The 2000s weren’t a promise for African football, they were a statement.

In Episode II of our African Football deep dive, we step fully into the new century and examine the defining stories that shaped Africa’s rise on the global stage. From Senegal’s unforgettable run at the 2002 World Cup, which redefined expectations overnight, to Egypt’s unprecedented AFCON dominance, building a continental dynasty rooted in tactical cohesion and domestic strength.

We explore Ghana’s emergence as a modern African powerhouse, Togo’s historic World Cup qualification, and the rise of Ivory Coast’s Golden Generation, a team stacked with European stars finally delivering Africa sustained global relevance. At club level, we trace the importance of TP Mazembe’s continental success, a symbol of Africa’s growing presence beyond its traditional power centers.

And we close with one of the most consequential moments in football history: South Africa being awarded the 2010 World Cup, beating Egypt and Morocco — a political, cultural, and sporting decision that confirmed African football had truly arrived.

This is the decade where African football stopped knocking on the door — and took its place on the world stage.

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Before the 2000s became the defining decade for African football, a series of moments forced the global game to pay attention.

In this opening chapter of our African Football deep dive, we trace the catalysts that set the stage for what many consider the century of African football — from Ruud Gullit dedicating his Ballon d’Or to Nelson Mandela and placing South Africa at the heart of football’s political consciousness, to Roger Milla’s iconic dances at Italia ’90 and USA ’94 that changed how the world saw African players.

We explore how George Weah’s rise from Monrovia to Paris and Milan redefined African talent on Europe’s biggest stages, culminating in the first — and still only — Ballon d’Or won by an African player. And we revisit Nigeria’s unforgettable gold medal run at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, a moment that announced a new generation ready to compete — and win — on the world stage.

This is the story before the boom. The moments, symbols, and performances that prepared African football for its 2000s revolution.

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To round out the year, the we go head to head in a special Football In The 2000s quiz episode — no opinions, just pure knowledge.

Across multiple rounds, they’re tested on the decade from every angle: historic ground names, missing players from classic formations, brutal career-path challenges, high-difficulty sequence and connection rounds, and a final stretch of pure stats.

Some questions reward instinct. Others punish assumptions. And a few are designed to catch out even the most seasoned 2000s obsessives.

No hints (Ok, maybe one per round). No answers given.

Just pride, bragging rights — and one last test before the year ends.

Follow @footballinthe2000s on Instagram for more 2000s nostalgia, and don’t forget to rate, review, and share!

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