Cost$-$Benefit Analysis $($CBA$)$ is a fundamental economic framework used to evaluate the viability of hosting major sports events like the Africa Cup of Nations $($AFCON$).$ This theory involves comparing the total expected costs$$such as infrastructure development, operational expenses, and public security$$to the anticipated benefits, including increased tourism, job creation, urban regeneration, and international exposure. In many AFCON host countries, governments justify the large financial investments by citing projected short$-$ and long$-$term economic gains. However, empirical evidence often reveals that these benefits are overstated or unequally distributed, while costs$$especially public debt and underused facilities$$are underestimated. For example, in Cameroon$$s $2022$ AFCON, although some economic stimulation occurred, the ongoing conflict in parts of the country and underutilization of new infrastructure limited the returns. CBA thus highlights the importance of realistic projections and transparent accounting to ensure that hosting AFCON leads to net positive outcomes for the broader population.