The 2002 African Cup of Nations was the 23rd edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, the association football championship of Africa (CAF). It was hosted by Mali. Just like in 2000, the field of sixteen teams was split into four groups of four. Cameroon won its fourth championship (repeating as champions), beating Senegal on penalty kicks 3–2 after a goalless draw.
Host selection
Bids :
Algeria
Botswana
Egypt
Ethiopia
Mali (selected as hosts)
The organization of the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations was awarded to Mali on 5 February 1998 by the CAF Executive Committee meeting in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso during the 1998 African Cup of Nations. Voters had a choice between five countries : Algeria, Botswana, Egypt, Ethiopia and Mali.
This was the first time that Mali had hosted the competition.