As we look back, it's clear that powerhouses like Egypt, Cameroon, and Ghana have left indelible marks, but surprises from nations like Zambia and Ethiopia remind us why AFCON is unpredictable. Nigeria, with its passionate Super Eagles, has had its share of glory too—proving time and again that talent and tenacity can conquer all. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the thrill, this chronicle will transport you through decades of passion.
Full List of AFCON Winners by Year
For clarity, here's a comprehensive table of every AFCON edition, including the winner, runner-up, and host country. Note that some tournaments were delayed (like the 2021 edition played in 2022 due to COVID-19), but we've listed them by their official year.
| Year | Winner | Runner-Up | Host Country |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1957 | Egypt | Ethiopia | Sudan |
| 1959 | Egypt | Sudan | Egypt |
| 1962 | Ethiopia | Egypt | Ethiopia |
| 1963 | Ghana | Sudan | Ghana |
| 1965 | Ghana | Tunisia | Tunisia |
| 1968 | DR Congo | Ghana | Ethiopia |
| 1970 | Sudan | Ghana | Sudan |
| 1972 | Congo | Mali | Cameroon |
| 1974 | DR Congo | Zambia | Egypt |
| 1976 | Morocco | Guinea | Ethiopia |
| 1978 | Ghana | Uganda | Ghana |
| 1980 | Nigeria | Algeria | Nigeria |
| 1982 | Ghana | Libya | Libya |
| 1984 | Cameroon | Nigeria | Ivory Coast |
| 1986 | Egypt | Cameroon | Egypt |
| 1988 | Cameroon | Nigeria | Morocco |
| 1990 | Algeria | Nigeria | Algeria |
| 1992 | Ivory Coast | Ghana | Senegal |
| 1994 | Nigeria | Zambia | Tunisia |
| 1996 | South Africa | Tunisia | South Africa |
| 1998 | Egypt | South Africa | Burkina Faso |
| 2000 | Cameroon | Nigeria | Ghana/Nigeria |
| 2002 | Cameroon | Senegal | Mali |
| 2004 | Tunisia | Morocco | Tunisia |
| 2006 | Egypt | Ivory Coast | Egypt |
| 2008 | Egypt | Cameroon | Ghana |
| 2010 | Egypt | Ghana | Angola |
| 2012 | Zambia | Ivory Coast | Gabon/Equatorial Guinea |
| 2013 | Nigeria | Burkina Faso | South Africa |
| 2015 | Ivory Coast | Ghana | Equatorial Guinea |
| 2017 | Cameroon | Egypt | Gabon |
| 2019 | Algeria | Senegal | Egypt |
| 2021 | Senegal | Egypt | Cameroon |
| 2023 | Ivory Coast | Nigeria | Ivory Coast |
Key Insights and Dominance Breakdown
- Egypt's Reign: With 7 titles, the Pharaohs are the undisputed kings of AFCON. Their three-peat from 2006-2010 remains one of the most dominant runs in tournament history.
- Cameroon's Consistency: The Indomitable Lions boast 5 wins, often thriving in high-pressure finals. Their 2017 upset over Egypt is a fan favorite.
- Ghana's Golden Era: Four-time champions, the Black Stars ruled the 1960s and 1970s but have faced near-misses in recent decades.
- Nigeria's Pride: The Super Eagles have lifted the trophy three times (1980, 1994, 2013), with memorable victories that unite the nation. Their runner-up finishes show just how close they've come to more glory.
- Emerging Heroes: One-time winners like Senegal (2021) and Ivory Coast (most recently in 2023) prove that new dynasties can emerge anytime.
AFCON's evolution mirrors Africa's growing football prowess on the global stage. With the 2025 edition wrapping up soon in Morocco, the tournament continues to captivate—reminding us that in African football, anything is possible. Stay tuned for more updates, and share your favorite AFCON memory in the comments! For the latest Nigerian football news, follow @nigfooty.