to prove their worth.
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