Every two years, 24 teams from around the continent assemble for the much-anticipated Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) football competition, where they vie for the prized title. It is a demonstration of exceptional football skills as well as an assessment of the host nation’s organizational prowess.
Showcasing the football talent and organizational prowess of the host nation, hosting and winning the AFCON is an exceptional feat.
To make a lasting impression on the history of football on the continent, several African countries strive to host and win the AFCON.
The host country has won the trophy 12 times in the 34 AFCON tournaments contested over the course of 48 years.
Nine nations have achieved the rare feat of hosting and winning the tournament, a list we would subsequently dive into.
Egypt (1959,1986, and 2006)
Egypt has hosted the championship five times, the most of any country. Egypt hosted the tournament in 1959, 1974, 1986, 2006 and 2019. The Pharaohs went on to won the title three times as host nation, in 1959, 1986 and 2006.
Ghana (1963 and 1978)
Ghana has hosted the AFCON four times, in 1963, 1978, 2000, and 2008. The Black Stars have also won the title twice as the host nation, in 1963 and 1978.
Nigeria (1980)
Nigeria has hosted the AFCON twice, in 1980 and 2000. The Super Eagles also won the title once as the host nation, in 1980. In 2000, Nigeria co-hosted the tournament with Ghana and finished as the runner-up after losing to Cameroon on penalties in the final.
Algeria (1990)
Algeria has hosted the AFCON only once, in 1990. The Fennecs won the title that year, beating Nigeria 1-0 in the final at the Stade du 5 Juillet Stadium.
Sudan (1970)
Sudan has hosted the highly anticipated football competition on the African continent twice, in 1957 and 1970. The Nile Crocodiles also won the prestigious title once as the host nation, in 1970 at the Municipal Stadium, Khartoum in Sudan.
Tunisia (2004)
Tunisia has hosted the AFCON three times, in 1965, 1994, and 2004. The Eagles of Carthage won the title once as the host nation, in 2004 at the Stade 7 November, Radès Stadium.
Ethiopia (1962)
Ethiopia has hosted the championship three times, in 1962, 1968, and 1976. The King’s Shield also won the title once as the host nation, in 1962 at the Hailé Sélassié Stadium in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
South Africa (1996)
South Africa has hosted the African Cup of Nations tournament three times, in 1996, 2013, and 2022. The Bafana Bafana also won the title once as the host nation, in 1996 at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Ivory Coast (2023)
Ivory Coast has hosted the African Cup of Nations two times, in 1984 and 2023. The Elephants have won the title once as the host nation. They beat Nigeria in a 2:1 victory at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan.
The 35th edition of the Total Energies African Cup of Nations will be hosted by Morocco in 2025. After a disappointing performance in the 34th edition of the AFCON, Morocco will be hoping to clinch their second AFCON title and become the 10th host and win nation next year.
Story by: Rabbi Adu Agyei | univers.ug,edu.gh
