As the 2023 AFCON approaches, leading African nations are diligently preparing to compete for the prestigious title on the continent.
The timing of AFCON, typically held in January/February, clashes with the ongoing European football season, often causing disputes between clubs and national teams and affecting player availability.
Now, let’s explore the top five countries with the most AFCON victories in the competition’s history.
Algeria- 2
Algeria’s national team, known as the Desert Foxes, boasts two Africa Cup of Nations victories in their history. Their initial AFCON triumph occurred in 1990, when they clinched the title by defeating Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the final, which took place on their home turf. It was a long 29-year wait before they secured their second championship, achieved in Egypt during the 2019 tournament.
Nigeria – 3
Nigeria’s Super Eagles, considered one of Africa’s football powerhouses, have secured the Africa Cup of Nations title three times, ranking them fourth in the list of most successful teams in the competition. Nigeria boasts a constellation of football stars, including the continent’s most expensive player, Victor Osimhen, along with the talented Leicester City duo of Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi.
The Super Eagles’ initial AFCON victory came in 1980 on home turf, followed by additional triumphs in 1994 and 2013, solidifying their status as a dominant force in African football. Notably, Nigeria’s Stephen Keshi is one of just two individuals to achieve AFCON success both as a player and as a coach.
Ghana -4
Ghana’s Black Stars were early dominators of AFCON, boasting four championship victories in their illustrious history, solidifying their status as one of the competition’s most successful teams.
Ghana’s inaugural AFCON triumph occurred in 1963, when they overcame Sudan. Just two years later, they secured their second title, this time prevailing over Tunisia. In 1978, on home turf, Ghana celebrated their third championship, defeating Uganda in the final. Their fourth and most recent title was captured in 1982, at the expense of Libya.
Notably, the Black Stars made history as the first team to clinch the AFCON trophy four times.
Cameroon- 5
Cameroon has been a prominent force in African football since the inception of the AFCON tournament. The Indomitable Lions have an impressive record with five AFCON victories to their name.
Cameroon’s first three titles came in 1984, 1988, and 2000, each time besting Nigeria in the final. In 2002, they added another championship to their collection by defeating Senegal.
Their 2002 triumph elevated them to an exclusive club alongside Ghana and Egypt, making them one of only three teams to have won the tournament four times. In 2017, the Indomitable Lions clinched their fifth AFCON title, prevailing over Egypt, further solidifying their football legacy.
Egypt -7
The Pharaohs of Egypt have been unrivaled in African football since the inception of AFCON. Egypt boasts a remarkable seven AFCON titles, including an unprecedented three consecutive victories in the 2000s.
Their AFCON journey began with triumphs in the first two editions of the competition in 1957 and 1959, defeating Ethiopia and Sudan, respectively. Egypt continued their success with titles in 1986 and 1998. However, their most dominant period came with a historic three-peat in 2006, 2008, and 2010, making them the sole team to achieve this remarkable feat in the history of the tournament.
Follow us on all social media platform, @Sportscliffs on Twitter and Instagram and also like our facebook page
