Africa Cup of Nations Winners List: Full AFCON History and Records
- Think Football Ideas
- Aug 27
- 3 min read
Few tournaments in world football capture the spirit of a continent like the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Now held every two years, unlike its former four-year cycle, the competition has long served as a grand stage for Africa’s most celebrated footballers and a proving ground for remarkable underdog stories.
Tracing its roots back to the 1950s and reaching the electric finals that light up modern stadiums, AFCON has shaped legends, inspired nations, and delivered unforgettable drama, with fans roaring, dancing, and celebrating as if every moment on the pitch were a once-in-a-lifetime event.
Origins of the Tournament
The journey began in 1957 when Egypt defeated Ethiopia in the very first final. That edition featured only three teams, yet it set the foundation for a competition that would grow into a continental festival.
Politics even played its part from the outset, with South Africa excluded because of apartheid. On the pitch, Mohamed Diab Al-Attar etched his name into history, scoring all four goals for Egypt in the inaugural decider.
Egypt: The Standard-Bearers
When the discussion turns to AFCON dominance, Egypt inevitably leads the conversation. The Pharaohs’ record is unmatched, seven titles in total, including an extraordinary run of three consecutive triumphs in 2006, 2008, and 2010.
Their success isn’t limited to silverware; Egypt also boasts the highest number of tournament appearances, the most goals scored, and more wins than any other nation. For decades, they have been the heartbeat of the competition.
Challengers to the Throne
While Egypt sets the benchmark, other nations have written chapters of glory in the AFCON story. Ghana has reached nine finals, winning four, while Cameroon has converted its chances with ruthless efficiency, claiming five titles from only seven appearances in the championship match.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles, despite a rich footballing history, have been more inconsistent, with three wins but numerous heartbreaks at the semi-final and final stages. Still, their presence in the latter rounds is nearly constant, underlining their place among Africa’s elite.
AFCON Records and Icons
Great players define great tournaments. Cameroon’s Samuel Eto’o remains the competition’s top scorer, with 18 goals across six editions.
His sharp finishing carried Cameroon to titles in 2000 and 2002, and he remains an enduring figure in AFCON lore.
Meanwhile, Rigobert Song of Cameroon and Ahmed Hassan of Egypt stand alone for longevity, each appearing in eight separate tournaments.
Hassan in particular enjoyed a career of remarkable success, lifting four trophies, including the famous Egyptian treble between 2006 and 2010.
African Great Players That Never Won AFCON
And then there are the giants who never tasted AFCON victory despite glittering careers elsewhere, names like George Weah, Emmanuel Adebayor, Michael Essien, El Hadji Diouf, Frédéric Kanouté, Seydou Keita, Didier Drogba, and Nwankwo Kanu remind us how cruel this tournament can be, denying some of the continent’s greatest talents the crown.
Full Africa Cup of Nations Winners List
1957 – Egypt
1959 – United Arab Republic
1962 – Ethiopia
1963 – Ghana
1965 – Ghana
1968 – DR Congo
1970 – Sudan
1972 – PR Congo
1974 – Zaire
1976 – Morocco
1978 – Ghana
1980 – Nigeria
1982 – Ghana
1984 – Cameroon
1986 – Egypt
1988 – Cameroon
1990 – Algeria
1992 – Ivory Coast
1994 – Nigeria
1996 – South Africa
1998 – Egypt
2000 – Cameroon
2002 – Cameroon
2004 – Tunisia
2006 – Egypt
2008 – Egypt
2010 – Egypt
2012 – Zambia
2013 – Nigeria
2015 – Ivory Coast
2017 – Cameroon
2019 – Algeria
2021 – Senegal
2023 – Ivory Coast
A Tournament Steeped in Legacy
Packed stadiums in Cairo and Lagos, alongside unforgettable nights in Johannesburg and Libreville, have shown how AFCON continues to grow in stature.
Its unpredictability fuels the tournament’s magic, meaning any nation, big or small, has the chance to rise to the occasion and shock the continent.
More than a trophy, it stands as a symbol of African pride, grit, and joy, with each champion adding another layer to a competition unmatched anywhere on the continent.
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