As we eagerly await the kickoff of the Africa Cup of Nations 2023, it’s the perfect time to journey back through the annals of this prestigious tournament.
AFCON has been a stage for the extraordinary, a canvas where underdogs rise, giants fall, and the beautiful game unveils its most captivating chapters.
From stunning upsets to historic triumphs, the tournament has provided football enthusiasts with memories that linger long after the final whistle.
In this exploration of AFCON’s rich history, we delve into the top 10 moments that have shaped the narrative of the tournament.
From Zambia’s emotional victory over Ivory Coast to Egypt’s unprecedented three-peat, each moment represents not just footballing prowess but the spirit, resilience, and unity that define African football.
1. Zambia’s Run to the 1994 Final
After the devastating plane crash in 1993, Zambia’s rebuilt national team embarked on an unexpected AFCON journey in 1994. Overcoming Ivory Coast and Sierra Leone in the group stages, they went on to defeat Senegal and Mali in the knockout rounds. Despite a final loss to Nigeria, Zambia’s resilience and tenacity defined one of the most inspiring runs in AFCON history.
2. Zambia beat Ivory Coast to win first AFCON trophy (2012)
In 2012, Zambia etched their name into AFCON history by overcoming a star-studded Ivory Coast side in a dramatic final. The match, held at the Stade d’Angondjé in Libreville, was played near the spot where most of the Zambian team perished in a tragic plane crash in 1993. The penalty shootout that ensued ended 8-7 in Zambia’s favor, marking their first AFCON title after two previous final losses.
3. Madagascar’s Shock Win Against Nigeria (2019)
Madagascar’s AFCON debut in 2019 was nothing short of spectacular. Ranked 108th globally, they went unbeaten in the group stage, culminating in a stunning 2-0 victory over Nigeria. Though they were eventually knocked out in the quarter-finals, Madagascar’s triumph over Nigeria remains one of the biggest upsets in AFCON history.
4. Egypt’s Three-Peat (2010)
In 2010, Egypt made history by winning their third consecutive AFCON title, becoming the only team to achieve such a feat. Their near-perfect run, conceding only two goals and a late goal by substitute Gedo in the final against Ghana, solidified their place as AFCON legends.
5. Ivory Coast vs. Nigeria (2013)
The 2013 quarter-final clash between Ivory Coast and Nigeria showcased two unforgettable goals, including Emmanuel Emineke’s stunning long-range effort and Sunday Mba’s exquisite solo goal. Nigeria’s victory set the stage for their eventual AFCON triumph that year.
6. Referee Janny Sikazwe’s Bizarre Decision
The Tunisia vs. Mali clash in 2017 took a bizarre turn when Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe prematurely blew the final whistle twice, leading to chaos and controversy. Despite the tumultuous ending, the match officially ended as a 1-0 win for Mali, with Sikazwe attributing his erratic performance to the impact of the weather in Limbe.
7. Algeria ends 30-year trophy drought
Algeria’s 2019 AFCON victory wasn’t just about football; it was a triumph over political injustices and social unrest. The nation, fueled by protests against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, lifted the title after 30 years, uniting a divided nation in the process.
8. Longest AFCON Penalty Shootouts (1992 and 2006)
The 1992 final between Ivory Coast and Ghana and the 2006 quarter-final between Ivory Coast and Cameroon share the record for the longest penalty shootouts in AFCON history, each lasting 24 shots. The 2006 shootout featured iconic figures Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba going head-to-head.
9. Bafana Bafana’s 1996 Victory
South Africa’s 1996 AFCON victory mirrored Algeria’s triumph in 2019. Hosting the tournament after the end of apartheid, Bafana Bafana secured their first and only AFCON title, defeating Tunisia 2-0 in the final. Coach Clive Barker and a stellar lineup, including Lucas Radebe and Doctor Khumalo, led South Africa to a historic triumph.
10. Victor Ikpeba’s Disallowed Penalty (2000)
The 2000 AFCON final saw one of the most controversial refereeing decisions in the tournament’s history. Tunisia’s Mourad Daami disallowed Nigeria’s Victor Ikpeba’s penalty, ruling it hadn’t crossed the line despite clear evidence to the contrary. This decision, surrounded by controversy, set the stage for Cameroon’s remarkable victory over Nigeria and overshadowed an otherwise magnificent final. The incident underscored the need for goalline technology and paved the way for Rigobert Song’s winning spot-kick, etching his name as one of the most inspirational international captains of our time.
