Greatest moments in AFCON history complete guide

The Greatest Moments in AFCON History: A Complete Guide

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is one of the most prestigious international football tournaments, bringing together the best teams and players from across the African continent. With a rich history spanning over 60 years, AFCON has witnessed numerous iconic moments that have left an indelible mark on the world of football. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the greatest moments in AFCON history, highlighting the triumphs, upsets, and memorable performances that have made this tournament a true spectacle.

Early Years: The Founding and First Editions

The first edition of AFCON was held in 1957 in Sudan, with Egypt emerging as the inaugural champions. The early years of the tournament saw the dominance of North African teams, with Egypt, Morocco, and Tunisia consistently competing for the title. However, it was the 1970s that saw the rise of West African teams, particularly the Ivorians, who would go on to become one of the most successful teams in AFCON history.

The Golden Years: 1970s and 1980s

• 1972: Ivory Coast’s First Title

  – The Ivorians, led by the legendary midfielder, Laurent Pokou, won their first AFCON title in 1972, defeating Congo 3-2 in the final.

• 1984: Cameroon‘s First Title

  – Cameroon, led by the charismatic coach, Valery Nepomnyashchy, won their first AFCON title in 1984, defeating Nigeria 3-1 in the final.

• 1986: Morocco’s Comeback – Morocco, led by the legendary midfielder, Mustapha Madih, came back from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Ghana 3-2 in the final, securing their first AFCON title.

The Modern Era: 1990s to Present

The 1990s saw the rise of South African teams, particularly the Bafana Bafana, who won the 1996 AFCON title, defeating Tunisia 2-0 in the final. The 2000s saw the dominance of Egyptian teams, with Egypt winning four consecutive titles from 2006 to 2010. The 2010s saw the emergence of new powers, particularly the Senegalese team, who won the 2021 AFCON title, defeating Egypt 4-2 in the final.

Iconic Players and Moments

• Salah’s Hat-Trick – In 2017, Mohamed Salah scored a hat-trick against Burkina Faso, becoming the first player to score three goals in a single match in AFCON history.
• Mané’s Winning Goal – In 2021, Sadio Mané scored the winning goal against Burkina Faso in the final, securing Senegal’s first AFCON title.
• M’Bami’s Goal – In 2008, Didier Drogba scored a stunning goal against Egypt, securing Ivory Coast’s first AFCON title in 25 years.

Conclusion

The Africa Cup of Nations has a rich history, filled with iconic moments, memorable performances, and triumphs. From the early years to the present day, AFCON has evolved into one of the most prestigious international football tournaments, showcasing the best of African football. As the tournament continues to grow and evolve, one thing remains constant – the passion, skill, and determination of the players, coaches, and fans who make AFCON a truly unforgettable experience.