AFCON Hosting Countries History: A Complete Guide
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in Africa, and it has a rich history of hosting countries. Since its inception in 1957, the tournament has been held in various countries across the continent.
Early Years (1957-1976)
The first AFCON tournament was held in Sudan in 1957, with Egypt emerging as the first champions. The tournament was initially held every two years, but it was later changed to a four-year cycle. In the early years, the hosting countries were often the same as the champions, with Egypt hosting the tournament twice and Sudan hosting it once.
1957: Sudan
- 1959: Egypt
- 1962: Ethiopia
- 1963: Ghana
- 1965: Tunisia
- 1968: Ethiopia
- 1970: Sudan
- 1972: Congo-Brazzaville
- 1974: Egypt
- 1976: Ghana
Expansion and Growth (1980-2000)
As the tournament grew in popularity, more countries began to host the AFCON. In the 1980s, the tournament was held in Libya, Nigeria, and Egypt, with the latter winning the title twice. In the 1990s, the hosting countries included Cameroon, Egypt, and South Africa.
- 1982: Libya
- 1984: Egypt
- 1986: Egypt
- 1988: Morocco
- 1990: Algeria
- 1992: Senegal
- 1994: Tunisia
- 1996: South Africa
- 1998: Burkina Faso
- 2000: Ghana and Nigeria
Modern Era (2002-Present)
In the 2000s, the AFCON continued to grow in popularity, with more countries hosting the tournament. In 2006, the tournament was held in Egypt, with the host country winning the title. In 2010, the tournament was held in Angola, with Egypt again winning the title.
- 2002: Mali
- 2004: Tunisia
- 2006: Egypt
- 2008: Ghana
- 2010: Angola
- 2012: Gabon and Equatorial Guinea
- 2013: South Africa
- 2015: Equatorial Guinea
- 2017: Gabon
- 2019: Egypt
- 2021: Cameroon
The AFCON has come a long way since its inception in 1957, with many countries hosting the tournament. The tournament continues to grow in popularity, with more countries vying to host the event in the future.
