After playing their three group matches, Ivory Coast were on the brink of elimination from the competition, sitting on just three points. However, with other results going their way, the hosts were able to turn their fortunes around and claim the gold.
In contrast, a number of historic heavyweights underwhelmed from start to finish at the enthralling 2023 AFCON tournament.
BolaNews reveals the selection of five national teams that failed to deliver as per expectations at the 34th edition of the AFCON.
Ghana
The Black Stars exited the AFCON at the group stage level in two successive tournaments for the first time in their history. Having collected just one win in their last twelve games at the AFCON, the four-time winners look nothing like the powerhouse they once were.
Algeria
After winning the 2019 AFCON title unbeaten with six wins from seven games, the Desert Foxes looked like a side that would dominate subsequent tournaments. However, since then, Algeria has suffered two group-stage eliminations in a row.
Zambia
Much more was expected of the Chipolopolo after finishing above hosts Ivory Coast in the 2023 AFCON qualifiers. The 2012 winners indeed looked like a side that had not participated in the African showpiece for almost a decade. Many of their squad members were getting their very first taste of competition.
Morocco
It would be harsh to call a side that finished at the top of their AFCON group a flop. However, Morocco suffered an early exit in the round of 16 just a year after reaching the FIFA World Cup semifinals. The Atlas Lions will now clock 50 years without an AFCON title.
Tunisia
Another tournament to forget for the Carthage Eagles, who have now failed to surpass the quarterfinal stage in nine of the last ten AFCON editions. Tunisia finished bottom of Group E without recording a single win.
