Christopher Katongo, Zambia’s 2012 AFCON-winning captain, has shared insights into how the historic triumph shaped his perspective on African football.
Speaking ahead of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, Katongo described the tournament as a defining moment for his country and for the continent.
“Winning AFCON in 2012 changed everything, not just for me, but for our entire country and how people viewed African football,” he said. He emphasised that the victory demonstrated that no African team should be underestimated, highlighting the importance of unity, determination, and belief.
Katongo also reflected on what makes AFCON uniquely challenging. According to him, the tournament goes beyond football, blending pride, culture, and history into the competition. Each edition carries its own identity, and the rising standards of African football make it an increasingly demanding tournament for all participants.
The 2012 victory, he said, inspired a generation of Zambian players to dream bigger, while also showing smaller nations across the continent that success was attainable. Katongo believes that AFCON’s growth reflects the continent’s talent and passion, and he hopes future tournaments continue to elevate African football on the global stage.
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