The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is not just a showcase of footballing talent but also a battleground for cultural beliefs and superstitions. In several instances, teams and players have been rumored to resort to the use of charms to secure victory.
During the recently concluded AFCON 2O23, the goalkeeper of the Elephant of Ivory Coast, Yahia Fofana allegedly wore charms at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) final against the Super Eagles of Nigeria. The viral trend caught the attention of many football fans in Africa, with some urging the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to investigate the allegation of using "juju" (charm).
However, fact-checking revealed that the goalkeeper in the viral video is not the Ivory Coast goalkeeper, Yalia Fofana, who played against the Super Eagles. Additionally, the inscription on the jersey - ACF JARAAF (Association Sportive et Culturelle Jaraaf) belongs to a Senegalese professional football club based in Dakar. Fofana is a goalkeeper for the Ligue 2 club Angers in France. Here are five notable matches where charms were reportedly in play.
Ivory Coast - AFCON 1992
In 1992, Ivory Coast's victory at the AFCON was clouded in controversy when, a decade later, disgruntled witch doctors claimed they had been hired by the then-sports minister to use charms for the team's success. The Elephants triumphed over Ghana in a tense penalty shootout after a goalless draw, securing their first-ever AFCON title.
Nigeria vs Senegal - AFCON 2000
During the quarter-final match between Nigeria and Senegal at the 2000 AFCON, an official from the Nigeria Football Association allegedly removed a charm placed behind Senegal's net. This intervention supposedly paved the way for Nigeria's two late goals, propelling the Super Eagles into the semi-finals.
Cameroon vs Mali - AFCON 2002
Before the semi-final clash between Cameroon and Mali at the 2002 AFCON, Cameroon's coach Winfried Schafer and goalkeeping coach Thomas Nkono were arrested for allegedly placing a charm on the pitch. Despite the controversy, Cameroon went on to win the match and eventually the tournament.
Cameroon - AFCON 2010
Suspicions of charm usage arose during Cameroon's participation in the 2010 AFCON. Journalists reported observing suspicious behavior among the team's official delegation, including a non-smoker carrying a box of matches and lighting candles in broad daylight.
Guinea vs Ghana - AFCON 2015
In the 2015 AFCON, Guinea's player Abdoulaye Cisse was alleged to have used a charm to secure victory against Ghana. A photo circulated showing Cisse wearing a talisman beneath his shirt during the match, fueling speculations of supernatural intervention.
These instances highlight the intertwining of football, culture, and superstition in the AFCON. While the efficacy of charms remains debatable, their presence in the tournament's folklore is undeniable.
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