AFCON History - Complete Africa Cup of Nations Past Winners & Records
Welcome to the definitive source for AFCON history and Africa Cup of Nations records. From the inaugural tournament in 1957 with just three teams to the modern 24-team spectacle, AFCON has grown into one of world football's most prestigious competitions. Our comprehensive AFCON history covers every tournament, all past winners, legendary players, iconic matches, and the records that define African football's greatest competition.
The Evolution of AFCON - From 1957 to 2026
The Africa Cup of Nations was founded in 1957, making it one of the oldest continental football tournaments in the world. What began as a small competition with three nations (Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia) has evolved into a month-long football festival featuring 24 teams from across Africa and the diaspora. AFCON history reflects the growth and development of African football, producing legendary players, unforgettable matches, and moments that have shaped the global football landscape.
The tournament's expansion from 3 teams in 1957 to 24 teams today mirrors the rising quality and popularity of African football. Early AFCON tournaments were dominated by North African nations, particularly Egypt, before West African powerhouses like Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria emerged. The modern era has seen increased competitiveness, with teams from all regions of Africa challenging for AFCON glory.
Who Are the Most Successful Teams in AFCON History?
Understanding AFCON history requires examining the tournament's most successful nations. These teams have consistently performed at the highest level, winning multiple titles and producing generations of world-class players. The dominance of certain nations reflects their football infrastructure, talent development, and footballing culture.
| Rank | Nation | Titles | Years Won | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Egypt | 7 | 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010 | 3 |
| 2 | Cameroon | 5 | 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017 | 3 |
| 3 | Ghana | 4 | 1963, 1965, 1978, 1982 | 5 |
| 4 | Nigeria | 3 | 1980, 1994, 2013 | 5 |
| 5 | Algeria | 2 | 1990, 2019 | 1 |
| 5 | Côte d'Ivoire | 2 | 1992, 2015 | 2 |
| 7 | DR Congo | 2 | 1968, 1974 (as Zaire) | 1 |
| 7 | Senegal | 1 | 2021 | 2 |
| 9 | Tunisia | 1 | 2004 | 2 |
| 9 | Zambia | 1 | 2012 | 2 |
*Egypt holds the record for most AFCON titles with 7 championships, including three consecutive wins from 2006-2010.
Complete List of AFCON Past Winners by Year
Every AFCON tournament has produced its own champion, creating a rich tapestry of African football history. Below is the complete list of Africa Cup of Nations winners from 1957 to the most recent tournament, showcasing which nations have dominated different eras of AFCON competition.
| Year | Host | Champion | Runner-up | Score | Teams |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Côte d'Ivoire | Côte d'Ivoire | Nigeria | 2-1 (AET) | 24 |
| 2021 | Cameroon | Senegal | Egypt | 0-0 (4-2 pens) | 24 |
| 2019 | Egypt | Algeria | Senegal | 1-0 | 24 |
| 2017 | Gabon | Cameroon | Egypt | 2-1 | 16 |
| 2015 | Equatorial Guinea | Côte d'Ivoire | Ghana | 0-0 (9-8 pens) | 16 |
| 2013 | South Africa | Nigeria | Burkina Faso | 1-0 | 16 |
| 2012 | Gabon/Equatorial Guinea | Zambia | Côte d'Ivoire | 0-0 (8-7 pens) | 16 |
| 2010 | Angola | Egypt | Ghana | 1-0 | 16 |
| 2008 | Ghana | Egypt | Cameroon | 1-0 | 16 |
| 2006 | Egypt | Egypt | Côte d'Ivoire | 0-0 (4-2 pens) | 16 |
| 2004 | Tunisia | Tunisia | Morocco | 2-1 | 16 |
| 2002 | Mali | Cameroon | Senegal | 0-0 (3-2 pens) | 16 |
