Egypt has established itself as Africa’s premier football nation. The Egyptian national team has won the CAF Africa Cup of Nations seven times, making them the most successful team in continental history.
Their victories came in 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, and 2010, showcasing Egypt’s dominance across multiple eras.
The Africa Cup of Nations is the second-most prestigious continental championship after the UEFA European Championship. It began in Sudan in 1957 with just three teams. Today it features 24 nations competing every other year.
This guide covers every champion from 1957 through 2025, the records that define African football, and how Egypt became the continental standard.
CAF Africa Cup of Nations Winners 1957-2025 (Complete List)
| Year | Host | Winner | Runner-Up | Result | Format |
| 1957 | Sudan | Egypt | Ethiopia | 4-0 | Round-robin |
| 1959 | Egypt | United Arab Republic | Sudan | Round-robin | Round-robin |
| 1962 | Ethiopia | Ethiopia | Egypt (UAR) | 4-2 | Round-robin |
| 1963 | Ghana | Ghana | Sudan | 3-0 | Round-robin |
| 1965 | Tunisia | Ghana | Tunisia | 3-2 | Round-robin |
| 1968 | Ethiopia | Congo-Kinshasa | Ghana | 1-0 | 8 teams |
| 1970 | Sudan | Sudan | Ghana | 1-0 | Round-robin |
| 1972 | Cameroon | Congo-Kinshasa | Mali | 3-2 | 6 teams |
| 1974 | Egypt | Zaire | Zambia | 2-2, 2-0 | Playoff |
| 1976 | Ethiopia | Morocco | Round-robin | Round-robin | Round-robin |
| 1978 | Ghana | Ghana | Uganda | 2-0 | Knockout |
| 1980 | Nigeria | Nigeria | Algeria | 3-0 | Knockout |
| 1982 | Libya | Ghana | Libya | 1-1 (7-6 pens) | Knockout |
| 1984 | Ivory Coast | Cameroon | Nigeria | 3-1 | Knockout |
| 1986 | Egypt | Egypt | Cameroon | 0-0 (5-4 pens) | Knockout |
| 1988 | Morocco | Cameroon | Nigeria | 1-0 | Knockout |
| 1990 | Algeria | Algeria | Nigeria | 1-0 | Knockout |
| 1992 | Senegal | Ivory Coast | Ghana | 0-0 (11-10 pens) | 12 teams |
| 1994 | Tunisia | Nigeria | Zambia | 2-1 | Knockout |
| 1996 | South Africa | South Africa | Tunisia | 2-0 | 16 teams |
| 1998 | Burkina Faso | Egypt | South Africa | 2-0 | Knockout |
| 2000 | Ghana | Cameroon | Nigeria | 2-2 (4-3 pens) | Knockout |
| 2002 | Mali | Cameroon | Senegal | 0-0 (3-2 pens) | 16 teams |
| 2004 | Tunisia | Tunisia | Morocco | 2-1 | Knockout |
| 2006 | Egypt | Egypt | Ivory Coast | 0-0 (4-2 pens) | Knockout |
| 2008 | Ghana | Egypt | Cameroon | 1-0 | Knockout |
| 2010 | Angola | Egypt | Ghana | 1-0 | Knockout |
| 2012 | Gabon/Equatorial Guinea | Zambia | Ivory Coast | 3-0 | Knockout |
| 2013 | South Africa | Nigeria | Burkina Faso | 1-0 | 16 teams |
| 2015 | Equatorial Guinea | Ivory Coast | Ghana | 0-0 (9-8 pens) | 16 teams |
| 2017 | Gabon | Cameroon | Egypt | 2-1 | Knockout |
| 2019 | Egypt | Algeria | Senegal | 1-0 | 24 teams |
| 2021 | Cameroon | Senegal | Egypt | 0-0 (4-2 pens) | 24 teams |
| 2023 | Ivory Coast | Ivory Coast | Nigeria | 2-1 | 24 teams |
| 2025 | Morocco | Senegal | Morocco | 1-0 | 24 teams |
The table reveals African football’s evolution. Early tournaments used round-robin formats where all teams played each other and points determined the champion. Starting in the 1980s, knockout finals decided the winner.
In recent years, expansion to 24 teams created a competitive tournament where more nations could participate.
Egypt’s seven titles span multiple eras. They won back-to-back championships in 1957 and 1959, then dominated the 2000s with three consecutive titles (2006, 2008, 2010). No other nation has won the Africa Cup of Nations seven times.
