The thirty fifth version of the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off in Morocco on December 21. One of the best sports activities betting web site 1xBet, an official accomplice of CAF, seems again on the most exceptional occasions within the historical past of the continent’s premier soccer event.
The primary AFCON and Egypt’s triumph
The event was first held within the Sudanese capital Khartoum in 1957 and introduced collectively solely three nationwide groups: Egypt, Sudan and Ethiopia. South Africa was initially among the many contributors, however the workforce missed the primary Africa Cup of Nations as a consequence of disqualification. That modest competitors laid the inspiration for the event of African soccer tradition and performed a key function in shaping the continent’s identification.
Egypt already had a well-developed soccer system at the moment and gained the event with confidence. Within the semi-finals, the Pharaohs beat Sudan 2-1, and within the remaining, they crushed Ethiopia (4-0) due to 4 objectives from Advert-Diba.
South Africa’s historic title
The nation returned to the world soccer group in 1992 and hosted the Africa Cup of Nations simply 4 years later. Bafana Bafana gained the event, which grew to become an emblem of nationwide revival. Within the remaining, the hosts defeated Tunisia 2-0 in entrance of 80,000 followers. That title cemented South Africa’s standing as a brand new power on the continent.
It must be famous that the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations additionally made historical past by increasing to 16 nationwide groups. Though, actually, 15 groups performed within the event – Nigeria withdrew from participation on the final minute.
Zambia, 2012: victory born out of tragedy
The twenty eighth version of the Africa Cup of Nations in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea was an actual soccer fairy story. The Zambia nationwide workforce wasn’t among the many favorites, however went by the event undefeated and have become champions for the primary time, beating the star-studded Côte d’Ivoire in a protracted penalty shootout within the remaining.
The success was made much more symbolic by the tragedy of 1993. Again then, a airplane carrying the Zambia nationwide workforce crashed close to the coast of Gabon, killing 18 gamers. Hervé Renard’s gamers fought not just for sporting glory, but additionally for the reminiscence of those that will without end stay a part of the nation’s soccer historical past.
Two finals between Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana (1992 and 2015)
Soccer has a knack for prolonging pressure for many years. In 1992, Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana met within the Africa Cup of Nations remaining, which went down in historical past as one of the dramatic ever. After a attract common time, it took 22 penalty kicks to find out the winners. The Elephants proved stronger and gained AFCON for the primary time in historical past.
In 2015, historical past repeated itself: the opponents failed to attain in common time once more, and the title was determined in a penalty shootout. Côte d’Ivoire began with two misses, however then scored each time. After the decisive shot by their goalkeeper, Boubacar Barry, the Ivorians ran to their followers, whereas the Ghanaians fell to the turf in despair.
Senegal breaking the curse
For a few years, Senegal had been thought-about one of many strongest African groups, however had by no means gained any trophies. It was solely in 2021 that the Lions of Teranga gained the long-awaited title: within the remaining, Aliou Cissé’s workforce defeated Egypt in a penalty shootout.
Sadio Mané may have gained the sport for his workforce in common time, however missed a penalty. Nevertheless, Senegal’s chief took duty and transformed the decisive kick within the penalty shootout. After the ultimate whistle, Senegalese followers took to the streets to have a good time the victory they’d been ready for over 50 years.
AFCON 2025 will convey collectively the celebrities of world soccer, guaranteeing spectacular matches, surprising twists and turns, and actual soccer drama. Comply with the event occasions and place your bets with the best odds on one of the best sports activities betting web site 1xBet!
