AFCON Hosting Countries History: A Complete Guide
Introduction
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON), also known as the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, is the premier international football tournament in Africa. It is held every two years, featuring national teams from the African continent. The tournament has a rich history, with the first edition taking place in 1957 in Sudan. In this article, we will delve into the history of AFCON hosting countries, highlighting the countries that have hosted the tournament and the impact it has had on the continent.
Early Years (1957-1970)
The first AFCON tournament was held in Sudan in 1957, with Egypt emerging as the inaugural champions. The tournament was initially called the African Cup of Nations and was held every two years. The early years of AFCON saw Egypt dominate the competition, winning the tournament five times between 1957 and 1970.
Host Countries (1957-1970)
- 1957: Sudan
- 1959: Egypt
- 1962: Ethiopia
- 1963: Ghana
- 1965: Tunisia
- 1968: Ethiopia
- 1970: Sudan
Expansion and Growth (1972-1994)
In the 1970s, AFCON expanded to include more countries, with the tournament being held in Morocco, Guinea, and Egypt. This period saw the rise of new powers in African football, including Cameroon, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast.
Host Countries (1972-1994)
- 1972: Sudan
- 1974: Egypt
- 1976: Ghana
- 1978: Ghana
- 1980: Nigeria
- 1982: Libya
- 1984: Ivory Coast
- 1986: Egypt
- 1988: Morocco
- 1990: Algeria
- 1992: Senegal
- 1994: Tunisia
Modern Era (1996-Present)
In the modern era, AFCON has continued to grow and expand, with the tournament being held in South Africa, Egypt, and Gabon. This period has seen the rise of new powers in African football, including Ghana, Cameroon, and Nigeria.
Host Countries (1996-Present)
- 1996: South Africa
- 1998: Burkina Faso
- 2000: Ghana and Nigeria
- 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
Conclusion
The African Cup of Nations has a rich history, with the tournament being hosted by various countries across the continent. From its humble beginnings in Sudan in 1957 to the current era, AFCON has grown and expanded, featuring some of the best national teams in African football. As the tournament continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize the impact it has had on the continent and the countries that have hosted it.
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