Top 10 Most Famous African Football Matches of All Time

Brief Summary

• A ranking of the Top 10 most famous African football matches, from historic World Cup upsets to unforgettable AFCON finals.
• Iconic games include Cameroon’s 1990 win over Argentina, Nigeria’s dramatic AFCON finals, and Zambia’s emotional 2012 triumph.
• Matches are selected for their historic significance and lasting impact on African football’s global reputation.

Deep Dive!!

Saturday, September 6th—The beautiful game of football in Africa goes way beyond fixtures, trophies, and functionaries. The exciting and unforgettable moments matter too, as they will be remembered throughout the continent and globally.

Some of these thrilling games have left their mark on the history of football, including historic victories and dramatic comebacks in different tournaments like the AFCON finals, FIFA World Cup upsets or heated African club rivalries.

In this article, we will discuss the top 10 most famous African football matches of all time, ranked based on historical significance and influence on African football’s growth.

10. Tunisia vs. Mexico (1978 FIFA World Cup Group Stage)

Tunisia defeated Mexico in a stunning 3-1 thriller in 1978 after coming back from a halftime 1-0 deficit, marking the first-ever World Cup win for an African nation. The Carthage Eagles had goals from Ali Kaabi, Nejib Ghommidh, and Mokhtar Dhouieb, which were more than enough to change the game in their favour. 

Mexico took the lead after Arturo Vázquez Ayala scored a penalty just before the end of the first half in the 45th minute.

9. Algeria vs. West Germany (1982 FIFA World Cup Group Stage)

Algeria, in their first group stage in the 1982 FIFA World Cup, pulled off one of the biggest upsets in history when they stunned the defending European champions, West Germany, 2-1. 

Algeria’s Rabah Madjer opened the scoring in the 54th minute, which was followed by  Lakhdar Belloumi's game-winning goal after Karl-Heinz Rummenigge equalised. The Desert Foxes overpowered the champions, and the match exposed "Disgrace of Gijón".

The controversial “Disgrace of Gijón”, which was overshadowed by this match, saw West Germany defeat Austria 1-0 to advance to the next round by colluding together against Algeria. They both advanced at Algeria’s expense on goal differential. FIFA decided to require that future final group matches be played concurrently.

8. Morocco vs. Portugal (1986 FIFA World Cup Group Stage)

In 1986, Morocco became the first African country to taste victory in their World Cup group stage and advanced to the knockout phase with their historic 3-1 victory over Portugal.

Abderrazak Khairi secured two goals, and Abdelkrim Merry scored a goal in this memorable match. Diamantino Miranda was able to sneak in a goal for Portugal, but it wasn’t enough.

This match made it to our list because the Atlas Lions were able to not just defeat Portugal, but also finish atop Group F against formidable European teams, Poland and England.

READ MORE: Top 10 African National Teams' Historic Moments of All Time

7. Al Ahly vs. Zamalek (2020 CAF Champions League Final)

In the first-ever all-Egyptian CAF Champions League final, Al Ahly defeated their rivals Zamalek in a 2-1 victory. Amr El Solia and Mohamed Magdy "Afsha" scored for Al Ahly, and Shikabala responded with a goal for Zamalek. The game was nicknamed the "Match of the Century."

Before this victory, Al Ahly had lost their previous CAF finals in 2017 and 2018, and this win was the first in seven years. In the face of COVID-19 restrictions, this Cairo Derby intensified their rivalry, attracting over 100 million fans worldwide.

6. Egypt vs. Algeria (2009 FIFA World Cup Qualifier Playoff)

Algeria bagged a qualification for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, thanks to a lone goal and a spectacular strike from Antar Yahia in a neutral venue due to security concerns. Violent riots in Cairo during the group stage were part of the buildup. The match was tagged the “Hate Match.”

According to The Guardian, it was the “worst football violence ever seen in the region.” It exemplified North African rivalries fueled by historical tensions.

5. Nigeria 2-1 Zambia (1994 AFCON Final)

Nigeria secured their second Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) trophy by coming from behind to beat Zambia 2-1 with two goals from Super Eagles’ Emmanuel Amunike after Zambia’s Elijah Litana's early strike. What makes this match memorable is the fact that Zambia reached the final just a year after a plane crash killed 18 players and several staff members from the previous squad.

4. Zambia 0-0 Ivory Coast (2012 AFCON Final, 8-7 on Penalties)

After the tournament's only goalless draw, Zambia defeated Ivory Coast 8–7 on penalties to win the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON)  title for the first time after Didier Drogba missed a spot-kick in normal time. The historic match was played close to the crash site, where crash site where Zambia lost their players to an unfortunate and disastrous plane crash.

ALSO CHECK OUT: Giant Slayers: How African Teams Defied Odds at the FIFA World Cup

3. DR Congo 4-4 Burkina Faso (1998 AFCON, 4-1 on Penalties)

After an incredible comeback, DR Congo defeated Burkina Faso 4-4 in a dramatic 1998 AFCON third-place playoff. They then captured third place with a 4-1 penalty shootout victory. 

The competition came to a dramatic conclusion when Burkina Faso, playing at home, lost the shootout after giving up an incredible equaliser after holding a three-goal lead with minutes remaining.

2. Nigeria 2-2 Cameroon ( 2000 AFCON, 3-4 on Penalties)

In an exciting Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, the host country, Nigeria, met Cameroon. Cameroon won the championship 4-3 in a thrilling penalty shootout following a 2-2 draw. Chukwu Ndukwe gave Nigeria the lead in the 26th minute, but Patrick Mboma's goal in the 31st minute gave Cameroon the equaliser. Jay-Jay Okocha tied the score in the 58th minute after Samuel Eto'o gave Cameroon the lead in the 47th. Cameroon won the shootout after Nigeria's Victor Ikpeba controversially failed after his attempt was judged to have not crossed the line, even though replays showed it did.

1. Cameroon vs. Argentina (1990 FIFA World Cup Opening Match)

Cameroon stunned the world by upsetting reigning champions Argentina 1-0 in the 1990 FIFA World Cup first match. In the 67th minute, Francois Omam-Biyik scored the lone goal. Cameroon's violent play throughout the game resulted in multiple cards, including two Cameroonian players receiving red cards.