Africa Cup of Nations’ History from Three-nation Football Tournament to Current Status

The idea of a football championship for Africa was conceived during the formation of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) by Egypt, Sudan, Ethiopia, and South Africa in 1956. A year later, the very first Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tourney took place in Sudan. The hosts were joined by Egypt and Ethiopia, with South Africa excluded due to its apartheid policies which were incompatible with CAF's stance against racial discrimination.

Over its storied history, this football tournament has showcased the raw talent, passion, and cultural heritage of African football. From its humble beginnings as a three-nation tournament to becoming a global spectacle with millions of fan base, AFCON has become a platform not only for football excellence but the expression of African unity and identity.

After Egypt won the maiden championship by defeating Ethiopia 4-0 in the final, the 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of dominant teams such as Ghana and Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo). Ghana, under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah, used football as a tool to promote Pan-Africanism, winning the tournament in 1963 and 1965. Zaire made history in 1974 by becoming the first sub-Saharan African team to win AFCON and subsequently qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

The tournament saw Cameroon’s dramatic win in 1988. Meanwhile, one of the most famous moments in the history of the tournament came in 1996, when South Africa hosted AFCON for the first time since their release from apartheid. The team, which had been banned from international football for many years, went on to win the tournament, beating Tunisia in the final.

AFCON Structure: Teams and Qualifiers  

Right from its early years, AFCON has been holding biennially, with limited participation due to logistical challenges and political instability in many African countries. Despite these hurdles, the championship grew steadily. By 1962, the number of participating teams increased, with the admission of Tunisia and Uganda.

Alt text: AFCON qualifier structure and fixtures

There is the AFCON qualifiers lasting a two-year period with the first round of matches usually played in June of the year preceding the tournament. The format of the qualifiers varies from one edition to the next, but in general, teams are grouped together and play each other home and away.

The number of teams that qualify for the AFCON varies, but in recent years, it has been 24. This means that the top two teams from each group, as well as the four best third-place teams, qualify for the tournament.

Expansion and Evolution of Football in Africa

The 1980s marked a significant period of expansion and evolution for AFCON. The tournament format was expanded to include eight teams, divided into two groups. This allowed for more competitive matches and increased exposure for African football talent. Nations like Cameroon, Algeria, and Nigeria emerged as powerhouses, showcasing skillful and physical football that captured global attention.

Cameroon’s victory in 1984 and subsequent success in 1988 solidified its position as a dominant force. Similarly, Nigeria’s triumph in 1980 marked the beginning of its footballing prominence on the continent. The 1988 final between Cameroon and Nigeria remains one of the most memorable matches in AFCON history, with Cameroon narrowly winning 1-0.

The 1990s heralded a new era for AFCON, characterized by increased professionalism and global recognition. The tournament expanded again in 1992 to include 12 teams, further diversifying the competition. South Africa’s return to international football after the end of apartheid added a significant dimension to AFCON’s narrative.

South Africa’s triumphant victory in the 1996 edition, hosted on their soil, was a symbolic moment for the nation and the continent. It underscored the unifying power of football in overcoming historical divisions. The decade also witnessed the rise of Egypt as a dominant force, winning consecutive titles in 1998, 2006, 2008, and 2010, establishing themselves as the most successful team in AFCON history.

AFCON Winners         

Alt text: Africa Cup of Nations: Mane seals historic triumph for Senegal in AFCON finals.