| 2000 | Ghana/Nigeria | Cameroon | Nigeria | 0-0 (4-3 pens) | 16 |
| 1998 | Burkina Faso | Egypt | South Africa | 2-0 | 16 |
| 1996 | South Africa | South Africa | Tunisia | 2-0 | 16 |
| 1994 | Tunisia | Nigeria | Zambia | 2-1 | 12 |
| 1992 | Senegal | Côte d'Ivoire | Ghana | 0-0 (11-10 pens) | 12 |
| 1990 | Algeria | Algeria | Nigeria | 1-0 | 8 |
| 1988 | Morocco | Cameroon | Nigeria | 1-0 | 8 |
| 1986 | Egypt | Egypt | Cameroon | 0-0 (5-4 pens) | 8 |
| 1984 | Côte d'Ivoire | Cameroon | Nigeria | 3-1 | 8 |
| 1982 | Libya | Ghana | Libya | 1-1 (7-6 pens) | 8 |
| 1980 | Nigeria | Nigeria | Algeria | 3-0 | 8 |
| 1978 | Ghana | Ghana | Uganda | 2-0 | 8 |
| 1976 | Ethiopia | Morocco | Guinea | Final group stage | 8 |
| 1974 | Egypt | Zaire | Zambia | 2-2 (replay 2-0) | 8 |
| 1972 | Cameroon | Congo-Brazzaville | Mali | 3-2 | 8 |
| 1970 | Sudan | Sudan | Ghana | 1-0 | 8 |
| 1968 | Ethiopia | Congo-Kinshasa | Ghana | 1-0 | 8 |
| 1965 | Tunisia | Ghana | Tunisia | 3-2 (AET) | 6 |
| 1963 | Ghana | Ghana | Sudan | 3-0 | 6 |
| 1962 | Ethiopia | Ethiopia | Egypt | 4-2 (AET) | 4 |
| 1961 | Ethiopia | Ethiopia | Egypt | 4-2 (AET) | 3 |
| 1959 | Egypt | Egypt | Sudan | 2-1 | 3 |
| 1957 | Sudan | Egypt | Ethiopia | 4-0 | 3 |
What Are the Most Remarkable AFCON Records in History?
AFCON history is filled with remarkable records that showcase the incredible talent, determination, and passion that define African football. From goal-scoring feats to defensive masterclasses, these records represent the pinnacle of AFCON achievement and may stand for generations to come.
AFCON Goal Records
- Most Goals (Player) - Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon) - 18 goals
- Most Goals Single Tournament - Laurent Pokou (Côte d'Ivoire) - 8 goals (1970)
- Most Goals by One Team - Egypt (18 goals, 2021)
- Most Goals Tournament - 112 goals (2021, 24 teams)
- Most Hat-Tricks - Multiple players with 2+ hat-tricks
- Fastest Goal - Under 2 minutes (various players)
- Most Final Goals - Multiple players with 3+ final goals
- Highest Scoring Match - 8+ goals in early tournaments
AFCON Tournament Records
- Most Titles - Egypt (7 championships)
- Most Consecutive Titles - Egypt (3, 2006-2010)
- Most Finals - Egypt (10 appearances)
- Most Matches - Egypt, Ghana, Nigeria (100+)
- Longest Unbeaten Run - Egypt (14 matches, 2006-2010)
- Most Hosted - Egypt (5 times), Ethiopia (3 times)
- Biggest Final Win - Nigeria 3-0 Algeria (1980)
- Most Penalty Shootouts - Multiple finals decided on penalties
Which AFCON Tournaments Were the Most Memorable in History?
Certain AFCON tournaments have transcended sport to become cultural moments that defined generations of African football. These tournaments featured incredible stories, dramatic matches, legendary performances, and moments that shaped AFCON history forever.
1992 - Senegal
Côte d'Ivoire's historic 11-10 penalty shootout victory over Ghana remains the longest penalty shootout in AFCON history. The tournament featured attacking football and emerging stars.
2012 - Gabon/Equatorial Guinea
Zambia's emotional triumph, dedicating their victory to the 1993 team tragically killed in a plane crash. One of AFCON's most inspirational stories.
2021 - Cameroon
Senegal's first AFCON title under Aliou Cissé, finally overcoming final heartbreak. Mané's penalty clinched victory in a dramatic shootout.
2006 - Egypt
Egypt began their historic three-peat, defeating Côte d'Ivoire on penalties. The start of Egyptian dominance that would last through 2010.
2019 - Egypt
Algeria's defensive masterclass, conceding only 2 goals throughout. Mahrez's late free-kick sealed victory over Senegal in the final.
