The Africa Cup of Nations, commonly known as AFCON, is the biggest football competition in Africa and one of the most celebrated tournaments in world football. Egypt holds the record as the country with the most African Cup of Nations trophy, having won the tournament seven times.
History of African cup of Nations
AFCON is organized by the Confederation of African Football. The tournament brings together the best national teams across the continent to compete for glory, pride, and continental supremacy. Since its first edition in 1957, AFCON has produced unforgettable moments, legendary players, and fierce rivalries that have shaped African football history.
Over the years, several nations have lifted the prestigious trophy, but one team stands above the rest in terms of success. The Pharoahs of Egypt hold the record for the most Africa Cup of Nations titles, having won the tournament seven times. Egypt’s dominance, especially during the mid-2000s, established the team as a powerhouse in African football and earned them a special place in AFCON history.
The Africa Cup of Nations began in 1957 with just three teams: Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. Since then, it has grown into a 24-nation spectacle played every two years, with millions of fans tuning in globally.
Key milestone of the AFCON competition:
1957: The first African Cup of Nations was held in Sudan, and Egypt won the maiden edition of the tournament.
1992: This year saw expansion in the number of teams to 12 countries.
2019: The tournament was finally moved to June/July from January, and the total number of nations competing was increased to 24.
The Greatest Teams in African Cup of Nations History
Egypt national football team is widely regarded as the greatest team in Africa Cup of Nations history, holding a record seven AFCON titles. Their dominance was highlighted by winning three consecutive championships in 2006, 2008, and 2010, a feat unmatched in the tournament’s history
Top African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Champions
| Country | Number of Trophies | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt | 7 | 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010 |
| Cameroon | 5 | 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017 |
| Ghana | 4 | 1963, 1965, 1978, 1982 |
| Nigeria | 3 | 1980, 1994, 2013 |
African Cup of Nations Best Players
Cameroon Roger Milla
Roger Milla one of Africa’s all-time greats. Known for his flair and iconic goal celebrations. He was instrumental in Cameroon’s AFCON triumphs and famously starred at the 1990 World Cup at age 38. He won two titles.
Regobert Song
Song holds the record as the only player to have made 8 appearances in the African Cup of Nations playing 36 matches. Known for his toughness and leadership Regobert Song won two trophies.
Samuel Eto’o
He played in 6 edition of the tournament (2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008 & 2010) and known for his clinical finishing and leadership. Eto’o holds the record as All-Time top scorer in the AFCON with 18 goals.
Didier Drogba
Didier Drogba, the legendary Ivorian international and former Chelsea striker, left a lasting mark on the Africa Cup of Nations with his strength, leadership, and goal-scoring ability. He scored a total of 11 AFCON goals and guided Ivory Coast national football team to two finals in 2006 and 2012, becoming one of the most influential and respected players in African football history
Top Goal Scorers in AFCON History
Samuel Eto’o is the leading All-Time goal scorer in the African Cup of Nations history. The Cameroonian netted 18 goals during his time in the competition. The Ex-Barcelona star won the AFCON title two times.
| Player | Country | Goals |
|---|---|---|
| Samuel Eto’o | Cameroon | 18 |
| Laurent Pokou | Ivory Coast | 14 |
| Rashidi Yekini | Nigeria | 13 |
| Hassan El-Shazly | Egypt | 12 |
In the history of the African Cup of Nations, Egypt remains the country with the most trophy, having won the tournament seven times. In addition, Samuel Eto’o is the leading All-Time goal scorer in AFCON history with 18 goals. reframe this
Excited for the next tournament