Introduction
The Africa Cup of Nations, widely known as AFCON and officially branded as the Total Energies Africa Cup of Nations for sponsorship purposes, is the premier international men’s football competition on the African continent. Organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the tournament brings together the continent’s top national teams in a battle for continental supremacy. Since its launch in 1957, AFCON has grown from a small regional event into one of the world’s most watched football competitions, reflecting both the sporting strength and cultural diversity of African football.
Although historically held every two years, CAF announced in late 2025 that the tournament will shift to a quadrennial cycle starting in 2028, returning to even-numbered years and aligning more closely with global football scheduling.
Origins of the Tournament
The roots of AFCON trace back to June 1956, when African football leaders proposed the creation of CAF during the FIFA Congress in Lisbon. One of the first objectives of the newly formed organization was to establish a continental championship. Less than a year later, in February 1957, the inaugural tournament was staged in Khartoum, Sudan.
The first edition featured only three teams: Egypt, Sudan, and Ethiopia. South Africa had originally been invited but was disqualified after insisting on selecting a racially segregated team under apartheid policies. As a result, Ethiopia advanced directly to the final, and only two matches were played in the entire competition. Egypt emerged as the first champions, defeating Sudan and then Ethiopia to claim the trophy.
Egypt successfully defended their title in 1959 when they hosted the tournament in Cairo. By 1962, the competition had begun to expand, with qualification rounds introduced and more nations entering. Ethiopia won that edition on home soil, defeating Egypt in the final after extra time.
Growth and Early Dominance
The 1960s saw AFCON begin to establish a stronger competitive structure. Ghana’s emergence during this era was particularly significant. Hosting the tournament in 1963, Ghana won their first title and followed it up with another triumph in 1965, confirming their place as one of Africa’s early football powers.
In 1968, the tournament format expanded further to include eight teams in the finals. The competition was divided into group stages followed by knockout rounds, a structure that would shape the tournament for decades. That year also marked the beginning of AFCON’s regular two-year cycle.
During the 1970s, the competition became far more competitive, with several different nations lifting the trophy. Sudan, Congo-Brazzaville, Zaire, Morocco, Ghana, and Nigeria all won titles in that decade. One of the most remarkable finals occurred in 1974 when Zaire and Zambia drew after extra time, forcing a replay. Zaire eventually won the second match, securing their second continental crown.
The 1980s and Shifting Powers
The 1980s were characterized by the rise of Cameroon and Algeria as strong forces in African football. Cameroon reached three consecutive finals during the decade, winning the trophy in 1984 and 1988. Egypt also remained competitive, while Algeria’s national team enjoyed a strong period that included impressive performances at the FIFA World Cup.
Ghana added to their legacy in 1982 by winning their fourth continental title, defeating Libya in a dramatic penalty shootout after the final ended level following extra time.
By the end of the decade, AFCON had firmly established itself as a major international competition, with increasing television coverage and growing fan interest across the continent.
The 1990s: Expansion and South Africa’s Return
The 1990 tournament, hosted by Algeria, ended with the hosts claiming their first AFCON title after defeating Nigeria in the final. Two years later, CAF expanded the finals to include twelve teams, reflecting the growing strength of African football.
One of the most symbolic moments in AFCON history came in 1996, when South Africa hosted the tournament after decades of international isolation during apartheid. In their first appearance, Bafana Bafana won the title on home soil, defeating Tunisia in the final. The victory marked not only a footballing success but also a powerful moment of national pride and reintegration into world sport.
Egypt reclaimed dominance in 1998 by winning the tournament in Burkina Faso, signaling the beginning of another strong period for the North African giants.
The 2000s: Egypt’s Historic Era
The new millennium saw the tournament grow in global importance. The 2000 edition was jointly hosted by Ghana and Nigeria, highlighting CAF’s willingness to innovate with hosting arrangements.
Cameroon dominated the early 2000s, winning back-to-back titles in 2000 and 2002. Tunisia then claimed their first championship in 2004 on home soil.
However, the decade ultimately belonged to Egypt. Hosting the tournament in 2006, they won the trophy and then went on to achieve an unprecedented continental feat by winning three consecutive AFCON titles in 2006, 2008, and 2010. This remarkable run cemented Egypt’s status as the most successful team in AFCON history.
Their dominance included a long unbeaten streak and a style of play that combined tactical discipline with technical quality, making them the benchmark for African international football at the time.
The 2010s: Scheduling Changes and New Champions
In 2010, CAF decided to shift the tournament to odd-numbered years beginning in 2013. This change aimed to avoid clashes with the FIFA World Cup and reduce scheduling conflicts for players competing in European leagues.
The 2010s also saw several new champions emerge. Zambia’s victory in 2012 carried emotional significance, as the final was played in Gabon near the site of the plane crash that had killed most of the Zambian national team in 1993. Nigeria won the 2013 tournament, while Ivory Coast lifted the trophy in 2015 after a dramatic penalty shootout against Ghana.
Cameroon claimed the title again in 2017, demonstrating the cyclical nature of success in African football. During this period, CAF also secured major sponsorship deals that increased the tournament’s financial strength and global exposure.
Expansion and Modern Era Developments
In 2017, CAF approved two major structural changes. The tournament expanded from 16 to 24 teams starting in 2019, allowing more nations to participate and increasing the number of matches. At the same time, the competition’s timing was moved from January to mid-year, though scheduling has continued to shift due to climate and calendar considerations.
Algeria won the expanded 2019 tournament, defeating Senegal in the final. The following edition, originally planned for 2021, was delayed to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Senegal claimed their first ever AFCON title in that tournament, beating Egypt on penalties.
The 2023 edition, played in early 2024 in Ivory Coast, was scheduled later due to heat concerns. The 2025 tournament, staged across December 2025 and January 2026, features increased prize money, reflecting CAF’s ambition to elevate the competition’s commercial value.
The Future of AFCON
A major shift in AFCON’s structure was confirmed in December 2025 when CAF announced that the tournament will move to a four-year cycle starting in 2028. The change returns the competition to even-numbered years and aims to reduce scheduling congestion while increasing the tournament’s prestige.
CAF also revealed plans to introduce an African Nations League beginning in 2029, which could reshape the continent’s international football calendar and provide more competitive matches between national teams.
Legacy and Significance
From its modest beginnings with just three teams, the Africa Cup of Nations has evolved into the defining tournament of African football. It has produced legendary players, unforgettable finals, and moments of deep national pride. Nations such as Egypt, Cameroon, Ghana, and Nigeria have built historic legacies in the competition, while newer champions like Senegal and Algeria demonstrate the growing competitiveness across the continent.
AFCON today stands not only as a sporting event but also as a cultural celebration of African identity, unity, and footballing passion. As the tournament enters a new era with expanded formats and revised scheduling, its importance in global football continues to grow.