Amid varying opinions from some European circles, the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) stands as the most coveted trophy for an African footballer on the continent. Unlike Europe, where the debate revolves around the supremacy of the UEFA Champions League over the Euro Championship, AFCON holds unparalleled significance in the vibrant realm of African football.
Nevertheless, there exist African football legends whose illustrious careers, though adorned with numerous honors, lack the gleam of the golden AFCON trophy. The Guardian delves into the stories of ten such greats who, despite their remarkable contributions, never clinched the prestigious AFCON title before bidding farewell to the beautiful game.
Nwankwo Kanu:
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Hailing as one of Africa’s most fortuitous and intelligent footballers, Kanu defied the conventional physique associated with African players. His Arsenal and Nigerian legacy was defined by remarkable deft touches rather than physicality. Despite an illustrious career boasting numerous titles, including a UEFA Champions League, three Dutch Eredivisie titles, and domestic cups, Kanu’s trophy cabinet lacks an AFCON triumph.
Didier Drogba:
Drogba, an Ivorian legend, etched his name in football history with a move to Chelsea in 2004. Despite a prolific career marked by numerous league titles, FA Cups, and a memorable UEFA Champions League triumph, Drogba’s international accolades eluded the AFCON title. Despite reaching the final twice, in 2006 and 2012, Drogba’s Ivory Coast team faced penalty heartbreak on both occasions.
El-Hadji Diouf:
Diouf, a symbol of Senegal’s football resurgence, led a formidable generation to the 2002 AFCON final, narrowly losing to Cameroon on penalties. Despite their extraordinary talents, this marked their only close encounter with AFCON glory.
Michael Essien:
Ghanaian powerhouse Essien, a relentless midfielder, rose from humble beginnings to become a Chelsea stalwart. His remarkable career included multiple domestic and European honors, yet the AFCON title remained elusive, with Ghana finishing as runners-up in 2010.
George Weah:
Weah, a football icon and Liberia’s former president, achieved greatness individually but faced challenges on the international stage. Despite winning the Ballon d’Or, he could not guide Liberia to AFCON success, participating in two editions without advancing past the group stage.
Asamoah Gyan:
Gyan, known as “Baby Jet,” endured criticism for a missed penalty but holds the record for most World Cup goals by an African player. Despite individual success, AFCON glory eluded him, with Ghana reaching the final twice (2010 and 2015) without clinching the title.
Emmanuel Adebayor:
Togo’s most famous football export, Adebayor, adorned with a European club career, couldn’t secure AFCON success for his nation. Despite qualifying for the 2006 edition, Togo exited in the group stage.
Mustapha Hadji:
Hadji, the 1998 African Player of the Year, couldn’t guide Morocco to AFCON victory. Despite his individual accolades, Morocco’s journey under his leadership culminated in a quarter-final finish in 1998.
Frederic Kanoute:
Kanoute, a Mali legend, earned accolades in Europe but couldn’t translate that success to AFCON glory. Despite being named African Player of the Year in 2007, his Mali team reached the semi-final in 2004.
Samuel Osei Kuffour:
Kuffour, a defensive stalwart with Bayern Munich, enjoyed club success but never secured AFCON triumph with Ghana, despite five appearances in the tournament. His legacy is defined by Champions League success and Bundesliga titles rather than continental glory.