Full List: Countries with the Most AFCON Bronze Medals

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) bronze medal match has long tested teams’ resilience, rewarding sides that bounce back after semi-final disappointment. Since the tournament’s inception in 1957, several African nations have consistently reached the AFCON podium, with some emerging as regular bronze medal winners.

Here’s a complete breakdown of countries with AFCON bronze medals, ranked from highest to lowest:

Nigeria – 9 Bronze Medals
Years: 1976, 1978, 1992, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2010, 2019, 2025
Nigeria tops the list as the most successful bronze medal winners in AFCON history. The Super Eagles’ nine third-place finishes highlight decades of consistency, tactical discipline, and depth. From the 1970s round-robin era to modern penalty shootouts, Nigeria has repeatedly shown the ability to finish strong after semi-final setbacks.

Côte d’Ivoire – 4 Bronze Medals
Years: 1965, 1968, 1986, 1994
The Ivorians were regulars on the AFCON podium during the tournament’s formative years. Their four bronze medals underscore a long-standing presence among Africa’s elite, even before their golden generation later captured AFCON titles.

Zambia – 3 Bronze Medals
Years: 1982, 1990, 1996
Zambia’s bronze medals reflect a resilient footballing nation that often overachieved. Particularly in the 1990s, the Chipolopolo consistently rebounded from semi-final heartbreak to claim podium finishes.

Egypt – 3 Bronze Medals
Years: 1963, 1970, 1974
Before becoming AFCON’s most decorated champions, Egypt laid their foundation through steady podium finishes. Their bronze medals in the 1960s and 1970s reflect early dominance in African football.

South Africa – 2 Bronze Medals
Years: 2000, 2023
Bafana Bafana’s two bronze medals came decades apart, highlighting different competitive eras. The 2023 finish marked a resurgence, ending a long wait for continental relevance.

Cameroon – 2 Bronze Medals
Years: 1972, 2021
Cameroon’s bronze medals span generations. The 2021 finish on home soil showcased the Indomitable Lions’ enduring tournament mentality even when falling short of the final.

DR Congo – 2 Bronze Medals
Years: 1998, 2015
DR Congo twice bounced back from semi-final disappointment to claim bronze, emphasizing their reputation as a physically strong and tactically disciplined knockout team.

Mali – 2 Bronze Medals
Years: 2012, 2013
Mali enjoyed a brief but notable period of consistency in the early 2010s, finishing third in consecutive tournaments and establishing themselves as a competitive West African side.

Algeria – 2 Bronze Medals
Years: 1984, 1988
Before their modern AFCON success, Algeria were regular podium contenders in the 1980s, with two bronze medals reflecting a generation of technically gifted players.

Burkina Faso – 1 Bronze Medal
Year: 2017
Burkina Faso’s bronze finish in Gabon was one of the country’s standout AFCON moments, achieved after a dramatic penalty shootout victory.

Ghana – 1 Bronze Medal
Year: 2008
Despite being an AFCON powerhouse, Ghana has won the bronze medal only once, on home soil in 2008.

Morocco – 1 Bronze Medal
Year: 1980
Morocco claimed third place at Nigeria 1980, marking one of their early continental successes.

Tunisia – 1 Bronze Medal
Year: 1962
Tunisia secured bronze on home soil in 1962 during one of AFCON’s early group-stage formats.

Ethiopia – 1 Bronze Medal
Year: 1959
Ethiopia finished third at the 1959 AFCON, adding to their early tournament pedigree.

Sudan – 1 Bronze Medal
Year: 1957
Sudan made history as the first-ever AFCON bronze medal winners at the inaugural tournament they hosted.

This list reflects the nations that have consistently shown resilience and determination to secure third place in Africa’s premier football competition.

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