Egypt’s Record Dominance: 7 Africa Cup of Nations Titles
Egypt was Africa’s first champion when the tournament began in 1957. They defeated Ethiopia 4-0 in Khartoum to claim the inaugural title. Two years later, Egypt won again as the United Arab Republic, establishing themselves as continental royalty from the start.
Egypt’s early success came from strong talent development and consistent squad building. The nation’s football culture was advanced compared to other African countries in the 1950s. When AFCON began, Egypt was naturally positioned as one of Africa’s strongest teams.
After their 1959 victory, Egypt experienced a three-decade drought without titles. This period saw other nations rise to prominence. Ghana won four times in the 1960s and 1970s. Cameroon emerged as a powerhouse in the 1980s. Nigeria became a consistent contender throughout the 1990s.
Then Egypt reclaimed the throne. Starting in 2006, Egypt won three consecutive Africa Cup of Nations titles. They beat Ivory Coast on penalties in 2006, defeated Cameroon 1-0 in 2008, and edged Ghana 1-0 in 2010. This three-title streak proved Egypt’s sustained excellence.
Egypt reached ten finals total, more than any other nation. They’ve won seven while losing three. This consistency demonstrates Egypt’s position as Africa’s most successful team.
All-Time Championship Records and Statistics
| Nation | Titles | Finals | Runners-Up | Streak |
| Egypt | 7 | 10 | 3 | 3 straight (2006-2010) |
| Cameroon | 5 | 5 | 0 | undefeated in finals |
| Ghana | 4 | 5 | 1 | consecutive early |
| Nigeria | 3 | 2 | back-to-back | |
| Ivory Coast | 3 | 2 | recent (2015, 2023) | |
| DRC/Congo | 2 | 1 | 1968, 1974 | |
| Algeria | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2019 and 2 finals |
| Senegal | 2 | 3 | 1 | 2021 and 2025 |
| Ethiopia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1962 only |
| Sudan | 1 | 2 | 1 | 1970 win |
| Morocco | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1976 |
| South Africa | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1996 |
| Tunisia | 1 | 2 | 1 | 2004 |
| Zambia | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2012 |
Egypt’s record stands alone: seven titles with three runner-up finishes. Cameroon has an interesting record of five titles with zero runner-up losses. Every time Cameroon reached a final, they won.
Senegal recently joined Africa’s elite by winning their second title in 2025. They defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final in Morocco. This was Senegal’s second championship in five years, following their 2021 victory.
Ivory Coast won their third title in 2023 after winning previously in 1992 and 2015. Nigeria remains a consistent contender with three titles but hasn’t won since 2013.
Cameroon’s Undefeated Final Record (5-0)
Cameroon holds an extraordinary record: they’ve won every Africa Cup of Nations final they played. In five final appearances, Cameroon won five times. They never lost a championship match.
Cameroon won in 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, and 2017. This perfect final record demonstrates their excellence under pressure.
They earned three permanent trophies for winning multiple championships: the original trophy (as three-time winners), the African Unity Cup (as three-time winners), and contributed to tournament history (2017).
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Early Era: Egypt, Ethiopia, and Ghana (1957-1965)
Egypt won the first AFCON final in 1957, defeating Ethiopia 4-0 in Sudan. This dominant performance set a standard for excellence. Just two years later, Egypt won again as the United Arab Republic.
Ethiopia emerged as a championship contender in 1962, defeating the United Arab Republic (Egypt) 4-2 in Ethiopia. This high-scoring final remained notable for decades as one of AFCON’s most exciting matches.
Ghana won the inaugural tournament hosted in Africa in 1963, defeating Sudan 3-0 at home. This victory launched Ghana’s era of dominance. Two years later, Ghana repeated by winning in Tunisia 3-2 after extra time.
Ghana’s early success established them as Africa’s second-most successful team. They would eventually win four titles total, though none came after 1982.
The Cameroon Rise: 1980s-2000s Dominance
Cameroon emerged in the 1980s as a major force. They won in 1984 and 1988, establishing themselves as a consistent championship contender. This early success made Cameroon one of Africa’s strongest teams.
The 1984 final saw Cameroon defeat Nigeria 3-1 in Ivory Coast. Then in 1988, Cameroon beat Nigeria again 1-0 in Morocco. Nigeria couldn’t capitalize on reaching finals; they kept falling just short.
