The ongoing 34th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Ivory Coast has proven to be a tournament of surprises, especially with the unexpected exit of football giants. The outcomes from prominent nations like Egypt, Ghana, Cameroon, Algeria, and Senegal have left fans bewildered.
The elimination of Egypt at the hands of DR Congo in the round of 16 was particularly shocking. Despite Egypt’s illustrious history as an seven-time winner of the AFCON trophy, Congo secured an 8-7 victory on penalties after the match ended 1-1 in extra time on January 28.
Egypt, the most successful nation in AFCON history, had high hopes for an eighth title this year. The Pharaohs won the inaugural 1957 tournament and defended their title two years later. In the 2000s, Egypt achieved unprecedented success, clinching the championship consecutively from 2006 to 2010. However, their dreams were dashed by the DR Congo in a match that left football pundits puzzled.
The indomitable lions of Cameroon, five-time winners of the trophy, also faced an unexpected exit from this year’s AFCON. Despite their prior successes, the Rigobert Song-led team did not inspire confidence for a sixth championship. The squad’s performance raised numerous questions, and the match against Senegal, though predicted to be challenging, ended in disappointment.
Ghana, another football heavyweight with four AFCON titles, experienced a significant setback by exiting the tournament in the first round. They earned just two points in Group B, drawing with Egypt and Mozambique after losing to Cape Verde. Ghana’s early exit contrasts with their early successes in the competition, winning four titles in their first seven appearances.
The eliminations of Algeria and Senegal, both previous AFCON trophy winners, underscore the unpredictable nature of football. The competition continues with remaining teams such as Nigeria, Ivory Coast, Congo, Cape Verde, and others vying for the coveted trophy. As the tournament progresses, football enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating which nation will emerge victorious in this year’s AFCON.
