About this episode
<p>After four weeks of showcasing what the continent has to offer, the Africa Cup of Nations is down to a final two.</p><p>Hosts Ivory Coast play Nigeria in Sunday’s showpiece final in what has been the most thrilling AFCON in decades.</p><p>But what’s made it so good? Has the on-pitch drama been matched by the eyeballs watching the tournament? </p><p>And what does AFCON need to do off the pitch to match the success on it?</p><p>Host Ayo Akinwolere is joined by former Ivory Coast defender, and 2012 AFCON runner-up, Sol Bamba as well as The Athletic's Jay Harris to discuss and debate what has made AFCON 2023 such a success.</p><p>Produced by Guy Clarke</p><p>Additional Production by Mike Stavrou</p><p>Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead</p><p>Related articles:</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5240403/2024/02/08/amad-diallo-manchester-united-trafficking/">The story of Amad Diallo – and the man accused of trafficking him to Europe</a> - The Athletic</p><p><a href="https://theathletic.com/5231820/2024/02/02/afcon-managers-african-black/">AFCON finally has African managers. But the rest of the world has not caught up</a> - The Athletic</p><p>***</p><p>• This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. If you’re thinking of starting therapy, give BetterHelp a try. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at BetterHelp.com/athleticfootball</p><p> </p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>
Listen to this episode in English to learn English
Podcast episodes are one of the highest-density ways to absorb English at native pace. Has this been the best AFCON ever? from The Athletic FC Podcast gives you natural dialogue, unscripted speech, and vocabulary that actually appears in real conversations.
In the Hinto app, every word in the transcript is tappable. Tap an unknown word, see the translation in your language instantly, and keep listening without breaking flow.
Episodes to Learn English
- How can MLS become an elite league? Jul 21, 2026
- Spain conquer the world + Ornstein's summer transfers Jul 20, 2026
- World Cup final preview + Ornstein on Rogers to Chelsea Jul 19, 2026
- Has Infantino's expanded World Cup worked? Jul 17, 2026
- What now for Tuchel and England? Jul 16, 2026
- Spain stun France + can England overcome Argentina? Jul 15, 2026
- Ornstein transfer latest: Bouaddi, Alvarez & Bruno Guimaraes Jul 14, 2026
- World Cup semi-final preview and transfers, with David Ornstein Jul 13, 2026
- Can Bellingham win England the World Cup? Jul 12, 2026
- How do England stop Erling Haaland? Jul 10, 2026
- FIFA, Trump and Balogun: The scandal that shook the World Cup Jul 9, 2026
- Argentina are inevitable + Ornstein on Man United transfers Jul 8, 2026
- Was the USA's World Cup a success or failure? Jul 7, 2026
- England’s Azteca heroics + inside Trump’s Balogun call Jul 6, 2026
- How can England conquer the Azteca? Jul 4, 2026
- Portugal survive + why are Newcastle selling their best players? Jul 3, 2026
- Can Kane keep saving England? Jul 2, 2026
- France look unstoppable + Spurs win Fernandes race Jul 1, 2026
- Germany hit new low + Ornstein transfer latest Jun 30, 2026
- Which dark horse will go furthest at the World Cup? Jun 29, 2026
- Why are England struggling to convince? Jun 28, 2026
- How did Man City win the Elliot Anderson race? Jun 26, 2026
- Are Ancelotti's Brazil serious World Cup contenders? Jun 25, 2026
- Why were England so flat against Ghana? Jun 24, 2026
- Ornstein transfer latest: Tonali, Bergvall, Balogun Jun 23, 2026
- Who is winning the World Cup so far? Jun 22, 2026
- How far can Pochettino take the USA? Jun 20, 2026
- Ornstein transfer latest: Liverpool + Spurs make big moves Jun 19, 2026
- Are England fun again? Will Ronaldo ever be dropped? Jun 18, 2026
- Messi outshines Mbappe and Haaland + why Amorim for Milan? Jun 17, 2026