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 Medals
Years: 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 Medals
Years: 1965, 1968, 1986, 1994
The 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 Medals
Years: 1982, 1990, 1996
Zambia’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 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 an early dominance in African football. - South Africa – 2 Bronze Medals
Years: 2000, 2023
Bafana 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 Medals
Years: 1972, 2021
Cameroon’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 Medals
Years: 1998, 2015
DR 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 Medals
Years: 2012, 2013
Mali 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 Medals
Years: 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 Medal
Year: 2017
Burkina 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 Medal
Year: 2008
Despite being AFCON heavyweights, Ghana have surprisingly won the bronze medal only once, doing so on home soil in 2008. - Morocco – 1 Bronze Medal
Year: 1980
Morocco claimed third place at Nigeria 1980, marking one of their early continental achievements. - Tunisia – 1 Bronze Medal
Year: 1962
Tunisia secured bronze on home soil in 1962, during one of AFCON’s early group-based 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.
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