The African Cup of Nations (AFCON), organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), stands as the continent's most prestigious international football tournament. More than just a competition, it has been the primary stage for the rise of African football powerhouses on the global scene.
Inception and Early Years
The idea for AFCON was born in June 1956, coinciding with the formation of CAF during a FIFA congress. The inaugural tournament was held in February 1957 in Khartoum, Sudan. Originally, it featured the four founding CAF nations: Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, and South Africa. However, South Africa was disqualified for refusing to field a multi-racial team due to its apartheid policies. Consequently, the first edition saw only two matches played, with Egypt emerging as the champion.
Format Evolution and Early Competition
Over time, AFCON underwent significant format changes. In 1962, the number of participants began to increase, and a qualification system was introduced. By 1968, the tournament featured eight teams divided into two groups—a format that remained until 1992. Entering the 1970s, AFCON settled into a regular two-year cycle and was broadcast widely on television for the first time, fueling its popularity. Competition intensified with the emergence of strong nations like Ghana, Nigeria, Morocco, Sudan, Congo-Brazzaville, and Zaire.
Dominance and the Birth of New Powers
The 1980s saw Cameroon's dominance, as they reached three finals, winning the title in 1984 and 1988. During the same period, Nigeria claimed their first crown in 1980, while Algeria captured attention by winning the 1990 edition. The year 1992 was a major milestone when the format expanded to 12 teams. Ivory Coast emerged victorious after a penalty shootout in the final. Two years later, Nigeria secured their second title by defeating Zambia.
The 2000s Era: Egypt and Cameroon's Alternating Reign
The 2000s marked an era of heightened competitiveness. Cameroon achieved back-to-back titles in 2000 and 2002. However, Egypt then began a period of historic dominance. The Pharaohs made history by winning three consecutive titles in 2006, 2008, and 2010—a record that remains unbroken to this day.
Major Changes in the 2010s
In the 2010s, CAF implemented major changes. The tournament schedule was shifted to odd-numbered years to avoid clashing with the FIFA World Cup. Furthermore, the format was expanded from 16 to 24 teams, making the competition longer and more competitive than ever. Under this new format, Algeria triumphed at AFCON 2019, followed by Senegal claiming their maiden title in the 2021 edition.
The upcoming tournament, scheduled from December 21, 2025, to January 18, 2026, will continue this rich legacy, showcasing the passion, talent, and unifying power of African football on its grandest stage.