Africa Cup of Nations

International football tournament.

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the premier international football tournament for national teams in Africa, organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). First held in 1957, the tournament has evolved from a small competition featuring just three teams to a major continental championship with 24 participating nations.

The inaugural tournament took place in Khartoum, Sudan, with Egypt emerging as the first champions by defeating Ethiopia 4-0 in the final. Initially, the competition was irregular, but it became a biennial event from 1968. South Africa's participation was initially blocked due to apartheid policies, with the nation only returning to the tournament in 1996 after the end of racial segregation.

Egypt stands as the most successful team in AFCON history, having won seven titles, including an unprecedented three consecutive championships from 2006 to 2010. Cameroon follows with five titles, while Ghana has four. The tournament has been a crucial platform for showcasing African football talent, featuring legendary players like Samuel Eto'o, Didier Drogba, and Mohamed Salah.

The competition has undergone significant expansions over the years. It started with three teams in 1957, grew to 12 teams in 1992, and now features 24 teams in recent editions. In 2013, the tournament switched to odd-numbered years to avoid conflicts with the FIFA World Cup.

Ivory Coast are the current champions, winning their third title in 2023 by defeating Nigeria 2-1 in the final. The tournament has become increasingly competitive and globally recognized, attracting significant international attention and showcasing the depth of football talent across the African continent.

Notable moments include Zambia's emotional victory in 2012, just years after the tragic plane crash that decimated their national team, and Egypt's record-breaking run of three consecutive titles.