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 in Africa. With a rich history spanning over 60 years, the tournament has witnessed some of the most thrilling and memorable moments in football history. In this article, we will take you through the greatest moments in AFCON history, from historic victories to dramatic comebacks.

Early Years (1957-1970)

The first AFCON tournament was held in 1957 in Khartoum, Sudan. The inaugural tournament saw Egypt lift the trophy, a feat they would repeat in 1959 and 1962. The early years of AFCON were dominated by Egyptian and Sudanese teams, who consistently produced talented players and teams.

• 1957: Egypt wins the first AFCON tournament, defeating Sudan 4-0 in the final.

• 1959: Egypt wins their second AFCON title, defeating the United Arab Republic 2-1 in the final.

• 1962: Egypt wins their third AFCON title, defeating Ethiopia 4-0 in the final.

The Golden Years (1970-1988)

The 1970s and 1980s are often referred to as the golden years of AFCON. During this period, teams from West and Central Africa began to emerge as serious contenders for the title. The likes of Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria produced talented teams that consistently challenged the dominance of Egyptian and Sudanese teams.

• 1970: Sudan wins their first AFCON title, defeating Ghana 1-0 in the final.
• 1974: Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) wins their first AFCON title, defeating Zanzibar 2-0 in the final.
• 1984: Cameroon wins their first AFCON title, defeating Nigeria 3-1 in the final.

The Modern Era (1990-2010)

The 1990s and 2000s saw a significant shift in the balance of power in AFCON. Teams from North Africa, particularly Egypt and Morocco, began to dominate the tournament. The likes of Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, and Jay-Jay Okocha produced some of the most memorable performances in AFCON history.

• 1992: Ivory Coast wins their first AFCON title, defeating Ghana 11-10 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 0-0.
• 1998: Egypt wins their seventh AFCON title, defeating South Africa 2-0 in the final.
• 2006: Egypt wins their eighth AFCON title, defeating Ivory Coast 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 0-0.

Recent Years (2010-Present)

The 2010s have seen a significant increase in the competitiveness of AFCON. Teams from all over Africa have produced talented players and teams, making the tournament more unpredictable than ever. The likes of Egypt, Cameroon, and Ghana have consistently challenged for the title, while new teams like Senegal and Morocco have emerged as serious contenders.

• 2012: Zambia wins their first AFCON title, defeating Côte d’Ivoire 8-7 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 0-0.
• 2015: Ivory Coast wins their second AFCON title, defeating Ghana 9-8 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 0-0.
• 2019: Algeria wins their second AFCON title, defeating Senegal 1-0 in the final.

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