Evolution of AFCON trophy complete guide

Evolution of AFCON Trophy: A Complete Guide

The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the premier international football tournament in Africa, featuring the top national teams from the continent. The tournament has a rich history, with the first edition being held in 1957 in Sudan. Over the years, the AFCON trophy has undergone several transformations, reflecting the growth and development of the tournament.

Early Years (1957-1978)

The first AFCON trophy was a gold-plated trophy, designed by the Egyptian Football Association. The trophy was 23 cm high and weighed 3 kg. The first winner of the tournament was Egypt, who defeated Ethiopia 4-0 in the final. The trophy was kept by the winning team until the next edition, when it was returned to the Egyptian Football Association.

Modernization (1978-1998)

In 1978, the AFCON trophy underwent its first major redesign. The new trophy was made of silver and weighed 7 kg. The trophy featured a gold-plated African elephant on top, symbolizing the continent‘s rich cultural heritage. The 1978 winner, Ghana, was the first team to lift the new trophy.

Current Design (1998-Present)

In 1998, the AFCON trophy underwent another major redesign. The new trophy was made of silver and weighed 6 kg. The trophy features a gold-plated African lion on top, representing strength and courage. The current trophy design has remained unchanged since its introduction in 1998.

Notable Winners and Moments

• Egypt has won the AFCON a record seven times, including their most recent title in 2010.

• Cameroon has won the AFCON three times, with their most recent title coming in 2017.
• The 2019 AFCON was won by Algeria, who defeated Senegal 1-0 in the final.
• The 2021 AFCON was won by Senegal, who defeated Egypt 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 0-0.

The AFCON trophy has come a long way since its inception in 1957. From its early days as a gold-plated trophy to its current design featuring a gold-plated African lion, the trophy has undergone several transformations reflecting the growth and development of the tournament.