Biggest AFCON shocks in history

In the arena of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), there’s a rare magic to the upset. When a proud powerhouse falls or a so-called outsider rises, we’re reminded that the tournament thrives on unpredictability. 

Below are five unforgettable moments, in no particular order, when the football world paused, as AFCON shock results rewrote expectations.

5 greatest AFCON upsets

Zambia 0-0 (8-7 pens) Ivory Coast (Final, 2012)

With stars like Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré in their ranks, Ivory Coast were expected to finally turn promise into glory. Yet on a night dripping with destiny, Zambia, carrying the memory of the 1993 Gabon air disaster on their backs, refused to bow to reputations.

After 120 tense minutes, it all came down to nerve. In the penalty shootout, while the favourites blinked, the Chipolopolo stood firm. Stopilla Sunzu delivered the decisive kick, sparking tears, disbelief and scenes of celebration that belong among the most stirring moments the AFCON has ever produced.

Equatorial Guinea national football team 4-0 Ivory Coast national football team (Group stage, 2024)

A night meant for celebration in Abidjan turned into a national nightmare. With the hosts backed by a roaring crowd and a pedigree that demanded dominance, few imagined Equatorial Guinea would be the ones dictating the tempo and the terror.

But Emilio Nsue, reborn as a leader and finisher, struck twice with composure that silenced the stadium. Pablo Ganet’s clever drive and Jannick Buyla’s late strike completed a rout that felt surreal. The Nzalang Nacional, guided by Juan Micha, played without fear, breaking lines and punishing every Ivorian hesitation.

Ivory Coast were left clinging to survival, relying on other results to avoid a group-stage exit. Fate would later smile upon the eventual champions, but this bruising defeat, their heaviest ever at the tournament, remains one of the great AFCON upsets in history.

Madagascar national football team 2-0 Nigeria national football team (Group stage, 2019)

On their very first appearance at the finals, Madagascar arrived without noise or pedigree, sitting outside the continent’s traditional power circle. Nigeria, meanwhile, boasted title history, household names, and an expectation to dominate the group under the guidance of Gernot Rohr.

What unfolded in Alexandria was the purest expression of AFCON unpredictability. Lalaina Nomenjanahary seized on sloppy defending to give the Barea a shock lead, and when Carolus Andriamahitsinoro’s free-kick wickedly deflected its way in, the impossible suddenly felt routine. Nicolas Dupuis’ men defended with spirit, countered with intent, and finished the night top of the group.

Malawi national football team 3-0 Algeria national football team (Group stage, 2010)

As far as AFCON shock results go, this one arguably takes the cake. Fresh from securing a World Cup ticket, Algeria were supposed to glide through their opener in Luanda. Rabah Saâdane’s men instead walked straight into a storm. Malawi, coached by Kinnah Phiri, seized the moment with intensity and direct running.

Russell Mwafulirwa struck first, before Elvis Kafoteka powered in a header. Davi Banda sealed it after the break, sparking scenes of disbelief. One of Africa’s biggest footballing nations had been floored by a team many barely mentioned pre-tournament.

Uganda  3-0 Morocco (Group Stage, 1978)

Going into their final group match in the 1978 tournament, reigning champions Morocco only needed a draw to secure passage to the semi-finals. While Uganda had looked in their opening match of the competition, they were expected to be no match for the Atlas Lions.

What ensued instead was a colossal shock. The Cranes stunned Morocco, with Philip Omondi’s 36th minute strike the third in a barnstorming first half performance. Uganda would back it up by upsetting Nigeria in the semis to reach their first and only final, but their destruction of the Atlas Lions is probably their most famous result ever in the competition.