Evolution of AFCON Trophy: A Beginner’s Guide
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON), also known as the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, is the premier international football tournament in Africa. The tournament has a rich history, and its trophy has undergone several changes over the years. In this article, we will take you through the evolution of the AFCON trophy, from its humble beginnings to its current design.
The First AFCON Trophy (1957)
The first AFCON trophy was introduced in 1957, when Egypt hosted the inaugural tournament. The trophy was designed by the Egyptian Football Association and was made of silver. It weighed about 2 kg and stood 35 cm tall. The trophy was a simple, yet elegant design, with a base and a stem supporting a globe-shaped top.
The first trophy was won by Egypt, who defeated Ethiopia 4-0 in the final.
- The trophy was later modified to include a gold-plated base and a silver-plated top.
- The original trophy is now on display at the Egyptian Football Association’s headquarters in Cairo.
The New AFCON Trophy (1976)
In 1976, the AFCON trophy was redesigned to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the tournament. The new trophy was made of silver and weighed about 3 kg. It stood 35 cm tall and had a base and a stem supporting a globe-shaped top. The trophy was designed by the Egyptian Football Association and was a significant improvement over the original design.
- The new trophy was first used in the 1976 AFCON tournament, which was hosted by Egypt.
- The trophy was later modified to include a gold-plated base and a silver-plated top.
- The new trophy has been used in every AFCON tournament since 1976.
The Current AFCON Trophy (2013)
In 2013, the AFCON trophy was redesigned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the tournament. The new trophy was made of silver and weighed about 6 kg. It stood 40 cm tall and had a base and a stem supporting a globe-shaped top. The trophy was designed by the Egyptian Football Association and was a significant improvement over the previous design.
- The new trophy was first used in the 2013 AFCON tournament, which was hosted by South Africa.
- The trophy features a gold-plated base and a silver-plated top.
- The current trophy is considered one of the most beautiful and impressive in international football.
Today, the AFCON trophy is a symbol of excellence and achievement in African football. It has undergone significant changes over the years, but its beauty and significance remain unchanged. Whether you’re a football enthusiast or simply a fan of African culture, the AFCON trophy is a must-see.
