AFCON 2025: How Georgi Minoungou Rose from Losing an Eye to International Stardom
- Georgi Minoungou’s presence at the 2025 AFCON is one of the most heart-warming stories unfolding in Morocco
- The Burkinabè winger’s dream once appeared impossible after a life-changing accident left him blind in one eye
- Today, he stands among Africa’s elite, inspiring millions with a journey that has defied fear, doubt and physical limitation
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The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has long been a stage where hardship meets hope. From players shaped by poverty to others overlooked in their formative years, the tournament has always celebrated resilience.
At the 35th edition, currently unfolding in Morocco, one story rises above the rest, and it belongs to Burkina Faso's Georgi Minoungou.
Source: Getty Images
The story of partially blind AFCON star
Two years ago, Minoungou’s career appeared to be slipping away. The Ivorian-born winger, later naturalised as a Burkinabè, was struck by a severe eye infection during a preseason camp in Spain.
The illness led to the complete loss of vision in his left eye. Doctors warned him that professional football might no longer be possible.
Watch the inspiring story of Minoungou:
For many, that would have been the end. For Minoungou, it became a turning point. He refused to surrender to despair, choosing belief over fear as he rebuilt his career from the brink.
“I have one eye, but I can do better than those who have two. That’s my mindset,” Minoungou previously told SoundersFC.com.
Those words have since defined his journey. Still in his early twenties, Minoungou worked his way back to elite football, earned a regular place at club level, featured at the 2025 Club World Cup, and secured a spot in Burkina Faso’s AFCON squad.
Source: Getty Images
Minoungi steals the spotlight at AFCON
At AFCON 2025, his presence means more than appearances or numbers.
Minoungou has transformed personal pain into purpose, showing that limitation does not dictate destiny.
His impact has also been felt where it matters most, under the lights and on the grass.
Burkina Faso’s opening match against Equatorial Guinea offered the clearest example. Introduced from the bench, the former Tacoma Defiance attacker changed the course of the game.
Deep into stoppage time, he found the net, igniting a stunning comeback that ended in a 2-1 victory.
Watch Minoungou's maiden goal at the AFCON:
That moment set the tone for the Stallions’ campaign. Despite a defeat to Algeria, a win over Sudan followed, sealing progression to the round of 16.
According to Flashscore, Minoungou has featured in three matches and scored once so far.
Next comes a daunting test against reigning champions Cote d’Ivoire. Yet for Minoungou, the occasion represents another chapter in a story built on courage rather than sympathy.
The Seattle Sounders forward continues to prove that even after profound loss, greatness can still be shaped, one fearless step at a time.
Why DR Congo fan stands motionless
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported on a passionate DR Congo fan who stands still for 90 minutes during matches at the 2025 AFCON.
The act is a tribute to Patrice Lumumba, the country’s first prime minister, who was assassinated in 1961.
Source: YEN.com.gh
