Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ifeanyi Ibeh
Published on 2024-02-11 07:19:16
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to face off against the Ivory Coast hosts on Sunday in an effort to make history by becoming just the third team to win against an AFCON host in the final. This year’s final marks their second matchup with the Elephants, having previously secured a 1-0 win in the group stage. In order to take home their fourth AFCON trophy, the Super Eagles must replicate the successes of Ghana and Cameroon, who are the only two teams to have accomplished this feat. In 1982, Ghana defeated Libya on penalties after a 2-2 draw, while Cameroon repeated the feat in 2000, overcoming Nigeria 4-3 on penalties following a 2-2 draw.
Historically, the hosting nations of the AFCON have experienced significant success in the final. Since 2006, only Egypt in 2006 and Tunisia in 2004 have managed to capitalize on home advantage and claim the title. South Africa in 1996, Algeria in 1990, and Egypt in 1986 further emphasize the impact of playing in front of a passionate home crowd. Nigeria itself benefited from this advantage, winning their first AFCON title in 1980 on home soil by defeating Algeria in the final. Additionally, Ghana in 1978 and 1963, Sudan in 1970, and Ethiopia in 1962 all emerged victorious as hosts in previous editions.
Despite the odds stacked against them, the Super Eagles possess the talent and determination to overcome history. Their victory over the Ivory Coast in the group stage serves as a confidence booster, and their overall performance throughout the tournament has been impressive. This Sunday’s final promises to be a thrilling encounter, filled with the emotions of a home crowd desperate for victory and the ambition of a team seeking to etch their names in AFCON history. Regardless of the outcome, this match is sure to be a spectacle for African football fans worldwide.
Looking ahead to the big clash on Sunday, here is an overview of the times the host country emerged as champions in previous AFCON finals:
– In 2006, Egypt was the last host nation to reach the final and emerge victorious, winning on penalties against Côte d’Ivoire.
– In 2004, Tunisia secured their first and only AFCON title as host nation, triumphing over Morocco in the final.
– South Africa debuted in the AFCON in 1996 as hosts and emerged as African champions, beating Tunisia in the final.
– In 1990, Algeria hosted and won the AFCON, defeating Nigeria in the final.
– Egypt emerged as champions of the 1986 AFCON, which they hosted, by defeating Cameroon on penalties.
– The hosting right of the 1980 edition went to Nigeria, who went on to win the tournament after overcoming Algeria.
– In 1978, the hosting right went to Ghana, and they claimed their third continental title.
– For the second time, Sudan won the hosting right of the AFCON in 1970 and emerged as African champions.
– In 1963, Ghana hosted and emerged as African champions for the first time.
– Ethiopia hosted the AFCON in 1962 and became Kings of African football by winning the tournament.
– Egypt won the inaugural edition of the AFCON in 1957 and hosted the tournament in 1959, ultimately winning the title.
The match between Nigeria and the Ivory Coast promises to be an exciting clash, as both teams vie for the coveted AFCON trophy while the home crowd cheers them on. The historical significance and championship aspirations of both teams make this final a must-watch for football fans around the globe.
