AFCON Winners List: A Chronological Explanation for Beginners
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is an international football tournament held every two years, featuring national teams from the continent. The competition has a rich history, with the first edition taking place in 1957. In this article, we will take you through the AFCON winners list in chronological order, explaining the significance of each tournament.
Early Years (1957-1970)
The first AFCON was held in Sudan in 1957, with Egypt emerging as the champions. The Egyptians dominated the early years of the tournament, winning three consecutive titles (1957, 1959, and 1962). They were joined by other African powerhouses, including Ghana, which won the tournament in 1963.
- 1957: Egypt
- 1959: Egypt
- 1962: Egypt
- 1963: Ghana
- 1965: Ghana
- 1968: Ghana
- 1970: Sudan
Middle Years (1972-1990)
The 1970s and 1980s saw the rise of new African football powers, including Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo) and Cameroon. Zaire won the tournament in 1974, while Cameroon took home the title in 1972 and 1984. Nigeria also emerged as a force in African football, winning the tournament in 1980.
- 1972: Cameroon
- 1974: Zaire
- 1976: Morocco
- 1978: Ghana
- 1980: Nigeria
- 1982: Ghana
- 1984: Cameroon
- 1986: Egypt
- 1988: Cameroon
- 1990: Algeria
Modern Era (1992-Present)
The 1990s and 2000s saw the rise of new African football powers, including South Africa, which won the tournament in 1996. Egypt returned to form in the 2000s, winning the tournament in 2006 and 2010. The 2010s saw the emergence of new teams, including Ivory Coast, which won the tournament in 2015.
- 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
The AFCON has a rich history, with many African nations competing for the top prize. From the early years of Egyptian dominance to the modern era of diverse winners, the tournament has evolved over time. Whether you’re a football enthusiast or just a beginner, the AFCON winners list is a fascinating topic to explore.




