Ertugral hits back at Jamie Carragher’s ‘AFCON is just a little tournament’ remarks
Cape Town City FC interim head coach Muhsin Ertugral has strongly refuted Jamie Carragher’s dismissive remarks about the Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] being ‘just a little tournament.’
Following Liverpool’s 2-0 victory over Manchester City FC on Sunday, Premier League legend Jamie Carragher, speaking on Sky Sports, discussed Mohamed Salah’s Ballon d’Or prospects.
Carragher argued that despite Salah’s exceptional form, AFCON would not significantly bolster his chances, citing the player’s lack of participation from major European clubs.
These remarks drew criticism, notably from Ertugral, who sought to educate Carragher on AFCON’s rich history and its significance, particularly in comparison to the Euros.
One might also highlight the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup as evidence of African football’s growing prominence. Four African teams – Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly, Espérance Sportive de Tunis, and Wydad AC – will compete against top global clubs, demonstrating the strength of African talent, much of which is locally based.
Furthermore, the 2023 AFCON, held in Ivory Coast, achieved a record-breaking 1.4 billion cumulative TV viewers, according to Nielsen Sports SA, underscoring the tournament’s vast popularity and global reach.
WHAT MUHSIN ERTUGRAL SAID ABOUT JAMIE CARRAGHER’S REMARKS
Ertugral stated that the AFCON tournament has generated numerous talented players who subsequently played for many top clubs globally.
“AFCON is just a little tournament that doesn’t really matter, Jamie? Just a minor kickabout with some of the best players in the world. Played with passion by an entire continent that lives and breathes football,” Ertugral wrote on his official X account.
“Maybe you have experienced [Didier] Drogba, [Samuel] Eto’o, Yaya Touré, or Salah. But players like [Jay-Jay] Okocha, Shoes Moesheou or Kalusha Bwalya have not been on your radar, but maybe you should find out.
“It [AFCON] has a history older than the Euros? Maybe because it doesn’t fit the usual Eurocentric football mindset?”
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