The African Cup of Nations is a biennial international football tournament contested by the men’s national teams of the member associations of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The African Cup of Nations has been held since 1957, and the number of participating teams and the format of the tournament have changed over the years. The number of titles won by each country may also not be up-to-date as the tournament is ongoing.
Countries that have won the AFCON
- Egypt, won 7 Titles
- Cameroon, won 5 Titles
- Ghana, won 4 Titles
- Nigeria, won 3 Titles
- Algeria, won 2 Titles
- Ivory Coast, won 2 Titles
- DR Congo, won 2 Titles
- Ethiopia, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, Sudan, Tunisia, Zaire and Zambia, won 1 Title each
1. Egypt
Egypt has won the African Cup of Nations a record seven times. The country’s first victory came in 1957, and it has since won the tournament in 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010.
Egypt is one of the most successful national teams in Africa, and its seven titles make it the most decorated team in the history of the African Cup of Nations. The team has also reached the final of the tournament on three other occasions, in 1962, 1970, and 2017.
In addition to its success in the African Cup of Nations, Egypt has also qualified for the FIFA World Cup on three occasions, in 1934, 1990, and 2018.
The team has had a number of talented players over the years, including Ahmed Hassan, the most capped player in the history of international football, and Mohamed Salah, one of the best known and most successful players in the world.
2. Cameroon
Cameroon has won the African Cup of Nations a total of five times. The country’s first victory came in 1984, and it has since won the tournament in 1988, 2000, 2002, and 2017.
Cameroon is one of the most successful national teams in Africa, and its five titles make it the second most decorated team in the history of the African Cup of Nations. The team has also reached the final of the tournament on three other occasions, in 1972, 1980, and 2008.
In addition to its success in the African Cup of Nations, Cameroon has also qualified for the FIFA World Cup on seven occasions, making it the first African team to reach the quarter-finals of the tournament, in 1990.
The team has had a number of talented players over the years, including Roger Milla, one of the best known and most successful players in the history of African football, and Samuel Eto’o, one of the most decorated African players of all time.
3. Ghana
Ghana has won the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) a total of four times. The country’s first victory came in 1963 against Sudan, and it has since won the tournament in 1965 against Tunisia, 1978 against Uganda, and in 1982 against Libya.
In addition to its four AFCON titles, Ghana has also reached the final of the tournament on three other occasions, in 1968, 1970, and 1992. Ghana has also qualified for the FIFA World Cup on four occasions, in 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018.
The team has had a number of talented players over the years who have played in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON):
- Abedi Pele: One of the most iconic figures in Ghanaian football, Abedi Pele was a midfield maestro who captained the national team and won three AFCON titles. He is widely considered one of the greatest African players of all time.
- Asamoah Gyan: Asamoah Gyan is the all-time leading scorer for the Ghanaian national team and has played in five AFCON tournaments. He is known for his powerful strikes and clinical finishing ability.
- Michael Essien: Michael Essien was a key member of the Ghanaian national team for many years and played in four AFCON tournaments. He was a powerful midfielder with excellent passing and tackling skills.
- Samuel Kuffour: Samuel Kuffour is one of the most decorated Ghanaian players of all time, having won the AFCON twice and the UEFA Champions League with Bayern Munich. He was a dominant defender known for his physicality and leadership on the pitch.
- Andre Ayew: Andre Ayew is a current member of the Ghanaian national team and has played in three AFCON tournaments. He is a versatile attacking player with excellent dribbling and shooting ability.
4. Nigeria
Nigeria has won the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) a total of three times. The country’s first victory came in 1980, and it has since won the tournament in 1994, and 2013.
In 1980, Nigeria won its first AFCON title by defeating Algeria in the final. The team was led by a number of talented players, including Segun Odegbami, Christian Chukwu, and Muda Lawal.
In 1994, Nigeria won its second AFCON title by defeating Zambia in the final. The team was led by talented Daniel Amokachi, Sunday Oliseh, and Finidi George.
In 2013, Nigeria won its third AFCON title by defeating Burkina Faso in the final. The team was led by talented John Obi Mikel, Victor Moses, and Vincent Enyeama.
In addition to its three AFCON titles, Nigeria has also reached the final of the tournament on two other occasions, in 2000 and 2004. The team has had a number of talented players over the years, including Jay-Jay Okocha, one of the best known and most successful players in the history of African football, and John Obi Mikel, a professional player who has represented Nigeria at the international level.
5. Algeria
Algeria has won the African Cup of Nations a total of two times. The country’s first victory came in 1990, and it has since won the tournament in 2019.
Algeria is one of the most successful national teams in Africa, and its two titles make it the fourth most decorated team in the history of the African Cup of Nations. The team has also reached the final of the tournament on two other occasions, in 1980 and 1987.
In addition to its success in the African Cup of Nations, Algeria has also qualified for the FIFA World Cup on five occasions, in 1982, 1986, 2010, 2014, and 2018.
The team has had a number of talented players over the years, including Lakhdar Belloumi, one of the best known and most successful players in the history of African football, and Riyad Mahrez, one of the most decorated African players of all time.
6. DR Congo
DR Congo (formerly known as Zaire) has won the African Cup of Nations a total of two times. The country’s first victory came in 1968, and it has since won the tournament in 1972.
DR Congo is one of the most successful national teams in Africa, and its two titles make it the fifth most decorated team in the history of the African Cup of Nations. The team has also reached the final of the tournament on one other occasion, in 1998.
In addition to its success in the African Cup of Nations, DR Congo has also qualified for the FIFA World Cup on two occasions, in 1974 and 2014.
The team has had a number of talented players over the years, including Ndaye Mulamba, one of the best known and most successful players in the history of African football, and Yannick Bolasie, a professional player who has represented DR Congo at the international level.