While the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is globally admired for its passion, colour, and unforgettable football moments, the competition has also endured dark chapters that left painful marks on African football. These moments—ranging from tragedy to controversy—changed the tournament forever and highlighted the challenges facing African football both on and off the pitch.
1. The Togo Team Bus Attack – AFCON 2010
The most tragic moment in AFCON history came before the 2010 tournament in Angola. As the Togo national team approached the Cabinda region, their team bus was ambushed by armed attackers. The assault resulted in three deaths, including the team’s assistant coach and press officer, while several others suffered serious injuries. Despite their desire to continue, Togo were forced to withdraw after government intervention. The tragedy cast a long shadow over the entire tournament and sparked global debate about security at African sporting events.
2. Stampede Disaster at AFCON 2021 – Olembé Stadium
During AFCON 2021 in Cameroon, tragedy struck again. Eight spectators died and dozens were injured during a crowd stampede outside Olembé Stadium before the Round of 16 match between Cameroon and Comoros. Overcrowding, poor gate management, and last-minute ticket handling were blamed for the disaster. The incident forced CAF to temporarily close the stadium, leading to international scrutiny of AFCON’s event management and safety standards.
3. Tunisia vs Mali Referee Chaos – AFCON 2021
One of the most bizarre refereeing moments in AFCON history occurred when Zambian referee Janny Sikazwe blew for full-time in the 85th minute. After realising the error, he restarted play—only to blow again at 89:47, still before the full 90. Officials attempted to restart the match hours later, but Tunisia refused to return to the field. The incident went viral worldwide and became a symbol of officiating controversies that have plagued AFCON over the years.
4. Egypt’s 2012 Dressing Room Attack by Fans
Fresh off their historic AFCON three-peat, Egypt suffered one of their worst off-field crises. After a domestic league match between Al Ahly and Al-Masry, over 70 people were killed in a stadium riot in Port Said. Though not during the tournament itself, the aftermath caused Egypt to withdraw from AFCON 2012 preparations and left players emotionally shattered. The tragedy marked one of the darkest football incidents in African history and indirectly disrupted Egypt’s AFCON dominance.
5. Equatorial Guinea Crowd Violence – AFCON 2015
The AFCON 2015 semifinal between Equatorial Guinea and Ghana descended into chaos as home supporters began attacking Ghanaian fans with bottles and objects. With tensions rising, CAF officials suspended the match for nearly 40 minutes, using a helicopter inside the stadium to disperse violent crowds. It was one of the most embarrassing fan-related incidents in AFCON history.
6. Cameroon’s Internal Player Strike – AFCON 2002
Just days before the tournament kicked off, Cameroon’s squad refused to train due to disputes over unpaid bonuses. The dramatic standoff made global headlines and painted a negative picture of African football administration. Cameroon eventually settled the conflict and went on to win the tournament, but the incident damaged the federation’s image for years.
7. Ghana vs Nigeria Tunnel Riot – AFCON 2008
One of AFCON's most infamous off-field fights occurred after the 2008 semifinal. Players and officials from both sides clashed in the tunnel following a heated match, with accusations of provocation and unsporting behaviour. CAF issued fines and warnings, stressing the need for better discipline in high-pressure fixtures.
8. Host Nation Morocco Withdraws – AFCON 2015
In a shocking turn of events, Morocco withdrew from hosting AFCON 2015 due to fears over the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. CAF responded by stripping the nation of hosting rights and banning them from the competition. The last-minute scramble caused chaos, with Equatorial Guinea stepping in as emergency hosts. The controversy disrupted tournament planning and damaged relations between CAF and Morocco for years.
9. Nigeria’s AFCON 2010 Bonus Strike
Hours before their opening match, Nigeria’s players refused to train due to disputes over unpaid bonuses. The internal conflict caused massive embarrassment and contributed to a weak performance. The incident remains one of the worst administrative meltdowns in AFCON history.
10. Zambia’s 1994 Dressing-Room Collapse
Following the 1993 Gabon plane crash that killed the entire Zambian national team, the rebuilt squad reached the 1994 AFCON final. But behind the scenes, emotional breakdowns were reported in the dressing room as players struggled with trauma and grief. Zambia lost the final, but it remains one of AFCON’s most emotional and painful stories.
Legacy of AFCON’s Dark Moments
These incidents—ranging from security failures to administrative chaos—highlight areas where African football has struggled. Yet they also mark moments of change, where CAF was forced to adopt stricter rules, improve stadium safety, refine refereeing standards, and strengthen organisational planning. While these dark chapters are painful, they are also reminders of the resilience of African football and the unbreakable spirit that defines AFCON.