The Africa Cup of Nations has been a stage for exceptional football moments, encapsulating the continent’s passion for the sport.
As the 2023 edition gears up to kick off on January 13, let’s delve into five iconic moments that have etched themselves into the tournament’s storied archives.
1. Longest AFCON Penalty Shootouts
The 1992 final between Ivory Coast and Ghana remains ingrained in history for hosting the longest penalty shootout in AFCON, spanning 24 nerve-wracking shots. In a notable first, every player on the field took a penalty in this intense showdown at the Stade de l’Amitie in Dakar.
Ivory Coast emerged victorious, claiming an 11-10 win after regulation and extra time ended goalless.
Remarkably, Ivory Coast replicated this feat in the 2006 quarter-finals against Cameroon, winning 12-11 after another marathon 24-shot battle, featuring legends Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba going head-to-head.
2. Zambia’s Resilience in 1994
Zambia’s remarkable journey to the 1994 AFCON final stands as a testament to resilience. In the year 1994, the Zambian national team was involved in a plane crash.The tragic incident occurred while transporting a significant portion of the Zambia national football team to Dakar for a 1994 FIFA World Cup Qualifier match against Senegal. Unfortunately, the flight ended in disaster, resulting in the loss of all 25 passengers and five crew members. The official investigation determined that the pilot mistakenly shut down the incorrect engine in response to an engine fire, leading to the fatal crash.
Following the incident, the Zambian national team displayed remarkable fortitude at the African Cup of Nations
Despite adversity, they rallied and fielded a competitive squad. Their memorable victories over Ivory Coast, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Mali showcased their strength, culminating in a final showdown against Nigeria, though they emerged runners-up, their spirited performance left an indelible mark.
3. Zambia’s Triumph in 2012
After 18 years, Zambia’s first AFCON victory arrived in a dramatic fashion in 2012. Playing in Libreville, near the site of the 1993 plane crash, the Zambian team drew inspiration from poignant memories.
Against a star-studded Ivory Coast lineup featuring Didier Drogba and the Toure brothers, Zambia clinched victory after a thrilling penalty shootout, securing an 8-7 win. This emotional triumph marked a poignant chapter in the tournament’s history.
4. Algeria’s 2019 Victory Amidst Turmoil
Algeria’s 2019 AFCON triumph resonated deeply amidst socio-political upheaval. With the country in the midst of significant change following protests and the overthrow of President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, the national team carried the aspirations of a united nation.
Overcoming the odds, they triumphed over Ivory Coast, Nigeria, and Tunisia to claim the title, symbolizing hope and resilience during a transformative period for Algeria.
5. Bafana Bafana’s Landmark Win in 1996
South Africa’s victory in 1996 holds a special place in AFCON history. Amidst the nation’s transition following the end of apartheid, Bafana Bafana’s triumph on home soil was a source of immense pride. Coached by Clive Barker and featuring standout players like Lucas Radebe and Doctor Khumalo, their journey, culminating in a final victory against Tunisia, united the nation and marked a significant sporting moment in South Africa’s history.
As the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations approaches, the stage is set for a new chapter in African football, ripe with the promise of more exhilarating moments and surprises, as teams vie for continental glory on the grandest stage.
6.The Golden Generation: Ivory Coast’s AFCON Glory in 2015
The climax of Ivory Coast’s pursuit for AFCON glory culminated in the 2015 final clash against Ghana in Bata, Equatorial Guinea.
The tense encounter ended in a goalless draw after extra time, setting the stage for a dramatic penalty shootout to determine the eventual champion.
Demonstrating remarkable composure, the Ivory Coast squad showcased their nerve and precision by converting all their penalties. Goalkeeper Boubacar Barry, a standout figure in this high-stakes showdown, not only made crucial saves but also cemented his place in football history by confidently scoring the winning penalty.
This flawless performance led to a 9-8 victory in the shootout, marking the end of Ivory Coast’s prolonged AFCON drought and spotlighting the unwavering determination of an exceptional generation of players.
The team was led by Didier Drogba, alongside Yaya and Kolo Touré, Didier Zokora, Emmanuel Eboué, Cheick Tioté, Gervinho and Salomon Kalou.
7.The Battle of Cairo: Egypt’s Record Seventh Triumph in 2010
In 2010, Egypt extended their AFCON legacy by claiming a historic seventh title. The final, hosted in Cairo, witnessed the Pharaohs engaged in a tightly contested battle against Ghana. In a gripping deadlock, substitute Gedo elevated Egyptian spirits with a decisive 85th-minute goal, clinching an illustrious seventh title for the Pharaohs.
This thrilling 1-0 triumph reaffirmed Egypt’s stature as a powerhouse in AFCON history. The jubilant scenes of celebration reverberating through Cairo encapsulated the tournament’s profound history and the fervent passion ingrained within it.
