Ranking 5 of the Most Memorable Comebacks in AFCON History as Tournament Prepares for Kickoff

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) stands as a beacon of football brilliance, bearing a storied history replete with extraordinary moments that have captivated fans across the continent and beyond its borders.

From jaw-dropping comebacks to fiercely contested rivalries, AFCON has been the stage for numerous matches that have left an indelible mark on the annals of African football.

In this article, Sports Brief embarks on a nostalgic journey, delving into the past to relive some of the most unforgettable comebacks in the rich tapestry of AFCON history.

AFCON's most memorable comebacks

Burkina Faso vs DR Congo (AFCON 1998)

The 1998 third-place playoff between Burkina Faso and the Democratic Republic of Congo is etched in football history as one of the greatest comebacks in AFCON.

Burkina Faso initially took the lead with Alassane Ouedraogo's 6th-minute goal and in the second half, they secured a seemingly comfortable 3-0 lead. Despite conceding late goals, including a consolation in the 76th minute, the West Africans restored their three-goal lead in the 86th minute.

However, an extraordinary turn of events saw DR Congo scoring three goals in the next three minutes, forcing the game to a 4-4 draw.

The dramatic finale led to a penalty shootout, with DR Congo emerging victorious 4-1. The Burkina Faso players, still confused about the turnaround, may have contributed to their defeat, per Ghanasoccernet.

Nigeria vs Cameroon (AFCON 2000)

The 2000 AFCON final in Lagos, featuring Cameroon and co-hosts Nigeria, is remembered as one of the greatest comebacks in the tournament's history.

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Despite the Super Eagles' talented squad and home advantage, Samuel Eto'o and Patrick Mboma put the Indomitable Lions ahead 2-0 in the first 31 minutes.

A surprising goal from Raphael Chukwu just before half-time levelled the score. Jay Jay Okocha's spectacular half-volley early in the second half then brought the game to 2-2, per the Guardian.

Despite Nigeria missing several chances, they ultimately lost the final in a remarkable penalty shootout.

Angola vs Mali (AFCON 2010)

When it comes to tournament openers, the spectacle delivered by Angola and Mali at Luanda's Estadio 11 de Novembro stands out as one of the greatest comebacks in AFCON history.

Fueled by the home crowd, Angola surged to a 2-0 lead at half-time, courtesy of a Flavio brace. With two second-half penalties from Gilberto and Manucho, the score was 4-0 by the 74th minute in what seemed to be an easy home win.

However, Mali had different plans, staging a remarkable comeback with four goals in the final 15 minutes, including a 94th-minute equaliser to force a draw.

Nigeria vs Senegal (AFCON 2000)

In the 2000 AFCON quarter-final on home soil, Nigeria faced Senegal, experiencing the worst possible start when Khalilou Fadiga put the Teranga Lions ahead just seven minutes into the game.

The Super Eagles were taken aback by the early goal, struggling to find their rhythm in the first half and narrowly avoiding conceding a second.

Senegal, however, squandered opportunities to extend their lead, with Henri Camara missing twice on swift counter-attacks as Nigeria's defence lacked mobility.

Inefficiency in front of goal proved costly for Senegal, as Julius Aghahowa, coming off the bench in the 85th minute, leveled the score to send the game to extra time. Aghahowa then scored twice to secure the victory for Nigeria.

Congo vs DR Congo (AFCON 2015)

The Congo derby, a renowned rivalry in African football, heightened the excitement of the 2015 AFCON quarter-final, resulting in one of the greatest comebacks in the tournament's history.

Congo initially dominated the match, breaking the deadlock in the second half after a goalless first period. Ferebory Dore and Thievy Bifouma extended the Red Devils' lead with goals in the 55th and 62nd minutes.

However, Dieumerci Mbokani of the Democratic Republic of Congo equalised in short order, adding two more goals to secure a 4-2 victory and propel the Leopards to that year's semi-finals.

Biggest sporting events in the year 2024

Sports Brief also previously reported on the biggest sporting events to watch in 2024 as the world anticipates a bumper crop of major competitions.

AFCON and the Asian Cup will both take place from January to February, with Copa America and the European Championship set for June and July.