African Greats Who Never Won Afcon: Salah, Drogba and More

As Mohamed Salah pursues Afcon glory with Egypt, history reminds us of other African greats who never lifted the continent’s top prize. The Africa Cup of Nations has unforgettable moments, yet some legends never get their moment in the trophy spotlight. Here are five world‑class players who fell just short at the final whistle.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

At 33, Salah faces a pivotal window to win Afcon with Egypt. The Pharaohs sit among Africa’s most successful teams with seven titles, though their last triumph came in 2010. Salah made his international debut in 2011 and has gone on to become Egypt’s all‑time leading scorer, with Africa’s Player of the Year honours in 2017 and 2018.

His Afcon journey includes a 2017 final defeat to Cameroon, a disappointing exit in 2019 at the hands of South Africa, and a 2021 final loss to Senegal on penalties — with Salah unable to take a kick as Senegal edged ahead 4‑2 in the shootout. In 2023, an injury during the group stage saw Egypt fall to DR Congo in the knockout rounds. Despite these setbacks, Salah remains central to Egypt’s hopes in future editions.

Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)

Drogba was the defining big‑match striker for Chelsea, winning numerous club finals. Yet the Afcon trophy eluded him as Ivory Coast reached two finals on penalties. In 2006, a shootout against hosts Egypt saw Drogba’s first kick saved as Egypt progressed 4‑2.

The Elephants returned to the final in 2012 as favorites against Zambia, but Drogba’s late penalty missed and the match moved to penalties, where Ivory Coast again fell short despite Drogba scoring in the shootout. He continued to lead the team through 2014, and Ivory Coast finally won the title in 2015 after his international retirement. Drogba’s legacy shows how even global greats can be denied Afcon glory.

George Weah (Liberia)

Weah stands as Africa’s most celebrated individual, the only African to win the Ballon d’Or (1995) and a two‑time African Player of the Year. Despite that extraordinary evidence of talent, Liberia’s Afcon appearances with Weah were few and short, with limited group play and early exits in most campaigns.

Weah captained Liberia at Africa’s main tournament in 1996 and again in 2002. The country’s Afcon outings under his leadership did not yield a trophy, underscoring the gap that can exist between individual superstardom and continental success.

Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria)

Kanu enjoyed a trophy‑laden club career, winning the Champions League with Ajax and the Uefa Cup with Inter Milan before a celebrated stint at Arsenal. He also helped Nigeria win youth and Olympic honours, but the Afcon trophy eluded him at the senior level.

His best Afcon result came in 2000 when Nigeria lost the final to Cameroon on penalties, ending their chase for continental glory that year. Across subsequent editions, Nigeria reached semis and quarters but never lifted the trophy while Kanu represented his country.

Michael Essien (Ghana)

Ghana’s long wait for an Afcon title stretches back to 1982, despite producing top players like Essien, widely regarded as one of Africa’s finest midfield talents. His club success with Chelsea didn’t translate into continental glory for Ghana.

Essien played in several Afcon campaigns, including the 2008 tournament hosted by Ghana where the team finished third. An injury during the 2010 event kept him from helping Ghana in the knockout rounds, and the Black Stars would continue their pursuit of Afcon glory without adding another title to Essien’s list of achievements.

Expert comment

Expert view: Analysts say Afcon success is often about timing, squad depth, and tournament pressure as much as individual talent. Even Africa’s most decorated players can miss out when faced with strong rivals and tight knockout games.

Short summary

Across Africa’s football history, many global stars achieved fame without lifting Afcon. Salah and Drogba stand out among the most recognizable examples, joined by George Weah, Nwankwo Kanu, and Michael Essien. These stories remind fans that continental glory is a team achievement shaped by injuries, luck, and the strength of opponents.

Key insight: Even Africa’s greatest players can miss Afcon glory, underscoring the tournament’s high level of competition.

Source: BBC Sport

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