Kaizer Chiefs legend and former South Africa international Marks Maponyane has highlighted the mental demands of competing at the Africa Cup of Nations, pointing to the recent clash between Nigeria and the Democratic Republic of Congo as an example.

Speaking to SABC News, Maponyane emphasized that performing at the highest level in African football requires more than technical skill.

“At Afcon level, you need nerves of steel,” he said. “You’ve seen Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo, that was not only football, it was also guts and grits.”

He added that teams aiming for Afcon success must be able to thrive under pressure.

“So you’ve got to have that to win the Africa Cup of Nations,” Maponyane noted.

His remarks refer to the November 2025 CAF World Cup qualifying playoff final between Nigeria and DR Congo in Rabat, Morocco.

The match was tense from the start, with Nigeria taking an early lead through midfielder Frank Onyeka in the third minute.

DR Congo responded before half-time, as Meschack Elia equalized in the 32nd minute.

With neither team able to break the deadlock in extra time, the contest went to a penalty shootout.

DR Congo held their nerve from the spot, winning 4–3. Captain Chancel Mbemba converted the decisive kick, securing the Leopards’ progression to the inter-confederation playoff and keeping alive their hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

For Maponyane, the fixture reflects the realities of tournament football in Africa.

He stressed that success at Afcon requires more than skill alone. Players and teams must demonstrate clarity of thought, confidence, and the ability to execute under extreme pressure.

These attributes, he believes, separate the champions from the contenders.

Wale Adejumo