Africa Cup of Nations
Africa Africa League

Africa Cup of Nations

2025

24

Teams

52

Matches

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Photo: REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh
AFCON

Watch: ‘AFCON to expand to 28 teams ‘ – Motsepe

According to L'Équipe, following CAF's Executive Committee meeting held in Cairo, Egypt, on March 29, CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced that the Africa Cup of Nations will undergo a format change.

Motsepe to ‘respect’ CAS decision on AFCON final row

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) president  Patrice Motsepe said on Sunday he will "respect" the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) decision on Senegal’s appeal against being stripped of its Africa Cup of Nations title.

Eritrea to end AFCON exile with Eswatini qualifier clash

Eritrea will end 18 years of isolation from the Africa Cup of Nations when they host Eswatini in Moroccan city Meknes on Wednesday in the first qualifier for the 2027 tournament.

Africa Cup of Nations Table

# Team P W L Pts Form
1
Nigeria
3 3 0 9
W W W W W
2
Algeria
3 3 0 9
L W W W
3
Egypt
3 2 0 7
L W D W W
4
Côte d'Ivoire
3 2 0 7
L W W D W
5
Senegal
3 2 0 7
W W W W D
6
Morocco
3 2 0 7
W W W D W

Top 4 qualify for European competition

Teams

Nigeria

Nigeria

NGA

W 3
Algeria

Algeria

DZA

W 3
Egypt

Egypt

EGY

W 2
Côte d'Ivoire

Côte d'Ivoire

CIV

W 2
Senegal

Senegal

SEN

W 2
Morocco

Morocco

MAR

W 2

Complete guide to AFCON

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is Africa’s premier international football tournament. It brings together the best national teams from across the continent to compete for the top prize in African football.

Organised by the Confederation of African Football, the tournament is known for its intensity, varied playing conditions and unpredictable outcomes.

History and background

AFCON was first held in 1957, with only three teams participating in the inaugural tournament.

The competition has expanded significantly over time and now features 24 teams, reflecting the growth of football across Africa. It remains the continent’s flagship international event.

Format and competition structure

AFCON features 24 teams divided into six groups of four.

Group stage

  • Each team plays three matches
  • Top two teams in each group qualify
  • Four best third-placed teams also advance

Points system

  • Win: 3 points
  • Draw: 1 point
  • Loss: 0 points

Tiebreakers

Teams level on points are separated by:

  • Head-to-head points
  • Head-to-head goal difference
  • Head-to-head goals scored
  • Overall goal difference
  • Overall goals scored
  • Drawing of lots if required

Knockout stage

  • Round of 16, quarter-finals, semi-finals and final
  • All matches are single-leg ties
  • Extra time and penalties used if required

Qualification pathway

  • Teams qualify through CAF qualification groups
  • Group winners and top runners-up advance
  • Host nation qualifies automatically

Dynasties and dominant eras

Egypt dominance

Egypt are the most successful nation in AFCON history, with seven titles. Their most dominant period came between 2006 and 2010, when they won three consecutive tournaments.

West African strength

Nations such as Nigeria and Ghana have consistently performed at a high level, contributing to the tournament’s competitive balance.

Modern competition

Recent tournaments have seen a wider spread of winners, reflecting the growing depth of African football.

Recent winners

  • 2025: Morocco (awarded after CAF ruling)
  • 2023: Ivory Coast
  • 2021: Senegal
  • 2019: Algeria
  • 2017: Cameroon

List of winners

  • 1957: Egypt
  • 1959: Egypt
  • 1962: Ethiopia
  • 1963: Ghana
  • 1965: Ghana
  • 1968: DR Congo
  • 1970: Sudan
  • 1972: Congo
  • 1974: DR Congo
  • 1976: Morocco
  • 1978: Ghana
  • 1980: Nigeria
  • 1982: Ghana
  • 1984: Cameroon
  • 1986: Egypt
  • 1988: Cameroon
  • 1990: Algeria
  • 1992: Ivory Coast
  • 1994: Nigeria
  • 1996: South Africa
  • 1998: Egypt
  • 2000: Cameroon
  • 2002: Cameroon
  • 2004: Tunisia
  • 2006: Egypt
  • 2008: Egypt
  • 2010: Egypt
  • 2012: Zambia
  • 2013: Nigeria
  • 2015: Ivory Coast
  • 2017: Cameroon
  • 2019: Algeria
  • 2021: Senegal
  • 2023: Ivory Coast
  • 2025: Morocco

Most successful nations

  • Egypt – 7 titles
  • Cameroon – 5 titles
  • Ghana – 4 titles
  • Nigeria – 3 titles
  • Ivory Coast – 3 titles

Top scorers

  • Samuel Eto’o – 18 goals

Laurent Pokou and Rashidi Yekini are also among the leading scorers across different eras of the competition.

Players of significance

Samuel Eto’o remains the most prolific scorer in AFCON history and one of the competition’s defining players.

Didier Drogba led Ivory Coast’s golden generation and played a key role in their consistent performances across multiple tournaments.

Yaya Touré was central to Ivory Coast’s 2015 title-winning side and one of the most influential midfielders of his era.

Managers of significance

Hassan Shehata led Egypt to three consecutive titles between 2006 and 2010, one of the most dominant periods in AFCON history.

Hervé Renard is one of the most successful AFCON coaches, winning the tournament with Zambia and Ivory Coast.

Records and milestones

  • First tournament (1957): Egypt winners
  • Most successful nation: Egypt – 7 titles
  • All-time top scorer: Samuel Eto’o – 18 goals
  • First 24-team tournament: 2019

Why AFCON matters

AFCON is defined by its intensity, travel demands and varied playing conditions across the continent. Matches are often tight and shaped by tactical discipline.

It remains the highest level of international football in Africa and a major platform for players to establish themselves globally.

Success in AFCON carries significant national and historical importance.