Five Stars Who Came Closest to Afcon Glory: Salah, Drogba, Weah, Kanu, Essien

Explore Africa Cup of Nations near-misses by football icons Salah, Drogba, Weah, Kanu and Essien, and why the trophy remains elusive for some of the best.

Even the continent’s brightest stars can miss Africa Cup of Nations glory. As Mohamed Salah prepares for another Afcon campaign with Egypt, INLIBER Sport Africa looks at five legends who never lifted the trophy.

These stories show how individual brilliance at club level does not always translate into continental triumph, and how timing, teammates, and luck matter in Africa’s flagship tournament.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

At 33, Salah remains Egypt’s captain as they chase a first Afcon title since 2010. Egypt holds the record for the most Afcon titles, but their long drought has stretched across Salah’s international career since his debut in 2011. He reached multiple finals, including a 2017 loss to Cameroon, a 2019 last-16 exit to South Africa, and the nerve-racking 2021 final against Senegal, decided by penalties where his kick was not taken after Sadio Mane’s decisive spot-kick. An injury in the 2023 group stage kept him from competing as DR Congo sent Egypt out in the knockout rounds.

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Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)

Yaya Toure comforts Didier Drogba during the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations final by going to pat the back of his head with his right hand and holding his left hand on Drogba's left arm. Both players wear bright orange Ivory Coast shirts, and Drogba has a pained expression on his face

Drogba was a towering figure for Chelsea, scoring in many finals and lifting major honours. Yet Afcon finals proved stubbornly stubborn for him; he captained the Ivory Coast in two shootouts.* In 2006, Egypt beat the Elephants 4-2 on penalties after a late Drogba miss. In 2012, a late Drogba miss from the spot again denied his side as Zambia triumphed in the shootout. Drogba did score in the shootout in that 2012 final, but Ivory Coast still fell short. He retired from international football in 2014. Six months later, Ivory Coast finally lifted Afcon in 2015, beating Ghana on penalties without Drogba on the field.

George Weah (Liberia)

George Weah has a broad smile on his face as he celebrates a goal with his Liberia team-mates at the 2002 Africa Cup of Nations. Zizi Roberts, wearing a white shirt with red detail on the sleeve and a red number 9 on the back is seen from behind embracing Weah, while another player who is partially seen has an arm around the striker's shoulders. All three are visible from waist up

In terms of personal honours, the Liberian icon stands out in history as the only African to win the Ballon d’Or (1995) and to be named African Player of the Year for a second time in the same year. Liberia’s Afcon appearances with Weah were limited: their first campaign in 1996 saw a small squad play only two group matches after Nigeria withdrew; they were eliminated on goal difference. Weah returned in 2002 as a veteran, scoring Liberia’s sole Afcon goal in the opening draw with Mali, but the Lone Stars still failed to advance. Long after his playing days, Weah led Liberia as president from 2018 to 2024, adding political glory to his football legacy.

Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria)

Issa Hayatou, in a dark blue suit, and Sepp Blatter, in a cream suit, hand a golden ball trophy for the African Footballer of the Year award to Nwankwo Kanu, who is wearing a green Nigeria shirt. Full stands in an open-air football stadium can be seen in the background

Kanu enjoyed a trophy-laden club career with Ajax, Inter Milan, and Arsenal, plus Olympic gold and a strong under-17 World Cup record in 1993. However, Afcon silver and bronze punctuated his international career. The closest he came was the 2000 final, when Nigeria lost to Cameroon on penalties after his spot kick was saved. Nigeria also reached semis in subsequent tournaments but did not secure the title during his time with the national team.

Michael Essien (Ghana)

A topless Michael Essien, with just a red captain's armband on his left bicep, is visible from waist up as he trudges off the pitch after Ghana lost a match at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations. An out-of-focus Ghana team-mate can be seen in the background holding his hands to his head in disappointment, while another is obscured behind Essien

Essien is widely regarded as one of Ghana’s most gifted midfielders. Ghana last won Afcon in 1982, passing through several generations of talented players without lifting the trophy. Essien helped his country reach important stages, including the 2008 semi-finals when they hosted the tournament and finished third, and he contributed to their competitive runs in 2010 while missing out on the final through injury. His club achievements with Chelsea did not translate into Afcon glory for Ghana during his international career.

Expert comment: Football analysts note that individual talent can shine, but winning Afcon usually requires a balanced squad, solid teamwork, and a touch of fortune. The stars highlighted here reveal the gap between personal brilliance and continental triumph.

Short summary: Salah, Drogba, Weah, Kanu, and Essien rank among Africa’s greatest players, yet Afcon glory eluded them at the national level. Their careers show how the continent’s toughest tournament tests not just skill but squad depth and timely opportunities. While these players dominated club football, the Afcon trophy remained out of reach for most of their international careers, a reminder of the tournament’s unique challenges. The 2025 edition in Morocco continues to offer another chance for stars to chase Africa’s ultimate prize.

Key insight: Even Africa’s greatest players can miss Afcon glory, reminding fans that team chemistry and timing are crucial. Source: BBC Sport

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