Several African national football teams have become well-known during the past ten years, exhibiting their abilities and aptitude on a global scale. The top 10 most successful African national football teams between 2011 and 2020 will be examined based on the criteria of number of AFCON won, World Cup qualifications and overall performance.
Which African National Football Teams were the most successful last decade?
1. Ivory Coast
The Ivory Coast made a name for itself as the most successful African team during this time by winning several championships and demonstrating a level of quality and skill that few other teams on the continent could equal. They won the 2012 African Cup of Nations, their second title in the competition’s history, after defeating Zambia in the finals game. The Ivorian squad continued to perform admirably in the years that followed, reaching the final of the 2015 African Cup of Nations and the quarterfinals of the 2013 Confederations Cup under the leadership of players like Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure, and Gervinho.
2. Egypt
In African football, Egypt has traditionally been a dominant force, and the years between 2011 and 2020 were no exception. Between 2010 and 2012, the Egyptian national team won three straight African Cup of Nations titles. They were headed by the excellent midfielder Mohamed Aboutrika, who was instrumental in their success at the time. They managed to secure a qualification to the 2018 FIFA World Cup but could not make it past the group stages.
3. Nigeria
During this time, the Nigerian national team also saw success, taking home the 2013 African Cup of Nations. They were headed by former player and current head coach Stephen Keshi, who had assumed that position in 2011. Victor Moses, John Obi Mikel, and Emmanuel Emenike were among the team’s talented players, and they all contributed significantly to the team’s success in winning the title.
4. Cameroon
Another successful African team is Cameroon – who excelled between 2011 and 2020. – have a long history of success on the continent. They won the 2017 African Cup of Nations, their fifth title in the competition’s history, after defeating Egypt in the finals game. Hugo Broos, a Belgian coach who took over in 2016, was in charge of the group.
5. Algeria
During this time, Algeria became a dominant power in African football, winning the AFCON in 2019. Djamel Belmadi – a former player who became the team’s head coach in 2018 – was in charge. They had a lot of great players, such as Sofiane Feghouli, Islam Slimani, and Riyad Mahrez, all of whom were crucial in helping them win the title. Riyad Mahrez continues to be a key member of the Algerian National team as at now.
6. Ghana
Throughout this time, Ghana, one of the best teams in Africa, continued to demonstrate their abilities and potential. The Ivory Coast narrowly defeated them in a thrilling penalty shootout in the 2015 African Cup of Nations final despite the fact that they did not won any major titles during this time. Their time in the 2014 FIFA World Cup came to and end in the group stages following defeats to Portugal and the United States. They failed to qualify for the World Cup in 2018.
7. Tunisia
Tunisia also experienced success during the last decade, taking home the 2011 African Cup of Nations. Youssef Msakni, Issam Jemaa, and Wahbi Khazri were just a few of the excellent players on the squad, which was coached by former player and current head coach Sami Trabelsi.
8. Zambia
In the 2012 African Cup of Nations, Zambia made an unexpected run to the title game and defeated the overwhelming favourite Ivory Coast. Herve Renard, a French coach who took over in 2011, was in charge of the group. Christopher Katongo, Emmanuel Mayuka, and Rainford Kalaba were among the team’s many excellent players, and they all had major roles to play in their historic championship run.
9. Senegal
Senegal, another African squad that has constantly ranked among the top on the continent, continued to demonstrate their brilliance this period. While they failed to capture any significant titles during this time, they did reach the 2019 AFCON final before falling to Algeria in a spirited contest. Senegal has started this decade on a good note and are currently amongst the best African National football teams now.
10. South Africa
South Africa won the 2016 COSAFA Cup, a regional competition that includes teams from Southern Africa, despite not having the same degree of success as some of the other teams on this list. Shakes Mashaba, a former player who became the team’s head coach in 2014, was in charge.
Conclusion
In general, numerous African national football teams became well-known between 2011 and 2020, exhibiting their abilities and aptitude on a global scale. Although some of these teams may have achieved greater success than others, all of these teams have contributed significantly to the development of African football, and their accomplishments will be cherished for a long time.
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