Counting down to AFCON: Top 10 matches in tournament history
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 19.12.25. | 19:58
We present to you some of the most legendary matches that have defined the Africa Cup of Nations
The final tournament of the Africa Cup of Nations, also known as AFCON, begins on Sunday in Morocco, opening a new chapter of a competition that was first played back in 1957 and is deeply woven into the football identity of the African continent. When Morocco and Comoros kick off the tournament in Rabat, it will be the 786th match in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations, in its 35th edition. In the previous 785 matches, 562 wins and 223 draws have been recorded, but only a small number of those games have gone down as truly legendary. We highlight the 10 greatest matches in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations.
1962 – Ethiopia 4-2 Egypt
Host nation Ethiopia played the final against defending champions Egypt in Addis Ababa. Although they trailed for most of the match, the Ethiopians forced extra time with a goal by Zeleke Girma in the 74th minute, after which they took full control. Goals from Italo Vassallo and Worku Mengistu secured Ethiopia a historic title.
1963 – Egypt 6-3 Nigeria
The most prolific match in the history of the tournament was played in Kumasi. Egypt were already leading 4–0 at halftime, with Hassan El-Shazly finishing the game with four goals in a spectacle that defined the group stage.
1970 – Ivory Coast 6-1 Ethiopia
Laurent Pokou set a record with five goals in a single match during Ivory Coast’s dominant victory in Khartoum. He finished the tournament with eight goals, even though the “Elephants” ended up in fourth place.
1980 – Nigeria 3-0 Algeria
Nigeria won their first continental title in front of their home crowd in Lagos. Segun Odegbami scored twice, and Muda Laval added the third goal in a final that marked Nigeria’s arrival among Africa’s football powers.
1990 – Algeria 5-1 Nigeria
A perfect start to the tournament for the hosts. Algeria “demolished” Nigeria in the opening match, with two goals each from Rabah Madjer and Djamel Menad. Ironically, the same teams met again in the final—then it was much closer, with Algeria winning 1–0.
1994 – Tunisia 0-2 Mali
One of the biggest upsets in tournament history. Mali, returning to the competition after a 22-year absence, shocked the hosts in Tunis in the very first round. Fernand Coulibaly became a national hero, while Tunisia never truly recovered from the shock.
1998 – DR Congo 4-4 Burkina Faso
One of the wildest comebacks in the history of the tournament. Burkina Faso held a 4-1 lead with just four minutes remaining, but DR Congo managed to equalize before winning on penalties to claim the bronze medal.
2010 – Angola 4-4 Mali
The greatest comeback in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations. Angola held a commanding 4-0 lead with only fifteen minutes remaining, but Mali struck back with four goals—including a stoppage-time equalizer—in a match that remains an absolute classic.
2021 – Ghana 2-3 Comoros
One of the most humiliating defeats in Ghana’s history. Tournament debutants Comoros knocked out the favorites and future World Cup participants, finishing the group ahead of the "Black Stars." El Fardou Ben and Ahmed Mogni became the faces of this sensation.
2023 – Ivory Coast 0-4 Equatorial Guinea
The biggest shock in the history of the Cup of Nations. Equatorial Guinea humiliated the hosts and finished top of the group. Emilio Nsue led the charge with two goals in an upset that resonated around the world.
