The Africa Cup of Nations has showcased football excellence on the African continent since its inception in 1957.
From the electrifying matches to the rise of legendary players, the tournament has captivated fans worldwide with its rich history and thrilling competition.
As the tournament continues to grow in popularity, it’s important to acknowledge the illustrious history of the Africa Cup of Nations and the teams that have left an indelible mark on the event.
From the inaugural champions to the most recent titleholders, each winner uniquely contributed to the tournament’s legacy.
In this article, we will delve into the full list of Africa Cup of Nations champions from 1957 to the present day, highlighting the remarkable journeys and triumphant moments that have shaped the history of one of the most esteemed tournaments in African football.
List of African Cup of Nations Winners
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is Africa’s premier international men’s association football competition.
Initiated in 1957, it is organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and involves national teams competing to be crowned the champions of the continent.
The tournament boasts a rich history of showcasing the talents of African players, many of whom, such as Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba, and Sadio Mane, have achieved international acclaim.
The event has become akin to the biggest football event on the African continent.
On this stage, the honor of nations is contested through a display of skill and teamwork, similar to the fervor seen in major league baseball’s World Series.
Here is a table detailing the historic winners, runners-up, and the host nations for each tournament:
| Year | Winner | Runner-up | Host Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1957 | Egypt | Sudan | Sudan |
| 1959 | Egypt | Sudan | United Arab Republic |
| 1962 | Ethiopia | Egypt | Ethiopia |
| 1963 | Ghana | Sudan | Ghana |
| 1965 | Ghana | Tunisia | Tunisia |
| 1968 | Congo (Kinshasa) | Ghana | Ethiopia |
| 1970 | Sudan | Ghana | Sudan |
| 1972 | Congo (Brazzaville) | Mali | Cameroon |
| 1974 | Zaire | Zambia | Egypt |
| 1976 | Morocco | Guinea | Ethiopia |
| 1978 | Ghana | Uganda | Ghana |
| 1980 | Nigeria | Algeria | Nigeria |
| 1982 | Ghana | Libya | Libya |
| 1984 | Cameroon | Nigeria | Côte d’Ivoire |
| 1986 | Egypt | Cameroon | Egypt |
| 1988 | Cameroon | Nigeria | Cameroon |
| 1990 | Algeria | Nigeria | Algeria |
| 1992 | Côte d’Ivoire | Ghana | Côte d’Ivoire |
| 1994 | Nigeria | Zambia | Tunisia |
| 1996 | South Africa | Tunisia | South Africa |
| 1998 | Egypt | South Africa | Burkina Faso |
| 2000 | Cameroon | Nigeria | Ghana, Nigeria |
| 2002 | Cameroon | Senegal | Mali |
| 2004 | Tunisia | Morocco | Tunisia |
| 2006 | Egypt | Côte d’Ivoire | Egypt |
| 2008 | Egypt | Cameroon | Ghana |
| 2010 | Egypt | Ghana | Angola |
| 2012 | Zambia | Côte d’Ivoire | Gabon, Equatorial Guinea |
| 2013 | Nigeria | Burkina Faso | South Africa |
| 2015 | Côte d’Ivoire | Ghana | Equatorial Guinea |
| 2017 | Cameroon | Egypt | Gabon |
| 2019 | Algeria | Senegal | Egypt |
| 2021 | Senegal | Egypt | Cameroon |
| 2023 | Côte d’Ivoire | Nigeria | Côte d’Ivoire |
- Finals were held in even-numbered years from 1968–2012 and in odd-numbered years from 2013.
- Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2021 tournament was held in 2022.
Many nations have tasted glory in the African Cup of Nations, with some, like Ivory Coast and Egypt, proving to be particularly successful teams.
The tournament has seen thrilling finals, with penalty shootouts often deciding the champion, and has provided a stage for players from West Africa, North Africa, and beyond to shine.