Aïssa Mandi backs four-year AFCON cycle from 2028 as logical for African football | OneFootball

Aïssa Mandi, the Lille and Algeria defender, has backed AFCON moving to a four-year cycle from 2028, describing the shift as logical for the continent.

As reported by L'Équipe, CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced on 20 December that the tournament will be staged every four years, replacing the current two-year rhythm.

Speaking on Saturday on the eve of Algeria’s second group game against Burkina Faso, scheduled for 18:30, the 34-year-old said a quadrennial format is preferable and brings AFCON into line with events such as the Euro, which he sees as beneficial to African football overall.

Morocco coach Walid Regragui has also leaned towards the change, while noting that a two-year cycle helped many teams develop and quickly bounce back after setbacks.

Mali coach Tom Saintfiet took the opposite view, criticising the move and blaming FIFA for driving it. He argued Africa has held its Cup every two years since 1957 and said a switch to four years is unfair and disrespectful.

Source: L'Équipe