The Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal match has long been a test of resilience, rewarding teams that recover quickly from semi-final disappointment.Since 1957, several African nations have consistently found their way onto the AFCON podium, with some emerging as regular bronze medal winners.
Below is a breakdown of each country and how many AFCON bronze medals they have won, ranked from highest to lowest.
AFCON 2025: Nigeria beat Egypt 4-2 on penalties to win bronzeMoses Simon, Raphael Onyedika, Bruno Onyemaechi and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru celebrate victory in the penalty shoot out against Egypt. Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP.
The Africa Cup of Nations bronze medal match has long been a test of resilience, rewarding teams that recover quickly from semi-final disappointment.Since 1957, several African nations have consistently found their way onto the AFCON podium, with some emerging as regular bronze medal winners.Below is a breakdown of each country and how many AFCON bronze medals they have won, ranked from highest to lowest.
Nigeria – 9 Bronze MedalsYears: 1976, 1978, 1992, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2019, 2025. Nigeria stand tall as the most successful bronze medal winners in AFCON history. The Super Eagles’ nine third-place finishes reflect decades of consistency, tactical discipline, and depth. From the round-robin era of the 1970s to penalty shootouts in recent tournaments, Nigeria have repeatedly shown the ability to finish strong after semi-final setbacks
Côte d’Ivoire – 4 Bronze MedalsYears: 1965, 1968, 1986, 1994The Ivorians were early regulars on the AFCON podium, especially during the tournament’s formative years. Their four bronze medals underline a long-standing presence among Africa’s elite, even before their golden generation era that later delivered AFCON titles.
Zambia – 3 Bronze MedalsYears: 1982, 1990, 1996Zambia’s bronze medals tell the story of a resilient football nation that often punched above its weight. Particularly in the 1990s, the Chipolopolo consistently rebounded from heartbreak to secure podium finishes.
Egypt – 3 Bronze MedalsYears: 1963, 1970, 1974Before becoming AFCON’s most decorated champions, Egypt laid their foundation through steady podium finishes. Their bronze medals in the 1960s and 1970s reflect an early dominance in African football.
South Africa – 2 Bronze MedalsYears: 2000, 2023Bafana Bafana’s bronze medals came decades apart, highlighting different eras of competitiveness. The 2023 bronze marked a resurgence, ending a long wait for continental relevance.
Cameroon – 2 Bronze MedalsYears: 1972, 2021Cameroon’s bronze medals bookend generations. The 2021 finish on home soil demonstrated the Indomitable Lions’ enduring tournament mentality even when falling short of the final.
DR Congo – 2 Bronze MedalsYears: 1998, 2015DR Congo have twice bounced back from semi-final disappointment to claim bronze, underlining their reputation as a physically strong and tactically disciplined side in knockout football.
Mali – 2 Bronze MedalsYears: 2012, 2013Mali enjoyed a brief but notable period of consistency in the early 2010s, finishing third in back-to-back tournaments and establishing themselves as a competitive West African force.
Algeria – 2 Bronze MedalsYears: 1984, 1988 Before their modern AFCON success, Algeria were regular podium contenders in the 1980s, with two bronze medals reflecting a strong generation of technical players.
Burkina Faso – 1 Bronze MedalYear: 2017Burkina Faso’s bronze finish in Gabon was one of the country’s standout AFCON moments, achieved after a dramatic playoff victory on penalties.
Ghana – 1 Bronze MedalYear: 2008Despite being AFCON heavyweights, Ghana have surprisingly won the bronze medal only once, doing so on home soil in 2008.
Morocco – 1 Bronze MedalYear: 1980Morocco claimed third place at Nigeria 1980, marking one of their early continental achievements.
Tunisia – 1 Bronze MedalYear: 1962Tunisia secured bronze on home soil in 1962, during one of AFCON’s early group-based formats.
Ethiopia – 1 Bronze MedalYear: 1959Ethiopia finished third at the 1959 AFCON, adding to their early tournament pedigree.
Sudan – 1 Bronze MedalYear: 1957Sudan made history as the first-ever AFCON bronze medal winners at the inaugural tournament they hosted
