The host country took a record 233 gold medals, far outstripping second-place Indonesia with 91 gold, and Vietnam at third with 87.

Motsepe said the change, along with the introduction of the Nations League, was made "to make sure the football calendar worldwide is more in harmony".

But the Blues' gritty fightback was essential for Maresca after a turbulent week that raised questions about the Italian's long-term future with the club.

The striker had recovered from testicular cancer just a few months before the premier African football tournament kicked off.

The 27-year-old left the field in tears that night, clearly fearing for his chances of featuring at the Cup of Nations.