Because clearly we don't have enough summer futbol this year, with the WWC, Gold Cup and Copa America, here comes the new-fangled ACN as another distraction from the summer transfer market shenanigans. You may remember this competition was traditionally held in Jan/Feb, which makes sense considering summer weather in most of Africa, but club interests were just too strong and so here we are. Also the field was expanded from 16 to 24 countries. Oh, and while we're mentioning "innovations", VAR will be used, but only from the 1/4 finals onward.

Anyway, the previous couple tourney were really enjoyable, so hopefully all these changes don't water down the final product too much. Title holders Cameroon (where the tournament was due to be held before being moved to Egypt due to infrastructure issues) will be one of the faves, part of a big cohort of squads that has a real chance, among which Egypt, Senegal, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Morocco or Nigeria. I feel good about Senegal, who amazingly have never won an Afcon, but this could be the year for Aliou Cisse's men. Unless Egypt ride local support all the way to the title which just escaped them two years ago.

Games will be on Bein Sports, opener is today 4pm ET Egypt-Zimbabwe