African Cup Bonanza: CAF Boosts AFCON 2023 Prize Purse to $7 Million

Friday 05 January 2024 - 09:10

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has intensified the competition for the continent's premier national teams by announcing a substantial increase in the prize money for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winner. The prize purse now stands at a staggering $7 million, reflecting a 40% boost from the previous edition's top reward.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe proudly declared this augmented prize pool as evidence of the confederation's "remarkable progress" in enhancing payouts for its major events. Motsepe emphasized that a portion of the increased rewards will contribute to uplifting African soccer from grassroots levels.

The escalated winner's prize eclipses the $4.5 million secured by defending champions Senegal in the last tournament. The runner-up in this year’s edition will receive $4 million, while semifinalists are guaranteed $2.5 million each. Even the eight quarterfinalists will not leave empty-handed, with each team assured $1.3 million.

Morocco, the runner-up to Senegal in the previous AFCON, is poised to clinch both the tournament title and the top spot in the prize money standings. The Atlas Lions kick off their group stage campaign on January 17 against Tanzania, followed by clashes with the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.

Under the leadership of superstar Achraf Hakimi, coach Walid Regragui’s squad is determined to bring the AFCON trophy back to Morocco for the first time since 1976. The enriched payouts from CAF undoubtedly serve as an additional incentive for the players to secure victory in the championship match scheduled for February 10.