The History of Africa Cup of Nations: A Journey Through Time
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is one of the most prestigious international football tournaments in Africa, with a rich history spanning over six decades. The first edition of the tournament was held in 1957 in Khartoum, Sudan, and since then, it has grown in popularity and has become a major event in the African football calendar.
Early Years (1957-1970)
The first Africa Cup of Nations was held in 1957, with Egypt winning the title by defeating Ethiopia 4-0 in the final. The early years of the tournament saw Egypt dominate, winning the title five times between 1957 and 1970. This period also saw the emergence of other African football powers, including Ghana, Nigeria, and Morocco.
1957: Egypt wins the first Africa Cup of Nations title
- 1962: Ethiopia wins its first and only Africa Cup of Nations title
- 1963: Ghana wins its first Africa Cup of Nations title
- 1965: Ghana wins its second Africa Cup of Nations title
- 1968: Ghana wins its third Africa Cup of Nations title
- 1970: Sudan wins its first Africa Cup of Nations title
The Golden Years (1972-1988)
The 1970s and 1980s are often referred to as the golden years of African football. During this period, the likes of Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon emerged as major powers in African football. Ghana won the title four times during this period, while Nigeria won it twice. Cameroon also won the title twice during this period.
- 1972: Congo-Brazzaville wins its first Africa Cup of Nations title
- 1974: Zaire wins its first Africa Cup of Nations title
- 1976: Morocco wins its first Africa Cup of Nations title
- 1978: Ghana wins its fourth Africa Cup of Nations title
- 1980: Nigeria wins its first Africa Cup of Nations title
- 1982: Ghana wins its fifth Africa Cup of Nations title
- 1984: Cameroon wins its first Africa Cup of Nations title
- 1986: Egypt wins its sixth Africa Cup of Nations title
- 1988: Cameroon wins its second Africa Cup of Nations title
The Modern Era (1990-Present)
The 1990s and 2000s saw the emergence of new African football powers, including South Africa, Egypt, and Ivory Coast. Egypt won the title five times during this period, while South Africa won it once. Ivory Coast also won the title once during this period.
- 1990: Algeria wins its first Africa Cup of Nations title
- 1992: Ivory Coast wins its first Africa Cup of Nations title
- 1994: Nigeria wins its second Africa Cup of Nations title
- 1996: South Africa wins its first Africa Cup of Nations title
- 1998: Egypt wins its seventh Africa Cup of Nations title
- 2000: Cameroon wins its third Africa Cup of Nations title
- 2002: Cameroon wins its fourth Africa Cup of Nations title
- 2004: Tunisia wins its first Africa Cup of Nations title
- 2006: Egypt wins its eighth Africa Cup of Nations title
- 2008: Egypt wins its ninth Africa Cup of Nations title
- 2010: Egypt wins its tenth Africa Cup of Nations title
- 2012: Zambia wins its first Africa Cup of Nations title
- 2013: Nigeria wins its third Africa Cup of Nations title
- 2015: Ivory Coast wins its second Africa Cup of Nations title
- 2017: Cameroon wins its fifth Africa Cup of Nations title
- 2019: Algeria wins its second Africa Cup of Nations title
- 2021: Senegal wins its first Africa Cup of Nations title
