Sports

Afcon: Some African Nations Cup records you probably didn’t know

Published

4 months ago

January 8, 2024

With the 2023 African Cup of Nations (Afcon) tournament set to kick off in Ivory Coast, some major records will be up for obliteration while new ones will be set.

That has always been the norm whenever the tournament comes around, and the 37th edition of the African “Mundial” will not be an exception.

However, there are records you probably did not know about or took particular notice of.

Africanewswatch.com brings you the Afcon records in no particular order.

South Africa is the only team to exit the AFCON with no win, no draw and no goal in 2006.

Cameroon has recorded the most clean sheets in a single tournament— six in 2002 edition)

Nigeria has found a place on the podium a record 15 times at the tournament which comprises of three gold medals, four silver medals and eight bronze medals.

Ghana – in 1963, and South Africa – 1996, are the only teams to have hosted and won the tournament in their debut appearance.

Egypt has played the most matches in the tournament finals, with a total of 107 matches.

Egypt, in 1957, Ghana, in 1963 and South Africa in 1996, are the only teams to have won the tournament in their debut appearance.

Egypt is the only team to win three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations finals in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

Egypt has appeared in the most final matches of the tournament, with 10 appearances and seven wins

Tunisia is the team with the most consecutive appearances at the Africa Cup of Nations, with 16 from 1994 to 2023

Egypt has the longest penalty shoot-out winning streak in the tournament’s history, with six consecutive victories starting from 1986. The streak was however, ended after 35 years when they lost 4-2 on penalties to Senegal in 2022 in Cameroon.

The highest attendance during a game was 120, 000 recorded at the Cairo stadium when Egypt took on Cameroon in the final in 1986.

Most goals scored in a single match was Egypt 6-3 Nigeria in 1963

Longest penalty shootout was Ivory Coast v Cameroon 12-11 in the 2006 final.

Highest winning margin: Ivory Coast 6-1 Ethiopia in 1970

Most goals in a single tournament: 102 in Egypt 2019, under the 24-team system

Longest unbeaten streak: Egypt (24 matches) from 2004 to 2017 finals, where they lost 1-2 to Cameroon.

Related Topics:AFCON Featured Football history Tournament

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Sports

Tobi Amusan sets world-leading time at Jamaica Athletics Invitational

Published

19 hours ago

May 13, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

World 100m hurdle record-holder, Tobi Amusan of Nigeria, was the cynosure of all eyes as she stole the show at the maiden Jamaica Athletics Invitational held in Kingston, where she ran a world-leading time of 12.40 seconds to defeat home favorite and reigning world champion, Danielle Williams, who came in second with 12.46, and USA’s Christina Clemens, who finished third in 12.54 seconds.

The 27-year-old Amusan’s impressive display in the Jamaica Invitational marked a significant and brilliant comeback following her recent setback at the Suzhou Diamond League late last month where she was disqualified due to a false start.

With the victory, the Nigerian athlete fondly “Tobi Express” by her fans, has once again claimed the top spot in the world rankings, surpassing American Tonea Marshall, who previously held the world lead with a time of 12.42 seconds in late April.

While reacting to the feat, Nigeria’s Minister of Sports Development, John Enoh, took to his official X handle to congratulate Amusan whom he called a pace-setter, while wishing she repeats the feat at the upcoming Paris Olympics.

“Tobi, you keep making our country proud. Paris Olympics is around the corner, your performance gives us hope just like others, that Nigeria is set to break a jinx. Keep soaring, we are proud of you,” the Minister wrote.

In another tweet, he said:

“Take your flowers Tobi Amusan, you stormed to an emphatic win in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational, clocking a time of 12.40s (0.9), a World Lead time!

“You defeated World Champion Danielle Williams, who came 2nd in 12.46s, while Christina Clemons was 3rd.

Sports

Italian couple name new born baby after Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman

Published

3 days ago

May 11, 2024

Akanimoh Etim

An Italian couple have reportedly named their new born baby after Super Eagles forward, Ademola Lookman, after he scored a spectacular goal against Olympic Marseille of France in the Europa League semifinal second leg match to take Atalanta to the final.

The Nigerian striker opened the scoring for Atalanta before Ruggeri and Toure sealed the win in their second-leg semi-final tie to set up a mouth-watering final tie with Victor Boniface’s Leverkusen.

According to reports from EuroFoot on X, Ademola’s performance was recognised by the couple who live in Palosco, a district in Bergamo where the Italian club is based.

“Somebody named their child after Ademola Lookman following his goal which helped send the Italian club to the Europa League final!” EuroFoot said in the post.

The post added that Lookman’s contribution to Atalanta’s advancement to the Europa League final caught the attention of the adoring Italian couple who decided to name their child after him.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian international was on Friday, named the Europa League Player of the Week following his outstanding performance in Atalanta’s 4-1 aggregate victory over Marseille in the semifinal.

According to UEFA’s official website, Lookman’s performance also included three attempts, further highlighting his influential role in Atalanta’s dominant display