The African Cup of Nations is Africa’s most prestigious football competition, bringing together the continent’s finest footballing nations every two years. Talented footballers have lit up the tournament with memorable performances to lead their countries to success.
Despite enjoying successful careers filled with multiple laurels and trophies, several African legends failed to add the Nations Cup title to their trophy cabinet. This list explores 5 African legends who never won the AFCON title in their career.
Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria)
Super Eagles legend Nwankwo Kanu enjoyed a hugely successful career during his playing days. His impressive trophy collection includes the UEFA Champions League, the English Premier League, the UEFA Super Cup while he also won gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games and was named African footballer of the year on two occasions – 1996 and 1999.
However, Kanu fell short of lifting the African Cup of Nations title, winning the silver medal in 2000 as Nigeria lost the final to Cameroon. ‘Papilo’, was also the recipient of four bronze medals at the tournament, in 2002, 2004, 2006 and 2008.
Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)
Ex-Ivory Coast striker Didier Drogba also failed to lift the African Cup of Nations trophy during an illustrious career. Despite leading the Elephants to the final of the tournament twice, he missed out on the gold medal on both occasions.
The two-time African footballer of the year winner missed his side’s opening penalty kick in the penalty shootout defeat to Egypt in 2006 and despite scoring in the 2012 final against Zambia, Ivory Coast’s hopes were dashed by another heartbreaking penalty shootout defeat.
George Weah (Liberia)
The only African player to have won the prestigious Ballon d’Or award, George Weah’s legacy is unmatched in the continent. The former Liberia striker also won the African footballer of the year award on three occasions.
Despite his individual brilliance, Liberia’s lack of depth and quality to compete with Africa’s best, hindered the football icon from adding the AFCON trophy to his cabinet. He also never participated in the FIFA World Cup tournament.
Asamoah Gyan (Ghana)
Former Ghana international Asamoah Gyan, appears on this list as one of Africa’s greats to have never lifted the AFCON trophy. His first medal in the competition came in 2008, when he won the bronze medal with Ghana.
Gyan also led the Black Stars to the finals of the 2010 and 2015 editions, coming short on both occasions with defeats to Egypt and Ivory Coast respectively.
Emmanuel Adebayor (Togo)
Former Arsenal and Manchester City striker Emmanuel Adebayor, rounds off this stacked list. The 2008 African footballer of the year winner’s best achievement at the African Cup of Nations was leading his side to a quarterfinal finish in 2013, losing in extra-time to finalists Burkina Faso.
Adebayor also featured in the 2017 tournament in Gabon, although Togo’s campaign ended early as they failed to progress beyond the group stages.
