The most surprising upsets in the Africa Cup of Nations

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has long been a stage where footballing giants collide. There is a great chance to win on best betting sites in Kenya at the 1xBet platform when betting on the AFCON.

However, its history is also marked by stunning upsets that have left fans and pundits speechless. These unexpected triumphs embody the unpredictable spirit of African football and remind us why the tournament is so thrilling.

One of the earliest upsets occurred in 1976, when Morocco claimed their 1st and only title. The best betting sites in 1xBet Kenya give lots of chances to win when betting on the Moroccan national side too.

The Atlas Lions defied expectations by topping the final group stage, outplaying powerhouses like Egypt and Nigeria. Their tactical discipline and determination set the tone for future underdogs to dream big.

Zambian miracles

In 1992, Zambia shocked the football world by eliminating Egypt, then 5-time champions, in the quarterfinals. There is a football bet for any match of the Egyptian national side at the 1xBet platform.

Despite a squad largely made up of amateur players, the Zambian team displayed incredible resilience. Their inspirational journey continued to the final, where they narrowly lost to Côte d’Ivoire on penalties, but their underdog story remains unforgettable. Some football betting for any decisive match can always be made through the 1xBet platform on Zambia and other African national sides.

Perhaps the most emotional upset came in 2012, when Zambia finally claimed the AFCON trophy. They defeated tournament favorites Ghana in the semifinals and then triumphed over Côte d’Ivoire in a penalty shootout in the final. The victory was made even more poignant as it took place near the site of the 1993 plane crash that had claimed the lives of much of their national team.

Another gigantic shock

Another remarkable shock happened in 2019, when debutants Madagascar stunned Nigeria, a 3-time champion, in the group stage. You can discover instant live football betting at the 1xBet website on the Nigerian national side too.

The Malagasy team, ranked 108th in the world at the time, displayed fearless attacking football to secure a 2–0 victory, earning a spot in the knockout stages and the admiration of fans worldwide.

These moments remind us that in football, anything is possible. The AFCON’s rich history of surprises not only showcases the depth of talent across the continent but also underscores the tournament’s role as a celebration of 3 things:

• resilience;
• passion;
• and the unpredictable beauty of the game.

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