Cameroon returned to win in 2000, 2002, and 2017. Their five championships and undefeated final record (5-0) remain Africa’s most impressive achievements. No team has matched Cameroon’s perfection in final matches.
Nigeria and Nigeria: Three Titles and Multiple Finals (1980-2013)
Nigeria won their first AFCON title in 1980, defeating Algeria 3-0 at home in Nigeria. This victory announced Nigeria’s emergence as a continental power.
The Nigerian national team, nicknamed the Super Eagles, became one of Africa’s most feared opponents.
Nigeria’s second title came in 1994 when they defeated Zambia 2-1 in Tunisia. This was Nigeria’s second championship, though they had reached more finals than they’d won.
Nigeria appeared in multiple finals without winning, showing they could compete at the highest level but didn’t always finish the job.
Nigeria’s third title came in 2013 when they defeated Burkina Faso 1-0. After 2013, Nigeria has reached finals but hasn’t won again. Their recent form shows competitive decline compared to their earlier dominance.
Recent Success: Ivory Coast and Senegal (2012-2025)
Ivory Coast won their first Africa Cup of Nations title in 1992, defeating Ghana on penalties. Then they won again in 2015 and 2023, establishing themselves as Africa’s modern power alongside Egypt.
Ivory Coast won the 2023 AFCON by defeating Nigeria 2-1 in the final. They became the defending champions heading into the 2025 tournament in Morocco. Their three titles were won across multiple decades (1992, 2015, 2023).
Senegal emerged as a championship contender recently. They won their first title in 2021, defeating Egypt on penalties in Cameroon. Five years later, Senegal captured their second title in 2025 by defeating Morocco 1-0 in the final hosted in Morocco.
Senegal’s rise from tournament outsiders to back-to-back finalists (2021 and 2025) and two-time champions demonstrates the competitiveness of modern AFCON. Their success shows that newer powers can challenge Egypt’s historical dominance.
Tournament Format Evolution
AFCON has transformed dramatically since 1957:
- 1957-1968: 3-5 teams, round-robin format, no single final
- 1972-1984: 6-8 teams, knockout finals introduced
- 1988-2000: 8 teams standard, organized knockout structure
- 2004-2015: 16 teams, group stage plus knockouts
- 2019 onward: 24 teams, expanded group stage, 16-team knockout
The expansion to 24 teams in 2019 created a more inclusive tournament. More nations could participate and qualify.
This increased overall competition as second and third-tier African football nations got chances to play against the strongest teams.
From 2028 onward, AFCON will shift to a quadrennial schedule to match the European Championship and FIFA World Cup cycles.
This represents the tournament’s biggest change since adopting a biennial schedule in 1968.
FAQs
Which Country Has Won AFCON Most?
Egypt holds the record with seven titles (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010). Cameroon has five titles. Ghana and Nigeria have three titles each.
Who Won the First Africa Cup of Nations?
Egypt won the inaugural 1957 AFCON held in Sudan. They defeated Ethiopia 4-0 in the final, establishing Egypt as Africa’s first continental champion.
How Many Teams Played in the First AFCON?
Only three teams participated in 1957: Egypt, Ethiopia, and Sudan. The tournament used a round-robin format where all teams played each other and the team with the best record won.
Which Team Has Never Lost an AFCON Final?
Cameroon has won every AFCON final they reached. In five final appearances, Cameroon won five times. Their perfect 5-0 final record is Africa’s best achievement.
When Did AFCON Expand to 24 Teams?
The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations was the first to feature 24 teams. Previous tournaments from 2004-2015 used 16 teams. The expansion increased participation opportunities for African nations.
What Is the Highest Scoring AFCON Final?
Egypt’s 4-0 victory over Ethiopia in 1957 and Ethiopia’s 4-2 win over Egypt (United Arab Republic) in 1962 are AFCON’s highest-scoring finals. Both featured four goals.
When Was Egypt Also Called United Arab Republic?
From 1958 to 1971, Egypt was known as the United Arab Republic (UAR) after merging with Syria. Egypt’s 1959 AFCON victory is credited as the United Arab Republic win. Egypt regained its original name in 1971.
How Many Different Nations Have Won AFCON?
Fifteen different nations have won the Africa Cup of Nations. Egypt leads with seven titles, followed by Cameroon with five, and Ghana with four. The other twelve nations have one to three titles each.
