Africa Cup of Nations 2021 begins Sunday despite pandemic

YAOUNDE, CAMEROON - JANUARY 9: The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2021 to start on Sunday with Cameroon going against Burkina Faso in the opening match despite the pandemic in the Cameroon capital of Yaounde.Five-time champions Cameroon is the host nation of the 33rd edition of Africa’s flagship competition which is held every two years.After the group stage is completed with 24 teams in six groups Jan. 20, the Round of 16 will be held Jan. 23 - 26.The final match will be played Feb. 6 at Olembe Stadium.Founded in 1957 and sanctioned by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the CAF Africa Cup of Nations is the main international men's association football competition in Africa.Reigning champions Algeria bagged their second title in 2019.The most successful nation of the organization is Egypt, including when the country was known as the United Arab Republic from 1958 - 1961, with seven titles in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010.Egypt is also the only national team to win the tournament three times in a row in 2006, 2008 and 2010.(Footage by Ahmet Emin Donmez/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)