While the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final crowns the continental champion, the third-place playoff has long served as a chance for teams to end their campaigns on a high.

Often following the disappointment of a semi-final exit, the bronze medal match highlights resilience, tactical discipline, and the ability to rebound under pressure. Since the inaugural tournament in 1957, several nations have claimed third place, with Nigeria standing out as the most frequent achiever in this category.

Below is a year-by-year record of AFCON bronze medal winners and the host nations where each tournament took place.

2025: Nigeria (Morocco)
Nigeria defeated Egypt 4-2 on penalties to secure bronze and complete a strong tournament.

2023: South Africa (Côte d’Ivoire)
South Africa returned to the podium for the first time since 2000, beating DR Congo on penalties.

2021: Cameroon (Cameroon)
The Indomitable Lions came from behind to defeat Burkina Faso in front of home fans.

2019: Nigeria (Egypt)
A lone goal against Tunisia earned Nigeria third place, showcasing defensive resilience.

2017: Burkina Faso (Gabon)
Burkina Faso edged Ghana on penalties in a dramatic contest.

2015: DR Congo (Equatorial Guinea)
DR Congo overcame hosts Equatorial Guinea to claim bronze.

2013: Mali (South Africa)
Mali beat Ghana convincingly to record their first AFCON third-place finish.

2012: Mali (Gabon/Equatorial Guinea)
Mali repeated the achievement, again defeating Ghana.

2010: Nigeria (Angola)
Nigeria defeated Algeria to end the tournament on a high note.

2008: Ghana (Ghana)
The hosts triumphed over Côte d’Ivoire to claim bronze.

2006: Nigeria (Egypt)
Nigeria beat Senegal to finish third.

2004: Nigeria (Tunisia)
The Super Eagles overcame Mali on penalties after a goalless draw.

2002: Nigeria (Mali)
Nigeria defeated the hosts, Mali, in the playoff.

2000: South Africa (Ghana/Nigeria)
South Africa beat Algeria to secure third place.

1998: DR Congo (Burkina Faso)
DR Congo defeated the hosts to claim bronze.

1996: Zambia (South Africa)
Zambia triumphed over Ghana for third place.

1994: Côte d’Ivoire (Tunisia)
The Ivorians defeated Mali to finish third.

1992: Nigeria (Senegal)
Nigeria beat Cameroon in the playoff.

1990: Zambia (Algeria)
Zambia overcame Senegal to claim bronze.

1988: Algeria (Morocco)
Algeria defeated hosts Morocco to finish third.

1986: Côte d’Ivoire (Egypt)
Ivory Coast overcame Morocco in the playoff.

1984: Algeria (Côte d’Ivoire)
Algeria claimed bronze by defeating Nigeria.

1982: Zambia (Libya)
Zambia triumphed over Algeria in the third-place match.

1980: Morocco (Nigeria)
Morocco defeated Egypt to secure bronze.

1978: Nigeria (Ghana)
Nigeria overcame hosts Ghana in the playoff.

1976: Nigeria (Ethiopia)
Nigeria finished third in the round-robin tournament format.

1974: Egypt (Egypt)
Egypt secured third place 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)
Ivory Coast claimed third overall.

1965: Côte d’Ivoire (Tunisia)
Côte d’Ivoire repeated their third-place finish.

1963: Egypt (Ghana)
Egypt secured third behind Ghana and Sudan.

1962: Tunisia (Tunisia)
The hosts finished third in the standings.

1959: Ethiopia (Egypt)
Ethiopia secured third behind hosts Egypt and Sudan.

1957: Sudan (Sudan)
Sudan became the first-ever AFCON bronze medal winners at the inaugural tournament.

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