As the continent gears up for the most prestigious sporting event, here are 30 captivating facts that illuminate the tournament’s history.
From its humble beginnings in 1957 with only three participating nations to the grandeur of the 2019 expansion to 24 teams, AFCON has evolved into a showcase of football prowess, national pride, and unforgettable moments.
Let’s explore the triumphs, records, and milestones that have shaped this premier football extravaganza, revealing the essence of AFCON and its enduring impact on the continent’s footballing legacy.
Below are interesting facts about the premier African tournament:
- The inaugural Africa Cup of Nations in 1957 featured only three participating countries – Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia – with no qualifying competition.
- South Africa’s invitation to the 1957 tournament was withdrawn due to apartheid laws.
- The 2019 tournament marked a historic shift, expanding to 24 teams to boost competitiveness.
- Egypt boasts the most AFCON titles with seven, followed by Cameroon (five), Ghana (four), Nigeria (three), and the Democratic Republic of Congo and Ivory Coast (two each).
- Cameroonian Samuel Eto’o holds the record for the highest overall AFCON scorer, with 18 goals across six tournaments from 2000 to 2010.
- Egypt’s goalkeeper Essam el Hadary became the oldest player at 44 years and 21 days during the 2017 final against Cameroon.
- Shiva N’zigou of Gabon remains the youngest player to feature and score at AFCON, achieving this at 16 years and 93 days in 2000.
- The tournament has seen three different trophies, with the current one awarded in 2002, won indefinitely by Egypt after their historic treble in 2010.
- Four players – Samuel Eto’o, Asamoah Gyan, Andre Ayew, and Kalusha Bwalya – have scored in six AFCON tournaments, a record yet to be surpassed.
- All finalists from the 1984 edition reached the 2023 AFCON, with 1982 runners-up Libya being the last non-qualifying team.
- The top 15 ranked African teams all secured spots in the 2023 AFCON.
- Egypt emerged victorious in the first AFCON game against hosts Sudan in 1957, winning 2-1.
- Raafat Attia scored the inaugural AFCON goal in 1957 during Egypt’s 2-1 semi-final win over hosts Sudan.
- Egypt triumphed 4-0 against Ethiopia in the 1957 final, claiming their first AFCON title.
- Cote d’Ivoire is hosting the AFCON for the second time, having previously done so in 1984.
- Egypt, Ghana, Cameroon, Algeria, and Nigeria participated in the 1984 AFCON, repeating their appearance in the 2023 edition.
- Egypt leads with seven AFCON titles, followed by Cameroon and Ghana with four and five final appearances, respectively.
- Samuel Eto’o’s 18 goals make him the highest overall AFCON scorer between 2000 and 2010.
- Egypt’s Ahmed Hassan and Cameroon’s Rigobert Song hold the record for the most AFCON participations, each featuring in eight finals.
- South Africa achieved 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in their first three AFCON tournaments (1996, 1998, 2000).
- Coaches Charles Gyamfi and Hassan Shehata are the only ones winning AFCON titles thrice.
- Egypt, Ghana, and South Africa are the only teams to win the AFCON in their debut appearances (1957, 1963, 1996).
- Ghana reached the AFCON semi-finals in six of the last eight tournaments, finishing as runners-up twice.
- Tunisia secured their 16th successive AFCON qualification in 2023, a run initiated in 1994.
- Egypt holds records for the most AFCON games (107) and wins (60), with Ghana closely following.
- Ndaye Mulamba’s nine goals for DR Congo in 1974 remain the highest in a single AFCON tournament.
- The AFCON trophy has changed thrice, with the current one commissioned in 2001 after Cameroon’s third win in 2000.
- Twelve former African champions will participate in the 2023 AFCON.
- The top 15 ranked African teams and five Southern African teams have all qualified for the 2023 AFCON.
- Every AFCON winner since 1974 has qualified for the following edition, except for the 1972 champions Congo.
