A Tournament Rich in Goals and Surprises
The AFCON 1998 tournament, held in Burkina Faso, was a vibrant celebration of African football. It featured attacking play, emerging stars, and unexpected outcomes. More importantly, it marked Egypt’s return to continental glory while denying South Africa a second straight championship.
From January 7 to February 28, fans witnessed one of the most dramatic African Cups of Nations to date. The competition brought together 16 teams for the first time in AFCON history. It set the stage for a new format and fierce battles across the continent.
New Format, Higher Stakes
The 1998 edition introduced a larger field. Instead of 12, 16 teams competed. They were split into four groups of four. The top two from each group advanced to the quarterfinals. This expansion increased the intensity and allowed more nations to shine.
Burkina Faso, the hosts, may not have been among the pre-tournament favorites. However, they played with passion, eventually earning a historic fourth-place finish. Their underdog journey became a highlight of the competition.
Egypt’s Tactical Mastery
Egypt came into AFCON 1998 hungry for success. Although they had already won three titles before, their last had come in 1986. Coach Mahmoud El-Gohary brought discipline, structure, and experience to the squad. Under his guidance, Egypt relied on a tight defense and swift transitions.
From the group stage onward, Egypt looked confident. They topped Group D, which included Zambia, Mozambique, and Morocco. Their defensive solidity stood out. In fact, they conceded only two goals in six matches. On the other end, their attack proved efficient, led by the sharp Hossam Hassan.
South Africa’s Resilient Run
South Africa entered the tournament as reigning champions. After winning AFCON 1996 at home, they aimed to prove their success wasn’t a fluke. Despite coach Clive Barker’s sudden resignation just before the tournament, the team adapted quickly under caretaker coach Jomo Sono.
South Africa’s strength lay in their midfield control and strong team chemistry. They started slowly, drawing with Angola and then defeating Namibia. In the knockout stages, they found their rhythm. Wins over Morocco and the Democratic Republic of Congo sent them to their second consecutive final.
Still, injuries and fatigue began to take a toll on the Bafana Bafana.
Burkina Faso’s Brave Performance
Few expected Burkina Faso to reach the semifinals. Yet, backed by passionate home fans and clever coaching from Philippe Troussier, they turned heads. In the group stage, they stunned Algeria and drew with Guinea.
Then came the unforgettable quarterfinal. Burkina Faso knocked out Tunisia in a thrilling penalty shootout. The win sparked celebrations across Ouagadougou and beyond. Although Egypt stopped them in the semis, Burkina Faso left a lasting legacy.
Their style was aggressive, pressing high and playing without fear. Their striker Tchiressoua Guel and goalkeeper Kassoum Ouédraogo became instant icons.
The Grand Final: Egypt vs South Africa
The final took place on February 28, 1998. It featured two confident teams with very different paths. Egypt had controlled every match. South Africa had clawed their way to the top with resilience and heart.
Right from kickoff, Egypt dictated the pace. Their strategy was clear—maintain possession and strike with precision. In the 5th minute, Hossam Hassan found the back of the net. South Africa struggled to recover.
Later in the second half, Magdi Abdelghani doubled Egypt’s lead. The 2-0 scoreline stayed until the final whistle. Egypt lifted their fourth AFCON trophy. For South Africa, it was a respectable runner-up finish, yet the pain of falling short lingered.
Hossam Hassan: The Star of the Show
Few players left a greater mark on AFCON 1998 than Hossam Hassan. The veteran Egyptian striker finished as the tournament’s joint top scorer with seven goals. His leadership, finishing, and positioning turned the tide in many matches.
Hassan had been part of Egypt’s setup since the 1980s. In 1998, at age 31, he enjoyed a career renaissance. His partnership with Ahmed Hassan and Hazem Emam created a balanced attacking trio. Together, they powered Egypt to glory.
His brace against Zambia and crucial goals in the semifinal and final made him a national hero once more.
High Goal Counts and Open Play
One of the most enjoyable aspects of AFCON 1998 was its attacking football. Across 32 matches, the tournament produced 93 goals. That’s nearly three goals per game—a remarkable rate for international competition.
Teams like DR Congo, Morocco, and Zambia contributed to this with their bold, offensive styles. Even when matches ended in draws, they rarely felt dull. Players attacked with flair, and coaches encouraged risk-taking.
The high goal count reflected the growing technical skill of African footballers. Moreover, it showcased how AFCON was evolving into a modern, fast-paced competition.
The Legacy of AFCON 1998
AFCON 1998 left a strong legacy. For Egypt, it restored confidence in their national setup. It also marked the beginning of another golden phase. In the years ahead, Egypt would win three more AFCON titles in 2006, 2008, and 2010.
South Africa’s back-to-back finals confirmed their rise as a continental powerhouse. They developed a core of dependable players, many of whom would help guide the team to the 2002 World Cup.
Burkina Faso’s run inspired a generation. Although they didn’t win, their performance signaled that mid-tier nations could challenge the elite.
An Evolving African Game
AFCON 1998 came at a time when African football was changing. More players were moving to European clubs. Coaching styles began to shift toward more structured tactics. While flair remained central to African identity, balance and organization took on greater importance.
Countries also invested more in youth development and scouting. This would bear fruit in the decades to come. Nations like Senegal, Ghana, and Ivory Coast would soon rise, each with stars groomed through these evolving systems.
The tournament in Burkina Faso acted as a bridge—connecting the past legends with the future stars.
Conclusion: A Defining Chapter in African Football
AFCON 1998 was more than just a tournament. It was a signal that African football was rising fast. Egypt reasserted its dominance with a focused, powerful campaign. South Africa proved their consistency, while Burkina Faso thrilled the world with their heart.
The high-scoring matches, surprising outcomes, and emotional moments made the competition unforgettable. Fans still remember the roar of the crowd in Ouagadougou and the brilliance of players like Hossam Hassan.
Looking back, AFCON 1998 wasn’t just about who won. It was about how African football matured—and how it refused to stop growing.
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