African Football Legends Who Never Lifted the AFCON Trophy

The Africa Cup of Nations remains the most prestigious international football competition on the continent, yet some of Africa’s greatest players completed their careers without ever winning the coveted title.

Mohamed Salah, Egypt’s captain and one of the world’s most prolific forwards, has twice come agonisingly close to AFCON glory. He finished as runner-up in both 2017 and 2021, losing finals to Cameroon and Senegal respectively. Injuries ruled him out of decisive moments in subsequent tournaments, leaving his international legacy incomplete despite Egypt’s historic dominance of the competition.

Didier Drogba, renowned for his heroics in club football, endured repeated heartbreak with Ivory Coast. As captain, he led his country to AFCON finals in 2006 and 2012, both ending in penalty shootout defeats. In a cruel twist, Ivory Coast finally won the tournament shortly after his international retirement.

George Weah, Africa’s only Ballon d’Or winner, was limited by Liberia’s modest footballing profile. Despite his brilliance at club level, his national team appearances at AFCON ended at the group stage, denying him continental success.

Nigeria’s Nwankwo Kanu enjoyed a decorated club career and Olympic glory but fell short at AFCON. His closest opportunity came in the 2000 final, where Nigeria lost on penalties, and subsequent semi-final runs failed to deliver a title.

Michael Essien was central to a talented Ghanaian generation but was repeatedly sidelined by injuries at critical moments. Ghana reached the final in 2010 without him, losing to Egypt, leaving Essien among the elite players whose careers never included AFCON gold.