1957  The Pharaohs of Egypt

1959  United Arab Republic     

1962  Walyas of Ethiopia      

1963  Black Stars of Ghana         

1965  Black Stars of Ghana         

1968  The Leopards of DR Congo  

1970  Sudan’s Falcons of Jediane

1972  The Leopards of DR Congo   

1974  The Leopards of Zaire 

1976  The Atlas Lions of Morocco     

1978  Black Stars of Ghana         

1980  Super Eagles of Nigeria        

1982  Black Stars of Ghana         

1984  Indomitable Lion of Cameroon   

1986  The Pharaohs of Egypt

1988  Indomitable Lion of Cameroon   

1990  The Desert Warriors of Algeria        

1992  The Elephants of Ivory Coast 

1994  The Super Eagles of Nigeria        

1996  Bafana Bafana of South Africa

1998  The Pharaohs of Egypt

2000  Indomitable Lion of Cameroon   

2002  Indomitable Lion of Cameroon

2004  Carthage Eagles of Tunisia        

2006  The Pharaohs of Egypt

2008  The Pharaohs of Egypt

2010  The Pharaohs of Egypt

2012  Chipolopolo of Zambia       

2013  The Super Eagles of Nigeria        

2015  The Elephants of Ivory Coast 

2017  Indomitable Lion of Cameroon   

2019  The Desert Warriors of Algeria        

2021  Teranga Lions of Senegal

2023 The Elephants of Ivory Coast

Nigeria beat Burkina Faso 1-0 in Johannesburg to clinch the 2013 African Cup of Nations title. Source: ABC News

AFCON Goes Global in the Modern Era

By the 2000s, AFCON had firmly established itself as a global football event. The tournament’s expansion to 16 teams in 1996 and later to 24 teams in 2019 reflected its growing popularity and the increasing competitiveness of African football. This expansion allowed more nations to participate, showcasing the continent’s rich footballing talent.

The modern era of AFCON has been marked by thrilling matches, star performances, and historic moments. Ivory Coast’s victory in 2015 ended a 23-year drought, while the Chipolopolo of Zambia’s dramatic penalty shootout win in 2012 was an emotional triumph dedicated to the victims of the 1993 plane crash involving the national team. The emergence of individual stars such as Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Yaya Touré, and Mohamed Salah has brought further global attention to AFCON.

In the prestigious history of AFCON, only three teams have achieved the incredible feat of winning the title consecutively: The Pharaohs in 1957 and 1959, the Black Stars in 1963 and 1965 and the Indomitable Lions in 2000 and 2002. Egypt boasts the record for the most tournament wins in African football, with an impressive tally of seven victories. Apart from the consecutive triumphs of 1957 and 1959, the Pharaohs cemented their successes in 2006, 2008, and 2010. 

AFCON’s Cultural and Political Significance

Beyond football, the evolution of the Africa Cup of Nations has always been a platform for cultural and political expression. The tournament has reflected the continent’s struggles and triumphs, from the anti-apartheid movement to the celebration of independence and unity. National teams often serve as symbols of hope and pride, transcending ethnic and political divides.

The role of AFCON in promoting African football development cannot be overstated. It has provided a stage for young players to showcase their talent, leading to opportunities in international clubs and leagues. Additionally, it has fostered a sense of identity and pride in African heritage, uniting millions of fans across the continent and the diaspora.

Challenges and the Future of Africa Football 

Despite its success, AFCON has faced challenges, including scheduling clashes with European leagues, political interference, and infrastructural issues. The decision to shift the tournament from its traditional January-February window to a June-July schedule in 2019 was aimed at reducing conflicts with European clubs and ensuring greater participation of top African players.

Looking ahead, AFCON’s future appears bright. Efforts are being made by CAF to enhance the tournament’s visibility. Also, the increasing quality of African football, promise to elevate AFCON’s status further. The continued investment in infrastructure, youth development programs, and women’s football will play a crucial role in sustaining the tournament’s growth.

The Africa Cup of Nations is more than just a football tournament; it is a celebration of African resilience, talent, unity and heritage. From its modest beginnings in 1957 to its current status as a premier sporting event, AFCON has consistently showcased football masterpieces while serving as a platform for cultural and political expressions.

The AFCON qualifiers are not just about determining which teams make it to the tournament proper; they also provide a platform for up-and-coming players to showcase their skills. For many budding talent, these qualifiers are their first taste of international football, providing them an opportunity to make a name for themselves and catch the eye of scouts from top clubs around the world.

As the tournament continues to evolve and with the preparations for this year’s outing in Morocco, AFCON will continue to be a testament to the power of sport in uniting culturally-diverse people, bringing joy to millions of homes and inspiring generations. 

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