2023 - Côte d'Ivoire
Host Ivory Coast's remarkable journey after firing their mid-tournament coach. Emerged as underdog winners with dramatic comeback victories.
How Has AFCON Format Changed Throughout History?
The Africa Cup of Nations has undergone significant format changes since its inception in 1957. Understanding AFCON's evolution helps explain how the tournament has grown and adapted to the changing landscape of African and world football.
| Period | Teams | Format | Matches | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1957-1965 | 3-4 teams | Group stage + Final | 4-6 matches | 1 week |
| 1968-1990 | 8 teams | 2 groups + Knockout | 16 matches | 2 weeks |
| 1992-2016 | 12-16 teams | 4 groups + Knockout | 32 matches | 3 weeks |
| 2019-present | 24 teams | 6 groups + Knockout | 52 matches | 4 weeks |
Who Are the Legendary Players in AFCON History?
AFCON history has been shaped by legendary players whose performances transcended the tournament and established them as African football icons. These players delivered memorable moments, scored crucial goals, and led their nations to glory.
AFCON Greats - Goalscorers
- Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon) - 18 goals, 2 Golden Boots, AFCON legend
- Laurent Pokou (Côte d'Ivoire) - 14 goals, 8-goal tournament record
- Hassan El-Shazly (Egypt) - 12 goals, 2-time Golden Boot winner
- Didier Drogba (Côte d'Ivoire) - 10 goals, led team to 2006, 2012 finals
- Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria) - 9 goals, iconic celebration
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt) - 9 goals, modern era superstar
AFCON Greats - Tournament Leaders
- Essam El-Hadary (Egypt) - 4 titles, most successful goalkeeper
- Rigobert Song (Cameroon) - 2 titles as captain, leadership icon
- Asamoah Gyan (Ghana) - 8 goals, all-time top scorer for Ghana
- Aubameyang (Gabon) - Multiple tournaments, star performer
- Mané (Senegal) - 2021 champion, golden generation leader
- Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia) - 9 goals, Zambia football legend
What Impact Has AFCON Had on African Football History?
The Africa Cup of Nations has profoundly influenced African football development, player careers, and the global perception of African football talent. AFCON's impact extends far beyond the tournament itself, shaping football infrastructure, youth development, and international careers.
AFCON's Historical Impact
- Player Exposure - Launchpad for European careers
- Infrastructure Development - Stadiums built for tournaments
- Youth Football - Increased investment in academies
- Coaching Standards - Improved technical development
- FIFA World Cup - Increased African representation
- Professional Leagues - Growth of domestic competitions
- Women's Football - Inspiration for women's AFCON growth
- Football Culture - Unifying nations across Africa
AFCON Cultural Significance
- National Pride - Tournament unites entire countries
- Pan-Africanism - Celebration of African unity
- Cultural Exchange - Host nations showcase culture
- Music & Arts - Entertainment around matches
- Economic Impact - Tourism and local businesses
- Youth Inspiration - Next generation of players
- Global Recognition - Africa's football prestige
- Historical Memory - Moments passed through generations
Related AFCON Reading
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Tournament Standings
Current group tables and knockout brackets
Stadium & Venue Guide
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Our Take on AFCON History & Legacy
AFCON history represents the rich tapestry of African football, from humble beginnings with three nations in 1957 to the spectacular 24-team tournament of today. The Africa Cup of Nations has produced legendary champions like Egypt's seven-time winners, Cameroon's Indomitable Lions, and Ghana's Black Stars, while also creating space for underdog stories like Zambia's emotional 2012 triumph and Senegal's long-awaited first title in 2021.
What makes AFCON history truly remarkable is not just the statistics and records, but the stories of nations united by football, careers launched on the continental stage, and moments that have defined generations. From Samuel Eto'o's goal-scoring exploits to the penalty shootout drama of countless finals, the tournament has consistently delivered football magic that resonates far beyond Africa's borders.
As AFCON approaches its 70th anniversary, the tournament stands as a testament to the growth, quality, and passion of African football. The expansion to 24 teams, increased global interest, and rising quality of play ensure that AFCON's future will be as compelling as its storied past. Our comprehensive history section ensures that the legends, records, and moments that define Africa Cup of Nations football are preserved and celebrated.