Summary: Kit Chaos in the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations
With only four teams left in the tournament, we wanted to take a look back at all the strange situations regarding kits at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Late Kit Releases
We saw multiple nations release their AFCON jerseys just before the tournament started. Some, such as Guinea, never officially unveiled their shirts at all, but simply showcased them for the first time on matchday one.
Burkina Faso and the Gambia were similar, with Cameroon also doing this for their away kit, only revealing it during a group stage match.
Huge Numbers on Malawi's Kits
The numbers printed on Malawi's kits looked comically large. UEFA kit regulations for example would restrict the number sizes with much smaller measurements.
At least Malawi's player numbers were clearly legible for the referees, commentators and fans.
Two Different Kits in One Match
Sudan probably had the most odd of all the kit mishaps, in fact, their first match was utter chaos. The jersey they started the match with was not the same as the one they were wearing in the second half.
Sudan Back to Adidas
The before mentioned mishap was not the only occurrance that day, as Sudan actually had a deal with Solo Sports up until before AFCON 2021.
Before the tournament started, the Sudan national team social media team already Photoshopped out the Solo Sports logo from any images.
Sudan ended up with old Adidas teamwear, the red Tiro 17 shirt being the one that continued to be worn after the first match.
Comoros GK Wears Taped Number
The Comoros were faced with an absolutely dire situation in the round of 16, as all three of their goalkeepers missed the match due to injury or Covid.
Left-back Alhadhur had to jump in goal for them, however, the Comoros were unable to produce a GK shirt with the proper number.
Their last minute solution was to tape over the original number, which ended up getting them fined by CAF.
Kit Clash
This incident involved Senegal and Cape Verde, who for no good reason both decided to wear their dark outfits. It resulted in a severe lack of contrast between the two sides.
The interesting thing is, it could have easily been avoided, as both teams have white shirts, one of which should have been worn.
What do you think of these curious incidents involving kits at AFCON 2021? Are there any that we missed? Comment below.
Vintage Football Shirts
from Cult Kits
1992 Germany Bench Coat (L) Adidas
2023 Colorado Rapids *BNWT* Oneplanet (M) Adidas
2012/13 Burnley (Ian Woan) *Staff Issue* Puma Training Polo (M)
2019/20 Nice Tracksuit Top (M) Macron
1995/96 Tanjong Pajar Boys Club #3 Tartan Shirt (L) Umbro
1992/94 Netherlands #10 Away Shirt (L) Lotto
2008/09 Germany Klose #11 Home Shirt (M) Adidas
1990 Ennerre #16 Template Shirt (L)
2002 FC Tokyo Away Shirt (S) Adidas
