The Africa Cup of Nations: A Journey Through Time

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the most prestigious football competition in Africa, has a rich and fascinating history that dates back to 19571. Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the tournament has grown from a small competition featuring only three teams to the biggest football event in Africa.

The Early Years
The inaugural edition of AFCON was held in February 1957 in the heat of the Nubian Desert in Sudan. The tournament field was made up of the four founding nations of CAF: Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, and South Africa1. However, South Africa was disqualified due to the apartheid policies of the government then in power.

Expansion and Growth
Since its inception, AFCON has seen significant expansion. The need for a qualifying tournament arose as more nations joined the competition. The number of participants in the final tournament reached 16 in 19981. However, due to withdrawals by Nigeria in 1996 and Togo in 2010, only 15 teams competed in those years1.

In an effort to further develop African football, the tournament was expanded from 16 to 24 teams on July 20, 20171. This change allowed more nations to experience the thrill and prestige of competing in Africa’s premier football tournament.

A Legacy of Champions
Egypt holds the honor of being the most successful nation in AFCON’s history, having won the tournament seven times. Three trophies have been awarded during the tournament’s history, with Ghana and Cameroon winning the first two versions after each won a tournament three times.

The current trophy was first awarded in 20021. Egypt achieved an unprecedented feat by winning three consecutive titles in 2006, 2008, and 20101. The tournament’s current champions are Senegal, who triumphed over Egypt on penalties in the 2021 final.

Looking Ahead
The future of AFCON looks bright. The tournament continues to grow and evolve, with plans already underway for upcoming editions. The 2023 AFCON will be hosted by Ivory Coast for the second time4, while Morocco will host the 2025 edition. In a first for the tournament, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will co-host the 2027 AFCON.

The Africa Cup of Nations continues to be a beacon for African football. Its rich history and continued growth are a testament to the passion for football on the continent. As we look forward to future tournaments, one thing is certain: AFCON will continue to captivate football fans around the world.