AFCON Hosting Countries History: A Complete Guide
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is one of the most prestigious football tournaments in Africa, with a rich history dating back to 1957. Over the years, the tournament has been hosted by several countries across the continent. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at the history of AFCON hosting countries.
Early Years (1957-1970)
The first AFCON tournament was held in 1957 in Sudan, with Egypt emerging as the champions. The tournament was initially known as the African Cup of Nations, and it was hosted by a different country every two years. The early years of AFCON saw Egypt dominate the tournament, winning the title seven times.
- 1957: Sudan
1959: Egypt
- 1962: Ethiopia
- 1963: Ghana
- 1965: Tunisia
- 1968: Ethiopia
- 1970: Sudan
Expansion and Growth (1972-1990)
In 1972, the AFCON tournament expanded to include more countries, with the introduction of a new format. The tournament was now held every two years, with the number of participating teams increasing from 8 to 12. This period saw the emergence of new powerhouses in African football, including Nigeria, Algeria, and Cameroon.
- 1972: Sudan
- 1974: Egypt
- 1976: Ghana
- 1978: Ghana
- 1980: Nigeria
- 1982: Ghana
- 1984: Egypt
- 1986: Egypt
- 1988: Morocco
- 1990: Algeria
Modern Era (1992-2010)
In 1992, the AFCON tournament underwent another format change, with the introduction of a new group stage. This period saw the rise of new powers in African football, including South Africa, Ivory Coast, and Egypt.
- 1992: Ivory Coast
- 1994: Tunisia
- 1996: South Africa
- 1998: Burkina Faso
- 2000: Nigeria
- 2002: Mali
- 2004: Tunisia
- 2006: Egypt
- 2008: Ghana
- 2010: Angola
Recent Years (2013-Present)
In 2013, the AFCON tournament was expanded to include 16 teams, with the introduction of a new group stage format. This period has seen the emergence of new powers in African football, including Nigeria, Ivory Coast, and Egypt.
- 2013: South Africa
- 2015: Equatorial Guinea
- 2017: Gabon
- 2019: Egypt
- 2021: Cameroon
AFCON hosting countries have a rich history, with each country leaving its mark on the tournament. From the early years in Sudan to the modern era in Egypt, the tournament has evolved over the years, with new formats and new powers emerging.
