Tag: AFCON

The Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire on Sunday, February 11, beat the Super Eagles of Nigeria to win the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Eagles took the lead in the 38th minute from a Troost-Ekong header.

The hosts Ivory Coast came back to win the game, thanks to goals from Franck Kessie and star striker Sebastian Haller.

Here are nine countries that have hosted and won the AFCON

1. Egypt (1959, 1986, and 2006)

Since the establishment of the Africa Cup of Nations, Egypt has been a frequent participant, having played in 26 of 34 AFCON editions, and having won a total of six.

The Egyptians won the inaugural in 1957 and won last in the year 2010.

They have won three times as host of AFCON in the year in 1959, 1986 and 2006.

2. Ethiopia (1962)

Ethiopia won their first and only AFCON title in 1962 as hosts.

They triumphed over Egypt in the final, winning 4-2 after extra time.

This victory was a significant milestone for Ethiopian football, highlighting the country’s rich footballing culture and history.

3. Ghana (1963, 1978)

Ghana hosted and won the AFCON in 1963 and 1978.

Their first title in the history of AFCON came in 1963.

The Black Stars defeated Sudan 3-0 in the final, showcasing the emerging talent and football passion in the country.

Read Also: AFCON over, face reality – Rudeboy tells Nigerians

In 1978, AFCON host Ghana defeated Uganda in the final to emerge the winner.

4. Sudan (1970)

During the 1950s to 1970s, Sudan was one of Africa’s best teams.

Sudan hosted the AFCON in 1970 and defeated Ghana in the final.

5. Nigeria (1980)

Summary: Nigeria hosted and won the AFCON in 1980, their first-ever championship in the tournament.

The Super Eagles defeated Algeria 3-0 in the final, a victory that ignited a fervent celebration across the nation and marked the beginning of Nigeria’s rise to prominence in African football.

6. Algeria (1990)

Algeria captured their first AFCON title in 1990, taking full advantage of being the host nation.

They won the final against Nigeria with a 1-0 score line, showcasing a strong team performance throughout the tournament and sparking widespread celebrations among the Algerian populace.

7. South Africa (1996)

South Africa hosted and won the AFCON in 1996, shortly after their return to international football following the end of apartheid.

The Bafana Bafana team defeated Tunisia 2-0 in the final, a victory that held deep significance for the country and its efforts to unify and heal through sport.

8. Tunisia (2004)

In total, Tunisia participated in the African Cup of Nations 21 times, played 80 matches, won in 25 matches, tied 29 matches and lost 26 of them, scored 99 goals and accepted 94 goals.

Tunisia hosted the competition on three occasions in 1965, 1994 and 2004.

They hosted and won in 2004.

In the 1965 edition, Tunisia hosted the competition and reached the final but lost the title to Ghana 2–3 after extra time.

9. Côte D’Ivoire (2024)

The Elephants of Cote D’Ivoire became the latest country to host the AFCON and win it by beating Nigeria in Abidjan on Sunday, February 12.

The Ivorians came back to win by 2 goals to one after William Troost Ekong gave the Super Eagles the lead in the first half.

Jose Mourinho, the former manager of Chelsea and Manchester United, has predicted that Peseiro and the Super Eagles of Nigeria will emerge victorious in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Cote d’Ivoire.

Mourinho made this statement in an upcoming episode of FIVE UK.

Discussing the match, Mourinho expressed his support for the Eagles due to his close relationship with Jose Peseiro, the team’s head coach, whom he referred to as his “best friend.”

Mourinho further explained that they grew up together and attended the same university, where they spent “five years together every day.”

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The 61-year-old added that he wants Peseiro to be the first Portuguese manager to win the AFCON.

He said: “We studied together. We went to the university at the same time. We spent five years together every day. We left at the same time. He is probably my biggest friend in football. Jose, my big friend. It will be a huge opportunity for him to make history. Never has a Portuguese coach won the AFCON.”

Nigeria will go against the hosts in the final of the 34th edition of AFCON at the Olympic Stadium, Ebimpe, Abidjan, by 9 pm on Sunday, February 11.

Joy Ezeilo, SAN, a Professor of Law, has decried the cost of flight ticket to Abidjan, Cote D’IVoire, saying she dreamt of watching the final of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) live but was shocked with the price of ticket estimated at over N2.1m.

Many Nigerians have also frowned at the price of tickets to the neighboring country despite the distance.

The airlines flying to Abidjan, the capital of Ivory Coast are Nigeria’s Air Peace, Asky, Air Côte d’Ivoire.

Ezeilo, in a post on her X handle, said the N2.1m quoted as a return air fare to Abidjan is equivalent to her five-month salary.

She wrote: “I am dreaming of watching AFCON 2024 live, and I enquired about flights to Abidjan to watch our Super Eagles play in the finals. I believed that Ivory Coast being so close (an hour and 35 minutes) wouldn’t cost me too much.

“However, my travel agent of over twenty years sent me a price quotation of N2,183,000.00 (two million, one hundred and eighty-three thousand Naira), which was a huge shock.

“I did the math and realized I would need to save my five months’ salary as a Professor of Law on the last professional step to buy one return ticket to a West African country.

“This is a sad reflection of our current economic realities. Please refrain from attempting to convert to US dollars- it’s extremely depressing and demystifying of a full professor position.

Read Also: AFCON: Tears as remains of corps member who died watching S’Africa vs Nigeria leave for burial

“This will push the resolve of brilliant young ones we’re training and mentoring to take over from us farther away from the classrooms to becoming political aspirants/election delegates.

“My alternative plan is to cut down on expenses. I have recharged my DSTV for N19,800, and I plan to buy twenty litres of fuel to generate power because we didn’t have electricity during the Semifinals.

“The match is a must-watch for me as it will be a breath of fresh air and a chance for me to forget about Nigeria’s many woes. I want to make a public notice for those asking for help that I have been posting that we haven’t been paid. Kindly note that my salary, which I received yesterday, has been mortgaged in arrears.

“Please be patient, and let’s hope we get the 8-month arrears from the ASUU strike or that NLC and FGN reach a new deal that will increase my wage.

“The struggle continues! Good luck to our Super Eagles! You’re in my thoughts and prayers!,” she wrote.