5 rivalries that define the African Cup of Nations

#1 Algeria vs. Egypt

Clashes between Algeria and Egypt have always beein fiesty

One of the most infamous rivalries in the history of football, the clash between these two Northern African giants has deep roots. From Algeria’s resentment over Egypt’s refusal to play a team that was spreading awareness about Algeria’s struggle for independence to the 1989 incident where the Egyptian team doctor lost sight in an eye from a bottle thrown by an Algerian player to several clashes between the fans, it is one of the ugliest rivalries in international football.

Believe it or not, Egypt – AFCON’s most successful team – have a miserable record against their bitter rivals, having won only 2 and lost 5 of their 9 clashes.

Their most recent clash though would have been very pleasing for Egypt as they thumped Algeria 4 – 0 on their way to the title.