Full List Of Countries Who Have Won Bronze Medal In AFCON Since 1957

While the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final determines the continental champions, the third-place playoff has remained a defining fixture for teams eager to end their campaigns on a high.

Often following the heartbreak of a semi-final exit, the bronze medal match reflects resilience, tactical maturity and the ability to recover under pressure. Since the inaugural tournament in 1957, several nations have claimed AFCON bronze, with Nigeria emerging as the most consistent performer in the category.

Below is a chronological account of AFCON bronze medal winners, detailing how and where each achievement was secured.

2025: Nigeria (Morocco)

Nigeria claimed third place at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after defeating Egypt 4-2 on penalties in the playoff match, rounding off a strong tournament campaign.

2023: South Africa (Côte d’Ivoire)

South Africa returned to the podium for the first time since 2000, defeating DR Congo on penalties to secure bronze.

2021: Cameroon (Cameroon)

The Indomitable Lions came from behind to beat Burkina Faso in front of home fans, finishing the tournament strongly.

2019: Nigeria (Egypt)

A solitary goal against Tunisia earned Nigeria the bronze medal, underlining the Super Eagles’ defensive discipline.

2017: Burkina Faso (Gabon)

Burkina Faso edged Ghana on penalties after a dramatic third-place match.

2015: DR Congo (Equatorial Guinea)

DR Congo defeated hosts Equatorial Guinea to claim third place.

2013: Mali (South Africa)

Mali recorded a convincing victory over Ghana to earn their first-ever AFCON bronze.

2012: Mali (Gabon/Equatorial Guinea)

Mali repeated the feat, once again defeating Ghana in the playoff.

2010: Nigeria (Angola)

Nigeria beat Algeria to finish third and end the tournament on a positive note.

2008: Ghana (Ghana)

The hosts defeated Côte d’Ivoire to secure bronze on home soil.

2006: Nigeria (Egypt)

Nigeria defeated Senegal to finish on the podium.

2004: Nigeria (Tunisia)

The Super Eagles overcame Mali on penalties after a goalless draw.

2002: Nigeria (Mali)

Nigeria defeated hosts Mali in the bronze medal match.

2000: South Africa (Ghana/Nigeria)

South Africa beat Algeria to finish third.

1998: DR Congo (Burkina Faso)

DR Congo defeated the hosts to claim bronze.

1996: Zambia (South Africa)

Zambia beat Ghana to secure third place.

1994: Côte d’Ivoire (Tunisia)

The Ivorians defeated Mali to finish third.

1992: Nigeria (Senegal)

Nigeria beat Cameroon in the playoff match.

1990: Zambia (Algeria)

Zambia defeated Senegal to earn bronze.

1988: Algeria (Morocco)

Algeria beat hosts Morocco to finish third.

1986: Côte d’Ivoire (Egypt)

The Ivorians defeated Morocco in the playoff.

1984: Algeria (Côte d’Ivoire)

Algeria claimed bronze after defeating Nigeria.

1982: Zambia (Libya)

Zambia beat Algeria in the third-place match.

1980: Morocco (Nigeria)

Morocco defeated Egypt to secure bronze.

1978: Nigeria (Ghana)

Nigeria beat hosts Ghana in the playoff.

1976: Nigeria (Ethiopia)

Nigeria finished third under the round-robin format used at the tournament.

1974: Egypt (Egypt)

Egypt finished third behind Zaire and Zambia.

1972: Cameroon (Cameroon)

Cameroon placed third under the final group format.

1970: Egypt (Sudan)

Egypt finished third behind Sudan and Ghana.

1968: Côte d’Ivoire (Ethiopia)

The Ivorians placed third overall.

1965: Côte d’Ivoire (Tunisia)

Côte d’Ivoire repeated the feat.

1963: Egypt (Ghana)

Egypt finished third behind Ghana and Sudan.

1962: Tunisia (Tunisia)

The hosts finished third in the standings.

1959: Ethiopia (Egypt)

Ethiopia finished third behind the hosts and Sudan.

1957: Sudan (Sudan)

Sudan became the first-ever AFCON bronze medal winners at the inaugural tournament.