The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the continent’s premier men’s football tournament, organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), and is among the most-watched football competitions worldwide. Egypt leads the way historically with seven titles, followed by Cameroon with five, Ghana with four, and Nigeria with three.
With the 35th AFCON set to take place in Morocco from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, BBC Sport Africa highlights five iconic players who never managed to lift the coveted trophy.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
At 33, Egypt captain Mohamed Salah may have limited time left to claim AFCON glory. He has already experienced heartbreak twice, finishing as runner-up in 2017 and 2021. Egypt last won the tournament in 2010, before Salah emerged on the international stage. The Pharaohs even failed to qualify for three consecutive editions between 2012 and 2015, delaying his AFCON debut until 2017, when they lost to Cameroon in the final. In 2021, Egypt again reached the final but fell to Senegal on penalties, with Salah unable to take a potentially decisive kick. Injured at AFCON 2023, he watched from the sidelines as Egypt exited in the last 16. AFCON 2025 could be his last chance to complete his international legacy.
Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast)
A master of big occasions at Chelsea, Drogba’s AFCON journey was less kind. He captained Ivory Coast in two finals, in 2006 and 2012, but penalties cost him both times. Against Egypt in 2006, he missed in the shootout, while in 2012, facing Zambia, he missed a late penalty in normal time, and the Ivorians again lost on spot kicks. Despite multiple semi-final appearances, Drogba never captured AFCON glory; Ivory Coast won in 2015, months after his retirement from international football.
George Weah (Liberia)
Africa’s only Ballon d’Or winner, George Weah, enjoyed stellar club careers with Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan but struggled to achieve international success due to Liberia’s limited football stature. Liberia qualified for AFCON only twice during his career, in 1996 and 2002, exiting both times at the group stage. He scored just once in the tournament, against Mali in 2002. Despite this, Weah later served as Liberia’s president from 2018 to 2024.
Nwankwo Kanu (Nigeria)
Elegant and intelligent, Kanu enjoyed a glittering club career, winning the Champions League with Ajax and domestic honours with Arsenal. Internationally, he succeeded at youth level and won Olympic gold in 1996, but AFCON eluded him. His closest chance came in 2000, when Nigeria reached the final at home but lost to Cameroon on penalties after Kanu missed a crucial spot kick. He retired with silver and bronze medals but never an AFCON winner’s medal.
Michael Essien (Ghana)
Essien was the driving force of a talented Ghana generation following the country’s last AFCON win in 1982. Powerful, disciplined, and technically gifted, he mirrored his Chelsea success with leadership for the Black Stars. However, injuries struck at crucial moments. He missed AFCON 2006, led Ghana to third place in 2008, and was sidelined midway through the 2010 tournament as Ghana reached the final, ultimately losing to Egypt. Persistent fitness issues prevented him from winning the tournament.
These legends remain celebrated across Africa for their talent and achievements, even if AFCON gold eluded them.
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