“Who Has Ever Won AFCON Bronze? See the Full Historic List!

While the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final crowns the continental champions, the third-place playoff has always been a stage for teams determined to end their campaigns on a high.

Often coming after the disappointment of a semi-final exit, the bronze medal match tests resilience, tactical discipline, and the ability to bounce back under pressure. Since the inaugural tournament in 1957, numerous nations have claimed AFCON bronze, with Nigeria emerging as the most frequent achiever in this category.

Below is a chronological list of AFCON third-place finishers, highlighting how and where each achievement was secured:

2025: Nigeria (Morocco)
Nigeria defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties to claim third place, capping off a strong tournament run.

2023: South Africa (Côte d’Ivoire)
South Africa returned to the podium for the first time since 2000, overcoming DR Congo on penalties.

2021: Cameroon (Cameroon)
The Indomitable Lions came from behind to beat Burkina Faso in front of home fans.

2019: Nigeria (Egypt)
A lone goal against Tunisia secured bronze for the Super Eagles, showcasing their defensive discipline.

2017: Burkina Faso (Gabon)
Burkina Faso edged Ghana on penalties in a thrilling third-place encounter.

2015: DR Congo (Equatorial Guinea)
DR Congo defeated hosts Equatorial Guinea to finish third.

2013: Mali (South Africa)
Mali claimed their first-ever AFCON bronze by defeating Ghana convincingly.

2012: Mali (Gabon/Equatorial Guinea)
Mali repeated the feat, once again overcoming Ghana in the playoff.

2010: Nigeria (Angola)
Nigeria beat Algeria to finish the tournament on a positive note.

2008: Ghana (Ghana)
Hosts Ghana defeated Côte d’Ivoire to secure bronze at home.

2006: Nigeria (Egypt)
The Super Eagles overcame Senegal to finish third.

2004: Nigeria (Tunisia)
Nigeria triumphed over Mali on penalties after a goalless draw.

2002: Nigeria (Mali)
Nigeria defeated hosts Mali in the bronze medal match.

2000: South Africa (Ghana/Nigeria)
South Africa beat Algeria to secure third place.

1998: DR Congo (Burkina Faso)
DR Congo defeated the hosts to claim bronze.

1996: Zambia (South Africa)
Zambia overcame Ghana to finish third.

1994: Côte d’Ivoire (Tunisia)
The Ivorians defeated Mali to secure the bronze medal.

1992: Nigeria (Senegal)
Nigeria defeated Cameroon in the playoff match.

1990: Zambia (Algeria)
Zambia overcame Senegal to earn third place.

1988: Algeria (Morocco)
Algeria defeated hosts Morocco to claim bronze.

1986: Côte d’Ivoire (Egypt)
The Ivorians beat Morocco to finish third.

1984: Algeria (Côte d’Ivoire)
Algeria secured bronze by defeating Nigeria.

1982: Zambia (Libya)
Zambia beat Algeria to finish third.

1980: Morocco (Nigeria)
Morocco defeated Egypt to claim bronze.

1978: Nigeria (Ghana)
Nigeria overcame hosts Ghana in the playoff.

1976: Nigeria (Ethiopia)
Nigeria finished third under the tournament’s round-robin format.

1974: Egypt (Egypt)
Egypt secured third place behind Zaire and Zambia.

1972: Cameroon (Cameroon)
Cameroon finished third under the final group format.

1970: Egypt (Sudan)
Egypt placed third behind Sudan and Ghana.

1968: Côte d’Ivoire (Ethiopia)
The Ivorians finished third overall.

1965: Côte d’Ivoire (Tunisia)
Côte d’Ivoire repeated their third-place finish.

1963: Egypt (Ghana)
Egypt finished third behind Ghana and Sudan.

1962: Tunisia (Tunisia)
Hosts Tunisia secured third place in the standings.

1959: Ethiopia (Egypt)
Ethiopia finished third behind the hosts and Sudan.

1957: Sudan (Sudan)
Sudan became the first-ever AFCON bronze medal winners at the inaugural tournament.