Observed events frequencies and associated factors among soccer players during the 2021 African Cup of Nations competition: A video-based exploratory analysis

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Background: Understanding the epidemiology of soccer injuries during specific international competitions is essential for customizing preventive strategies. Several studies have reported outcomes related to international competitions but, to the best of our knowledge, there has been no investigation into the injury patterns during any African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments. This study aimed to analyze the observed events frequencies and their characteristics during the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which took place in Cameroon from January 9 to February 6, 2022. Methods: ; mechanisms, body location, match moment, player substitution, absence in the next match, and referee decisions). Results: The tournament involved 519 male players, comprising 275 African (ALP) and 244 Non-African (NALP) league players. Eighty-seven "observed events" occurred, with frequencies of 1.7 and 48.8 injuries per match and per 1000 match hours, respectively. Observed event frequency rose with competition stages, particularly contact mechanism injuries. Non-contact injuries (23/87) predominantly occurred after 60 minutes of play (19/23), with the thigh being the most frequently affected body part (18/87). Older age and playing time significantly correlated with observed event occurrence (p=0.032 and p<0.001, respectively). NALP midfielders and forwards were notably injured by contact mechanisms (36/45) in the attacking zone. Although non-contact mechanisms were more common in ALP than NALP (13/42 vs. 9/45), the difference lacked statistical significance (p=0.240), with a higher rate of muscle injuries (13/42 vs. 10/45, p=0.001). Conclusion: Muscle-related events were the most frequently observed during the 2021 AFCON, with older age and longer playing time identified as key associated factors. These events were more prevalent in ALP compared to NALP.

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