At a Glance
- Egypt leads AFCON with seven titles, defining continental football dominance and legacy.
- Senegal claims second AFCON crown, highlighting tactical discipline and diaspora talent integration.
- Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria maintain elite status with multiple historic AFCON triumphs.
Since its launch in 1957, when Egypt emerged as the winner of the inaugural tournament held in February 1957 in Khartoum, Sudan, by defeating Ethiopia 4–0 in the final, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has evolved from a modest three-nation contest into the continent’s most prestigious football tournament, mirroring Africa’s broader rise on the global sporting stage.
Under the leadership of CAF President and billionaire Patrice Motsepe, who has held the position since March 2021, following his unopposed election, the competition has entered a new phase marked by stronger governance, rising commercial appeal, and renewed continental ambition.
Beyond silverware, AFCON titles reflect national pride, institutional strength, and decades of investment in talent development, coaching systems, and football infrastructure.
For Africa’s most successful footballing nations, dominance at AFCON has often gone hand in hand with cultural influence, the export of elite talent to Europe’s top leagues, and the building of enduring sporting brands.
Egypt’s record-breaking reign, Cameroon’s blend of physical and tactical evolution, and Ghana’s golden eras underscore how football success can span generations.
These victories shape national identity and global perception, elevating countries into continental powerhouses.
The most recent TotalEnergies AFCON, staged in Morocco and won by Senegal, reinforced a shift toward modern football structures, diaspora talent integration, and disciplined team-building.
As AFCON continues to expand in scale and relevance, past champions remain benchmarks for excellence.
Shore Africa has chronicled ten (10) countries that have defined AFCON history through titles, iconic moments, and lasting influence.
1. Egypt – 7 titles
Winners in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010.
Brief details: Egypt dominates AFCON history with seven titles. The Pharaohs won the first two editions (1957, 1959) and achieved an unprecedented hat-trick in 2006, 2008, and 2010. Their consistent success is built on strong local leagues and legendary players like Mohamed Aboutrika and Mahmoud El Khatib. Egypt’s tactical discipline and passionate fan base have cemented their status as Africa’s most successful national football team. However, Egypt was eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the semi-final stage, losing to Senegal, and subsequently lost the third-place play-off to Nigeria on penalties, finishing in fourth place overall.
2. Cameroon – 5 titles
Victories in 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017
Brief details: Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions have claimed five AFCON trophies, winning in 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, and 2017. The country is renowned for producing global stars like Roger Milla and Samuel Eto’o. Cameroon combines athleticism with an attacking style, often overpowering opponents with pace and strength. Their 2000 and 2002 back-to-back titles showcased their golden generation and solidified their place among Africa’s football elite. However, in this just concluded AFCON, Cameroon was eliminated at the quarter-final stage, losing 2-0 to hosts Morocco on January 9, 2026
3. Ghana – 4 titles
Champions in 1963, 1965, 1978, 1982
Brief details: Ghana’s Black Stars lifted the AFCON four times: 1963, 1965, 1978, and 1982. Renowned for their technical flair and tactical organization, Ghana dominated early tournaments. Legendary players such as Abedi Pele and Asamoah Gyan inspired generations. Despite reaching several finals in recent decades, the team has struggled to secure a fifth title. Ghana remains a continental powerhouse with a rich footballing tradition. Ghana was eliminated at the qualification stage for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), finishing last in their Group F, failing to secure a top-two spot needed to advance to the finals in Morocco.
4. Ivory Coast – 3 titles
Triumphs in 1992, 2015, 2023
Brief details: Ivory Coast, known as the Elephants, has three AFCON titles: 1992, 2015, and 2023. The 1992 final was won in a dramatic 11–10 penalty shootout. The Didier Drogba-led generation came close in 2006 and 2012 before triumphing in 2015. The 2023 title reaffirmed their stature. Ivory Coast boasts immense talent and depth, consistently fielding squads featuring Europe-based stars and solid domestic players. On January 10, 2026, the defending champions were knocked out of the AFCON 2025 tournament in the quarter-finals by Egypt, losing 3-2 in a thrilling match. They had advanced to the quarters after a dominant 3-0 win over Burkina Faso in the Round of 16.
5. Nigeria – 3 titles
Winners in 1980, 1994, 2013
Brief details: Nigeria’s Super Eagles captured AFCON crowns in 1980, 1994, and 2013. Known for dynamic attacking football, they’ve produced icons like Rashidi Yekini, Jay-Jay Okocha, and Nwankwo Kanu. Nigeria frequently finishes among the top teams and has qualified for multiple World Cups. The 2013 triumph under Stephen Keshi ended a 19-year wait. Nigeria’s passionate supporters make it a perennial tournament favorite. This year, Nigeria secured a bronze medal at AFCON 2025 at the semi-final stage, losing to hosts country Morocco on penalties after a goalless draw, but went on to win the third-place playoff against Egypt.
6. Algeria – 2 titles
Champions in 1990, 2019
Brief details: Algeria lifted the AFCON twice: at home in 1990 and again in 2019. The 2019 team, led by Riyad Mahrez, impressed with stylish, high-tempo football, defeating Senegal in the final. Algeria’s tactical flexibility and technical players have earned them respect across Africa. Despite periods of inconsistency, the Desert Foxes remain a formidable force, blending domestic talent and Europe-based stars. Algeria was eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) at the quarter-final stage after losing 0-2 to Nigeria in a match that followed their extra-time win over DR Congo in the Round of 16.
7. DR Congo – 2 titles
Victories in 1968, 1974
Brief details: DR Congo won AFCON as Congo-Kinshasa in 1968 and again in 1974. Their early successes showcased strong, physical play and tactical discipline. The nation, with a deep football culture, has consistently produced gifted players like Shabani Nonda and Yannick Bolasie. Though they’ve struggled to regain past glory, DR Congo often reach the knockout stages and remain a respected competitor in African football. DR Congo was eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in the Round of 16 (eighth-finals), losing 1-0 to Algeria in extra time after a closely contested match on January 6, 2026.
8. Senegal – 2 titles
Victories in 2021, 2025
Brief details: Senegal secured their second AFCON crown in 2025, confirming their status as Africa’s dominant force after their breakthrough win in 2021. Built on tactical discipline, physical strength and depth across all positions, the Lions of Teranga have set the standard for consistency on the continent. With stars such as Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly and a strong supporting cast, Senegal remains a model of stability and competitiveness in African football. Senegal maintained toughness at AFCON 2025, winning the tournament, beating hosts Morocco 1-0 in the final after extra time on January 18, 2026, securing their second continental title despite controversial scenes where they briefly walked off the pitch in protest during the final moments. However, Sadio Mané, the team Captain ran to the locker room to cheer his teammate up against a penalty that was given in favour of the host country, Morocco.
9. Zambia – 1 title
Champions in 2012
Brief details: Zambia achieved a fairytale victory in 2012, defeating Ivory Coast in a tense penalty shootout. The title was especially emotional, honoring the 1993 team lost in a tragic plane crash. Under coach Hervé Renard, the Chipolopolo displayed resilience and teamwork. Star striker Christopher Katongo inspired the campaign. Zambia’s triumph remains one of AFCON’s most inspiring stories, symbolizing hope and national pride.
10. Tunisia – 1 title
Victors in 2004
Brief details: Tunisia’s Carthage Eagles won their sole AFCON in 2004 on home soil, defeating Morocco in the final. The team blended tactical discipline with flair, anchored by influential players like Ziad Jaziri and Radhi Jaïdi. Tunisia has a consistent record of qualifying for the tournament and often advances past the group stages. Their 2004 title was a landmark achievement celebrated across the nation.
