Throughout the decades, the Africa Cup of Nations has been at the forefront of setting the stage for some of the best football matches in history. Some of these games are essential in learning all about the competition that the AFCON brings out. Players, meanwhile, can certainly study the level of intensity that participating teams in these matches brought, which they can take as lessons the next time they’re on the field. Regardless, every football enthusiast should watch these historic games from the AFCON.
1. Madagascar vs. Tunisia – 2019
In sports, nothing can beat an underdog story. For Madagascar fans, they held onto the magic that brought their team against Tunisia in AFCON 2019. Throughout the games before the AFCON, it seemed that the system betting calculator placed Madagascar high. Football pundits predict that the team will falter sooner rather than later against stronger teams. Madagascar defied all that until it was time to face Tunisia. Still, Madagascar came out as stars and is a moment of pride for the club overall.
2. Ghana vs. Nigeria – 2008
Most fans of AFCON would know about the Jollof derby. For the uninitiated, this is the Ghana-Nigeria rivalry and is always heavily anticipated by fans of the tournament. Out of all the 56 times that they faced each other off, the 2008 quarter-final match was a highlight in AFCON’s revered history. It was physical, dramatic, and almost personal at times, setting one of the most tense atmospheres ever witnessed between a game of football.
3. Egypt vs. Senegal – 2022
There’s no recency bias for this entry on the list: Egypt and Senegal were always teams to watch out for in the AFCON tournament. Count on these two intense rivals to put out an absolute barnburner of a game in 2022. While Egypt looks to decorate their title as the winningest country of the AFCON, Senegal is determined to stop them. The game featured two of the most famous stars from England’s Liverpool FC, contracted by both teams to play against each other. As expected, Egyptian player Mohammed Salah Senegalese player Sadio Mané gave their best, but Senegal ultimately won the grand prize.
4. Congo vs. Mali – 1972
For a certified classic, we go all the way back to the 70s. This showcase of competition between Congo and Mali has one of the best documentations of how plays in football began progressing. It was a time where football looked simpler but make no mistake: there is complexity behind the direct plays from Congo or the intricate passing between Mali. These clash of styles made for some of the most dramatic moments ever witnessed in the sport. Ultimately, Congo clinched the win from Mali, coming out as the victors in one of the AFCON’s best matches in its long history.
Teams under the tournament will always recognise the prestige and honour when finally winning the trophy. Which is why fans can always count on AFCON to create classic matches to further decorate the sport. The years to follow will only escalate the competition so the time to follow the tournament is right now!
