The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a quadrennial football tournament that is contested by the national teams of African countries. It is widely regarded as the most prestigious competition in African football and is fondly known as the “African Cup”. The ongoing Biennial event also known as CAN has kept every African football fan at the edge of their seats since its beginning in 1957.
The tournament was made to improve Africa’s involvement in the World Cup, as no African country has ever won the World Cup. Its inception brought great joy to both African players and teams as there was one more tournament to look forward to. The AFCON has been held since 1957, with Egypt being one of the founding members of the tournament.
As we look forward to seeing the 34th edition of AFCON, the tournament has seen some truly incredible teams emerge over the years. Here are some of the most successful teams in AFCON history:
Countries With The Most AFCON Wins
Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria are the four countries that have won the AFCON the most times. Egypt holds the record for the most wins with seven, closely followed by Cameroon with five, Ghana with four, and Nigeria with three. These nations have consistently produced talented footballers and have mastered the art of competing for the AFCON title. With the next AFCON set to take place early next year, football fans around the world can expect a thrilling competition as these four nations battle it out for supremacy
Egypt – Most AFCON Wins
Egypt boasts an impressive record at the AFCON, having won the competition seven times, the most of any nation. Their most successful period came between 1957 and 1990 when they won three titles in a row (1957, 1959, and 1986) and another three consecutive titles OI: 1998, 2000, and 2010). Egypt’s first AFCON triumph came in the inaugural edition of the tournament when they defeated hosts Ethiopia 4-2 in the final. This victory established Egypt as the dominant force in African football and set the tone for their future success in the tournament.
Cameroon
Cameroon is another AFCON powerhouse, having won the competition five times. Their most successful period came between 1984 and 2002, when they won four titles in a row (1984, 1988, 2000, and 2002). Cameroon’s first AFCON title came in 1972, when they defeated Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) 3-2 in the final. Led by legendary striker Roger Milla, Cameroon went on to win their second AFCON title in 1984. They continued their dominance in 1988, 2000, and 2002, becoming the first team to win back-to-back titles twice.
RELATED: Fun Facts To Know About AFCON Stars
Ghana
Ghana have won four Africa Cup of Nations titles, in 1963, 1965, 1978, and 1982. The country has been one of the most successful teams in the tournament’s history, and has produced some of the greatest African footballers of all time. Legends such as Abedi Pele and Tony Yeboah led Ghana to some of their most memorable AFCON victories. Ghana have also been runners-up on four occasions, and have a total of nine medals from the tournament. The country’s football team is affectionately known as the Black Stars, and they are one of the most well-supported teams in Africa.
Nigeria
Nigeria is another AFCON powerhouse, having won the competition three times. Their most successful period came between 1980 and 1994, when they won two titles (1980 and 1994) and reached the final on three other occasions (1984, 1988, and 1990). Nigeria’s first AFCON title came in 1980 when they defeated Algeria 3-0 in the final. Led by legendary striker Rashidi Yekini, Nigeria went on to dominate the tournament, reaching the final again in 1994, when they defeated Zambia 2-1.
List Of The Countries That Have Won The Africa Cup of Nations
- Egypt – 7 titles (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010)
- Cameroon – 5 titles (1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017)
- Ghana – 4 titles (1963, 1965, 1978, 1982)
- Nigeria – 3 titles (1980, 1994, 2013)
- Côte d’Ivoire – 2 titles (1992, 2015)
- Congo DR – 2 titles (1968, 1974)
- Algeria – 2 title (1990, 2019)
- Ethiopia – 1 title (1962)
- Sudan – 1 title (1970)
- Congo – 1 title (1972)
- Morocco – 1 title (1976)
- South Africa – 1 title (1996)
- Tunisia – 1 title (2004)
- Zambia: 1 title (2012)
- Senegal – 1 title (2022)
These are all the countries that have won the AFCON, though many more countries have come close to winning the tournament over the years. The competition is always fierce and it’s never easy to win the Africa Cup of Nations. Every team has to bring their A-game if they want to claim the coveted title.
With many more countries challenged by their numerous wins, the battle for the next title begins. Who do you think stands a chance to win this edition?
Our votes are with Nigeria, how about you? Comment on the team you’re rooting for down below.
